Question for anyone doing C25K...

[mom0299]

I did week 2 day 2 today. I feel great after a run. I've done all of my runs on the treadmill so far because the weather hasn't cooperated, but I hope to get outside for day 3. I am sticking to the plan and doing exactly what it says to do. I even downloaded Ullery's podcast to keep me ontrack. My question is this: About 5 minutes after I finish the workout I feel like I could do more. I want to keep walking/running. Before I started last week I was a true couch potato. I didn't do anything active. I'm 37 and about 25lbs. overweight, but fairly healthy otherwise. Should I do another set of run/walk or should I just stick to the plan?

 

[lisah0711]

You may want to post your questions on the C25K thread and see what kind of response you get. I'm in W2 of C25K, too. I feel like I can go more when I am done, too. I haven't yet as I am wanting my body to get used to this activity which is totally new to it -- I don't want any injuries and I have had foot issues before. I don't see any harm in walking and continuing an active day if you can do it without injury, but I wouldn't run again. I believe that is where beginners get into trouble. But I am not an experience runner so would definately ask people who are! Good luck!

 

[SetzKitten]

I think it is Newton's law? A body at rest, stays at rest, a body in motion, stays in motion. Running turns you into the Energizer Bunny. You just want to keep going and going! I can't answer if you should keep going, but isn't it terrific that you want to?

 

[crewmatt]

Awesome, congrats.

So C25K's are generally conservative, and for good reason. The first few weeks of the program are designed to get you moving and used to working out. The other more important thing that the first few weeks do are strengthen your bones, joints and supporting muscles. Your major muscle groups and cardio systems will pick up quite quickly in the first few weeks. If you want to do a little more thats ok, but I wouldnt really do any more than an extra 5% a week. One of the biggest causes of injury is too much too fast.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Sometimes I have felt like this too. I think it is best to just stick with the plan. If you hurt yourself doing the extra you will be mad at yourself. If you still have a lot of energy try doing something else maybe. Like just walking more or something. GL!

 

[mom0299]

Well, I'm in week 4 now and things have changed. I think I'm going to have to do this week again before going on to week 5. I just can't seem to make it through that last 5 min. run.

 

[J3nn78]

Stick with the plan. I felt the same way, but if you do more you risk doing too much too soon and injuring yourself or just pushing too hard so that you cannot complete the next workout.
You will move along and do more soon enough.

The people that made the plan know what they are doing.
I did the C25K over the winter and I am now a 1 hour runner and on my way to the 2011 WDW marathon. Slow and Steady!