2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[If U Had Wings]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a bit, and am getting ready to start the program. I have never really run before so this is all new to me. I'm quite a bit overweight right now, so I'm looking to start slowly. I went out this weekend and was fitted for some great running shoes so no excuses!

Debating on whether or not to start tonight when I get home from my yoga class or to try to get out tomorrow morning before work. I really wanted to start when it's more light out, but unfortunately my schedule is just not cooperating.

I am anxious to start though!

 

[liznboys]

scrump~ Keep it up and you'll be where I am before you know it. I really can't believe I'm already in week 8. And that I'm able to do what I can do...I would not have guessed I'd be here 6 weeks ago. Any luck with the shoes?? I hate for you to have to keep them and suffer in them.

cwnhokie~ On no, I feel for you being sick! Were you able to do any workout? Anything is better than nothing, that's what I told myself when I was sick a few weeks ago. I hope you feel better very soon!

If U Had Wings~ Welcome!! That's so great you're starting the program. I wasn't a runner before this either, and hadn't done any regular exercise in years. I'm so impressed with how well this program has worked for me. Good luck to you, keep us posted!


Me~ Today I began week 8. After having a great jog outside yesterday with my average speed at 5.4, I thought that I must be able to jog at at least 5mph on the treadmill now, right? (As some of you know, it wasn't that long ago when I was only able to go several minutes at 5mph.) Well I'm happy to say that I did go at 5mph for the entire 2.75 miles! It took me 33 minutes. I think part of it was a mindset for me...that number 5 seemed so fast. But after doing it outside it made me realize that I could do it.

 

[cwnhokie]

Liz - Good Job, when I did my workout on the treadmill the other day, I think my fastest jogs were at 4.3, it took me 25 mins to go 1.5 miles. I decided not to worry about it and work on distance and speed later.

Scrump - I hope you work things out with the shoes, that is probably the most important part of getting a good start. The store I went to said if we used them on the treadmill and kept them in pretty good shape we could bring them back if there was a problem.

CoMickey - I figure if my first 5K is a very slow time, I'll have plenty of room for improvement.

If U had Wings - Welcome, scheduleing is so hard. I've found that this time having a friend to do it with has made me stick to my schedule and find time when otherwise I would have made excuses not to.

I did week 4 day 1 yesterday and it wasnt so bad, my cold is worse today though so we'll see how tomorrow goes. but I'm not giving up!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I ended up not starting last night when I got home. It was nearly 9:30 when I got home, and I was completely exhausted. I felt like I could barely walk, let alone do any running.

I tried to get up this morning, but my body was still rebelling and I overslept enough that I didn't have enough time. I will be going out when I get home tonight. I should be home by 8:30, which isn't when I'd optimally like to go out, but it's not horrible either. I'm much more of a night person anyways (most of the time) so I usually have plenty of energy around 8:30.

 

[CoMickey]

Good morning all!

Liz - You are awesome!!

cwnhokie - I am not worrying too much about speed or distance right now either. I want to finish the 9 weeks and then I can work from there. You are correct that if I had a really slow first 5k I would have a lot of room for improvement!

Welcome If U Had Wings - You'll be amazed at how quickly your body adapts to the program and how quickly you progress. We've all been in your shoes!
Please feel free to share your experience with us!

Hello to everyone else!

Yesterday was my off day and I will be starting W8D1 today. BUT I have to share with you all that we went to DL over the weekend and Sunday was early entry for DL resort guests but I also knew I had to run because I didn't want three days between runs, I had thought about running Sat. before we left home for DL but we wanted to get an early start so I wasn't able to get my run in. This is the amazing part... I opted out of going to DL early and went running instead...The kids went ahead and went to early entry and DBF joined me after walking the kids to DL. I love having him run with me because he is so motivating for me! He pushes me beyond what I do alone which is a good thing and I try not to whine too much! We actually ran 28 min. instead of the scheduled 25 min. and that is because he encouraged me to run just a little longer...since this week is 3 days of 28 min. runs and I know I can do it..what's 3 extra minutes when you've already run 25 min? It was fun running around the DLR area...we started by walking from the GC to the DLH and then started running arond the waterfalls at DLH then ran past PP hotel and around the outside of CA past the Convention Center then up the other side of CA through the ticket pavillion between DCA and DL and then through DD. It really was really nice to have new surroundings to look at.

 

[scrump]

Hi everyone,

It would've been W2D1 for me, but it was raining tonight after I got home. Didn't really know what to do, and I just wanted to get some cardio in, so I just walked up and down the stairs in my building for 20 minutes.

What do people do when it rains? A gym membership is not really an option for me, and we don't really have gym equipment at home, either. I already took yesterday off because of a meeting that ran really late, so I'm trying to fit in my exercise when I can. Or am I a wimp for not running in the rain?

Thanks!

PS Hi Liz, I have to keep my shoes, the store can't take them back. Looks like I will be stretching them out pretty aggressively until I am more comfortable in them!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I just got done with my first day. Boy am I in lousy shape! Those 60 seconds were some of the longest minutes of my life, but I made it through completely. I feel so happy that I was able to get through it. It was a bit drizzly out, but I made myself go out and just do it.

 

[DisneyDayTripper]

Hi everyone,

It would've been W2D1 for me, but it was raining tonight after I got home. Didn't really know what to do, and I just wanted to get some cardio in, so I just walked up and down the stairs in my building for 20 minutes.

What do people do when it rains? A gym membership is not really an option for me, and we don't really have gym equipment at home, either. I already took yesterday off because of a meeting that ran really late, so I'm trying to fit in my exercise when I can. Or am I a wimp for not running in the rain?

You're definitely not a wimp for not going out...you have to do what you can according to the conditions and how you're feeling. You went and did the stairs for 20 minutes, so don't feel bad! Also, keep in mind that the schedule is a suggested schedule and you can repeat a day or week as necessary. DW didn't feel comfortable moving on to a week because of the longer runs so she repeated one of the weeks and the next week she felt much better about it. So while it's designed for 9 weeks...you can always make it 10 or even 18. Who says you can't do each week 2 weeks in a row? Just go at your own pace and know that sometimes stuff happens.

I wouldn't run if it were raining, windy, cold or really hot...I'm pretty much a fair-weather runner. My MIL on the other hand is a complete lunatic when it comes to running and runs in EVERYTHING unless it's insanely windy and cold (she lives in Indiana so sometimes when it's in the single digits she runs inside on their treadmill). She has no compassion for runners like us because she's ran like 4 marathons and a ridiculous amount of half-marathons. There have been multiple times where she's had to leave the iPod at home because it was raining.

 

[cwnhokie]

To all of you that are further along in the program, how was week 5? I know I should get done with this week before I start worrying about next week, but it looks like such a huge jump from W5D1 to W5D3.

 

[fall08CP]

You all are doing so well! I'm jealous of the people on week 8... I can't imagine doing that long of a run, but hopefully I will make it eventually.

Last week my family surprised me by coming up to my school to visit. It was great to see them, but it ruined my running schedule. Then I went home for Easter and forgot all of my running stuff, ugh!

I was planning on getting back on track yesterday but it poured all day, very discouraging. Anyways, I picked it back up again today and it felt great! I left off at W2D3 but after taking a week off I didn't want to go into W3 yet. So I did W2 again and wasn't out of breath at all. I think I am finally figuring out how to pace myself. It felt like I was going slower, but distance wise I actually went further! I'm ready for week 3 on Friday!

 

[scrump]

You're definitely not a wimp for not going out...you have to do what you can according to the conditions and how you're feeling. You went and did the stairs for 20 minutes, so don't feel bad! Also, keep in mind that the schedule is a suggested schedule and you can repeat a day or week as necessary. DW didn't feel comfortable moving on to a week because of the longer runs so she repeated one of the weeks and the next week she felt much better about it. So while it's designed for 9 weeks...you can always make it 10 or even 18. Who says you can't do each week 2 weeks in a row? Just go at your own pace and know that sometimes stuff happens.

I wouldn't run if it were raining, windy, cold or really hot...I'm pretty much a fair-weather runner. My MIL on the other hand is a complete lunatic when it comes to running and runs in EVERYTHING unless it's insanely windy and cold (she lives in Indiana so sometimes when it's in the single digits she runs inside on their treadmill). She has no compassion for runners like us because she's ran like 4 marathons and a ridiculous amount of half-marathons. There have been multiple times where she's had to leave the iPod at home because it was raining.

Thanks so much for this! Gives me perspective, which is exactly what I need right now. I'll keep this in mind for the upcoming weeks!

W2D1 today! All went pretty well, it's a very nice pace for me.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Ugh! I'm so annoyed right now. I think I'm going to have to put my program on hold for a few days, and I'm so not happy about it. My knee has been bothering me for awhile now, I think I tweaked it a few weeks ago in my aerobics class. It started off not really hurting, but feeling as if it was a bit hyperextended when I was walking. For the past few days it's been bothering me much more often, and has gotten really bad when I'm walking down steps. It almost feels as if the knee is going to give way or something.

It actually doesn't bother me when I run or walk, but since the symptoms got a bit worse after I ran for the first time, I'm thinking I should just rest it for a few days. I don't want to make it any worse.

I really wanted to go out for a run tonight too. Boo!

 

[liznboys]

Happy Friday all! My kids were on spring break this week so I haven't had as much time to get on here. I did however keep up with my workouts.

Let's see... Tuesday I took off.
Wednesday I did W8D2, 2.75 miles at 5mph so 33 mins.
Thursday I went outside and did my 3.1 miles and this time I got in under 33 minutes! (I can't believe it.)
Today I completed Week 8 (yay!) with my jog at 5.1mph so it took 32m25s to go the 2.75 miles.


cwnhokie~ When I got to Week 5 I had to slow down my runs. I had been running at 5mph. In order to complete that intimidating W5D3 long run I slowed my speed to 4.5mph. I've since worked my way back up to 5, and then today 5.1 though. I feel like this program, and being a beginner runner in general, can be a 2 steps forward, 1 step back kinda thing. In order to run longer you may need to slow down, but over time your speed gets back up there.
I hope you're feeling better!

If U Had Wings~ Good job on day 1! I remember thinking those 60 seconds were sooooo long!! It's amazing, but it does get easier. I can't really believe it, but it does! lol
I'm sorry about your knee though! I wish I had words of advice. Hang in there.

Vicki~ How cool you went running around the DLR! Good job!!

scrump~ I have a treadmill so I don't have to run in the rain. I have walked in the rain. But I don't know what I would do if I always had to be outside and deal with whatever weather is happening... That would be tricky sometimes.
I hope the shoes get better for you!

fall08CP~ You will be at Week 8 before you know it. Just keep on going and you'll get there. I really can't believe I am here. I remember those early weeks thinking how far away this seemed and here I am! You can do it!!

Keep it up everyone!

 

[fall08CP]

Finished W3D1 and it felt awful, but I did finish! I'll be out of time Sat + Sun and class til 9pm Monday so I'm not sure when I will get in another run. Hopefully I can squeeze it in Sunday otherwise I'll have to wait til Tuesday. Soooo not looking forward to it

 

[scrump]

W2D2 today!

I felt pretty good and felt I was pacing well through the run/walk. I am pleased with my comfort level for this week, but am anticipating W3 to be the challenge for me. I am having a lot more fun than I thought I would, and am so happy that I found this thread!

And the shoes are breaking in, I believe!

 

[cwnhokie]

Fall08CP Week 3 was really hard for me too and I was dreading Week 4 and it actually hasn't been as bad as Week 3. Then 3 min runs are not bad now. The 5s are still tough but doable.

Liz - if I go any slower I'll be going backwards!

I finished Week 4, now on to week 5, Day one looks pretty easy and I'm not looking forward to Day 3 at all!

 

[scrump]

W2D3 yesterday!

I was trying to cram this run in on a very busy day, so I did a bad thing and didn't have any breakfast before going out. I definitely felt it, too. ANyway, will not be doing that again if I can help it.

Starting W3 this week and looking forward to it!

 

[cwnhokie]

Good job everyone!

Week 5 Day 1 is done, with that 20 minute run looming for Friday.

 

[CoMickey]

Good job everyone!

Week 5 Day 1 is done, with that 20 minute run looming for Friday.

You can do it! I was worried about that one too but I just slowed down a bit and I was able to finish...you can too! I finished W8 last night after it had cooled down to the mid 80's I can't believe I am on the last week!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Congrats to everyone for completing their weeks!

I'm still relaxing my kneed, hoping it feels back to normal again soon. I haven't done any running/aerobics since last Thursday when it was feeling like it was going to buckle everytime I walked down some steps. It's feeling much, much better but I want to be sure not to reaggravate it. Talking to a friend whose had multiple knee problems he said it sounds like I probably tore something. I'm not getting the pains anymore, it's just feeling very stiff and I'm still favoring my other leg when I walk.

It's begining to drive me nuts though not being able to do any exercising. I've been so active the past two months or so I'm hating not being able to do so without pain. I did go to my yoga class last night, and just avoided anything that bothered my knee. Oddly enough the only thing that really bothered it all night was when we did hip circles.