2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[TifffanyD]

Hey all! I'm going to start the last week today!

I tried starting it friday but when I got to the gym the one treadmill that still works was in use, there was only one bike that worked, and it was crowded. So I tried running outside and only made it about 15min before I gave up... due to heat rather than exhaustion (and a bit of confusion on the trail). It has been in the 80s here! Yikes! But I made it about 1.25 miles or so and then had to turn around and head back, so figured it was enough to keep me on track. I was also carrying a water bottle since i had planned to be on the treadmill and it was a bit annoying to carry that.

I picked up something I found at the Magic Kingdom Saturday called a blubandoo. Hopefully that will help keep my face temp down!

 

[CoMickey]

I was bummed out by my rough workout yesterday and was really anxious to get back on the treadmill and try again...so I went for it again today. And it was MUCH better!! No breathing issues, no ear pain. I completed it as written, and then continued the intervals until I did my 3.1 miles. It took me 40m40s this time. I'm going to do my regular Tuesday workout tomorrow too, then off Wed.

I tell ya, when it gets harder it just makes me more determined to DO IT.

Vicki, I hope your week 4 starts off well!

Leigh, that app sounds cool. I have an iPhone so I wonder if I could get it, or something like it.

I don't know about the walk/run rate for a 5K... I am just doing what I can do for now. My goal for now is to just get my 5K time steadily under 40 minutes.

Hey all! I'm going to start the last week today!

I tried starting it friday but when I got to the gym the one treadmill that still works was in use, there was only one bike that worked, and it was crowded. So I tried running outside and only made it about 15min before I gave up... due to heat rather than exhaustion (and a bit of confusion on the trail). It has been in the 80s here! Yikes! But I made it about 1.25 miles or so and then had to turn around and head back, so figured it was enough to keep me on track. I was also carrying a water bottle since i had planned to be on the treadmill and it was a bit annoying to carry that.

I picked up something I found at the Magic Kingdom Saturday called a blubandoo. Hopefully that will help keep my face temp down!

Hi all! I did it!!! I just finished W4D1...I had so psyched my out on this one! As I had posted my Sat. repeat of W3D3 did not go so well and I just knew I would never be able to do the 5 min. runs in W4 but I not only did one 5 min.but I made it through the second one without walking until it was time to walk. I'm not saying it wasn't difficult it was but I did not have as hard a time as I did on Sat. running for 3 min. without walking.

We really can do this! I'm not saying that Wed. I won't be right back there huffing and puffing and wondering WTH but for now I am excited that I did it today!

Liz - I had read your post before going out for my workout and you were inspiring! I was glad to hear that your workout today was easier than yesterday and I was encouraged that perhaps I just had a couple of not so great days and that today would be different. I didn't do any additional intervals but I did walk for another 3/4 mile or so.

Tiffany - Last week...woo hoo! Banana dancing for you! Does it cool off enough in the evening to do your running outside? I've been to Orlando many times but never attempted running or even thought about working out! I'm going to tag along with my DBF who has to go to Orlando for work for a week starting March 24. I work from home so I'll work at the resort during the day while he's at work and then we'll have the nights and one weekend free to have a mini vacation. I will be on W5 while I am there and I wonder when it would be best to workout. I have only run outside so I am not sure that I would like using a treadmill but I can if I really need to.
What is a blubandoo...sounds interesting? I get so red faced but I'm not really as hot as I look and I hate it!!!

 

[TifffanyD]

Hi all! I did it!!! I just finished W4D1...I had so psyched my out on this one! As I had posted my Sat. repeat of W3D3 did not go so well and I just knew I would never be able to do the 5 min. runs in W4 but I not only did one 5 min.but I made it through the second one without walking until it was time to walk. I'm not saying it wasn't difficult it was but I did not have as hard a time as I did on Sat. running for 3 min. without walking.

We really can do this! I'm not saying that Wed. I won't be right back there huffing and puffing and wondering WTH but for now I am excited that I did it today!

Tiffany - Last week...woo hoo! Banana dancing for you! Does it cool off enough in the evening to do your running outside? I've been to Orlando many times but never attempted running or even thought about working out! I'm going to tag along with my DBF who has to go to Orlando for work for a week starting March 24. I work from home so I'll work at the resort during the day while he's at work and then we'll have the nights and one weekend free to have a mini vacation. I will be on W5 while I am there and I wonder when it would be best to workout. I have only run outside so I am not sure that I would like using a treadmill but I can if I really need to.
What is a blubandoo...sounds interesting? I get so red faced but I'm not really as hot as I look and I hate it!!!

Congrats on starting week 4! I haven't tried running at night - it would make me too wound up and I wouldn't be able to sleep. I've only been living here for 6 months so haven't run in the heat yet. I would suggest morning rather than late probably because you have all the residual coolness from the night. If you are just there working whenever then you can probably do it alright.

I tried the blubandoo but it was so heavy! You can see it at blubandoo.com. I may fool around with it some more but i yanked it off halfway through. The whole pouring water in my hand and throwing it on my face is working alright i guess.

 

[liznboys]

Woohoo! I'm 3 for 3 and I feel great!! I did the week 4 workout again today, and this time I was able to keep doing the same exact intervals for my continuation up to 3.1 miles. I actually went longer than 5 minutes for my very last run at the end, and sped up to 6mph too! My time was 40m11s.

I thought with this being my 3rd day in a row that I'd be more tired. But it was the opposite, I was stronger and more into it!

Tiffany, congrats on being in the final week!! That is so exciting, and I can't wait to get there. Feels SO far off right now! lol

Vicki, YAY! That's great you did well! I think you and I are going through a lot of the same stuff. We will have tough days, but we totally CAN do this!
That's neat you're heading to Orlando next week! So will you head to WDW at all?

I'm off tomorrow and wish I wasn't! But I don't want to hurt myself. So I'll be back at it on Thursday.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

 

[weesignlanguage]

Hi guys! Thanks for posting the link for the C25K program you all are following! It looks awesome! I have a quick question.

I am starting (actually Sunday began wk 2) on my second week of walk/jogging and I wondered should I start on WK1 of this program you guys are using or should I start on WK2. Currently, I have done the following:

Warm Up-5 Min. walk
Fast Walk- 3 min followed by Jog- 1 min
Repeat cycle 6 times
Cool down- 5 Min. walk

What would you all do???

 

[TifffanyD]

Hi guys! Thanks for posting the link for the C25K program you all are following! It looks awesome! I have a quick question.

I am starting (actually Sunday began wk 2) on my second week of walk/jogging and I wondered should I start on WK1 of this program you guys are using or should I start on WK2. Currently, I have done the following:

Warm Up-5 Min. walk
Fast Walk- 3 min followed by Jog- 1 min
Repeat cycle 6 times
Cool down- 5 Min. walk

What would you all do???

Well since you are only running 6 min now and walking 3 between I would try week 1 and see how it feels. A bit more running and shorter walks. You don't HAVE to complete all 3 days if you feel that you are past it. Just don't push yourself too hard and give up

 

[weesignlanguage]

Thanks guys! I will try that! Tonight, I walked 2 min and jogged 1.5 min...for 7 reps...plus a 5 min warm up and 5 min cool down! I feel great! It is hard to believe that I jogged for 10.5 minutes in all even if it is spread out! LOL! Thanks for all your help and encouragment! I will follow week one closely now!

 

[ImMarcik]

I have one more day and I am completely done. I promised myself a complete running outfit when I'm done. Time to shop. Next I am going to do Hal Higdon's 8k training.

 

[Ronda93]

I did W6D2 today. I repeated week 4, but am shocked at how I can run. I've started using a heart monitor. Keeping my HR in the 150s really helps. I realized I was running way too fast. My HR was in the 170s and I could not sustain that pace. The earlier weeks I was running at 5.5 mph (according to the treadmill). Once the run times got to 5 minutes that was too fast. I'm now averaging 5.0.

Go slow and build your time. My next run is 25 minutes. I'm anxious to move away from the podcasts and just RUN and then stop.

ImMarcik - Congratulations on finishing. That accomplishment deserves a lot of technical fabric!

Ronda

 

[weesignlanguage]

Ronda, What kind of heart rate monitor are you using? I need one and was just starting to research them...I'd love to know more!

 

[Ronda93]

Ronda, What kind of heart rate monitor are you using? I need one and was just starting to research them...I'd love to know more!

I bought a Polar RS200. It was the simplest/cheapest Polar that works with their foot pod.

Polar was first in HRMs, but the technology is pretty simple and has been picked up by LOTS of gadget makers. I think any using the chest strap are reliable. They start around $55 and sail into the stratosphere from there.

Once measuring HR became pretty standard, the next thing they went after is measuring speed and distance. In that area there are two approaches. Polar uses a footpod. It is laced into your shoes and transmits a signal to the watch. I’ve just started experimenting with the pod. So far the pace it records is pretty close to the pace the treadmill reports. The other technique is with GPS signal. I am a huge GPS fan due to my geocaching habit (http://www.geocaching.com/faq/), but the signal can be blocked by buildings around you, buildings you’re in and heavy tree cover.

I got the RS200 with the footpod (marketed as the RS200sd (speed/distance)). The best price I found was at bikesonline.com. The were a little slow to ship, but the price was worth it. It has enough bells and whistles that I will be discovering things about it for a while. They say it’s able to communicate with computers, but I haven’t tried that yet.

If you have an iPod check out the Nike +. It’s two gizmo set. One plugs into the bottom of the iPod and one gets tied to your shoe. It is a fancy pedometer, but for $30 you can have Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong telling you what a great run you had! Pair that with a $60 HRM and you have a good feedback loop.

I read a lot of reviews at amazon and checked out the gear forum at runnersworld.com.

Ronda

 

[liznboys]

Thanks guys! I will try that! Tonight, I walked 2 min and jogged 1.5 min...for 7 reps...plus a 5 min warm up and 5 min cool down! I feel great! It is hard to believe that I jogged for 10.5 minutes in all even if it is spread out! LOL! Thanks for all your help and encouragment! I will follow week one closely now!

That's great Leigh! Yeah, I would have said to just start at the beginning of the (coolrunning) C25K and then skip ahead if need be.

I have one more day and I am completely done. I promised myself a complete running outfit when I'm done. Time to shop. Next I am going to do Hal Higdon's 8k training.

That's wonderful!! What kind of outfit will you buy? I was looking at running skirts online the other day, they look so cute. I think I'd like to try one of them. I have NO running clothes right now. I'd really love to hear how you like the Hal Higdon's 8K program...maybe that's what I'll do too after this.

I did W6D2 today. I repeated week 4, but am shocked at how I can run. I've started using a heart monitor. Keeping my HR in the 150s really helps. I realized I was running way too fast. My HR was in the 170s and I could not sustain that pace. The earlier weeks I was running at 5.5 mph (according to the treadmill). Once the run times got to 5 minutes that was too fast. I'm now averaging 5.0.

Go slow and build your time. My next run is 25 minutes. I'm anxious to move away from the podcasts and just RUN and then stop.

ImMarcik - Congratulations on finishing. That accomplishment deserves a lot of technical fabric!

Ronda

Thanks for saying that...yeah I could see slowing down in order to keep up the pace when I get into the 8 minutes runs. I hope I can stick with 5mph though. I might repeat week 4 too...

I bought a Polar RS200. It was the simplest/cheapest Polar that works with their foot pod.

Polar was first in HRMs, but the technology is pretty simple and has been picked up by LOTS of gadget makers. I think any using the chest strap are reliable. They start around $55 and sail into the stratosphere from there.

Once measuring HR became pretty standard, the next thing they went after is measuring speed and distance. In that area there are two approaches. Polar uses a footpod. It is laced into your shoes and transmits a signal to the watch. I’ve just started experimenting with the pod. So far the pace it records is pretty close to the pace the treadmill reports. The other technique is with GPS signal. I am a huge GPS fan due to my geocaching habit (http://www.geocaching.com/faq/), but the signal can be blocked by buildings around you, buildings you’re in and heavy tree cover.

I got the RS200 with the footpod (marketed as the RS200sd (speed/distance)). The best price I found was at bikesonline.com. The were a little slow to ship, but the price was worth it. It has enough bells and whistles that I will be discovering things about it for a while. They say it’s able to communicate with computers, but I haven’t tried that yet.

If you have an iPod check out the Nike +. It’s two gizmo set. One plugs into the bottom of the iPod and one gets tied to your shoe. It is a fancy pedometer, but for $30 you can have Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong telling you what a great run you had! Pair that with a $60 HRM and you have a good feedback loop.

I read a lot of reviews at amazon and checked out the gear forum at runnersworld.com.

Ronda

Thanks for that info. I want a heart monitor too. I have one of my treadmill but my boys broke it years ago. I want to know if my heart is beating too fast sometimes. I suspect it has at times.

 

[liznboys]

Ronda, just had to also tell you that everytime I see that Donald half marathon graphic in your sig it inspires me! I really, really want to do it too, but have not registered yet. I'm just not ready to say "I CAN do it" I guess. I'm hoping that as the next few weeks go by I will be ready. I know it'll fill up at some point so I'm watching that closely.

 

[Ronda93]

Ronda, just had to also tell you that everytime I see that Donald half marathon graphic in your sig it inspires me! I really, really want to do it too, but have not registered yet. I'm just not ready to say "I CAN do it" I guess. I'm hoping that as the next few weeks go by I will be ready. I know it'll fill up at some point so I'm watching that closely.

Come on in, the water's fine! Once I write the check - I'm committed ; )

 

[ImMarcik]

That's wonderful!! What kind of outfit will you buy? I was looking at running skirts online the other day, they look so cute. I think I'd like to try one of them. I have NO running clothes right now. I'd really love to hear how you like the Hal Higdon's 8K program...maybe that's what I'll do too after this.

I've been looking on roadrunnersports.com. I'm just going to get a tank, shorts and a couple of packs of running socks. I love running socks. I picked out the tank already, the shorts I am debating on 2 or 3. I'm going to get the RRS brand and the 2 in 1's but not sure which one yet. When I finish the 8k program I'll get myself another one.

 

[liznboys]

Good morning all! I did my same workout today, 3.1 miles in a tad over 40 minutes. Once again, it was a bit harder for me today. I am really noticing that I have harder days after I've had a day or two off. It's like I lose my momentum or something?!?! I was reading about a different 5K program where you only have 1 day off per week. On the other days that would normally be off, you do a 30 minute walk instead. I like the sound of that.

Also, I've pretty much decided for sure that I'm going to repeat week 4. My plan is to workout again tomorrow, so that'll be 5 times this week. Then off Saturday. Then starting Sunday do 4 full workouts mixed with 2 easier ones. I feel better about this plan for now.

Come on in, the water's fine! Once I write the check - I'm committed ; )

I hope to jump in soon!!!

I've been looking on roadrunnersports.com. I'm just going to get a tank, shorts and a couple of packs of running socks. I love running socks. I picked out the tank already, the shorts I am debating on 2 or 3. I'm going to get the RRS brand and the 2 in 1's but not sure which one yet. When I finish the 8k program I'll get myself another one.

I just looked at that site. They have some good deals it seems (since I'm new to all of this I'm not sure I know what a good deal is yet. lol) But I like the sound of those 2 in 1 shorts. I love the blue shirts and tanks on there, the ones that I would call periwinkle (my favorite color). I definitely want something perwinkle when I reach my goal.

I have a question about socks... I had been wearing my regular no-show cotton socks and was fine. I bought some Under Armour running socks last week that of course have no cotton in them, and I don't like them as much as the cotton ones. I find them to be so thin (not as comfy) and my feet actually feel sweatier (and my feet really don't sweat much to begin with)?! Does one have to wear running socks, or is it ok to wear cotton?

 

[ImMarcik]

Good morning all! I did my same workout today, 3.1 miles in a tad over 40 minutes. Once again, it was a bit harder for me today. I am really noticing that I have harder days after I've had a day or two off. It's like I lose my momentum or something?!?! I was reading about a different 5K program where you only have 1 day off per week. On the other days that would normally be off, you do a 30 minute walk instead. I like the sound of that.

Also, I've pretty much decided for sure that I'm going to repeat week 4. My plan is to workout again tomorrow, so that'll be 5 times this week. Then off Saturday. Then starting Sunday do 4 full workouts mixed with 2 easier ones. I feel better about this plan for now.



I hope to jump in soon!!!



I just looked at that site. They have some good deals it seems (since I'm new to all of this I'm not sure I know what a good deal is yet. lol) But I like the sound of those 2 in 1 shorts. I love the blue shirts and tanks on there, the ones that I would call periwinkle (my favorite color). I definitely want something perwinkle when I reach my goal.

I have a question about socks... I had been wearing my regular no-show cotton socks and was fine. I bought some Under Armour running socks last week that of course have no cotton in them, and I don't like them as much as the cotton ones. I find them to be so thin (not as comfy) and my feet actually feel sweatier (and my feet really don't sweat much to begin with)?! Does one have to wear running socks, or is it ok to wear cotton?

I have asiscs running socks now and when they are dirty i wear my nike dri-fits. I am to the point of dreading wearing my nikes. When I am done my feet or so red and hot. A lot of people on here recommend thorlos so that's what I am buying to try them.

I picked out my whole outfit last night. Just one more run and then I order it.

 

[CoMickey]

I completed W4D2 last night and felt great! It was difficult as always but very doable and as I was walking after the last 5 min. run I had to walk more than half way around the park to get back to my car and I decided to try another 3 min. run and I actually ran for 3.5 min. and then I walked for 2 min. and decided to go for another 3 min. and when I got to the 3 min. mark I thought, ‘you only have 2 more min. to run to complete 5 min. so I stuck with it and ran for 5 min. So I ran one extra interval which after W3 I wasn’t even sure I could ever run 5 min. continuously!! I am not breaking any speed records but I am fine with that!

Go slow and build your time. My next run is 25 minutes. I'm anxious to move away from the podcasts and just RUN and then stop.
Ronda

I can't wait until I can just run and not worry about the timed intervals! But I know I am not ready for that yet!

Good morning all! I did my same workout today, 3.1 miles in a tad over 40 minutes. Once again, it was a bit harder for me today. I am really noticing that I have harder days after I've had a day or two off. It's like I lose my momentum or something?!?! I was reading about a different 5K program where you only have 1 day off per week. On the other days that would normally be off, you do a 30 minute walk instead. I like the sound of that.

Also, I've pretty much decided for sure that I'm going to repeat week 4. My plan is to workout again tomorrow, so that'll be 5 times this week. Then off Saturday. Then starting Sunday do 4 full workouts mixed with 2 easier ones. I feel better about this plan for now.

What is the other 5K program? That sounds interesting. I don't do the program every day but I do it every other day. I haven't taken two days off between workouts because for me I know that if I don't make myself do it every other day then I will get unmotivated but I'm not sure about doing it everyday either. Last time I tried the C25K program I did start out doing it every day and I sprained a tendon in my ankle so I am afraid to do to much too. I am going to try to do W5 next week. I'll be in Orlando so we'll see how that works. If it is just too difficult then I'll repeat W4 but I really hope I can move up to W5.

I picked out my whole outfit last night. Just one more run and then I order it.

Congrats on finishing the 8K program. Great idea and a great way to reward yourself! I looked at the website you had mentioned and I think I might order some running clothes sometime soon...maybe after my first 20 min. run.

 

[maroo]

Hi guys!

This is my first post on this thread...

Hoping you guys can help me...or tell me that I am crazy for trying this!!!

I am significantly overweight. I can swim a mile in less than an hour, can bike for 16 miles with very little trouble...and can walk. Just walk. I am doing a very short triathlon (250m swim, 8 mi bike and 2 mi run)...but I can't run 2 miles...and I don't want to be dead last...and I could actually come in last, if I don't get a faster pace (right now I walk about 16 min miles).

I started the couch to 5K program. I am on W1D2!

I can't run for 60 seconds straight. I get too winded. I have asthma and am out of shape. I am just not a runner.

Any suggestions? Any pointers? Am I totally crazy for even trying this?!?

I downloaded the couch to 5K program for my iPhone...which I like because it lets me use my music and just tells me when I should run, etc, in the background...It does the warm up and cool down like the program does.

Anyway...

I do have the right shoes and really good socks...so I am good there.

What am I missing? Should I just keep doing week 1 over and over and over until I can really do that and then go to week 2?

 

[Ronda93]

I was never able to run. I tried in the past and could not get past the first minute. I was around 240 pounds. I could bike and walk forever, but running - forget about it. I've lost some weight and was able to get through the first few weeks no problem, then hit week four and it was the same as ten years ago... I couldn't finish it.

Is your asthma well controlled otherwise?

I had to slow WAY DOWN. I was doing the runs at 5.5 mph (according to the treadmill). Now I'm finishing the longer runs at 4.5 - 4.8.

I repeated week 4, but slowing down was the key for me. I would do week 1 over, but try to just repeat it once. Don't do more than the program calls for. If it starts feeling easy don't do more than the program calls for. Don't run two days in a row. I've had a little tightness in my shins, but that's all the pain I've had. It shouldn't hurt.