BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

[jamikins]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Way to go, Purple Rain! Are you moving up to Rung 2 next week or hanging back for another week? Tell us about your shoes when you get them!

[funkychickenchica]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

I signed up for this challenge, but was away when it started. I plan to start up tomorrow and then continue 3 days a week. I should be alright having missed rung 1. Happy running everyone!

[Adena]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

You guys are doing great!

Kathy, in my experience, even though your endurance might be increasing, it doesn't feel easier for a couple of months. When I asked why, I was told it's because you're PUSHING yourself more and more each time. If you kept doing the same thing, it would feel eaiser sooner, but since you keep pushing, it continues to feel tough. Until one day, you're out there huffing along and then suddenly, you feel like you can breath without gasping and your legs don't feel like lead. For me, it was that sudden.

I wish that feeling for all of you -- sooner than later.

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

It's been 13 days since I started this program. I'm not following it to a "t". But I'm stunned, amazed, and grateful for what's happening.

Today I ran 1/2 mile without stopping (SLOW jog) for the third time. Then walked 1/4 mile, then jogged another 1/4 mile.

I probably could have done more, but I have decided that I am going to keep at this for awhile, aiming to increase the duration of the second jog stint until I can do two 1/2 miles. Then progress longer, to maybe 1 1/2 miles. It will probably take a month or so, maybe more.

When I realize that on August 4, I could only do 30-60 seconds at a time, and here I am doing 1/2 mile, I'm amazed. When I realize that even after 1/2 mile, I'm not staggering or completely out of breath (gasping, spitting, heaving) I'm stunned. And when I realize that I can actually do this - it's NOT a fluke, I've done it THREE TIMES! - well, I'm grateful.

For all of you in your first week, keep it up. You will be able to do more and more and more. Or longer and longer. However you figure it. Your breathing will become easier. Your legs will become stronger.

This is so cool.

[Adena]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Evermind, I always love reading your posts on this topic. They are so.... real and very inspiring. Congratulations on your success so far, and keep up the great work. You'll be running a mile straight before you know it.

[jamikins]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Oh, Evermind! I'm so proud of you. Take everything one step at a time, and before you know it, you've traveled miles!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Thanks, Jami!

13 days ago, I couldn't walk a half block without getting out of breath, having chaffing in the thighs, and feeling like a big fat blob of blubber.

Still have the chaffing, still fat, but not a big fat blob, and not out of breath.

Who'd have thunk?

Oh, and the other thing? At first, I'd be fine when I came home, then 1/2 hour later be SO STIFF! Now? Nope. My ankles aren't bothering me, or my feet, and my leg muscles can take it.


In 2 weeks - unbelievable.

[2BME]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Hey Purple Rain, congratulatoins on finishing the "perfect" week.

Since I already have a pair of Nike running shoes (soon to be replaced I hope with my new goal pair) I went to their website and you can custom design a pair in the colors you want and have them stamped with a custom 5 space word or number on the top of the tongue. Just thought I would mention it. I created my dream pair and I have them saved so I can go back and visit them as a motivator until I reach my goal.

I have to hit R1D2 tonight, best of luck to all!

[Tomorrow_I'll_Be_Perfect]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Evermind...you're a machine! Way to eat up the pavement!

After much soul searching on the issue of a "rest" day, I've decided that I'm in dire need of a day off. I've worked out for 15 days straight and I'm feeling like an old dish rag. I was going to do R1D3 today and rest tomorrow, but I don't think I should put it off. I want my run days to be strong and in order to get the most out of them I need to rest.

So, I will fight the urge to walk, run, jump, bounce, crunch, and squat to the best of my ability. I might get some light yoga in though...a little stretch never hurt anyone. I'll be back tomorrow with my R1D3 report.

Happy running everyone!

[Adena]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

2BMe, I like the idea of visiting your (soon to be) new running shoes. So what letters or numbers are you having stamped on them? ADBB??

Perfect, I agree that a rest day is in order. An aggressive, but reasonable goal to shoot for is 6 days a week (not all running, though, of course), which I have found delivers great results. (But less is okay, too.... I don't want to get myself in trouble again like I did with the 4.5 MPH jogging pace. )

[Atkid]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Great job so far everyone! I wish I had seen this thread sooner so I could have joined in at the beginning. Was out of town for a while but been back and still missed it. Where are you all getting the info from to follow? I can hardly walk faster than 3.2 so I can't see that I could get running but I'd sure like to give it a shot. Any links to further information would help. Thanks!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Everyone's just getting started, so join right in!

Here's the website. Scroll down and it will give you week by week, day by day instructions as to how much to run and walk, building from nothing to 5k. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

We are all in this for the duration, without fear or shame. Going at our own speed, so if people want to stay at rung 0 for 2 weeks, they can, or rung 3 for 4 weeks, they can. Whatever you need to do to keep going 3 times a week!

It's a blast to be doing this with others who know exactly what we are going thru.

[hrgillespie]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

OK I'm in ............ I know you all are almost a week or more ahead of me if you started on the 12th but here I am ........... I totally stink at excercise especially running but I am hoping I can do this. My kids are what hold me back the most but I am hoping I can get this done early mornings before the bigger kids go off to school.
Regardless I am in

Heidi

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

WOO HOO, HRG! Welcome aboard!

Start S-L-O-W. Tiny steps, hold yourself back, not going very fast at all.
That's the key. If you feel yourself tiring, pull back, go slower.

[Elizellen]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

A welcome to all the late joiners
It is great to have you join us in our marathon journey towards being able to run!!

You are all doing so well

I managed day 3 today, though for some reason it seemed harder this evening so not so much fun. Well, on to week 1 in a couple of days!!