BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

[Sweet Strudel]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

OK KIDS

Did my Friday workout. Here's how it went.

5 mins brisk walk at a steady 3.0 mph

7.5 min jog at a steady 3.5 mph

5 min brisk walk again at a steady 3.0 mph

7.5 min jog, first 5 mins at 3.5 mph...last 2.5 mins at 3.3 mph

All in all...not bad.

Not really following jamikins schedule...sorry...kinda wingin it. I guess no matter how we get there its the gettin there that counts right?

So, who's to say what Rung I'm really on...

Feelin great and energized after it...weird to me still that I'm not exhausted!

Keep up the great job everyone.

I have a new found appreciation for runners...thats for sure!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Cool, Strudel woman!

Yes, I think it's safe to say that we don't actually need to know what rung we are on, or to be on any given rung. We're just moving forward as our bodies allow.

Isn't it strange and wild and wonderful when you get to the point where you do your run and it GIVES you energy, doesn't waste you?

[Purple Rain]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Alright, Sweet Strudel!!! Awesome job!!!

I did Rung 4, Day 2 today. It was easier than the first day, like it usually is. I did a modified rung 4 today and ran more, walked less.

Everyone seems to be doing good! Keep it up!!!

[Elizellen]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

You are all doing so well

I just reread the shedule and realised I have been doing a modified rung 2, as I have been walking/jogging for 90 seconds each time, instead of walking for 2 mins - never mind, it will make the next rung easier I am sure!!

I must print it out for the future to have with me to refer to.

[hopejoy]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Hi everyone! Ya'll are doing great!
I was planning on doing rung 4 again... but got my groove on and just kept wogging along... didn't look at the clock... but only walked for 90 seconds a few times... mostly wogging... It was cool enough to go outside and wog today. I couldn't exersize the last 2 days, and it felt wonderful... really! I actually missed it! I felt much more relaxed and it helped to not clock watch and enjoy the day... was surprised that I almost preferr the wogging to walking.
liz

[jamikins]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

The thing about the rungs is that it gives us a plan to follow. If we take some time off, we'll know kind of where to pick it back up. It also ensures that we make progress. The rungs also allow us to see who else is at the same "level" that we are (more or less) so we can get/give support as needed. Of course, using the rungs is not required.

Which is good, because today...I can't believe it!...I ran for a full 10 minutes! I forgot to charge my MP3 player (the one with my C25K podcast on it) so I borrowed my husband's player. Instead of having the music timed for the rungs, his had just music. So, as one song ended I just kept challenging myself to run through the next song. The only thing that stopped me was my right ankle which began to really ache.

Of course, I was only "running" at 3.5 mph...but I don't care...it was non-stop and more running than I've ever done in my whole life! After the first 10 minute run, I walked 2 minutes, ran 3 minutes, walked 2 more and then finished with 3 more minutes and a 5 minute cool-down walk. That's 16 minutes...twice what I was able to do before.

Amazing. Now I'm feeling what Evermind talked about...what if I can't repeat this performance? I'm trying not to let fear get in my way. If I can't repeat, I'll just stick to my rung and try not to feel guilt. At least now I know it's possible!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

WOO HOO JAMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You WILL be able to repeat it. There WILL come a time when you can't one day, and you'll discover that you can actually live with that, even if you are a neurotic woman like me <grin>

Don't give me that "only 3.5mph" stuff, either. I'm sure I'm running slower than that. It's running, no matter what the speed!

[Evermind]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

This morning I took my dh to work at 6, and had a cup of coffee, and then set out on my Sunday run.

I ran 2 miles, only stopping to cross the street. Then I decided to try another mile, giving myself permission to walk or jog.

I ran another 1/2 mile, and then walked for about 20 yards, then ran the rest of the way.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not out of breath, just an easy lope. What I did notice, for the first time, was the muscles in my butt and hips - I definately felt them by the last mile. But not in a painful way, just a tad sore.

I am so jazzed.

So at some point, all new runners discover that their lungs have changed, and that they can do an easy jog without gasping for air. After that, it's just a matter of increasing your muscle endurance, pushing ever so slightly ahead so that you run a bit longer each time.

I will not be attempting 3 miles every run - I'll save that for Sundays, when I have more time and can run later in the a.m. when it's light out. And I won't be pushing myself to run further for awhile yet. But I do have my sights set on a 5 mile run sometime this year!!!!!

[Sweet Strudel]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Yahooo

You go EVERMIND!!!

What a great accomplishment.

You have kinda set the bar.....for me anyways....

[Elizellen]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Woohoo Jamie
10 minutes is terrific I am sure before long you will be doing that long without thinking about it!


And as for you, Evermind,

I cant imagine how great that must have felt
You are amazing, girl!!

[Purple Rain]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

YAY, Liz, Jamikins and Evermind!!!!

It's getting easier, isn't it?

[hopejoy]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Yes! It is easier and I have been looking forward to it after 2 weeks of indoor exersize due to heat it feels good to be outside! Today walked/ran 2 miles... mostly running... okay, wogging... nice slow easy lope as evermind says... it felt great!
I am soooooo glad sweet strudel dragged me into this! It's the best!
liz

[jamikins]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Hey, Team...

I RAN ONE MILE TODAY!

You know, like...without stopping.

<sitting here basking in my own superiority and sweat>

I can't believe it. The heart/lungs were really good today. The calves...not so good, and were the only reason I stopped. (Some cramping.) I can't believe that just 4 weeks ago I was struggling to run 30-second intervals without having a coronary event!

Wow...this program really works!

[floydgirl]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Congratulations, Jamikins! That is great news.

It is amazing what our bodies can do!

Thanks for sharing your success!

[Elizellen]

Re: BEGINNERS: Couch to 5K Challenge

Well done. Jamie

It is funny you all mentioned the 'getting easier' bit, as that happened to me tonight too!
On Friday I only just managed 25 minutes of walk 90 secs/jog 90 secs, so was prepared to continue doing the same tonight.
However after the first 90/90 secs I ran for 3 minutes no problem , so did 3 of 3 jog/3 walk minutes sections alternating with 90/90 sec sections and when the treadmill went into cooldown after 30 minutes I really felt I could have done more (though I didnt).

I was amazed!!