2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[deekaypee]

Welcome aboard, Casey! Always glad to have another c25k'er!

Debra--congrats on your run! Sounds like you have a GREAT goal set! I can't imagine "double training" right now, though!

I want a WISH Shirt. How and where do I order one?

On running shoes....ugh! I ran for 40 minutes on the TM this morning ( ) and then immediately headed out for the shoe store. I went to THREE different sports shoe stores and everything I tried on felt like some hideous form of foot torture!

I have a really hard foot to fit, I know this. I am usually a 5.5 wide. Very few brands make running shoes this small and very few make running shoes in a wide width. No one makes them in both together. I am sure I can find them online, but I can't imagine buying running shoes without trying them on first. I tired on a lot of 6s today, thinking that it is good to go half a size up for a running shoe. They all felt awful for one reason or another.

For my "everyday sneakers" I actually buy kids' shoes. Kids' shoes are naturally cut wider, so these are usually a great fit for me (and I always save a fortune! ). So I asked if there were any "real" running sneakers for kids. The guy (not very knowledgeable) said sure and brought me over to that section and showed me some Nikes. He said that they were actually the exact same cut as the adult Nike in that same model. Sounds good. Tried them on. Foot torture!

After trying on MANY brands, I have found that Nike is just not cut for me. I like SOME Asics, and New Balance were definitely the best. Once upon a time I wore Saucony, but the ones I tried today were horrible for me.

So...what do you think? Should I chance it and order New Balance in my size from an online place? I am worried about continuing to run without proper footwear. All comments and suggestions welcome!

About the shoes. I'll ask DOOD ("Dear One of Debra," my DH) when he gets home. He has a similar problem to you--small feet & shoes are generally unavailable in stores. That said, the size you wear in a running shoe is different than from an everyday sneaker. Going up a 1/2 is sometimes recommended, depending on the fit. Here's what John "The Penguin" Bingham says in No Need for Speed:

"Nine out of 10 new runners buy their first pair of running shoes too small. They try them on as if they were dress shoes. They want them to feel snug and to fit like a glove.....A running shoe should have a thumb's width between the end of your longest toe (DKP notes: which might not be your big toe) and the end of the shoe itself. Your food will feel like it's swimming in the toebox, but after a few miles of running, when your feet begin to swell and your toes start to rub against each other or the end of your shoes, you'll be glad to have that extra space."

Here's a link to his site & some more discussion: http://www.johnbingham.com/gear_rightshoe.html

All that said, I can't highly recommend enough that you get a properly-fitting pair of running shoes as soon as possible. I am one of Bingham's 9 out of 10 people, and have the black toenails to prove it. Do you live near a specialty running store? If so, you should go there and get fitted by people who know running. Folks in your regular sports stores or sports shoes store may not (in my experience, most likely do not) know what they're talking about.

At a specialty running store, you can expect to get recommendations for your level of experience & distance, try on several pairs or shoes, and in many cases be able to test drive a pair either on a TM or around the block. Be sure to wear the socks you normally wear for a run (and I hope you're not wearing cotton, because cotton kills) and something comfortable for a quick jog.

It also doesn't hurt to go into the store knowing a little bit about your arch pattern, etc., although a good running store will be able to help you. Also, bring in the shoes you've been wearing, as they will reveal your wear pattern. And here's a link to some Runner's World articles, which will provide you with more info: http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-240-319-326-0,00.html

Okay, now I've probably thrown you into panic mode: "OMG! How have I been running at all in these shoes? What have I done to my feet and knees??!!" For the record, I was running in XTrainers for a long time and did just fine. A decent pair of running neutral running shoes, if you're totally guessing, will probably work for you. I just think that the sooner you get fitted for the right pair of shoes the better you'll feel, the less prone to injury you'll be, and the more you'll enjoy running!

 

[deekaypee]

I want a WISH Shirt. How and where do I order one?

Ooops, I realized I forgot to answer this. The better question is what kind of WISH shirt do you want? (Didn't know you had options, did you? )

This is going to be another long post, folks, so I apologize in advance. Over on the Events/Competition thread there are several orders for different types of WISH shirt/gear being taken. All feature the WISH logo & motto for walking/running/racing, but the shirts are made in different fabrics and slightly different colors (because of the different companies that make them); the colors are generally bright green or bright yellow. The motto, in case you are unaware that we have one, is Dead Last Finish is Greater than Did Not Finish which GREATLY TRUMPS Did Not Start.

These shirts, worn to Disney and other races, become a way for us WISHers to recognize each other at events. Runners can meet each other in the corrals or join each other on the course. Spectators look for the WISH shirts to give extra-special attention to you on the race. That's the reason I asked 3DisneyKids if she had one, so I can look for her at the 2009 race! It's also a great way to meet people and promote WISH!

If you want to get an idea of the WISH shirt design & motto, look at this thread, which contains the traditional designs and newer ones being developed.

Here are the three different options for WISH shirts currently in circulation:

1) The original WISH shirt. I own two of these in a t-shirt style and a wicking material. I believe you can buy these in regular t-shirts and singlets, too. They're lovely, but I found them a bit heavy for running as I'm a sweater. They also run a bit long. YMMV, of course, and lots of folks like them. I still wear mine for light training days. The WISHer behind organizing these orders is wtpclc (Carrie), and I think you might still be able to get in on that order.

2) The Race Ready WISH shirts. These are a new option, with a variety of cuts (including a women's v-neck) and in tech-shirt material. They offer men's and women's sizing and are a bit shorter in length. The WISHer behind organizing these orders is Chimera (Mel). She just collected an order so that WISHers could have new shirts in time for the Minnie Marathon, but another order will probably be taken in time for the 2009 Disney Marathon weekend. When I receive my shirts I can let you know how they work for me.

3) The Eye2Eye WISH shirts. This is the newest design option being developed. Eye2Eye offers us the option of getting tech shirts (not in a running shirt as far as I know, but in other styles that would work) in larger sizes & ordering on a shirt-by-shirt basis. That means we could order year-round and send $ directly to the company, rather than use PayPal; it's also less work for our super-WISHers. Now, in addition to the classic WISH design of the other two options, the Eye2Eye Design will include the possibility of adding a "watermark" to the front of the shirt (the Castle) and the back (a collage of the other parks). You could order as bold a design as you'd like or go classic. The Eye2Eye design is done by julia&nicksmom (Kate) and also reflects the hard work of Chimera and NEPatsFan (Bill).

In addition to these options, we have threads for hats/visors being taken by xterratri, as well as a Cafe Press store for other things.

So, 3DisneyKids and anyone else, you want WISH shirts, we've got WISH shirts. The most difficult thing is deciding what ones you want!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Holy information overload!

Seriously, thanks so much for all of the great info, Debra. I know about getting shoes a bit bigger...the issue for me right now is width. We don't have a true running store in my area...just all of the big chains. And as you said, they often don't know a running shoe from a hiking boot.

(Side note...true story...just happened today on my outing.) I went into one store looking for shoes...no one there to help (had to take several shoes all the way across the store to find someone to get them for me in my size). Had a bunch of questions that she could not answer. Ok, so I gave up looking for shoes there, but their tennis gear caught my eye, so I was browsing in that section (I am an avid tennis player. ) Same salesperson comes over while I am looking a tennis skirts and says, "that is such a cute fitness skirt...I just always wondered who works out in a skirt. Do you? How do you like it?" Ummm...hello....it is a tennis skirt!

At this, I turned on my heal and marched right out of the store. No way I am trusting my feet to these people.

On to the next store...this one must be better, I think. I talk to an older man this time...seems more knowledgeable than the young chippy at the first store, but still not truly aware of running shoes. Still, I think I have a shot here. Ask to see some running shoes, he talks about a few of them, points out the more popular ones and then he says he has just the shoe for me. Success, I think! He comes back...I take the shoe out of the box and think to myself, "this feels pretty heavy for a running shoe..." Sure enough, he brought me "trail walking shoes." Huge, thick, heavy soles, etc. Buh-bye store number two.

Ok, so I gotta ask...why the special socks? I know that you are not supposed to wear cotton (and right now I do...it is all I have). I have yet to get a blister...is that the only reason? Do tell!

Thanks for the info. about the shirts! I contacted a few folks to get on the lists.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Just realized that I never really introduced myself on this thread...

I will copy/paste my intro from the main racing team thread...

Hi Everyone!

I am not new to the DIS boards, but I am new to the WISH boards and new to running! At 38, age-reality set in, so I laced up and started running just 6 weeks ago (January, 2008). I am loving it and getting more obsessed by the day! I am running 3-3.5 miles 5x/week. I just signed up for the 1/2 in 2009, but I plan so do a few shorter races between now and then. I plan to be 40 and FABULOUS.

As for the rest of my life...I am a college professor and mom of 3 great kids (ages 5, 6, and 8...yes three kids in three years...thus a body that needs some toning!) Fortunately, I work almost entirely online these days, which allows me to be with my kids and work around their schedules...I cherish that!

I have been married to my husband for 11 years (together for 14). He is a natural jock, runner, athlete, muscle head...whatever you want to call it. he has been running 5-6 miles a day for years and is being very supportive of my entrance into the sport.

Hobbies include (other than Disney and running, that is) tennis, hiking, camping, boating, and enjoying all of the amazing outdoor wonder that is Maine.

SO happy to have found the WISH boards!

Erika

 

[larry's girl]

Thanks, Kim, Swim-Mom, Erika and Debra for your kind words, support and encouragement. They mean the world to me. I was having a really bad day on Friday and it just all came pouring out.

Swim-Mom: I do have the water thing under control most days. At my doctor's recommendation, I am attempting to drink half my body weight in ounces of water each day. I bought two 34-oz. mugs - one for work and one for home - and try to drink about five of them each day. I will admit that I do better at work than at home, but most days I get the majority of it in.

I have spent the last three days getting lots of extra rest and trying to feel better with this cold I have. It is better - not totally gone, but a little better. I am still really tired and needing extra rest time, but hopefully by the end of the week I will be over the worst of it. During my long weekend, I thought long and hard about what I want to do with this lifestyle change. I am not going to quit, because I know the exercise is good for me and the dietary changes are helping. However, I think I bit off more than I could chew going into this. I started off too hard and too fast, and now I'm paying for it with these pesky illnesses. I have to remember that the damage from the celiac disease is still not completely repaired - I am still at least another year away from being totally recovered from it. So I am going to give myself a break, make some changes to my regimen based on how I feel and see what happens. First, I am going to scale back the exercise from six days a week to four - three days of training (with a rest day in between each one) and a longer distance walk on Sunday. Getting up at 5:00 a.m. five days a week and not getting back to bed until 10:00 or 11:00 each night is just not enough rest for me, so I am going to stay in bed until 6:00 on the days that I don't work out and sleep until about 7:30 on Saturday and Sunday unless I am ill (which is the latest I can "sleep in" and still meet my weekend obligations). I have also decided that the jogging is just too much pounding on my joints right now. When I come home from doing a C25K workout, my legs and hips are throbbing. And they continue to hurt through the day and into the night, which interferes with my sleep. So, in addition to scaling back the number of work outs I do each week, I am going to stop jogging and start my own version of power walking. I can't do the "official" power walking because I can't get the stride right, so I am just going to warm up and then walk as quickly as I can for the 30 minute interval I have available to me on the three "work out" days. Then on Sunday afternoons, while my DH is sleeping (he works nights), I am going out to the mall to do the longer "distance" walk. The goal there is to eventually be able to do three laps around the mall (approximately 3 miles) in 45 minutes. I confess I am still concerned about being able to do the 5K in May in the allotted time frame, but I have decided that it will do no one, least of all me, any good to train too hard and end up injured or chronically exhausted and sick. So I am just going to give it my best shot. I don't want to get swept, but if I do, it won't be the end of the world. At least I will have given it my best effort, and I will be with my family and friends during the attempt, so it will be okay no matter what happens. When I told my DH what I had decided about my exercise routine, he said that was really what he was saying when he said this was too much for me - not that I should quit altogether, but just that I should scale back to a pace and frequency that is right for me. So it's nice to know I didn't lose his support, and he is happy with my decision!

I have also recently realized that I have a bad habit of comparing myself negatively to other people who appear to be dealing with circumstances similar to mine, and then I feel bad when I can't do what they are doing. This is true in lots of areas of my life, not just exercise and weight loss, and I have decided that it is time to change my mindset and stop comparing myself to others. I don't need to waste my time and energy trying to measure up to what my perception of other people is. I just have to set my goals and measure up to them as best I can. The people who I have always envied - the ones who always have a clean house, are always organized and on top of everything, are always getting everything that needs to be done taken care of - are no longer my concern. For starters, no one is perfect - so even if it appears that way to me, it really isn't that way for them. Secondly, no two people are alike. I have pretty much been behind the eight ball with my health from the very beginning, and now that I know that, I have begun to understand that I haven't done so badly. It's a good bet that some of those people I have always aspired to be like would not have done as well if they had been battling chronic illness for years - but even that really isn't the point. The point is that I have to accept my limitations without allowing them to weigh me down. I have to do the best I can with the hand I have been dealt. And I have to learn to be happy with my own progress, without qualifying it by comparing it to what others are doing. I don't intend to use my health problems as an excuse to do nothing - I intend to find a reasonable way to move more and eat right, slowly adding in longer and/or more frequent work outs when I feel able, and then assessing how my body feels each time I add in more exercise. It will be a slow, but hopefully steady, progression for me and I will learn to be okay with moving forward slowly and not attempting to measure my success by comparing myself to others.

As for my dietary changes, I have decided to add in some low GI fruit to my meals and assess how that impacts my blood sugar. Hopefully it won't have a huge effect and I can get some variety into my meals that way. Also, I am going to have one meal a week (probably on Friday or Saturday night) where I eat a small portion of carbohydrate as part of the meal - some rice, a small potato, some gluten-free pasta, a few tortilla chips if we eat out at a Mexican restaurant - that sort of thing, since I don't think one meal a week will affect the overall blood sugar picture and it will help me get through the "baked chicken with broccoli and green beans" meals a little better, knowing that I will have something different on the weekend. I am going to continue monitoring my blood sugar to see what the numbers look like and if I see spikes, then I may have to bite the bullet and consult a nutritionist. But I am going to try it on my own first to see how it works out.

The last tweak I am going to make involves the scale. I find that my weight fluctuates based on what is happening with me that particular day. Some days I can weigh, after having a great week, and find I have gained weight. Other days (like today), I can weigh after having a not-so-great week and find I have lost. It is discouraging to feel that your efforts are not paying off when you have a gain, so I have decided that once this Biggest Loser challenge is done, I am going to stop weighing once a week and begin checking my weight once a month. I think this will help me focus on other areas (like my blood sugar levels, increasing my stamina and endurance when I exercise, a better energy level and feeling well overall) to measure success instead of just the numbers on the scale. My doctor told me at my last visit that she suspects I have thyroid issues, as many celiac patients do. She did some blood work and we will discuss that when I go back for a follow up. If she is correct, I will have to take medication for that - and that will have an impact on my weight, also. So I am still hoping for loads of weight to come off, but I don't think I can continue to quantify my success in terms of what the scale says - it is too easy for me to get discouraged if it doesn't say what I want it to!

Sorry for the length of my post, but this is a time of change (and hopefully growth) for me, and I wanted to write it all out while it is fresh in my mind. Thanks again to all of you for listening and taking the time to help me see the big picture. Have a great day!

Susan

 

[deekaypee]

Ok, so I gotta ask...why the special socks? I know that you are not supposed to wear cotton (and right now I do...it is all I have). I have yet to get a blister...is that the only reason? Do tell!

Thanks for the info. about the shirts! I contacted a few folks to get on the lists.

Erika: So nice to meet you formally. What do you teach? I'm a recovering academic myself--English (American Lit/Culture/Film).

I hope you didn't think I was talking down to you about the shoes; I just didn't know how much experience you had with shoes. I talked with DOOD, and he recommended Asics as a first choice. They have a range of sizes and a wide toebox. His second choice is New Balance. Runner's World has reviews that you might find useful. In terms of buying shoes online, have you thought about FogDog?

And yeah, the reason for no cotton socks is because of blisters. It becomes a real issue when running in hot or wet conditions. I'm prone to blisters, and expected to get them during the Goofy (and did). But even people who don't normally get them, and wore the right socks, got them as it was so hot and humid!

So, in addition to scaling back the number of work outs I do each week, I am going to stop jogging and start my own version of power walking. I can't do the "official" power walking because I can't get the stride right, so I am just going to warm up and then walk as quickly as I can for the 30 minute interval I have available to me on the three "work out" days. Then on Sunday afternoons, while my DH is sleeping (he works nights), I am going out to the mall to do the longer "distance" walk. The goal there is to eventually be able to do three laps around the mall (approximately 3 miles) in 45 minutes. I confess I am still concerned about being able to do the 5K in May in the allotted time frame, but I have decided that it will do no one, least of all me, any good to train too hard and end up injured or chronically exhausted and sick. So I am just going to give it my best shot. I don't want to get swept, but if I do, it won't be the end of the world. At least I will have given it my best effort, and I will be with my family and friends during the attempt, so it will be okay no matter what happens.
Susan

Susan: I'm so glad you're feeling better and making decisions about what will work best for you. I truly believe you'll be in a much better place--physically, emotionally, intellectually--now that you've given yourself permission to focus on YOU (which is what it's all about). I'm sure you'll have a great time in May and wish I could be there. Just remember: DLF > DNF > DNS!

Also, if you're thinking of walking for the 5K, I think you might enjoy this thread over on the Events/Competition subforum: New Walkers Sharing Ideas. Windwalker Dave hosts it (AKA Panda Dave) and it's a gathering place for all types of walkers, not just (or even primarily) racewalkers. It might be a nice place to hang out for suggestions--in addition to here, of course!

I also wanted to applaud all the other decisions you're making. It sounds to me like you're really energized by your choices.

 

[swim-mom]

Well, things are really looking up for me!!

Tonight I ran OUTSIDE and I ran the whole thing!!!!

I tried to look outside for any excuse not to run, and then I thought I can either waste time making excuses or just go and do it...........AND I DID IT!!

Today I used my Nike + system, and it read 5.86K or 3.64 miles in 40 minutes!!!! That turns into an 11 minute pace

I am not sure if I actually believe it...........I have attempted this program off and on for the past 2 years and I never made it passed week 5 because I was scared of week 6.

I am a believer that if you believe in yourself, this program can make you a believer that you can run straight through a 5k!!!

 

[kimwim8]

I have also recently realized that I have a bad habit of comparing myself negatively to other people who appear to be dealing with circumstances similar to mine, and then I feel bad when I can't do what they are doing. This is true in lots of areas of my life, not just exercise and weight loss, and I have decided that it is time to change my mindset and stop comparing myself to others. I don't need to waste my time and energy trying to measure up to what my perception of other people is. I just have to set my goals and measure up to them as best I can. The people who I have always envied - the ones who always have a clean house, are always organized and on top of everything, are always getting everything that needs to be done taken care of - are no longer my concern. For starters, no one is perfect - so even if it appears that way to me, it really isn't that way for them. Secondly, no two people are alike. I have pretty much been behind the eight ball with my health from the very beginning, and now that I know that, I have begun to understand that I haven't done so badly. It's a good bet that some of those people I have always aspired to be like would not have done as well if they had been battling chronic illness for years - but even that really isn't the point. The point is that I have to accept my limitations without allowing them to weigh me down. I have to do the best I can with the hand I have been dealt. And I have to learn to be happy with my own progress, without qualifying it by comparing it to what others are doing. I don't intend to use my health problems as an excuse to do nothing - I intend to find a reasonable way to move more and eat right, slowly adding in longer and/or more frequent work outs when I feel able, and then assessing how my body feels each time I add in more exercise. It will be a slow, but hopefully steady, progression for me and I will learn to be okay with moving forward slowly and not attempting to measure my success by comparing myself to others.

Hey Susan. I have to admit I do the exact same thing. It's SO hard not to, especially on these boards. These boards are an awesome source of support, but can also hurt me in that way. I see people running like crazy and doing all sorts of other workouts and I find myself saying - "I have to get there". When in reality I need to do what's good for me. You know? But you're exactly right - focus on YOU and what works for you. You know what's best!

Congrats! You're on your way, girl!

 

[swim-mom]

Erika - Nice to meet you!! Like you, I have four children (one more than you) they are 10,8, and twins who are 4. So I know the struggles that interfere with exercise!! You are doing an amazing job, I am very proud of your progress!!

Deb - You are the "cheer leader" of the group and I thank you for your kindness every day and every week!! You are amazing and I can't thank you enough

Larrygirl - You have a plan now you just have to it into motion, and again putting those words on paper makes it real!!!

Keep going ladies we are making a huge difference

 

[kimwim8]

Today was my week 5 day 3. The dreaded 20 minute run. I made it through, but it was FAR from easy. My legs were extremely tired after only 5 minutes, but I knew I'd be really mad if I stopped. I swear I said "come on Kim, you can do this, don't quit now" like 500 times to myself. BUT - I did it, and it's over.

 

[3DisneyKids]

WAY TO GO KIM! And another WAY TO GO for Swim-Mom! Great job getting those results!

Debra--nope, I totally did not think you were talking down to me. I am a complete novice here...never ran before now...so I know virtually nothing and am loving any and all advice that is coming my way. I will check out the site you mentioned and see if that might be a way to go for shoes. As for socks...should I be looking for wicking socks? My feet have been fine so far, but it is February in Maine...anything BUT hot and humid!

As for what I teach...Communication & Media Studies. We have 2 faculty that teach various aspects of film (film criticism, women & film, film & cultural studies, etc.) though that is not my particular area. For the past several years I have been focusing on nonverbal communication of politicians in the media. Yeah, it is a small niche area, but then that is how academia is, right? It sure has been fun this primary season, though! I have been really busy giving media interviews and doing analysis for the local media outlets as well as NPR.

As for me...today was going to be a rest day as I am really beat (bad night's sleep last night). BUT then I got put on one of the awesome WISH racing teams and I thought...there is no way I am going to go introduce myself to these people and then say I didn't do anything today! So off I went and logged 4.1 miles (3.6 of which I ran! )

Keep going strong everyone!

 

[caseyem67]

Way to go, Kim! I am SO not looking forward to that day, and I seem to be really struggling with getting through week 5.

Intended on running yesterday but my DS7 woke up in the middle of the night with an earache. Went to Dr. in AM and lo and behold, a wicked double ear infection. He was moaing and groaning all day and I couldn't get out to run. This plus my DD2 broke her collarbone Friday night so she isn't the happiest camper either!

I did sneak out to get new sneakers when my husband got home. Can't remember the first brand I tried, but I felt them too much on my arch, although they were really sturdy. I tried New Balnace next and felt like I was walking directly on the raod! Just not sturdy enough for me. Ended up with Asics and they feel great--cushy, with good suppport. The store I went to specializes in tennins and running and is locally owned, as opposed to a Dick's or Foot Locker. The girl that helped me was somewhat knowledgable, but I can't say she was an expert. She didn't recommend Nike--said they are the ones most often returned. She did look at my arch to see if I need "cushioned" or the other kind (not trail)...can't remember the terminology.

I also picked up new socks, not 100% cotton, but these seem to make my feet sweat more (I am wearing the socks and new sneakers around the house today).

Here's hoping I can get out today! Week 5 day 2.

 

[SeattleGirl]

Hey all,

I made it through week one this weekend. It wasn't too bad at all (especially since I watch television while I run. DBF thinks the plan is not challenging enough, so he ran 5 minute intervals to start. I am convinced he is going to injure himself and then have to quit altogether, but I guess he's more concerned about preserving his ego.

Week two starts tonight! I've found that it's really easy to just swing by the Y after work/school and run for 20-30 minutes and then head home for dinner. Hopefully we can keep it up.

 

[deekaypee]

:

I tried to look outside for any excuse not to run, and then I thought I can either waste time making excuses or just go and do it...

Well, that's a "man up" phrase if I ever heard one. And I mean that in the best way, as I'm always trying to tell myself to get over my fears and to "man up." I'm sooo stealing this one for my next run. And YOU DID IT! Congratulations--it's so great to hear the excitement and sense of accomplishment in your post! And your pace, it's incredible. Bet you you're hooked on your iPod/Nike + now!

Deb - You are the "cheer leader" of the group and I thank you for your kindness every day and every week!! You are amazing and I can't thank you enough

Aww, thanks. WISH has made such a big difference in my overall quality of life that I just like to give back a little. And it means a lot to me to see everyone's progress, in all forms, at all paces.

Today was my week 5 day 3. The dreaded 20 minute run. I made it through, but it was FAR from easy. My legs were extremely tired after only 5 minutes, but I knew I'd be really mad if I stopped. I swear I said "come on Kim, you can do this, don't quit now" like 500 times to myself. BUT - I did it, and it's over.

ANOTHER "man up" moment! I was like that on my w5d3, too, and I had to remind myself that a huge part of running is this mental game: what I think I can (or can't) do vs. what I can (or can't) do. I love how you phrased that you would be MAD at yourself if you stopped. (Maybe your "come on, Kim" mantra can be your pacing guide! WTG!!!!

Erika: Wicking socks, tech socks, double-layer socks. You'll want to experiment to see what works best for you. I like double-layer socks, which use two layers of cloth. I think the latest issue of Runner's World has sock reviews. I like Coolmax socks, DOOD likes Thorlo, and lots of people love Injinji, which I have yet to try. Your niche area sounds fascinating, especially at this time in the four-year cycle. And it's made you a NPR celeb--how cool! So long as your work doesn't keep you away from racking up those miles for your team. Good job on jumping right in with 4.1 miles!

Casey: I'm glad you found comfy shoes AND supported a local shoe store. Hopefully your socks will work on the road, as I notice my running socks only work for me when I'm running. Otherwise, they're too tight or too hot or just uncomfortable. I'm also crossing my finger that you got a chance to do w5d2. If not, no sweat. I just know you'll get there when life lets you!

SeattleGirl: Congrats on finishing week one and starting week two! Let your BF preserve his ego--who knows, maybe he's starting at the right place for him. Rest assured, though, that you're preserving and protecting your body from injury! I'm sure you can keep it up, as it sounds like you two are really supporting each other!

As for me: I finished w6d2 today, the 10-3-10. It was harder than w5d3's 20 minute run. I wonder if it's because I've tacked on a R/W to train for the 1/2. I didn't want to finish it because I was breathing pretty heavily, but I had my own "man up" moment. Of course, it was much more obscene than yours because, well, I'm probably much more obscene. It was more of a "***??? You KNOW you can do this, DKP, 'cuz you ran more than this just last week. So man the _________ up." Yeah, anger fuels me. So I finished my program and just finishing it gave me the confidence (I guess) to finish the 1/2 R/W part of the training. I can't claim that I felt good doing it, but it sure feels good being able to say I did it.

 

[3DisneyKids]

first shoe overload and now sock overload! s'ok...I am loving learning all of the ins and outs. I am a researcher by nature, so I read stuff here and then go research it and so it goes.

As for the obscenities....oh yeah, I drop f-bombs on myself all the time for motivation!

 

[SeattleGirl]

I apologize if this has already been mentioned, but a great place to get shoes online is www.zappos.com (if DIS deletes that, PM me and I'll give it to you). My dad is an avid runner and is ALWAYS buying stuff from Zappos (me too, but I am more interested in cute heels ). They ship overnight and returns are quick and free. I find the trick with online shoe shopping is to order a bunch, try them all on and return the ones you don't like.

I have a great pair of asics, but I have a flat foot and they are starting to cause blisters in my non-existent arches, so it will soon be new shoe time. And I definitely second ordering a size up. My toenails are always getting busted up (thank you, cute heels) but I noticed a little change for the better when I started getting wider/longer sneakers.

 

[postesf]

Hi guys! I just wanted to pop in to say....GREAT JOB!!! You guys are doing awesome!

I did the C25K back in the Sept/Oct/Nov timeframe in prep for the Jan 5K at Disney. It was just amazing to me how quicly your body adapts. I never thought I'd be able to run and there I was...Doing it!!!

Susan--larry's girl, is my sister and I just wanted to say HI. Yes, I'm the one that said...Hey Susan, you want to the Minnie 5K w/ me??? Let's ask mom and dad too! I KNOW she will do it! She is a very determined individual.

Happy training all!
Stacie

 

[caseyem67]

I DID IT!!! And I am so proud! Finally did week 5 day 3, the dreaded (for me) 20 minutes straight! I am going to repeat that two more times this week then move on to week 6. Used the new Asics and they feel great (I did buy a half size larger than my normal shoes, by the way). I kept stalling at week five, think I've been here for 3 weeks now, so I am really happy I finally did it!

 

[BuzzLightyear33]

I DID IT!!! And I am so proud! Finally did week 5 day 3, the dreaded (for me) 20 minutes straight! I am going to repeat that two more times this week then move on to week 6. Used the new Asics and they feel great (I did buy a half size larger than my normal shoes, by the way). I kept stalling at week five, think I've been here for 3 weeks now, so I am really happy I finally did it!

GREAT WORK!

Once you do w5d3, going back to the walking intervals is difficult to do. Something about running the entire way just feels better.

I finished w7d2 this evening, my second 2.5 mile run this week. After a pretty long day, I had to dig a little deeper than last time. Still... I got through it and even had the energy to lift some weights!

With the end in sight, I do have one question... what is everyone else planning to do when they finish c25k? 10K training? Half marathon? I'm still not sure and I could use some ideas.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I DID IT!!! And I am so proud! Finally did week 5 day 3, the dreaded (for me) 20 minutes straight! I am going to repeat that two more times this week then move on to week 6. Used the new Asics and they feel great (I did buy a half size larger than my normal shoes, by the way). I kept stalling at week five, think I've been here for 3 weeks now, so I am really happy I finally did it!

WAY TO GO, Casey! That is a huge milestone!

GREAT WORK!

Once you do w5d3, going back to the walking intervals is difficult to do. Something about running the entire way just feels better.

I finished w7d2 this evening, my second 2.5 mile run this week. After a pretty long day, I had to dig a little deeper than last time. Still... I got through it and even had the energy to lift some weights!

With the end in sight, I do have one question... what is everyone else planning to do when they finish c25k? 10K training? Half marathon? I'm still not sure and I could use some ideas.

Great job, BUZZ! Good question about the next step. Even though I have not completed all 9 weeks, I am already at the 5k mark (I am running about 3.5 miles straight right now). I have been running for 6 weeks and hit the 5k mark around week 3 or 4...and I have no idea what to do next or how to go about doing it!

I have signed up for the half marathon, but that isn't until next January. And really, I have no idea what I am supposed to do now. Should I be slowly increasing my distance? Or should I keep the distance the same and work on improving my pace? Not a clue here.

So...I am reading a lot and researching a lot. And I just found out that there is a running store about 40 minutes away from me that has individual coaching. 8 weeks for $75 and it is one-on-one. I am going up there next week to get properly fitted for running shoes and to discuss the personalized coaching thing. I am really worried about injuring myself, etc. I have NEVER been a runner before, so I am already out of my depth.