Couch to 5K running plan...has any tried it?

[lindybug]

Joining in!

I am on week 3 of this program. I have never been a runner, but DH and I signed up for the half marathon in January 2008. So I figured this would be a good place to start.

So far, I like it! I downloaded the podcasts from iTunes and that really helps since I don't have to keep an eye on the clock.

corinnak ~ What a difference! You are a good inspiration.

 

[kimwim8]

What do you think? A little different, right?

Corinna - DEFNITELY see the difference in your face!! You've worked HARD for that!! Enjoy!! And keep up the great work!

Oh, and as far as what to do when the program ends...I guess that depends on your personal goals. I knew I just wanted to run to maintain a healthy weight. So I was completely happy with running 3-4 times a week for about 30 minutes 915 out & 15 back), with a longer (maybe 45 minutes) run on the weekends sometimes. I wasn't in it to run a marathon or anything. And if I ever do decide to do the 1/2 in WDW someday, I plan on doing intervals. I can't see myself maintaining that kind of running schedule for the rest of my life, you know? Take a look at what kind of runner you want to be...and take it from there. For me it's not about a certain distance or a certain speed, it's about the exercise of it.

 

[corinnak]

Joining in!

I am on week 3 of this program. I have never been a runner, but DH and I signed up for the half marathon in January 2008. So I figured this would be a good place to start.

So far, I like it! I downloaded the podcasts from iTunes and that really helps since I don't have to keep an eye on the clock.

corinnak ~ What a difference! You are a good inspiration.

Welcome to the club, lindybug! I think c25k is a great place to start your ascent to the half marathon (not that I've run one myself, mind you!). I am hoping to do the half in 2009. I am glad you found my photos inspiring. I am finding them to be so as well! It is amazing what three months of regular exercise and tracking with weight watchers . com has done, I think.

Kim and Kate, Thanks for your nice comments about my photos as well. I was surprised by the difference and it is nice to hear that I am not imagining it.

As of today, I feel like I have kind of leaped off the wagon. I ran today, and did do the 28 minutes I was supposed to do, but I shoved a 5 minute walking break in after the first mile. Then after I finished up the second half of the 28 minutes, I walked for five more minutes. Then I ran another 6 minutes until, with warm-up walk included, I got to 3.1 miles. This is the highest number I have gotten for distance since I started, and I was able to do all of the running at the blisteringly fast - ha ha - 4mph, rather than slowing down at the halfway mark like I did the last two times. I don't want my heart rate to be way above the training zone for much of the workout and I don't want to run for 28 minutes at 3.5 mph either. I figure at this point, I can increase the proportion of running to walking as desired, but I really will be running MOST of that 5K in less than a month regardless. I know, not exactly falling off of the wagon, but I have definitely broken with "the plan" at this point, haven't I? Can I keep posting here? I am still traveling from the couch to the 5K, as my husband points out......

 

[eeyore45]

Joining in!

I am on week 3 of this program. I have never been a runner, but DH and I signed up for the half marathon in January 2008. So I figured this would be a good place to start.

So far, I like it! I downloaded the podcasts from iTunes and that really helps since I don't have to keep an eye on the clock.

corinnak ~ What a difference! You are a good inspiration.

Jumping in -

I also want to do the half marathon '08 - I have never liked running - always hated it1 dh always loved and loves running! So the half is a challenge (the 5K is not a problem according to dh that's my normal "shopping stride" LOL)

So I printed the program, and pretty much thought about it, the weather was bad (no TM here) well I'm on week 2 I have no clear measure of the distance... and I'm not quite sure I"m running faster than I walk... its ok, I am forcing myself to do 4 complete weeks with a "loop in the park" I think total its at 1.5 miles - about 20 - 25 min so far...

what "podcasts from itunes" do you download??

 

[contempory4me]

what "podcasts from itunes" do you download??

[/QUOTE]

The podcast is called "Coach to 5K"

It sounds like we are all at the crossroads together. I haven't done the program since Sunday but will get back on track tommorrow. Too much crazy stuff going on at work and home. Its easy to say, take some time for yourself but reality is that kids need to be driven places, work deadlines met and dinner cooked.
Reading your posts about your accomplishments really helps me. Corrinna, your picture looks great! And the rest of you that are actually going to run races, that's so cool! I can't believe that i am up to wk5- that's a long stretch of exercising for me. And the fact that people at work are noticing my weight loss.

How does the Forerunner work? What is the cost?

 

[bellesnow]

Just do a search for couch to 5k under podcast. I love it.

 

[eeyore45]

Just do a search for couch to 5k under podcast. I love it.

thanks for that...

what do you love about it? Is it music? Inspirational talk? search in itunes library or at cool runnings?

Most of those running here are at the 4 - 8 week mark? I agree about it being a miracle I am running... and I know I shouldnt "obsess" (it doesnt feel like I'm obsessing!) but is it really possible to get to the 15min per mile pace?

Is there a difference between indoor (treadmill) and outdoor running times?

 

[katerkat]

thanks for that...

what do you love about it? Is it music? Inspirational talk? search in itunes library or at cool runnings?

Most of those running here are at the 4 - 8 week mark? I agree about it being a miracle I am running... and I know I shouldnt "obsess" (it doesnt feel like I'm obsessing!) but is it really possible to get to the 15min per mile pace?

Is there a difference between indoor (treadmill) and outdoor running times?

I liked the podcasts in the beginning because it was hard to keep track of the 90-60 second intervals. I never really liked his music choices though, so once it got into longer stretches, I switched to my own music.

http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/files/category-7.html - that's the link to them.

It's possible to get to a 15 min per mile pace! Slowly but surely. I started out at about 16:30 per mile, and yesterday, I ran 12:12 per mile. Not everyone will, of course, depending on lots of things, but if you work at it, you'll get better.

I found it massively easier to run outside yesterday - I've been on the treadmill for over a week and a half, but for the end of Week 8, I went to the outside track. I shaved 2 minutes off my mile that way and could run at a comfortable pace rather than the forced pace of the treadmill. I will say the treadmill was necessary to get me up to that speed, though!!

 

[eeyore45]

Thanks for that info Kat -

I guess I'll stick with my ipod music - as I'm pretty much at a slow jog with easy breathing - I've only had to stop twice to walk a bit to recollect my breathing... and remind myself I CAN do this, (I hate running!) (thats for 1.5 miles)

 

[lillygator]

for those following the couch to 5k....how do you count your time - do you have stop watches? (the 60 or 90 sec intervals)

 

[corinnak]

for those following the couch to 5k....how do you count your time - do you have stop watches? (the 60 or 90 sec intervals)

A stopwatch would work. So would a small kitchen timer - I have a very cheap one from IKEA. The podcasts are really in their glory for measuring those shorter intervals, though, because they happen so frequently. At the time I was doing 60 and 90 seconds, I think I just watched the clock on my treadmill. A kind of dreadful way to do it, I have to confess.

 

[corinnak]

Last night I decided to go outside for the first time. Armed with my new Garmin and some gorgeous weather, I headed out to a local park that has a walking path in a big loop. I discovered several things:

1. That park and that loop are smaller than I thought!
2. That park and that loop are hillier than I thought!
3. It is harder to run as slowly outside as I have been on the treadmill.

I ran around the loop three or four times and ventured a bit away from the park at one point too. The flat parts were super easy. The slightly inclined parts felt like normal (I have my TM incline set to 2) and the big hills were just a beast both going up and going down. I stopped to walk twice....maybe three times. And ended up with my fastest time ever, which is still not that fast, but 3.1 miles in 41:28. That means, unless my Garmin or my math is wrong, I was averaging 4.5mph, including walking, which just boggles my mind. I am boggled.

Oh, the other thing that happened - my shins didn't appreciate the asphalt so much, though I don't have shin splints this morning, I did feel sore for the first time in a while last night. I tried running on the grass next to the paved path, but that seemed to be harder on me in general because it was kind of unpredictable or something. I am sure I could get used to it.

Here is something funny. I don't have the right gear for this. I ran carrying a little bottle of water and my car key. My driver's license was in the flat back pocket on my running skirt. I think I want one of those fancy water bottles with the handle and the pocket.

How's everyone else doing? I know Bloomsday is coming right up, right katerkat?

 

[legallygoofy]

Cannot believe this..... Trying so hard to do the couch to 5k.

Two weeks ago in an unrelated event, I fell and bruised my shin. Last week I had the worst pain ever in my leg and calf. Can you believe I have a blood clot? Fortunatly, not dangerous. Just very painful. This will keep me from doing any walking/jogging for several weeks. Distressed about not being in shape for our Disney trip in just four weeks. I know, should have started planning a little earlier....

Chiropractor seems to think I should be in pretty good shape in two weeks.

Keep on working guys. I'll be back.

 

[katerkat]

And ended up with my fastest time ever, which is still not that fast, but 3.1 miles in 41:28. That means, unless my Garmin or my math is wrong, I was averaging 4.5mph, including walking, which just boggles my mind. I am boggled.

Here is something funny. I don't have the right gear for this. I ran carrying a little bottle of water and my car key. My driver's license was in the flat back pocket on my running skirt. I think I want one of those fancy water bottles with the handle and the pocket.

How's everyone else doing? I know Bloomsday is coming right up, right katerkat?

I'm boggled, too! I run way faster (apparently) outside than on the treadmill. I also don't feel exhausted after running outside. Maybe it's the fresh air. Outside, I'm running about 12 min/mile, including a couple of walk breaks (today I only needed one!)

Do you like the Forerunner? I suggested the 305 to DH - he wants one for biking and couldn't justify it for only himself, so he's psyched that I want one too.

I live in a really safe area (ie, on a military base) so I just leave my keys and such in the car...but I'm trying to figure out what to do on Sunday for Bloomsday! I'll have my keys and two ID cards, at the minimum. They will obviously have water for us so I won't have to worry about that. My running pants have no pockets!!

Bloomsday is Sunday and I'm not nervous....yet. I'm disappointed, though - DH is sitting Alert so he can't leave the base to be at the finish line. Luckily I traded babysitting with a friend, so someone will be able to watch Russ! I've been reading reports on Doomsday Hill - 0.72 miles that climbs 145 feet! I drive past it on a regular basis and avoid looking at it. Luckily once that is over, it's two easy miles to the finish line.

 

[punksmom]

I have been thinking that both my daughter and I need to start this. She is 12 and is about 40 pounds overweight - I am 40 and need to lose about 80 pounds. We currenly walk a few times a week.

Do you think we could do this? Should we lose weight before we start this? Anyone with a large amount of weight to lose, or has lost, have any advice?
Thanks

 

[corinnak]

Bloomsday is Sunday and I'm not nervous....yet. I'm disappointed, though - DH is sitting Alert so he can't leave the base to be at the finish line. Luckily I traded babysitting with a friend, so someone will be able to watch Russ! I've been reading reports on Doomsday Hill - 0.72 miles that climbs 145 feet! I drive past it on a regular basis and avoid looking at it. Luckily once that is over, it's two easy miles to the finish line.

Wow - I'm so sorry that your DH won't be able to be there for your race. The other day, I just carried the car key (only one, not the fob) in my hand. I guess there are things available that you can put on your shoe to hold a key. Other than that, I can only wish you good luck! That hill sounds brutal! It will make you strong, I guess!

As for the Forerunner, I have only used it once, but it is certainly nice to have that information when I am running outside. It's not small, but doesn't seem unwieldy to my wrist at all, which is nice.

Today I ran on an indoor track and had to stop after two+ miles because of a pain in my left leg. Not sure if it was the constantly turning left or if the track (at the YMCA) is made of some unsuitable material underneath the rubbery carpet. I have not had this problem before, though I had felt a slight twinge running on the asphalt the other day. I kind of wondered if the track was made of concrete underneath or something!. I won't do that again. Plus, 11 laps for one mile - just demoralizing. And hard to keep track of. Outdoors or Treadmill on Saturday morning, I guess.

 

[corinnak]

I have been thinking that both my daughter and I need to start this. She is 12 and is about 40 pounds overweight - I am 40 and need to lose about 80 pounds. We currenly walk a few times a week.

Do you think we could do this? Should we lose weight before we start this? Anyone with a large amount of weight to lose, or has lost, have any advice?
Thanks

Hey there punksmom! I'm afraid I don't have a solid answer for you because SO much depends on your own body. I started c25k with about 60 pounds (arguably more) to lose, and while the running program did not actually cause me to lose much weight in and of itself, it did motivate me to get back to actually following Weight Watchers, and with the two, I have done pretty well, I think.

That's great that you currently walk a few times a week - that might provide enough of a base that you will be able to do the c25k program. My DH has something in the range of 70 pounds to lose and he tried the first day, probably ran too fast out of the starting gate and decided it wasn't for him. He's happily doing a walking program now, and maybe he'll kick it up to running at some point, but that is something only time will tell. The important thing for starting out is to run slowly and if it seems like it is still way too much, maybe work on ramping up your walking and eating plan for a while until you are able to run.

I think it would be a fun thing to do with your daughter and hope you will keep us posted!

 

[redheaded mama]

This thread has inspired me to do the c25k program, and I'm on week three. Next weeks plan looks like it will be much tougher. How bad is week four?

My goal is a 5k in July. I live in Utah and the race is in Bryce Canyon. Its absolutely gorgeous. I ran it last year and I had to do a lot of walking, I want to run it with out any walking. I've done absolutely no running over the winter and getting started again has been so difficult.

Heres hoping that I make it through week four.

 

[corinnak]

This thread inspired me to start, too,redheaded mama! It sounds like it is going well for you so far - that is great! Each week looks worse than the last, but I think that the rule of thumb is that if you got through the previous week's assignments, the following week should go fine. It's amazing how quickly the time you were stretching for last week becomes the new "no big deal" time in the current week. You can do it!

Your race sounds spectacular. C25K should certainly help make your goal a reality!

 

[kimwim8]

Here is something funny. I don't have the right gear for this. I ran carrying a little bottle of water and my car key. My driver's license was in the flat back pocket on my running skirt. I think I want one of those fancy water bottles with the handle and the pocket.

Hey Corinna! Congrats on the great run outside. And congrats on your Garmin purchase. Did you get the 205 or 305? I just got the 205 and love it!!

As far as how to carry your stuff.....do you drink water while you run, or on your walk breaks? I could never get used to that, so I always left my water in the car for when I was done. I got an arm band that held my cell phone or my mp3 player (most of the time I don't take my cell with me). When I'm running around my neighborhood, I don't take a key, because I can get in the house using the keypad to the garage. When I run on a trail a couple miles away, I just take the keyless entry thingy off my keychain & hold that in my hand when I run. Maybe check out your options online for gear to hold your gear! And keep up the great work!

You guys are all inspiring me to get my act together (even the new people that are just starting - it's AWESOME how much this program and thread inspires people)