BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Sweet, 15 minutes running straight is a wonderful accomplishment! It doesn't matter what speed you did it at -- what's important is that you did it! Great job!

Heidi, it would have been really easy for you to just not run today. You had a great excuse not to do it! But you did it! You overcame the obstacles of your day, and did it! How wonderful! I'm very proud.

Everybody is listening to their body, and that is such a big key to success with this program.

You all are doing so well!

[hopejoy]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Hi everyone! I'm back! Been sick and couldn't run... but I did walk! Was afraid I couldn't run anymore! but today, I 'wogged' 2 miles without stopping except for 5 min walk for warmup and 5 min walk for cool down! I even passed two ladies walking... which really put the pressure on me somehow! Was totally scared they walked faster than I wogged... but it was all good. Beautiful weather here lately! Glorious day!
Congrats to Evermind on 3 miles! Whooo hooo!
liz

[hopejoy]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Congrats to Floydgirl to on 5k! You were last at a 12.5 minute pace? oh no! I may never run one then... everyone would be standing around waiting for me, or they'd all go home and I'd be like... hey! where'd everyone go?
lol.

[Sweet Strudel]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Ok...just here to report that I am officially hanging up my running shoes and retiring from the C25K program.

Yup...even putting it here in BIG PINK WRITING so that nobody misses it.

Ya see the thing is. I tried, I gave it my all and I just don't like running. Its not for me. I would rather do other types of exercise like biking, walking, stability ball, floor exercises, yoga....just not running.

So, I figured why do something I don't like when there is a variety of other exercises that I do!

I will continue to use my treadmill for brisk walking, which I really enjoy!

I originally was a bit disappointed in myself because I hate to start something and not finish it, but then I thought, hey everyone is not a runner...I'm not a runner! It is what it is.

You all are doing very well...congratulations on your success and determination! Keep up the good work!

Thank you for your support while involved in this challenge. I will pop by from time to time to see how everyone is doing. Until then "Happy Running"!!!

*note to Liz....sorry that I bailed on you after I got you into this but I see you enjoy running girl, so keep up the good work...I'm proud of ya!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Sweet - you gave it your best shot.

Last Thursday I had such an awful run that I was afraid to run again. Everything hurt, I got out of breath quickly, and I just felt lousy.

So today I decided to just have a really easy 2 miler, and I did. Didn't push for more, and was very relaxed during, listening to music and focussing on the fresh, brisk air we are having after a rainstorm. Very nice.

[jamikins]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Goodbye, Strudel. We will miss you. You're right....what's the point in continuing to do something that you dread? We're here to get healthy and part of being healthy is learning to relax and reduce stress. If your exercise routine stresses you out and makes you unhappy, then it is not healthy for you and you are defeating yourself.

As for me, I do enjoy doing the program, but I find that I'm inconsistent. Somedays I have an awesome run, somedays I struggle the whole time. I'm starting to develop shin pain, and after I've worked a 12 to 16 hour shift at the hospital, my feet feel bruised which makes running painful for two to three days afterward. There seems not to be enough days in the week to recover from work and do the running.

I haven't run since last Monday! (Though I am getting ready to get on the treadmill in just a few minutes.) Nevertheless, I do feel very proud of myself when I run, and I sure appreciate the new muscles and the impact on my figure. Perhaps right now I can't get my 3 workouts in per week, but one or two will still get me to my goal, even if it takes me longer.

Hang in there, team! Strudel...keep in touch with us!

[Elizellen]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

I too am struggling with the running but hanging on in there still. The last few sessions I have only just managed to keep moving in the run sections, so am staying on rung 3 for this week as well till I feel ready to move on up.

[Elizellen]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Did another walk/jog tonight after my weights session - 20 minutes c25k plus a cooldown 5 minutes then a soak in the spa bath and a sauna session - my usual Friday night treat! (how sad is that when all the younguns are getting ready to go out on the town!!).

I must take another look at what the next rung entails before Monday so I can decide whether to move on up to the next rung or not.

I hope everyone else is doing OK and just too busy with real life to post here - keep up the good work folks!!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

I've been really stressed during the last 10 days, so my runs haven't been as consistent or as long. However, this morning I went out and did a nice 3 miler, very relaxed.

I'm finding that it often takes me well into the second mile before I hit my stride and start to feel comfortable, and with experience I'm recognizing that it's worth it to keep pushing myself.

I think that the fall weather is delightful to run in - I hope everyone continues to keep at it!

[D-Termined]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

I've also found it harder to run lately but I've been keeping up with the program none the less. The last three runs in particular I've had to slow down. I also seem to gain a second wind in the second mile but that's usually about the time I'm hitting that long nasty hill and there goes the wind. I'm really glad I'm able to complete my runs, though.

[hrgillespie]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Well because of a stinking bum toe can't wear snealers right now so I am having to put this one on the back burner ........... BUT I am not giving up I am planning to jump right back in as soon as I can. I'm sure I will ahve to start over but thats ok too because I know it works and I am excited about it.

I made it from starting off only being able to run 60 sec to at the end running 9 minutes straight 3 times in one session. So that was pretty exciting!!!!!!!

I'll definitly be back so I'm not taking this off my sig ........... it's just a temp. delay!!!!!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Last night I went for a four-mile run, and it was lovely. I didn't get the super comfortable thing going until the end of the second mile, but even before that, I ran relaxed and easily.

I know how hard it is to keep going on this program. We all made a commitment to do it at our own pace. Nobody should compare themselves to any other.

My question is: What has changed for you since you started the running program? How has it helped you on Atkins?

(oh, and Heidi, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you'll have complete healing really quickly)

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Evermind, you are awesome! Do you realize you used the words lovely and 4 mile run all in the same sentence? lol

You asked a question -- but I would personally like to hear YOUR answer to that question.

I am so proud of your success! You are a Rock Star!

[hrgillespie]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Wow Evermind 4 miles!!!!!!!! way to go!!!!!!!! I am so proud of your accomplishments for you and I just keep my eye on you as an example for myself! Thanks for being that!


For me running changes who I thought I was as an excerciser .......... I always said I was not a person who could run .......... I just couldn't. but this program has allowed me to slowly become something I never thought I could ........ which to me is awesome! As far ashelping me on Atkins I think the biggest help has been the way the weight started droppping a little smoother once I started puching myself and running. What an awesome benefit! I miss it so much and can't wait till I can start again. I just hope I beat the weather and don't have to wait till spring!

Heidi

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Soooooo, where is everybody? How are you doing with your C25k program?

I've been sidelined this week with another case of shin splints. I had them a couple of weeks ago, and pushed myself too fast. I should have taken more time off. My last run was on Sunday, but I did 4 miles! I miss running so much, this is killing me to be off.

Come on people, let's hear how you are all doing!