2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[deekaypee]

Swim-Mom: Aw shucks, my training program isn't anything special. (It mayb e weird, b/c I don't know anyone who's tried it....) On the contrary, I think we all do multiple training programs. We add strength training days to our WOs, or follow running with XT. We're all multi-tasking running machines!

Yay for you for doing the whole 5K--it sounds like your speed has kicked up a little? I'm sorry to hear about your neck problems, and I've never been one to like the MRI. I don't hate it, but who really grooves on visiting the doctor when they could be out...running? (Who just said that? ) Anyway, I hope there's good news after your appointment, and that you feel better, because I wouldn't want you to miss out on wearing all those cute little bras.

Erika: A HUGE WOO HOO FOR YOU! Tenure--that's incredibly good news. And what a weight off your shoulders. Geez, I'll even bet you would have been able to run an HOUR after hearing that news.

And your LR sound just intense enough for you at this point. Am I reading your post correctly that you're running 5x a week, mixing in distance & speed work? Already? Wow, you are determined. DH does some similar speed work & it's some of his best, if most daunting, runs. Good for you!

Kim: I hope you're doing well.

Fitswimmer, Blizzard/Carol, Raenstoirm, Seattle Girl, Casey, Buzz, and anyone else I may have missed: I hope your C25K journey is moving along smoothly, that you are feeling healthy & strong, and that are happy!

As for me: I needed to flip my Wednesday/Thursday schedule around this week (and will need to switch Friday/Saturday next week, meh. So much for consistency). So I did my run today--it wasn't as magical as Monday's, but was still fairly strong. And then I went out & got fitted for my new pair of shoes. I got to practice my runway model walk, complete with my jeans rolled up, and run on a TM cleverly positioned by the storefront window. My salesperson also gave me some tips for changing my form, things that I've been working on with Chi Running, and so it was nice to get the validation of my self-assessment.

My new shoes feel heavenly & I can't wait to take them out for a spin. I'll do some light walking with them tomorrow & then run & RW 6 miles Saturday. If you've never been fitted for shoes by a running specialist, I highly recommend you do so. They'll examine your feet, your walk, your running style & help you choose shoes you need.

Happy Easter and/or Spring, everyone!

 

[blizzard]

I haven't posted on this thread for a while, but I'll give a quick update.

Tomorrow is Week 7 Day 3 for me. Then I will be taking the weekend off. Things are going quite well I think. I'm not fast, but I am getting fitter, and I've lost about 15 pounds.

I haven't decided what I'm going to do once I'm finished with C25K, but I have done a LOT of reading, so I think I will develop my own plan that aligns with my goals. I am planning to do a 10K on July 6, so that is my next milestone after I make it through the next 2 weeks of C25K.

Keep motivated everyone!

 

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone - It sounds like everyone is doing great

Deb - You keep moving and before you know it, you will be running the whole 26.2 next year!!

Ericka - For someone who was never a runner, you amaze me...........you are like KIMWIM who just keeps going and going!! Way to go

Carol - Nice to see you again Week 7 is not that bad, although when I was doing it I had other thoughts!! If you can do this week, you can do it all!!

As for me - I ran tonight, before going to my inlaws..........hubby was not too happy considering we would not be getting to his parents until 7:30ish, but he did encourage me to get out there and run!!

I decided to only keep track of my running and not that walk up 6 houses, that I walk too (warming up). The wind was horrible, I swear when I want to run the wind says it is my partner LOL

I did run against the wind the whole way to my 1/2 way turn (1.5 miles) and the way back things were better, but still not the best!! So 3.1 miles in 37:36min, not too bad.........all things considered!!

I hope to run again either Sat or Sun, but a storm is comming our way....so who knows!!

Happy Easter and Passover!!

 

[kimwim8]

Hey guys! I'm still out there doing my thing 3 days a week. I was hoping to increase it to 4 days a week to try to counteract my poor eating habits but my bad hip kind of yelled at me and is mad at me for pushing it lately. So, for now, I'm doing 3 miles 2 days a week on my lunch break (between 32 and 34 minutes) and on the weekend I'm trying to do a longer run (no more than 4 miles right now).

Tomorrow is my run day this weekend. My sister is having an egg hunt at her house for the kids, so I think I'm gonna have DH drive the kids over and I'll run over (a little over 3 miles I think). I might go the long way, just to reach 4 miles. Lord knows, with all the food I'm making for dinner tomorrow, I'll need about 50 miles of running to counteract that!

Have a great holiday weekend, no matter how you celebrate!

 

[swim-mom]

Happy Easter everyone

Today was another crazy one for me, then again what else is new?!

I baked all day, and then ran with an aching back.................but nothing alittle motrin could not take care of before I ran!!!

I am so not IPOD friendly, I walked from my house to the corner trying to increase the volume.......and hit every "setting" option there was........only to find out at the "SECOND" corner that all I have to do is roll the circle and the volume increases!!

So here is my run......normal 3.1 miles with only 5mph wind...IDEAL for running Today it took me 34 minutes, but that did not count the two corner walk I did though, so I would add another 2 mintues.........not too bad

Just goes to show my turtle pace is a bit faster w/no wind

 

[swim-mom]

Where is everyone???

Hope all is well!!

 

[kimwim8]

I'm still here!

I did run over to my sisters on Sunday, and it was exactly 3 miles (I didn't go the long way ). But it's nice to know that I have that alternative...to run to her house and back (when I build up to 6 miles) or to just run to her house and catch a ride home. The run that day took me 33 minutes.

I was supposed to run again today, but my stomach is pretty upset. So I'm taking the day off and will hopefully be back out there tomorrow.

How's everyone else doing??

 

[Starkiss]

Hi guys!

I promise, I'm still hanging in there....when it rains it pours?? Let's just say, when life happen, LIFE REALLY HAPPENS! Let see, when I should have started week 2, DS got sick....the next week, I cut the inside of my little toe---definitely NOT running with that...the next week, my gram got sick...the next week, she moved on from this world to the next....FINALLY, last week I did a redo of week one, and yesterday was day 1 of week 2....I actually breezed through it! I was so excited...and I didn't wake up in any sort of discomfort! For some reason, day 2 of week 2 (today) was a LOT more difficult to finish. I think I'm going to take tomorrow off to rest and finish day 3 on thursday. Its amazing how much better I feel already. I wake up more rested, fall asleep easier, and daily tasks don't seem quite so draining. I just seem to have a little more pep. Those guys in the gym all ripped and lifting definitely provide some nice eye candy while doing my workout....and some motivation Now, if I could just get my form down pat so I don't look like Phoebe from "Friends" when I run!!

CONGRATS to everyone else who is doing FABULOUS!!! I'm so proud of you guys...I'm right there in the trenches with you, and I know how hard you all are trying! GOOD JOB!

Any tips on when or how to make the transition from the treadmill to doing a real honest to goodness run outside? I am planning on doing the Expedition Everest Challenge in the fall, and have already registered. I don't want to be so used to my hamster wheel that I poop out on dry land!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Erika: A HUGE WOO HOO FOR YOU! Tenure--that's incredibly good news. And what a weight off your shoulders. Geez, I'll even bet you would have been able to run an HOUR after hearing that news.

Thanks so much, Debra. Yeah, it is definitely a huge weight lifted. It hasn't really sunk in yet.

And your LR sound just intense enough for you at this point. Am I reading your post correctly that you're running 5x a week, mixing in distance & speed work? Already? Wow, you are determined. DH does some similar speed work & it's some of his best, if most daunting, runs. Good for you!

Yeah, I think it is just the right intensity. On Saturday I pushed it to 55 minutes, so that is my new longest run. Today my training scheduled had me doing another 50-minute run and it was a STRUGGLE! I only had about 4.5 hours of sleep last night, so I hope that was the reason why.

Yes, you are correct that I am running 5x/week and mixing in distance and speed work. Well, actually the speed work doesn't start for another week. I am both nervous and excited to start the speed work.

How are your new shoes working out?

Ericka - For someone who was never a runner, you amaze me...........you are like KIMWIM who just keeps going and going!! Way to go

Thanks--I still am amazed that I am running at all, let alone 50 minutes. Every time I go to run, I keep thinking...this is the day that I am not going to be able to run anymore. Weird, I know. But I can't get used to being able to run.

Seriously, all through school I played a variety of sports, etc. but I always and specifically chose sports and/or positions where I would not have to run. I knew that I could not do it. I had tried and just never been able to run around the block even though I was fit and athletic. I played soccer and field hockey and was goalie for both. I chose it as it had the least amount of running! I was also a swimmer...no worries about having to run there! I taught aerobics so that I could get my cardio in that way. Really, this is so new to me and every day my sense of wonder is renewed.

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement!

As for me - I ran tonight, before going to my inlaws..........hubby was not too happy considering we would not be getting to his parents until 7:30ish, but he did encourage me to get out there and run!!

I decided to only keep track of my running and not that walk up 6 houses, that I walk too (warming up). The wind was horrible, I swear when I want to run the wind says it is my partner LOL

I did run against the wind the whole way to my 1/2 way turn (1.5 miles) and the way back things were better, but still not the best!! So 3.1 miles in 37:36min, not too bad.........all things considered!!

You are a goddess! I have such a hard time with wind or any kind of foul weather for that matter! (This could be a real problem considering that I live in Maine! ) Even though I am SO ready for this horrendous winter to come to an end (it is snowing yet again as I type this and we have another snow storm coming on Friday), I am also really nervous for the warmer weather because I am just not sure how my progress will transfer to the road. I have run outside a handful of times since this running journey began (about 8 weeks ago) and the runs have been ok...but I have certainly not done more than about 35 minutes or so outside. I may have done one 40-minute outside run, but that is it. I hope it isn't too much of an adjustment.

So here is my run......normal 3.1 miles with only 5mph wind...IDEAL for running Today it took me 34 minutes, but that did not count the two corner walk I did though, so I would add another 2 mintues.........not too bad

Just goes to show my turtle pace is a bit faster w/no wind

That is a GREAT pace! Good for you!

As for me--today was a tough run, as I said. But tomorrow is my rest day, so that is good. I will really need it. I am having pain in the very upper inner thigh...right in that crease between where the leg meets the crotch area (sorry if this is TMI). It definitely feels muscular...just like I am conditioning, but today it was definitely SORE. It is fine now, but I was hobbling a bit when I stepped off the TM. I stretched it a lot when I finished so I hope that will help. Anyone know what this is or have similar pain?

Also, I have not been losing weight in several weeks (I have been actively trying since mid-January). I am basically doing Weight Watchers and several folks have said that I may not be eating enough calories for my level of activity. My body is worried about not getting enough fuel and is therefore hanging on to everything I put in it. How does this sound to you all? It seems counter-intuitive to eat more in order to lose weight. I have about 15 pounds total to lose. All thoughts/opinions welcome!

The good/exciting news is that I had a PR earlier this week--just for one mile--but I ran my first sub-11 minute mile! I know it is crazy to be excited about a 10:54 minute mile, but hey...when you are a turtle, you take the victories where they come!

Have a great week--keep posting your successes and challenges! I love reading what everyone is up to and the progress we are all making!

 

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone - I went to the spinal dr today and I need an MRI, since I failed my physical exam. It is clear I have some sort of damage in my neck, but I have never had head trauma or been in a car accident either. So on the 4th is the MRI and then 10 days later, I go back to the dr and see what the next step is. Realistic is that I may need surgery, but I am hoping I won't.

I am still able to run, but only 3 miles at a time and no more than 4 days a week. With the neck pain, I had to go and get a new sports bra too.

OH, the dr. siad I can run as long as I wont fall

I think I am OK with that DOC, thanks

 

[deekaypee]

Hi folks! I'm sorry--it's been days. I'm glad so many of you are successfully overcoming challenges, making progress, or just plain sticking with things until things get better. Count me among the latter.

Carol: I'm glad to see you're making progress on C25K and your post-C25K plans. It sounds like everything is going well for you. I hope you're enjoying the Miles & Minutes Team Challenge, too.

Swim-Mom: I think you're just doing wonderfully. You're outside & making great progress in the wind, which sounds like your most faithful training partner. And your times are is fantastic. I'm worried about your back, although it sounds like you've got a planned health-care approach--and a good doctor who understands the addictive nature of running. I do hope that you can recover with a minimal amount of invasive procedures.

Kim: I hope the Easter-egg hunt & your Easter-meal run both went speedily & without incident. Running during your lunch hour seems like a perfect way to keep the miles up without making your hip worse. I hope everything is going well on ALL fronts for you.

Starkiss: I often wonder if I look like Phoebe! (Of course, if I really did look like Lisa Kudrow, I wouldn't mind being stared at when I run. ) Such good news to finally be able to get back in your groove, isn't it? I think the combination of feeling more energized & being able to rest easier at night are two secrets that runners need to promote more about the sport.

As for the transition to the TM, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you're doing the miles on the TM, the transition to pavement for shorter distances won't be a big deal--you'll have adrenalin to compensate. That said, there are a couple of suggestions for making that transition easier. First, you can use your TM to run at an incline--that will make your body compensate for how the machine "does the work" for you by moving the belt. When you do decide to run outside, don't feel compelled to do all your runs outside; you can add an outdoor run to your training (moving from 3x/week to 4x) or can simply substitute 1 day outside for a TM. And last but not least, don't worry about your pace outside. The TM gives us a sense of pace, but can easily lead us to become obsessive about the numbers. The great things about running outdoors is that we learn to pay attention to our bodies. (I know, I know, it's ironic that I'M saying this, as most of my runs are on a TM. But it's still true!)

Erika: Great news on your PR. Sounds like your running plan and coach are definitely helping you kick it up a notch! I've had the pain you describe, in the inner thigh/quad area, and stretching definitely helps. What kind of pronator are you? My inner quads are weaker than my outer ones, so I tend to compensate & sometimes that area is sore. I also try to do more strength training for my inner quads.

As for the weight thing--it's so true! If you're working out more than before (or at more intensity) and eating the same as you did before, especially if you were trying to lose weight, you might be inadvertently putting your body into starvation mode. Try to increase your calories a bit--by a small snack, for instance. And remember, as your body gets used to running, it will become more efficient, so the calories you need will continue to be a moving target.

I know you say you're doing WW, but you might want to join SparkPeople to see what they recommend your calorie range should be. Alternately, you can try calculating your Basal Metabolic Rate. Both SP & BMR will give you rough estimates, because people are notorious for over/underestimating their activity levels, but it's a start.

As for me: I had a real stonker of a run on Monday & couldn't complete it all--no pain, no discomfort, but no energy. It was like tired legs...all over my body. I began the run like that, it stayed throughout the run. It was just hard, mentally & physically. So I quit at 2.75 miles & it felt like total failure. I worry that it's overtraining and/or not enough fuel.

So I made a tough decision to XT today instead of running in hopes that my Friday LR (a shift from my normal Saturday schedule) can be completed. It's going to be 7 miles, in whatever form of run & R/W it takes, and I need to be ready for it. I hope some extra rest & calories will do the trick. (Like Erika, I'm also trying to lose weight, and worry about underfueling as I increase mileage during training.) Anyway, I've been pouty & sulky & a real joy to be around, so I have avoided coming here. I don't need to contaminate you all with my mood or to sow doubts about C25K.

To anyone new or lurking: It's not the program that's responsible for this tiredness. It's my overall training program & diet, as C25K is only a small part of what I'm doing.

ETA: Okay, I have to add this, because it shows how nutters I am. As I said above, I'd decided not to attempt today's run, but XT instead. But I was feeling kind of itchy on the walk home today (I'm lucky that I have a pedestrian life) because the weather was nice. I also knew I wouldn't be able to squeeze in a full run when I got home--in fact, I should be doing other things right now! So what did I do today? I ran the last mile of my commute. I must have looked quite the sight, running in jeans with my messenger bag slung in an odd way over my chest, no bus that I may have been trying to catch in sight. And what did I learn? I should always wear a sports bra.

 

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone

I ran yesterday with my new $50 bra...........god good bras are so much $$!! But I have to say it was great, there was no pressure on my neck and it did make a huge differance all things considered too

I did my usual run 3.1 but in 36:48, the fastest I have run. I may never see those numbers again, because there was NO Wind I felt great afterwards, but I am SOAKED!!! My DH swears that I am the only woman who SWEATS like this.................

Deb - I am doing OK, my neck is going to be an issue until I get the MRI results. Worse case is surgery, which is no biggie I was told so I am OK with that.

Ericka - I know when I switched from TM to outside I was OK. Just make sure you pace yourself, since on a TM you are moving with the speed on the belt. Try and do your short runs outside, so you ease yourself into being outside. I swore I would hate being outside, but now I enjoy it. Come the summer with the heatwaves, I may be back inside on the TM who knows?

I am planning on another run on Fri, before my 5K with Kimwim...........but who knows, I am just taking it day by day

For those I missed - It is great to see that everyone is moving right along!!! Keep going, you can do it because I have

 

[kimwim8]

My DH swears that I am the only woman who SWEATS like this.................

Absolutely not! I bet I sweat much worse than you!! It can be 10 degrees outside, I wear a long sleeve shirt (or two) with a vest, and I'm dripping like a pig.

 

[Caitsmama]

Hi everyone, i want to stop in here and join you guys if you don't mind!
I am on W6D2 of the C25K program.. so far so good.. i am doing the Minnie 5k in may, and i am worried, it's my first ever "race" -- my goal is to jog the whole thing - no walking and not get swept! LOL
I did 2 miles yesterday in 28.22 - but i feel like after reading some of you, that is slooow!! LOL I am wondering if i will EVER get to pick up the pace and live to tell!

Gonna do W6D2 tonight - after i go drop dd off at Girl Scouts.. i did W6D1 last night - and i know, i am supposed to spread out the w/o's, but i have the energy today,and i know i won't be able to do anything tomorrow - i have a full day.. So, i will attempt it tonight! If i hurt or it's too rough,i will stop and walk - but i want to try.
Sat, i will probably just walk for a couple miles, and then Sun i will attempt W6D3 - which is to jog for 25 min. straight, no walking -- for this, i might venture outside.. for the first time!!!

 

[Caitsmama]

Ok, i did it! I completed W6D2! ( i train the program on minutes vs miles )
My timing was 2.0 miles in 27.23 - which is about 1 full minute better than yesterday!! Hey, baby steps right??

The thing i don't understand, is, they say to train either distance OR time --- so i am doing time. So, i do the w/o's based on the time (i.e. jog 10 min) and not by the other way, (i.e. jog 1 mile ) -- b/c there is no WAY i can run/jog a 10 min. mile --- i would NEVER be able to keep it up for a full mile..
So, is it ok that i do it by the time?? I will complete the C25K (knock on wood) and have 2 weeks to firm up my training before the minnie.. is this doable?? I am trying not to stress about it too much right now, i figure, if i can just accomplish the 3 miles now in under 15 min pace i am ok.. thats really what matters --speed can come down the road right??

 

[kimwim8]

The thing i don't understand, is, they say to train either distance OR time --- so i am doing time. So, i do the w/o's based on the time (i.e. jog 10 min) and not by the other way, (i.e. jog 1 mile ) -- b/c there is no WAY i can run/jog a 10 min. mile --- i would NEVER be able to keep it up for a full mile..
So, is it ok that i do it by the time?? I will complete the C25K (knock on wood) and have 2 weeks to firm up my training before the minnie.. is this doable?? I am trying not to stress about it too much right now, i figure, if i can just accomplish the 3 miles now in under 15 min pace i am ok.. thats really what matters --speed can come down the road right??

Hey Stacy! Welcome aboard! Of course you can join in!

You're really doing great! I also did the c25k program based on time. Once you're running 30 minutes straight, it doesn't take long to build up to 3 miles...no matter what your current pace is. I think you'll find once you get outside that the time passes MUCH quicker (not that you run quicker necessarily) and you can push yourself a little further with all there is to see outside. I'm sure that you will do wonderfully at the Minnie -nothing to worry about! How awesome that your first race is in WDW. There's nothing better.

Keep up the great work and don't stress about pace or anything close to a 10 mpm. That comes with time.

 

[deekaypee]

Swim-Mom: You keep making improvements in your pace--excellent news! (Better than the neck news, but I keep thinking good thoughts for you.) And about the sweat--there's no way you're alone in that. After a run, I'm sometimes strung out but I ALWAYS need to be wrung out. What brand of sports bra did you end up buying? I need to find my brand, as I tend to go cheap on them and the breasts aren't perky about it.

Caitsmama--is it Stacy?: Welcome: You're going to do fabulous at the Minnie! Don't worry about getting swept, or even walking. Just enjoy yourself on the course. You should be in good shape by then, seeing as you're so close to finishing the schedule. Don't sweat choosing the time option, either. I'm doing my WOs by time, and have technically finished C25K. I just keep adding 10% a week to add distance to my runs. And remember, the adrenalin you experience during the race will probably mean you go even faster! Finally, there's not need to worry about speed. Speed will come with time & experience--or so everyone tells me! (Waiting, I'm still waiting!)

Swim-Mom & Kim: Is the 5K this weekend or next? Regardless, good luck!!

As for me: Today was my longest run & RW since January: 7 miles. I wasn't paying attention to my iPod in terms of the 5K, but it was something under 37:00. Next weekend I'll be in WDW for a long weekend, celebrating my 40th b-day thanks to my DH, and I'll get a chance to try out my running legs in the World!

No event that weekend, though. I'm actually sort of depressed I won't be at the Minnie with so many other WISHers. The good news is that I think DH & I might do the ToT event & he's even talked about the Expedition Everest Challenge. What have I done, encouraging him to see Disney in terms of running events?

 

[swim-mom]

Hi Deb - Thanks for asking about the 5k , it is tomorrow Sunday the 30th!! Kimwim and a friend of hers is also doing it. I bought an Anita sports bra, I think the Fiona bra. I will check for sure though, the list price was $61 and I got it for $48..........expensive YES, but my ****s and neck are thanking me ""NO MORE SORENESS""

OK, back up ---- To prepare one last time before Sunday (Fri night), I ran my usual 3.1 and got a PR of 35 minutes!!!

It may be a fluke, since I thought for sure I would be in the 40's. I just felt like I was going no where fast , but I will gladly take that time!! I hope my time for the 5K will be around that too, but under 38 is OK with me

_____________

On a side note - I did the C25k using distance, because a 5K is about distance I think. It was a bit harder I think, just because I was on my TM for close to 40=45 minutes a time the last couple of weeks. But looking back it was RIGHT FOR ME, so see what works for you. And like KIMWIM said she did time and she is fine now too.

I have to admit ""I don't love running"" but I find when I am done I enjoyed it and happy I did it!!!! .......WEIRD, but so is running

 

[swim-mom]

Hi everyone -

I completed my first 5K, after completing the whole C25K. So this is not my first 5K, but the first 5K that I RAN the whole thing

The wind was horrible, it was enough to make your eyes tear. The sun was shinning and there was 168 people total in the 5K. Keep in mind there were close to 1,000 combined for the 5K, 10 mile and Marathon too.

I ate breakfast this morning, and I thought I would be fine............until the turn around point when I felt my breakfast making its way back up.....sorry Needless to say I was able to control it, I guess praying does work wonders

My finish time was 34:57, I was runner 138 out of 168, a new PR for me!!

KIMWIM aslo did an AMAZING job as well as her friend, but you have to wait for her to post...................

 

[3DisneyKids]

OMG! Congrats on your first race! How awesome for you! And you made GREAT time!

My first race is on May 4th (won't be spring in Maine until then and I am too much of a weather wimp to try anything earlier!) and I would love to post that for my time!