2008 - C25K program :) WELCOME!!

[kris10399]

This is my first time posting here too. I decided today that I want to become more healthy for myself and my kids. Like many have said, I'm overweight by about 30lbs too. Was wondering....I have an elliptical machine, not a treadmill...would it be cheating to start on the elliptical to lose some pounds before I pounded the pavement?

 

[weesignlanguage]

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?

HI! Welcome! I'm new too so I cannot answer your questions but there are some great people on here who have helped me out already! I like your info on the Iphone C25K program...I have a T-mobile G1 and downloaded a cardiotracker that tells my slowest/fastest/average speed and tracks my mileage by GPS...I will have to look for a C25K app for my phone! Good luck and hope to see you on here often!

This is my first time posting here too. I decided today that I want to become more healthy for myself and my kids. Like many have said, I'm overweight by about 30lbs too. Was wondering....I have an elliptical machine, not a treadmill...would it be cheating to start on the elliptical to lose some pounds before I pounded the pavement?

I would be interested to know everyone's spin on this...I have an elliptical too but haven't used it in a while...one of my programs says you can do "cross-training" exercises (which includes the elliptical) on your off days. Welcome to the board!!

 

[Ronda93]

This is my first time posting here too. I decided today that I want to become more healthy for myself and my kids. Like many have said, I'm overweight by about 30lbs too. Was wondering....I have an elliptical machine, not a treadmill...would it be cheating to start on the elliptical to lose some pounds before I pounded the pavement?

I would be interested to know everyone's spin on this...I have an elliptical too but haven't used it in a while...one of my programs says you can do "cross-training" exercises (which includes the elliptical) on your off days. Welcome to the board!!

I have used elliptical machines for cardio workouts and they really strenghten my legs, too. I will continue to use it for cross training and calorie burn.

I have read Marathons for Mortals, Running for Mortals, No Need for Speed all by John Bingham. Shameless plug for the public library. He and co-author (on some books) Jenny Hadfield emphasized that requirements to improve human systems vary. The heart and lungs improve much faster (a few weeks) than the muscles (a few months) which are still way ahead of bones and connective tissue (up to a year).

The risk you have to adjust for is being too fit to start slow and short. Your heart will be able to carry you farther than your feet should. That will lead to overuse injuries. While recouperating you could conclude "I just can't run" or "I'm just not a runner". Which ever program you choose (Bingham, C25K, Galloway) start running at the beginning of the program.

Do everything you can to improve your cardiac fitness. It will serve you well every day of your life. If you're not running already, start slow and short.

Ronda

 

[maroo]

Thanks, guys!!

I like this thread. You guys are nice!

I am going to start using the elliptical, too! I am up to 7 minutes. Adding a minute each time I do it!

My schedule this week is to re-do W1D2 on Saturday, then W1D3 on Monday. Then see where I am.

My asthma is well controlled otherwise. The only time I ever have any issue is when I get around cigarette smoke, which is rare.

So, I am going to keep plugging along. I do think the pollen around here is causing me issue, too. But I will press on!

 

[liznboys]

Happy Friday and Happy Spring ladies!!

I did my same workout today...3.1 in a bit over 40m. It was hard again for me, but I think I know why... I started to come down with a cold yesterday.. (scratchy throat, and today it's downright sore and my nose is stuffy/runny). 3 of my boys have colds so I know right where it came from! lol But even though my workouts yesterday and today were harder, I DID THEM! I also went for a walk with my neighbors last night even though I knew I might be getting sick and it got chilly and windy and rained on us. Maybe that was dumb, but I was determined.

So anyhoo, I'm off tomorrow then I'm going to repeat week 4 starting Sunday.


ImMarcik, what outfit did you pick out? I'll look into those thorlos socks, thanks.

Vicki, it sounds like you did great! I hope you can do week 5 with no problem!! Good idea to reward yourself after your first long run...maybe I'll do that too.
Oh, that other program I mentioned is here:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-261--9397-0,00.html
It is interesting, especially since we have some knowledge now of how these programs work.

Maroo, welcome! Being on week 1 is nothing to laugh about! All of us were there, some of us not long ago AT ALL. lol (only 3.5 weeks ago for me!) I feel like I am VERY much a beginner at this still. I think it's great you want to do this. I read this article and it might help you:
http://running.about.com/od/getstartedwithrunning/ht/getstarted.htm
I have an iPhone so I'll have to check out the C25K for it, thanks!

Kris, welcome to you too! I'm sorry I can't help with the elliptical question, I only have a treadmill and have never used an elliptical before. Found this though, maybe it'll lead you to some helpful info:
http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisegear/a/treadelliptical.htm

Keep it up ladies!

 

[cwnhokie]

Maroo,
My advice would be to slow down. That has helped me this time around. My jog is slower than some folks walk, but that is ok, it is still strengthening my heart, lungs, and muscles.

I restarted again yesterday. I started with week 2, because I am so frustrated with myself for starting and stopping so much. I think it may have been a little ambitious to start at week 2, I hope my shins will be ok. I was also on the pavement and not the treadmill so we'll see.

I wonder if there is a program to download for the blackberrry, that would be so helpful.

 

[TifffanyD]

Hey guys! Just wanted to post that technically tonight is my LAST RUN of the program. Well I have been doing 31 mins this week instead of 30 cause my goal right now is to get to 40 (and 4.5 speed for it - that would put me at 3 miles even). Right now I am running 25 minutes at 4.4, 5 at 4.5, then a sprint for the last minute. That takes me to about 2.3 miles. So I am just going to try to keep adding 3 minutes (it's 10% which I think is recommended) for the next 3 weeks after this and I should make it. Woohoo!!

 

[CoMickey]

Hello all and Happy Friday!

I am off to Las Vegas today. My DBF is a rock climber (he hasn't convinced me to join in that...yet) and there is an event near LV this weekend. We were going to camp at the event but since we have so much going on (we leave on Tues. for Orlando) and packing and unpacking all of that stuff takes time so we are going to stay in a nearby hotel instead...my idea!

Yesterday I woke up and the outside of my left foot was sore so I chaulked it up to just some minor soreness from running more the day before and thought it would loosen up as the day went on but it did not. It was still really sore last night. I hadn't mentioned it to my DBF because I knew he would tell me not to workout today but he noticed that I was limping and talked me into taking another rest day today to see how it feels. Ugh! I don't want to but I know he is right. Last time when I did C25K I started out alittle too fast and sprained the tendons in my foot and it has taken me over a year to get motivated to try again so I am frustrated but I don't want to have the same thing happen. I'm taking off today but I might try walking for awhile tonight when we get into LV and I am determined to try to run tomorrow, hopefully taking two days off in a row will help! I've been taking Advil and I iced it last night and it feels better this morning - not 100% but better so I am keeping my fingers crossed!!

Liz - I hope your cold is only a minor one and you are feeling 100% soon! My DBF's DD...had a fever and cold symptoms yesterday but she insisted on going to school because she has perfect attendence so far this year and she had a presentation in health - I think she may just be my pseudo daughter because she can be as stubborn as I am! I am hopeing that none of the rest of us get it - I would really be if I get sick and can't wog!! I think I've finally become obsessed with this running thing and I am .

Maroo - You are not crazy and you will do great. Just take your time and in no time you'll be amazed at how your body reacts to the program. I too have asthema and cigerette smoke bothers me too as does exercising so I make sure to use my inhaler before working out and it makes such a big difference! I started the C25K without realizing that my struggle to breath had a lot to do with my asthema. I thought I was just really, really out of shape which I am/was but my asthema was also a factor but when I started using my inhaler I found it helped my breathing and recovery so much.

Everyone have a great weekend and happy running! (I am determined to run this weekend so wish me luck!!) Advil is my friend!

 

[CoMickey]

Maroo,
My advice would be to slow down. That has helped me this time around. My jog is slower than some folks walk, but that is ok, it is still strengthening my heart, lungs, and muscles.

I restarted again yesterday. I started with week 2, because I am so frustrated with myself for starting and stopping so much. I think it may have been a little ambitious to start at week 2, I hope my shins will be ok. I was also on the pavement and not the treadmill so we'll see.

I wonder if there is a program to download for the blackberrry, that would be so helpful.

Welcome cwnhokie! The important thing to remember is that you are starting again...don't beat yourself up over that fact! Take your time and just go out and do it and before you know it you'll be crazy addicted like I seem to be now!

 

[CoMickey]

Hey guys! Just wanted to post that technically tonight is my LAST RUN of the program. Well I have been doing 31 mins this week instead of 30 cause my goal right now is to get to 40 (and 4.5 speed for it - that would put me at 3 miles even). Right now I am running 25 minutes at 4.4, 5 at 4.5, then a sprint for the last minute. That takes me to about 2.3 miles. So I am just going to try to keep adding 3 minutes (it's 10% which I think is recommended) for the next 3 weeks after this and I should make it. Woohoo!!

Yay Tiffany...Run Tiffany Run! I can't wait until I have completed my last run! How proud you must be of yourself for sticking with it! I read that adding 10% per week is recommended too! Congratulations on finishing the program!

 

[maroo]

Maroo,
My advice would be to slow down. That has helped me this time around. My jog is slower than some folks walk, but that is ok, it is still strengthening my heart, lungs, and muscles.

Thank you! I will probably start running for just 30 seconds instead of the 60...so jog 30 seconds and walk 2 min...for a while. And just stay on week 1 until I can really do the 60/90 rate.

Hey guys! Just wanted to post that technically tonight is my LAST RUN of the program. Well I have been doing 31 mins this week instead of 30 cause my goal right now is to get to 40 (and 4.5 speed for it - that would put me at 3 miles even). Right now I am running 25 minutes at 4.4, 5 at 4.5, then a sprint for the last minute. That takes me to about 2.3 miles. So I am just going to try to keep adding 3 minutes (it's 10% which I think is recommended) for the next 3 weeks after this and I should make it. Woohoo!!

Woo Hoo! I can't wait to be able to say that!

Way to go!

Maroo - You are not crazy and you will do great. Just take your time and in no time you'll be amazed at how your body reacts to the program. I too have asthema and cigerette smoke bothers me too as does exercising so I make sure to use my inhaler before working out and it makes such a big difference! I started the C25K without realizing that my struggle to breath had a lot to do with my asthema. I thought I was just really, really out of shape which I am/was but my asthema was also a factor but when I started using my inhaler I found it helped my breathing and recovery so much.

Everyone have a great weekend and happy running! (I am determined to run this weekend so wish me luck!!) Advil is my friend!

Thank you! I will try to slow down some.

Does your inhaler make you shake? I got a new one...so I think that is part of my problem. But it makes my heart race and makes me shake...and that is when I am not running!

I have also started Singular to hopefully help my allergies. The pollen here in the South is crazy high right now! My car is covered in green/yellow. I am ready for some more rain.

I will keep using that inhaler and hopefully that will help. I am also doing WW so that I can lose some weight. That will help, too. I really am carrying a lot of extra weight, which is not good for running.

 

[TifffanyD]

I did it!!!!!! I finished my "last" run of the program! I realllllly didn't want to go today and had a million reasons why I wasn't going to but somehow I made myself and I felt stronger than usual! Of course I will still be right here with you guys because while I made the 30min mark (actually 31!) I am still a ways off of the 5k mark. I finished 2.3 miles like usual. Next week going to go up to 34 mins and see how far that takes me.

 

[maroo]

I feel a little silly...since Tiffany just finished the whole thing! But I HAVE to tell you this before we get cut off for the night!

I DID IT!!!

I did W1D3 (program on my iPhone) and I followed the instructions exactly! I actually jogged the 60 seconds, walked 90 seconds and jogged 60 and so on!!! I did it!

I actually forgot my inhaler and figured I would have to really slow it down tonight. I was at the gym on the treadmill. I did so much better inside! I am sure the treadmill doing some of the work helped, too! But I am so, so excited!!!

You fitness enthusiasts are going...UH...DUH. That is no big deal. But I felt like I had run a race! I almost did something totally stupid and raised my hands when I was done...you know, like a race. Now how funny would that have been!

Anyway...I better post this before they pull the plug on me!! Thank you all so much for encouraging me to keep going! I really appreciate you guys!!

 

[liznboys]

Happy Sunday!

Vicki, I hope your LV trip is going well. And I hope your foot is feeling better!!

Tiffany, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You did it!

maroo, That's great!! And it IS a big deal!! I feel the same way everytime I finish a day and a week, even the first one. Keep it up, you can do it!!


Well I am sick, sick, sick with this cold. But I still worked out this morning, and once again plans changed...

As you guys know today I was starting week 4 again. My plan was to take it easy since I'm sick and do my runs at 4.5mph instead of 5. So I did the 5 minute warm up walk (4mph) then started running... I went for 5 minutes and it was easy so I said, ok I'll do 10. Went for 10, still fine. So then I said I'll just go as long as I feel like it... I went for 25 minutes!! (My dh came after he heard the treadmill slow down and said "Did you just run for 25 minutes straight?!!?!) After that I walked for 3min, ran at 5mph for 5min, walked a couple min., then ran at 4.5 until I reached 3.1 miles. It took me 42 minutes. So longer than before, but relatively speaking not by much considering how much easier it all was for me!

I'm shocked I was able to do that, so I'm not sure yet how I'll proceed from here...I'll let you know!

 

[TifffanyD]

maroo - way to go!! Sometimes finishing the early weeks is even hardier because your body is jumping into it instead of just increasing.

Liz - Wow congrats!! Just be careful you are listening to your body. Did someone post here earlier that your breathing may be fine but your muscles still need to build up? I found that interesting. But awesome - 25 mins!!

 

[CoMickey]

Hi All!

Back from Las Vegas! We had a very long drive home, it took us 6.5 hours and we drove through the worst wind and dirt storm, not a fun end to a very fun weekend!

But I did manage to get in my last day of W4D3! I ran on a treadmill at the hotel. It was ok and not too hard, wogging outside seems a little harder. I didn't have any problems at all breathing but I got really hot - red faced and sweaty...OMG. I had a hard time getting my rhythm and I only ran at 4.3, I didn't want to push it with my ankle. I did not do any extra intervals. My ankle was a bit stiff but overall it did not hurt just noticed it was there. I iced it when I was finished and took Adil. I was so relieved and it is feeling much better today. Now I need to decide if I'll try to move onto W5. I think I will give it a try on Mon.and see how it goes. I'm thinking that with the 3 min. walks between the 5 min. runs I might be ok...I'll let you all know! We leave for Orlando on Tues. and I plan to carry on and continue working out there. If it goes well then I will be running 20 min. on Friday...wow that is hard to believe!

I feel a little silly...since Tiffany just finished the whole thing! But I HAVE to tell you this before we get cut off for the night!

I DID IT!!!

I did W1D3 (program on my iPhone) and I followed the instructions exactly! I actually jogged the 60 seconds, walked 90 seconds and jogged 60 and so on!!! I did it!

I actually forgot my inhaler and figured I would have to really slow it down tonight. I was at the gym on the treadmill. I did so much better inside! I am sure the treadmill doing some of the work helped, too! But I am so, so excited!!!

You fitness enthusiasts are going...UH...DUH. That is no big deal. But I felt like I had run a race! I almost did something totally stupid and raised my hands when I was done...you know, like a race. Now how funny would that have been!

Anyway...I better post this before they pull the plug on me!! Thank you all so much for encouraging me to keep going! I really appreciate you guys!!

Maroo - Way to go...you have no idea how just a short 4 weeks ago I was in your same position...I felt like Chariots of Fire my first week! We all can totally relate to what you are going through and the feeling of accomplishment! I wanted to cry after my first day of W4 after such a frustrating W3 - I was so happy that I was able to actually run the 5 min. without dieing! You are doing great and you'll be amazed how quickly you progress!

Happy Sunday!


Vicki, I hope your LV trip is going well. And I hope your foot is feeling better!!

Tiffany, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You did it!

maroo, That's great!! And it IS a big deal!! I feel the same way everytime I finish a day and a week, even the first one. Keep it up, you can do it!!


Well I am sick, sick, sick with this cold. But I still worked out this morning, and once again plans changed...

As you guys know today I was starting week 4 again. My plan was to take it easy since I'm sick and do my runs at 4.5mph instead of 5. So I did the 5 minute warm up walk (4mph) then started running... I went for 5 minutes and it was easy so I said, ok I'll do 10. Went for 10, still fine. So then I said I'll just go as long as I feel like it... I went for 25 minutes!! (My dh came after he heard the treadmill slow down and said "Did you just run for 25 minutes straight?!!?!) After that I walked for 3min, ran at 5mph for 5min, walked a couple min., then ran at 4.5 until I reached 3.1 miles. It took me 42 minutes. So longer than before, but relatively speaking not by much considering how much easier it all was for me!

I'm shocked I was able to do that, so I'm not sure yet how I'll proceed from here...I'll let you know!

Liz!! That is amazing and so exciting! I sometimes think of running longer and I was ecstatic last week when I ran one extra 3min/5min. interval but you are amazing and even while you're sick! I am being extra careful about not pushing it especially with my foot/ankle issue that continues to come up once in while. Last time it derailed me for a year and I am determined not to let that happen if I can help it this time. My left foot is very iffy anyway...I had torn the ligaments two years ago and was in a boot brace for 6 months. I baby it a lot so I am sure it is weak to begin with.

Have a great Monday everyone!

 

[maroo]

CoMickey - Las Vegas! Woo Hoo! Did you have fun? Congrats on finishing week 4! I hear that is a hard week!

Do you find it a lot harder to run outside than on the treadmill? Seems like the treadmill is doing the work for us...right? Or is it just helping keep rhythm?

I have decided to do my workouts inside until the pollen count goes back down to something reasonable. These 9.6/10 days are not being nice to my lungs! And to run out in the pollen and inhale it in very large gulps is probably just not a good idea! lol

 

[liznboys]

Vicki, welcome home...although not for long since you're about to head away again. lol That's good that your foot/ankle is feeling better!


Well this morning I ran 3.1 miles non-stop! I did a warmup walk, then reset my treadmill down to zero. Then I ran at 4.5mph and went the whole way! It took me 41 minutes 30 seconds.

So now I guess I have two ways that I can proceed with the C25K program... With the way I did it today I am actually done with the program! However, if I run faster then that'll put me back... If I run at 5mph then I am still at week 4. I am simply not ready to run more than 5 minutes at a time at that speed. But if I ran somewhere in between 4.5 and 5 then I certainly could.

So do I run slower for a longer time with no walking, and gradually increase my speed?
Or do I run faster for a shorter time and do intervals and gradually increase my running time/decrease my walking time?

I don't know! I may just switch back and forth depending on what I feel like doing. I have to research and see if one way is better in the long run (haha). My long term goal is to do the half marathon next January, so I need to figure out which way will get me to that. Who knows, maybe either way is fine and the end result is the same?!? What do you guys think?!

 

[JennyandMike03]

I've been lurking on here for about at week, waiting to get over a back injury to start the C25K.

Well, I DID IT! W1D1! It was tough, and I had to slow down my pace each time the run sections came, but I was able to get thru it!

I don't have a treadmill, so my Hubby and I just walked/jogged around the neighborhood. I just mapped my route, and it was 2.15 miles total! I can't beleive it was that far!

Our goal is to do the Expedition Everest Challenge in September!

Thank You All! Even though you didn't know it, you've been inspiring me as I read along!

 

[graceesmom]

I started this program a few weeks ago. I'm on my 2nd workout of week 3 and I am so motivated by this program. I have NEVER been a runner even when I was in great shape.

Before DD was born (she's 2 1/2) I worked out 4-5 days a week at the gym, but I've felt guilty working full-time that I always want to get right home to be spend time with her before she goes to bed.

Anyway, I've made up my mind that I'm tired of being out of shape and I've carried the extra 10 lbs of baby weight too long.

So far so good, but it's hard to believe I'll ever be able to run 30 minutes straight.

Good luck to everyone on the program and happy jogging.