2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[MomofCKJ]

******GOAL this weekend********

I want to change my route a bit, do my whole route with the exception of entering my development the back way. Instead I want to run straight to the next street and then run through the front of my development. I checked milage from the back of my development on the new route and it comes up .8 SO now I have to figure out the total run distance. I want to be smart about it with my neck. I cant do any more than 4 miles and I would like to have a LR.

I am hoping that I can do it this weekend, cross your fingers

How did your new route go? Did you get your long run in?

I did W3 for the 6th time today and made a decision that even though W4 scares me on paper I am going to do it on Tuesday. It is time to move on and give it a try!

Allyson

 

[swim-mom]

How did your new route go? Did you get your long run in?

I did W3 for the 6th time today and made a decision that even though W4 scares me on paper I am going to do it on Tuesday. It is time to move on and give it a try!

Allyson

Hi Allyson - I did not do my run yet, my neck is a bit sore --- I think I slept wrong on top of just having a bad neck. I am going to take some (2 ) motrin and see how I do, otherwise the run will have to wait till tomorrow! No biggie, if I have to move it to tomorrow or if I feel better I will do it around 7pm-8pmish!!

How is everyone else doing???

 

[swim-mom]

Well, I felt crappy tonight but I felt like I had to run. Weird I know, but running on Sunday's actually helps me in the long run. Because I am up late with grad school work, and I feel more awake afterwards

First I have to say - I love my new sneakers, they just feel so great!!! I told my dh that I did not feel so great, so I may be home sooner that I normal. However, I knew if I felt good I was going to attempt the LR of 3.5 miles. Well I left the house at 7:50pm and I thought I would be home before dark. I WAS WRONG, it got dark around 8:10pm, but I was feeling good and decided to just do it.

I RAN the whole thing in 38:04 , and I felt great. I was dragging a bit in the end, but I still can't believe that I did it.

My reward - A choc blizzard, NOW THAT I DID NOT NEED!!! but hey every now and again does not hurt ----- right??!!

 

[Raenstoirm]

Well, I survived week 4 (finally) and now I am on to week 5 . I think I will be ok today. It is wednesday that I am worried about, and don't get me started on Friday ! Week 5 looks really scary.
I have also decided that for these last few weeks I am going to move to distance (verses time that I have been using). Now that it is nice round numbers (2 laps, 3 laps), I think it will be easier to keep track of.

 

[3DisneyKids]

First I have to say - I love my new sneakers, they just feel so great!!! I told my dh that I did not feel so great, so I may be home sooner that I normal. However, I knew if I felt good I was going to attempt the LR of 3.5 miles. Well I left the house at 7:50pm and I thought I would be home before dark. I WAS WRONG, it got dark around 8:10pm, but I was feeling good and decided to just do it.

I RAN the whole thing in 38:04 , and I felt great. I was dragging a bit in the end, but I still can't believe that I did it.

Woo Hoo! Way to go! And I am soo glad to hear that it felt GOOD!!!!

I forgot to ask you what you are studying? Debra and I are both academic geeks as well.

Well, I survived week 4 (finally) and now I am on to week 5 . I think I will be ok today. It is wednesday that I am worried about, and don't get me started on Friday ! Week 5 looks really scary.
I have also decided that for these last few weeks I am going to move to distance (verses time that I have been using). Now that it is nice round numbers (2 laps, 3 laps), I think it will be easier to keep track of.

AEWESOME! Get psyched for Week 5! You can do it! I don't think it matters if you do time or distance...whatever works best for you!

As for me, I really overcame a battle today. For the first time since I started this craziness I really wanted to blow it off today. No real reason why--I feel fine, etc. I just wasn't into it...and I had a 60-minute run scheduled, which was DAUNTING, I tell ya. So I told myself that I at least had to get out there and do SOMETHING. I started bargaining with myself...I would see how I felt after 30 minutes, etc.

Well, I am back and I completed the WHOLE thing! The last 8 minutes were TOUGH (I turned a corner and was into the wind....ugh!), but I am really proud of myself for kicking my own tail out the door and putting one foot in front of the other.

Have a great day! We CAN do this and it IS worth it!

 

[deekaypee]

Stacy: No, I know you aren't scheduled for the marathon weekend. I was trying a little subtle peer pressure--I just knew I should have put in a smilie, but couldn't figure which one! Can't blame a girl for trying/hoping, though, because I think it would be cool to meet you!

Erika: Pardon me for disagreeing with you, but you're already freakin' fabulous, baby! Great job with the speed drills, and you know you really challenged your body (in a good way). I'm so impressed you can run a sub-30 5K (which I know you could do because of the time in the drill). Makes that exhaustion worthwhile, I'll bet.

And I keep meaning to thank you--and everyone--for posting information like your speed drills. I'm working on distance only right now, but I have hopes of one day seeing if I can move from tortoise to, well, faster tortoise.
And I know what you mean by the the daunting time/not wanting to run situation (see below), so double for pushing through.

Swim-Mom: I so admire you for working through your neck issues while continuing not only to run but to plan a LR! I know you're being smart, but I wanted to say that you're also being dedicated. Congratulations on completing it & with such a great time! You've definitely gotten speedier. About that chocolate blizzard, when DON'T we need one? At least you deserved it!

Allyson: I can appreciate how scary things look on paper--I consistently find that the mental game of running is my biggest obstacle. 7 times out of 10, if I don't reach my goal for the day it's because of the mental & not the physical. (I'd say the other big factor, btw, is fueling.) So how did your W4D1 go?

Raenstoirm: for starting W5. I know you can do it, taking one run at a time. It's also cool that you're shifting to distance--whatever works to make keeping track of your progress easier for you.

As for running shoes, Stacy & Swim-Mom, isn't it AMAZING how much difference the right (or wrong) shoe can make?

As for me: Saturday was my 8 mile LR/RW. I knew almost as soon as I got up that it wasn't going to be touch. I let DOOD talk me into eating pasta the night before, when I really needed more substantial protein (I'm a vegetarian). So it was rough going. I had to switch over to my RW after 30 minutes or so of running, earlier than I'd hoped, and do short RW intervals. At one point I even just stopped dead in my tracks and put my hands on my knees, thinking "I'm so done with this." But then I uttered my hard-core little inspiration phrase, the one I use when I need a serious booty-kicking: "Man up, M-F!" Hey, I don't know why it works, but it does. And managed to finish in 1:29:15 (I saw the 1:30 approaching & had to sprint, but I did it). I think for my half, though, I'd be best served by taking a conservative approach and keep to a steady RW the entire time. I shouldn't lose my straight-running distance, but I want to finish the 1/2 strong.

And today I did my first short run by distance, not time, and finished a 4 miler. As with Saturday, I had to convince myself, to bargain with myself, to do it--so I think I need to revisit my eating habits. I've been trying to drop a few pounds, but am worried I'm shorting my nutritional needs. Maybe I'll just diet every other day??? Chocolate blizzard here I come!

 

[Caitsmama]

Debra, you are too funny.. LOL

Congrats on your LR -- you still would be kickin' my butt! I have never gone past 4 miles yet! LOL And i have always done a R/W thing.. Tonights run/walk ought to be interesting, considering i dusted my mount. bike off and rode 12 miles yesterday, first time on a bike in 8 years!!! LOL So, my uh,,, butt is a lil' sore.

As for Jan, that is totally out for me.. Sorry!!! LOL We do WDW in Nov. and then probably again next May (hoping for the Princess 1/2 - or anything really!)
I use to own my own business, so time off - esp. in the winter was no prob. But, now i have a pt job, so i have to stick to my paid time off - which will be 2 weeks.. I can take more unpaid, but dh will flip! LOL He thinks i am nuts to be going down there this may for just the 4 days!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Swim-Mom-Those blizzards are good and quite an incentive!

Stacy--Enjoy your new running shoes! Those are fun to get!

Raenstoirm--Good for you for making it to W5! Let us know how it is going! I'm on W4 so I am definately interested in hearing about what your experience is with it!

Erika--Those speed drills sound quite challenging! Good for you for doing them!

Debra---You make me laugh with your "inspirational phrase" So when you do a RW, that is a run/walk right, like part run, part walking? Do you do it in certain increments for the whole time or do you run till you feel like you need to slow down a bit, walk till you feel ready to speed up?

Today I did Week 4 for the first time.... and I DID IT! DH and I went out this morning. We've been running together 2 of the 3 times we go out per week, Tues and Thu and on Saturday we do it seperately since the kids are home. So we went out today and I'll admit, I was nervous about the 5 minute runs. But I did them, both of them, without stopping! I was winded,and my ankles were sore, but I did it. And I am so happy I did!

Thanks for all the encouragement!

Allyson

 

[kimwim8]

Today I did Week 4 for the first time.... and I DID IT! DH and I went out this morning. We've been running together 2 of the 3 times we go out per week, Tues and Thu and on Saturday we do it seperately since the kids are home. So we went out today and I'll admit, I was nervous about the 5 minute runs. But I did them, both of them, without stopping! I was winded,and my ankles were sore, but I did it. And I am so happy I did!

CONGRATS!!! That's a big step in the running process and you did it! I'm proud of you for pushing yourself into something you were nervous about. ALL of us were nervous going into future weeks, and all of us (at least I think) had doubts when reading what was asked of us for that new week. But we are all overcoming. If we need/needed an extra day or week of a certain program, then we did it. It can only make us stronger! Congrats again!

 

[Raenstoirm]

Believe it or not yesterday was easy!! Week 5 day 1, I actually found easy. I cant believe it! The last lap was really no fun, but I managed to get through it and after I was done, I realized it really wasn't hard. As I said, I switched to distance yesterday, so I think that might have helped. When you are out of breath, another minute seems like so long, but another half mile seems doable. I can convince myself if I run faster and harder, it will be over sooner (now mind you I am on a treadmill, so I am really not going any faster, but the mentality works). I am nervous about three laps in a row tomorrow, but every time I succeed I get a little bit more confident of what I can do!

 

[deekaypee]

Stacy: Oh, the job thing. That explains why you're not coming. Yeah, jobs interfere with our real lives, don't they? I hope your run works out. I do have to say that I find my muscles appreciate the run as it alleviates the not-so-pleasant after-effects of the biking.

Allyson: I'm glad you like my inspirational quotes--they're nothing I would say to anyone else, but they do motivate me. It's hard to take yourself seriously when you're calling yourself names. And it's probably funnier because I've never been to boot camp. In bigger news, though, WTG with your W4D1 success!! That's so great that you and your DH can run both together & separately. Together, for the sense of support & accomplishment; separately, so that you can challenge yourself as an individual & figure out what works for you. Be sure to take care of those ankles, and get a rest day in there. P.S. Are you wearing running shoes--not XT, or sneakers, or walking shoes?

Kim: Add me to the list of people that got--and still get--nervous with new weeks & goals. I love the challenge, though, and I think the nervousness means we're taking our goals seriously. (But not so seriously that we won't go outside our comfort zones.)

Raenstoirm: with W5 being easy & do-able. You know, I think you're onto something with the focus on distance--especially if it helps you with the mental game. I did C25K for time and I have to agree that it seems easier to squeeze in that last bit of distance than to go another couple of minutes. Anyway, congratulations & you're going to do great with the rest of the week.

ABOUT ME: ALLYSON'S QUESTION ON RW & RUNNING
Yes, a Run-Walk (RW) is exactly what you describe, and your question about intervals is a good one because I'm not sure quite how to answer.

So here's a preliminary answer, long as usual. I try to be consistent in my intervals right now, as I'm new enough to running that I'm never quite sure if my desire to walk is physical or mental. KWIM? Sometimes that consistency doesn't happen, of course. But when I deviate from my plan it's to run longer intervals, for example if the run feels easy. I really try not to run shorter intervals than my training program recommends.

My interval strategy, and my 1/2 strategy, comes from John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals 1/2 marathon RW plan.* His recommendations are "bare minimum" RW intervals I try to achieve. Right now, they're a 3/1, I think. (Bingham's intervals change over the course of the program: 3/2, 4/1, with a suggested goal of doing the 1/2 with a 4/1.) Since I've been doing Bingham's program concurrently with C25K my training is somewhat strange--I transition from a straight run to RW instead of sticking to a RW interval on my LRs. Because I'm trying to listen to my body, my interval periods also change with the run. Some days it's a 3/1, some days it's a 5/1, some days it's a 6/2, etc. On race day, though, I'm going to try to do a RW interval throughout, hopefully a 10/1 or so.

*NOTE: Bingham's intervals are just guidelines, and he encourages people to choose the intervals that feel right for them. I'd eventually like to be able to do longer intervals for my races (if I do intervals at all): maybe run a mile, walk a minute or walk at the water station, run a mile, etc. Jeff Galloway is also a proponent of the RW, and his plans are also worth looking at.

Lots of WISHers and marathoners in general use a RW strategy. I met several people on the Disney course using their own version, establishing their own rhythms & intervals depending on their training & the race day's needs. Many RWers have a better overall pace than I do (not that that's difficult). I hope no one here would feel they aren't a runner if they decide that the RW is what works best for them. (It's too early for any of us to tell, I know.) As for me, I'm interested in experimenting right now. Who knows? I might decide I'm a dedicated RWer in the future.

 

[swim-mom]

I forgot to ask you what you are studying?

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, but I have been crazy with everything going on. I am getting my Masters in School Counseling and I love my program. I was accepted into the Ph.d program, but with 4 children I just can't put the effort into that. Plus I need to work, like yesterday too, and I am excited to actually use this degree too

 

[3DisneyKids]

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, but I have been crazy with everything going on. I am getting my Masters in School Counseling and I love my program. I was accepted into the Ph.d program, but with 4 children I just can't put the effort into that. Plus I need to work, like yesterday too, and I am excited to actually use this degree too

OMG, I totally hear you there. I was pregnant with my first (of 3) as I was finishing my Ph.D. I made a huge banner to put over my desk that said "Ph.D. Before M.O.M." I was ENORMOUS when I went to defend my dissertation. I made it with 11 days to spare...

Sounds great that you love your program!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Allyson:P.S. Are you wearing running shoes--not XT, or sneakers, or walking shoes?

Yes back in February I went to a recommended real running shoe store. They had me try like 6 pair, had me run on a treadmill in the store, run outside and I ended up with some Asics, I don't have them with me so I don't know the model (they are purty though!). She noticed that I turn my foot a bit and so these were to give me some extra support and they did feel so much better than the walking shoes I was using, they are super comfy and roomy.


Thanks for explaining the R/W thing. I got that book from the library and read most of it and want to get my own copy this summer to use for my Half training. I like the R/W idea, I definately want to experiment with it.

Allyson

 

[swim-mom]

hoping for the Princess 1/2

I too want to do the Princess, if in fact it is really true (replacing the Minnie 15K).......I already told DH that is my present for finishing grad school However, I have I can't do anything now since I dont know when graduation is next year...........so I guess I will be waiting a while to sign up

Today I did Week 4 for the first time.... and I DID IT!

Allyson - If you can do week 4, then it just proves you can go all the way too!! Keep going you are almost there

Believe it or not yesterday was easy!! Week 5 day 1, I actually found easy. I cant believe it!

Raenstoirm - Week 5 can be a challenge, but you just have to keep going. Almost like it is mind over matter You can do it !!!

Ericka - When is your first race? how are things going so far??

Deb - You are like a E-bunny.....YOU KEEP GOING AND GOING AND GOING!!!

I hope to run a 1/2, but those LR scare me

*****Yesterday was my first day of PT, can I tell you I was sweating!!!! I even had to do 10 minutes on a bike (I did 2 miles though ) By the time I left my neck was just tender, no pain....

Well, I had this great idea that I would go for a run but by this time my neck was throbbing.......2 motrin later, I went out to run. The whole time I ran I just wanted to cry. My neck just felt so heavy and I thought it was just going to give out. For some odd reason, I was dragging my right leg.....I am not sure if maybe it had enough already with the 2 mile bike ride

I did run the whole thing in 33 minutes, but it was the longest time ever mentally and physically!!! I hope to god it gets better, otherwise I will only be running when I don't have PT.

On a side note - at my evual. they found that I only have 10% strength in my upper body, OH and that my arms shake really good from being so week !!! So needless to say I think PT is going to kick my but everytime I am there !!!

 

[kimwim8]

Hey swim-mom. Glad PT didn't hurt too bad. You might not want to push it & run on those days. It's probably a good idea to alternate somehow and not push it.

As for me, I think I'm going to just post on the graduates thread and my journal. You all are always welcome to stop by either one of those to check up on me. I will still be here cheering you guys on and checking up on you, but it's getting a little crazy trying to post about my runs in all 3 threads.

Keep up the GREAT work, ladies!!

 

[Raenstoirm]

I didn't run yesterday. I had to go to DOT RCRA training for work, so it screwed up my schedule. I was stuck in a little classroom all day, so I didn't drink my water or eat right all day. By the time the class got out, I was a little fried. Then I passed to MVA on my way home and since my license expires at the end of this month, I decided to take a "quick" stop to get a new license. An hour and a half later, I got out of there, but it was just too late to run. The gym would be packed, and I had to get dinner ready and all the rest of the daily tasks. I figure I will do day 2 tomorrow and Monday and then hopefully get day three done next Wednesday since I cant run Friday of next week since we have house guests flying in at 9 am.

 

[MomofCKJ]

Just came in from W4D2! It is a gorgeous day out there and I went on a slightly different route and it was good. I had to really push it to finish those 5 minuters and I was about as slow as a turtle but I ran all that I was supposed to!

Raen, glad that you kicked W5's behind! That is great! Sorry you couldn't get out yesterday but have a great run tomorrow!

Allyson

 

[deekaypee]

Allyson: I'm an overpronator, too, and it's a wonder what a difference the correct shoe makes! I have to say that what impresses me most about Bingham is 1) how supportive he is of every runner, 2) how he encourages everyone to find their own pace, and 3) how accurate he is about the emotional aspect of running. I was stunned to find my reactions to taper were Bingham-textbook, for example. It sounds iike you really enjoyed your W4D2. And for trying a new route--that keeps things interesting & helps you push yourself!

Swim-Mom: Oooh, a race to celebrate graduation. How cool--that would be 2 rites of passage! I'm so glad you're going to a PT and working on your upper body (and core, I assume). it will make a lot of difference in your running and hopefully for your neck. I say this not because I have upper-body strength but because I'm working on it because I know how important it is for overall health and to improve my running. I have to thank AmyBeth68 (a regular poster over on the Events/Competition part of WISH, in case anyone doesn't know) for helping push me in the core direction.

Kim: Happy graduation--I look forward to tracking your progress on your journal. (But not stalking you. )

Raenstoirm: Don't you hate it when LTO & you can't even attempt to run? But it's better than trying to squeeze it in and having a stonker of a run. This way, you can plan to finish W5 when you're in the right frame of mind & can really concentrate.

As for me: I also think it's time for me to move on, so I'll be posting here less frequently. I'm not organized enough to keep a journal, but I'm a member of Team Ohana for the WISH challenge on the Events/Competition thread & I try to post on the weekly thread, too. I'll be checking in regularly to see how everyone's doing, though, because I just know that Swim-Mom, Erika, Allyson, Raenstoirm, Fitswimmer, Stacy, and everyone else are going to do great & will deserve all the kudos I can muster!

 

[Raenstoirm]

As for me: I also think it's time for me to move on, so I'll be posting here less frequently. I'm not organized enough to keep a journal, but I'm a member of Team Ohana for the WISH challenge on the Events/Competition thread & I try to post on the weekly thread, too. I'll be checking in regularly to see how everyone's doing, though, because I just know that Swim-Mom, Erika, Allyson, Raenstoirm, Fitswimmer, Stacy, and everyone else are going to do great & will deserve all the kudos I can muster!

We will miss you on here. You always take the time to mention each person by name which is so great! Life does get in the way, of well everything.
Happy running!