Newbie here with question

[lttlmc3]

I really want to start the couch to 5k program, but it's too hot to run outside. Has anyone ever done this while running in place? I can't afford a gym membership or a treadmill. I was thinking about doing this while running in place, and then re-doing it running outside when it is cooler. Will that help me at all? I hate running, but I really want to lose calories.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hopefully other people will chime in, but I find running in place to be hard on my knees. I don't know why. It probably has to do with how you land.

If you just want to burn calories what about a Walk Away the Pounds dvd?

We are up the road in KY, and I know it's hard but we have been squeezing our runs in early in the morning or late in the evening. You just have to slow way down, even slower than you think you can to start the c25k. Once the temps start to cool off in a couple of weeks, you will find you are faster, just from having dealt with the heat.

Are you already walking or are you starting from scratch? If you are starting from zero, even walking 4 or 5 days a week would be a great start until it cools off a little.

I think most people will tell you that there are ways to work around the weather, you just have to be creative.

Good luck!

 

[cobbler]

If you really want to do it you can go out early in the morrning or later in the evening.

This is probably going to sound harsh and that is not my intention but it is only 30 minutes of exercise and if it is something you really want to do, you will find a way to do it. I started with the C25K as well. It's been hot all over the country and I'm training for my first marathon in this heat. I have gone out at 6:45am where it is already in the 80's with dewpoints in the 70's. Yesterday it was 85 when I went out. We are used to the humidity in MI but not this extreme heat. My point is, this is something I want to do and I am going out there and doing it. No excuses

With the C25K, you aren't running for a great period of time in the beginning at all and you do more walk breaks and gradually they turn into longer running portions - which I'm sure you know.

So if you want to wait, then wait but don't let excuses get in your way.

 

[LuLuO]

I don't think you are going to get any benefit from running in place for the c25k program. If I were in your shoes, I would do some other form of exercise (DVDs? I like Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels. Often libraries rent these out for free) until I was able to either buy a treadmill (I got my from craigslist for about $50) or until the weather cooled off.

Barring any health conditions, I think that if you prepare, and are well fueled and well hydrated that you should be able to go outside in the morning or the evenings for a bit. Even if you don't make it the full 30 minutes. But, like I said if the heat is really a hindrance, start with some workout DVDs and then move to c25k when the weather cools.

 

[Lauraldawn]

I tried running in place before I got my treadmill. Mind you, I only did it during commercials. Like someone else said, I found it harder on my knees. Also - it's boring and I felt silly so I'd stop.
I run super early in the morning. It's super hot where I live and we are having heat emergencies broadcast. But, at 4:30 a.m. I'm out running and it's pretty manageable. Sometimes the humidity bugs me a bit, but really, not much.

 

[Kat73]

I just started running recently and started when it was super hot outside. I stay close to home and run a short loop near my house. I make sure to stay well hydrated throughout the day before I run, and found little mini-bottles of Gatorade at Kroger that work great for taking out with me. I hate carrying anything around when I walk or run, but didn't seem to mind these and they were just enough for me for a half hour run/walk. Also, I am not a morning person so I go out in the evenings- still can be muggy but if you catch the time just right when the sun's about gone but it's not dark, it doesn't feel terrible I don't have tons of fancy running clothes but because of the heat I invested in a good sports bra and some running socks and that helps too. I wear loose cotton white t's that I got at Target, and they stay comfy even when I'm sweaty and gross LOL. Hope that helps good luck!

 

[JCH]

I really want to start the couch to 5k program, but it's too hot to run outside. Has anyone ever done this while running in place? I can't afford a gym membership or a treadmill. I was thinking about doing this while running in place, and then re-doing it running outside when it is cooler. Will that help me at all? I hate running, but I really want to lose calories.

For C25K, you won't be outside more than 30 minutes at a time. Bring a bottle of water, go out early, and you should be fine.

Or, have you looked into cheap gyms in your area? We've had several pop up for 10 bucks a month with no contract. I think they make you pay 3 months upfront. Of course, these are bare bones gyms with no classes, trainers, etc., but for your needs, it would work.

 

[lttlmc3]

You know what? After reading all of your answers, I determined that you guys are right. Why be lazy about this? It is just 30 minutes every other day. So I tried running last night after the sun started to go down. I figured that if it was too hard, I would just look into alternatives. I can't say it was fun, but I got through it and determined that I can do the rest of it too. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Hopefully, I will be joining other threads on this board too. Thanks for the motivation to do things right!

 

[tedhowe]

Way to go!

The hardest step is the first one, and now you have that out of the way!

Best of luck with C25K... I'm and example (one of many) that the program works... C25K has changed my life!

Ted

 

[cobbler]

You know what? After reading all of your answers, I determined that you guys are right. Why be lazy about this? It is just 30 minutes every other day. So I tried running last night after the sun started to go down. I figured that if it was too hard, I would just look into alternatives. I can't say it was fun, but I got through it and determined that I can do the rest of it too. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Hopefully, I will be joining other threads on this board too. Thanks for the motivation to do things right!

Congrats!! It's difficult to get started but pretty soon it'll seem like second nature.

 

[lttlmc3]

Okay, week two. Not loving it, but feeling a bit better

 

[cobbler]

You're doing good! It'll take a couple weeks to get into the groove. Keep going!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Congrats! And remember, most people do not love every run. And that's ok. I have runs where I just can't wait to be done. But after spending most of last year dealing with injuries I do really try to appreciate how grateful I am that I am able to be so active. It is definitely a process. Congrats again!

 

[goofeygirl]

Outdoors is best...but indoors during bad weather...try Leslie Sansone workouts. She basically walks in place and is entertaining and fun. Though never the same as outdoors...its something.

Sometimes you can buy older dvds of her workouts at Target or KMart places for a few bucks.

In fact I bought a collection of workout dvds from beachbody.com for 3bucks at a thrift store.

 

[lttlmc3]

Welp, I'm kinda feeling a bit discouraged because I realize that I have to do week two again. It's just that I want to be sure I can do that without complete exhaustion before I start week three.

 

[Ariel484]

Welp, I'm kinda feeling a bit discouraged because I realize that I have to do week two again. It's just that I want to be sure I can do that without complete exhaustion before I start week three.

It's perfectly fine to repeat weeks here and there if you need to. In fact, I think you're smart to do it if you don't feel ready to tackle week 3. Don't give up!

 

[WeRunDisney]

Hey girl - You'll get there! I have been running consistently for the better part of 2 years (my 3rd half marathon is next weekend eek!) and I can almost guarantee that you won't love at least 50% of your training runs. Yes, that sounds miserable. But you WILL love the feeling afterwards, I guarantee you that! I struggle with motivation a lot. Long days at work, fatigue, icky summer heat and the like are tough to battle. I download new music or build a new playlist/station on pandora or spotify or one of those sites to help. I also watch the runDisney youtube videos which makes me absolutely determined to cross the finish line!

Another idea - look into a running group. Sometimes a buddy helps.

And one last tip - check out the runDisney groups on Facebook as they're really helpful. There's a Princess Half Marathon and a Marathon weekend group in addition to the actual runDisney page.

Good luck and stay positive! Remember that your friends are probably sitting at home and you're outside pounding the pavement!