BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Hi AlaskaGirl! Welcome aboard! You can post here. Somebody else may come along to be your cyberpal.

Have you ever ran before? When were you thinking about starting the C25k?

btw, congratulations on your losses so far! You're doing great.

[AlaskaGirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Thanks Floydgirl.

I did start the C25K last year about Christmas time but I injured my back about 6 weeks into it (not from c25k but from AB machine). That injury took a long time to recover from. I suffered constant sciatica for about 3 months. I had decided to go slow and steady this time around. I have been strenght training and walking/ swimming for about 2 months and recently started wogging. I did jog Saturday for the first time for about 5 minutes with out killing my self so I think I may be ready for this again.

I don't really need a partner but thought it might motivate me to post my weekly results.

I will shoot for Mon-Wed-Friday this week. Using cool running's pod casts and the treadmill (we have about 6" of fresh snow today).

Julie

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

You poor thing, sciatica for 3 months! I can not even imagine how painful that was.

Yes, you got it right when you said "slow and steady". That is the best plan of attack for this program! Good to hear you've been swimming, that is a great exercise! Strength training is really important too.

Congratulations for your 5 minute jog. As you know, when you formally start the C25k, a 5 minute jog is several weeks away. Glad to hear that you aren't letting six inches of snow (in November, gulp) stop you.

I eagerly anticipate seeing your posts about how you've been doing!

[AlaskaGirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Reporting in that I had a kick butt work out yesterday...

I decided not to start the C25K on Monday- my upper back was still sore and I didn't want to push it. However the moon and the stars aligned last night and I finally started. I managed almost 2miles in 30 minutes (including my warm up and cool down) before my hip & low back started bugging me. I stopped a couple of times to stretch, but it felt good. After that I had my most intense upper body strenght training session yet. I increased my reps and my weight and added another muscle group.

I had one problem- that is my lower body was fighting cramping up later when it was time for bed. I was afraid to go to sleep because my legs felt like they were going to go into a major charlie horse staring in my feet and going up.... It was a very strange sensation for me. I was hydrated and I stretchd

My plan today is a light cardio- probably on a recumbant bike to take the pressure off my low back and hips.

Peace!

Julie

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Julie, way to go jumping right into things again. You did very well, it takes me about 37ish minutes to do a 5K, and I've been doing this steadily since July!

Your plan for exercise today sounds good. Give your body some time for recovery. Maybe that's why you were a little crampy yesterday? You ran 2 miles (in very good time), you did a rigorous strength training routine AND added a new muscle group.

I am by no means a professional, but I alternate running days with walking/weight training days. You have to do what is right for you. Just listen to your body, don't push yourself too hard, and enjoy your workouts.

[AlaskaGirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Reporting in. I will be repeating week 1 again untill my hip/low back feels less painful through out the whole 30 minutes. I am warming up and cooling down with 5% incline and stretching well before and after.

Still working on the weight training. I actually gained an inch in my chest (I am guessing it is my body re-appropriating funds ...LOL).

Julie

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Sounds like a good plan you have there -- repeating a week. There is no race to the finish line! Keep listening to your body.

Don't worry about the extra inch you gained, your muscles are probably retaining fluid.

You're doing great!

[hopejoy]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Hi there everyone! I am getting ready to kick my butt again and start seeing results. Last time I started this, I also started slim n 6 at the same time. I did get result, but also very tired... but am going to start both again. This 3 times/ week or more and slim n 6 on off days, or after a run... I'm just going to run/walk/run/walk according to what my body says... as I have been running on and off... and stay balanced with it. not get carried away or try to go too fast...
Also want to try out some classes at the gym as well... Feeling the need for a kick start to throw my body off the plateu it's on... Ready to take it to the next level... Bring it baby! Bring it! ha ha ha!!!!!!
okay, I'm nuts! so what! bringing the nuts with me! yeah baby!
liz

[jimmie 48]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

hopejoy (and anyone looking in this challenge is going to be revamped just a bit under the leadership of floyd. just follow this thread till floyd gets her new thread in place.
it will most likely happen this next week and quite poxxibly will be a stuck thread.

[jamikins]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Hi, guys!

Floydgirl...thanks for taking over the challenge. I have been swamped with school/work and have felt so guilty for not checking in.

However...I graduate in two weeks and I am looking forward to having more "me" time to get off the plateau I've been on for the last 8 weeks. C25K will be a priority again soon for me.


edit/additon by jimmie 48:
please see New Couch To 5 K Program for current challenge.