2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[BuzzLightyear33]

Hi All!

IF spring ever arrives, I am a tennis nut so I add that into the mix 2-3 times per week. I would do it daily if I could coordinate court times and partners. Can't get enough.

I am always open to suggestions though. If anyone want to share a great workout, I will try it.

Have a great evening!

Don't know if you've ever tried it, but you may enjoy playing racquetball in lieu of tennis. It's a fast-paced, high energy sport. On top of that, it breaks every conventional rule your mother ever taught you - don't play ball inside, don't bounce things off the wall, etc. It kept me more or less in shape through college.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Question for all of you who have been at this for a while:

Do you find it better to run in the AM or PM?

I normally go to the Y in the AM, but I overslept today so I have to go after work and I'm wondering if it's going to make a difference.

 

[swim-mom]

Question for all of you who have been at this for a while:

Do you find it better to run in the AM or PM?

I normally go to the Y in the AM, but I overslept today so I have to go after work and I'm wondering if it's going to make a difference.

When I started the program I was using my TM, and I would do it at 10pm or even 11pm. Now that I am running outside it is early around 5pm, however I have also run after 6pm which is dark and way to scary to do again.

If you are motivated to do this program, day or night should effect you. Just put one foot in front of the other, and you will be fine

 

[3DisneyKids]

Don't know if you've ever tried it, but you may enjoy playing racquetball in lieu of tennis. It's a fast-paced, high energy sport. On top of that, it breaks every conventional rule your mother ever taught you - don't play ball inside, don't bounce things off the wall, etc. It kept me more or less in shape through college.

Hmmm..that is a good thought. Though I don't think we have anyplace close that has r-ball facilities. I also understand that it is murder on your knees. Is that the case?

Question for all of you who have been at this for a while:

Do you find it better to run in the AM or PM?

I normally go to the Y in the AM, but I overslept today so I have to go after work and I'm wondering if it's going to make a difference.

Hey Fits...I find that I MUST run in the morning. Not so much for energy reasons or training reasons, but for motivation reasons. If I run/exercise in the morning, then I am set for the day. I feel great for the rest of the day and it really keep me on track with my eating plan and everything else. Just sets me up for an overall healthy day! I find that if I have an afternoon or evening run planned, there are so many things that can come up during the course of the day that de-rail me. Good luck! As swim-mom says...whatever works best for YOU...just put one foot in front of the other...

As for me...I had a PR (for distance) on the TM today! I ran for 4.5 miles! Plus a warm up and cool down of walking 5 minutes each. I did the 4.5 in 50 minutes, so just under a 12mm pace. I felt great during the run...and I am over the top happy now!

 

[BuzzLightyear33]

Hmmm..that is a good thought. Though I don't think we have anyplace close that has r-ball facilities. I also understand that it is murder on your knees. Is that the case?

I really didn't have any knee problems when I was playing on a regular basis. I can see where it might be an issue, though. Its a sport with a lot of shifting, cutting, starting, and stopping, so you definitely want to wear an elastic knee brace if you're even a little concerned about that being a problem.

If you can't find a good racquetball court, another tennis-esque option is squash. All you need for that is a wall with a flat area in front of it.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I survived day 2!!! Got my butt to the Y after work, did my "run" and then did the weight circuit.

I do think I like AM workouts better, but at least I know that I can do it in the afternoon if I oversleep again.

Day 3 is Saturday AM!!!

 

[deekaypee]

Erika: Great news about the scheduled outing for shoes. DH and I are thinking about our next pairs in a couple of weeks. He can go longer with broken-down shoes than I can, but it's time. It's great that your DH is supportive, as are your parents. ILs? Well.... I've got the stereotypical relationship with mine, so I won't say anything. Your DH running schedule is INSANE (in a good way). It's the same kind of schedule mine used to have & would love to return to once/if work settles down.

I do a variety of XT, mainly because I get bored easily. Right now I'm back in my yoga kick--it's been way too long since I practiced. I also do a fair amount of cardio and have upped my stationary biking; I'm an urban biker in good weather, so I'm trying to prepare for spring. Spring is going to happen, isn't it? I do strength train, with lifting and other things, but it's not a fave. I was converted mainly because I need a strong core to run. One of these days my FC will have a spinning or Zumba! class that fits my schedule, and then I'll be able to move entirely out of my comfort zone.

Last question: How are you enjoying the team challege?

P.S. Sounds like your DH isn't the only natural athlete in the family. (I know, I keep calling you a natural runner and you'll want to deny it again, but your progress is phenomenal!) Congrats on yet another PR!

Kim: I'm actually a little relieved that other people follow the time recommendations. Not that I mind being weird, but it's good to know the time training does work. Congrats on you pushing through your 25 minutes & running with a partner! I think I'm a solitary runner, or at least I have been up to this point. Running with someone sounds like it could invigorate you, though. Good luck on Friday's and Sunday's runs!

Buzz: Oooh, racquetball. It's something I think about occasionally, as our courts are always full. I need to keep this and tennis (thanks Erika) in mind for a little time with my DH that is both active & G-rated!

Fitswimmer: I don't know if I can answer your question in a way that's helpful to you, as I have a flexible schedule & usually go mid-morning. I don't need to schedule around "normal" work hours. Once the weather gets warmer, I'll probably run earlier to match the heat. I'm sure you'll find what works best for you as you go through the program. Oh, and congrats on day 2--it really sounds like you're looking forward to day 3!

As for me: It was a rest day, so I did some mat work & Chi Running exercises for core strength. I was feeling cooped up today, so I also took a 3.5 mile walk. It was a bit nippy but better than feeling sorry for myself it being winter.

 

[swim-mom]

OK, I AM SICK AGAIN

I think being in an elem school, has really taken a toll on me. I was just sick two weeks ago, this sucks

Goodnews, if you can call it that, I got more antibotics, so we will see. I am hoping to run on Sat & Sun, then again this is sucking the life out of me. All I want to do is sleep, and sleep and sleep some more.

I tried to be a good mommy and made cupcakes, BUT before the kids went to bed.................so needless to say I can't have that "good mommy" title till tomorrow when they can eat them.

Glad to see that everyone is moving

 

[SeattleGirl]

I've had a headache and been incredibly fatigued for the past few days (probably stress - I have a big project going on at work and it keeps coming home with me). That said, I plan to run through it today. Then, I am going to find a nice, dark quiet place and cuddle up. I feel like I could sleep through the whole weekend!

Is it bad that when I get sick I think, "Oh well, at least I won't eat as much...maybe I'll lose weight!"

 

[Fitswimmer]

Well, I've got to break the "day off" rule if I'm going to get 3 days in this week. We're getting snow tomorrow AM so I may not be able to get there before work. If I want to get day 3 in, it's going to have to be this afternoon.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Happy Friday, runners!

So today I went to the fancy-dancy specialty running store (where only the REAL runners shop.... ) and had the whole biometric foot thingy done in order to get the right type of running shoe for my foot. I bought me some new sneaks for my new running feet.

Now, though, since I took the whole morning running around to a meeting and shoe shopping, I don't have time for my run! I am going to try and fit it in later today. I'll report back how the new shoes work out...

If anyone is interested, I got the new New Balance 858. I have pretty wide feet, so NB is a great brand for me in that regard. The toe box is soooo roomy! Also, I found out that I am, indeed, a pronater. I really though that I had a pretty neutral gait, but she said that I pronate--not severely, but significantly. Who knew?

 

[deekaypee]

Leaping Lizards, C25Kers! What a way to celebrate Feb. 29th, with lots and lots of snow. Now I know why they call it snow showers, because it's snow & yet still very, very wet.

Swim-mom: Oh, I'm so sorry--you've just had such a rough time with illnesses. I agree that I think the elementary-school setting has a lot to do with it. Do try to get some good rest and I'll cross my fingers that you can run, because that means you'd be feeling better. And you definitely have earned the good mommy title with the cupcakes. Wanna adopt me?

SeattleGirl:

Is it bad that when I get sick I think, "Oh well, at least I won't eat as much...maybe I'll lose weight!"

I can't tell you how many times I've had that thought. Talk about trying to find the glass half-full! I do hope you can run through the fatigue and then have a relaxing, stress-free weekend to recuperate!

Fitswimmer: Well, it sounds like you're determined! I gotta respect that! If you get the snow that we're currently getting in PA, or something like it, you're looking at some serious inches.

Erika: I'm soooo glad you got fitted & discovered you are a pronator. Your feet are going to be so happy. You'll have to give us a review after your run. Did you sign up for your one-on-one coaching?

As for me: No C25K for me. I did circuit training and cardio XT. I'm finding my right knee like the two days vs. every other day between runs, which is really unfortunate because that doesn't fit with my training schedule right now. Still, I'm hoping that tomorrow's run--which looks like it will again be on a TM because of the weather (*sigh*)--will go smoothly.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Week 1 is DONE!!!!!

I even did back to back days and didn't die!!!

Now I have off until Monday.....

 

[3DisneyKids]

Way to go FITS! Three cheers for you!

Ok--now I need to know if this is normal. I got my run in today with my new shoes. When I first started (ran on TM today...more snow and below zero temps and I am whimp), it felt like I had cement blocks on my feet! Oh my gosh, these shoes just felt big and clunky! I was actually worried that I was making a ton of noise on the TM from my feet hitting the belt!

SO after about 10-15 minutes, that feeling went away...or at least diminish. But I had very mild (nothing bad at all) pain in my right ankle and right knee. The pain wasn't anything big, but I noticed it. And it went away within an hour of being done with my run.

The last difference that I noticed is that I am SORE now. I really feel it in my quads and calves. Now this seems like something to be expected. But I am not sure?

And again, I know that running shoes are supposed to be a bit bigger, etc. but I really feel like my foot is SWIMMING in these shoes. Here at home, I have them in the closet next to my normal shoes...and they look comically large...almost like clown shoes in comparison! Thoughts?

I got the information for starting with the coach, so hopefully I will be able to get that underway shortly.

Have a great week-end all!

P.S. Forgot to mention that I got in a 40 minute run....3.7 miles.

 

[deekaypee]

Fitswimmer: Congrats on week 1 down!

Erika: I spoke with DH about your new shoes dilemma. Based on what you said, his guess is that the culprits are your new shoes, especially since they're a different brand/model than your old. It's normal for them to feel clunky and awkward in the beginning and they do need some breaking in time. He also says that if at all possible, try running without the TM to let the shoe break in more naturally. Your gait on a TM is different so, combined with your new shoes, that might be what's causing some soreness. He says give it another run or two but it they continue to cause problems for you, return them to the store. (That's why we go to fancy-dancy stores, to get us fitted with the right shoes. They should take returns, no problem--if it's necessary.)

Now, speaking for myself, my first pair of running shoes seemed HUGE (and weren't big enough, as it turns out) and heavy. Once I got used to them, though, the weight and size became non-factors. (The ugly, though, that never goes away for me. ) I run, as you know, on a TM for most of the winter and I find it harder on my knees than outdoors. (Odd, I know, but I think it's because of that different gait thing.) I'm not sure about the soreness, but it might have something to do with adjusting to both your new shoes & new shoes on a TM.

I hope this helps. I would suspect that the running coach will watch you run & give you some feedback, so I hope you hook up with yours soon!

Swim-Mom: I'm thinking of you & hope you're feeling better!

Kim: How did your Saturday run go?

Buzz: Are you done with w8?

Blizzard: How is w4 progressing?

Seattle Girl: How are you feeling? And how is DBF's progress?

Casey: Have you moved on to w6?

And to anyone I may have missed/overlooked, I hope you check in with us and that you're having a great time running!

As for me: I finished w7d3 today on the TM after yet another snowstorm on Friday. I kind of like those times where DH and I get to run side-by-side, which only happens on the TM. I don't want to "lose face" with him right there, so he (unknowingly) gets me through the day.

 

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone - Thanks for thinking of me

I am finally up and out of bed, this flu really kicks your BUTT!!

I am feeling alittle bit better, but not well enough to do anything yet.

I don't think I will be running until the middle of the week or even next week.

I feel as though the life has been sucked out of me.

Thanks for thinking of me, I will keep you posted if anything changes

 

[disneymom2one]

Hi ... I'm new here. I'm really interested in the name of that book as I found several at Amazon that seemed close. I began 2008 at 260 pounds (my all time high) and could not walk around the block. As of today, I've lost 25 pounds and now briskly walk for an hour five times a week. I'm thinking of doing C25K and have even downloaded the podcasts but I'm curious about this book too.

Thanks....

Allyson: Congrats on finishing W1 & discovering the podcast! It sounds like you're finding your stride!

Vicki: It sounds like you're being really thoughtful about your running and what you need to do. That's a good thing, as it will help you as you progress. Are you keeping a running log, not just of your pace/distance, but of how you feel?

To anyone who may be interested...I was reading Runner's World book for Beginning Runners (I don't think that's the title, but a close approximation), and it offered not only an 8-week 5K training program (similar, but not the same as C25K), but a 24-week program. It's geared toward people who haven't been walking for (I think) 30 minutes at a time, are significantly overweight, and/or have health conditions. If you're thinking C25K is too much for you, you might want to check it out!

As for me: I completed W4D3 today. It was more difficult than on M or W. I've caught a cold & have a sore throat, which meant it hurt to breath heavily. I was sooo glad to be done. (The rest of my workout went much easier.) I'm taking it easy this weekend, very light RPE, and resting a lot. At this point, though, I'm planning on doing W5D1 next Monday.

 

[3DisneyKids]

SWIM-MOM--Glad you are starting to feel better! The flu is no fun, that's for sure. Make sure, though, that you really let yourself heal...don't force it.

DisneyMom2One--WELCOME! AND WOW! That is amazing progress in such a short time! Good for you! This is a great thread for support and questions!

DeeKayPee--thanks for all of the info and for running my issues by DOOD. Time will tell, I guess. I will run on these for the week and see how things change. And yes, they have a return policy since they fit me for the shoes.

As for me--I ran OUTSIDE today and it was 5 with the windchill! OMG--it was awful! I only managed 2.5 miles, but the miracle is that I even attempted it!

Enjoy the evening!

 

[Fitswimmer]

Here's a question for those of you further along in the program.

How long before you saw any results? 4 weeks? 8 weeks?

I'm cutting back on calories too-not crazy cutbacks, but changing some habits to make my eating healthier. Also, I'm over 40, which does appear to make a difference.

I don't want to expect too much too soon because I'll get disappointed.

 

[blizzard]

Here's a question for those of you further along in the program.

How long before you saw any results? 4 weeks? 8 weeks?

I'm cutting back on calories too-not crazy cutbacks, but changing some habits to make my eating healthier. Also, I'm over 40, which does appear to make a difference.

I don't want to expect too much too soon because I'll get disappointed.

It depends on what kind of results you're looking for.

I'm finishing week 4 today. I can run for a lot more time in a row than I could on week 1 - That's a huge accomplishment!

I have lost about 6 pounds in that time. If weight loss is your goal, you may or may not see results immediately. A lot depends on how much you have to lose, and what other changes you are making. I'm happy with losing 6 pounds, but that's not dramatic. People who see me all the time would not notice 6 pounds.

One thing I read about running (and exercise in general) that makes a lot of sense with weight loss. When you start, you are pretty slow, so you aren't burning a ton of calories (although getting a big body moving does pretty well). Anyway, as you actually lose weight and become more fit, you get faster, which burns more calories, and you lose more weight. So, diet changes get bigger results at the beginning, but exercise gets bigger results down the road.

Good luck and don't give up. Real, healthy lifestyle changes won't give you instantaneous results, but you will be able to stay with them.