Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

[liv]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Are you familiar with the C25K program? It is good as it gets you there gradually but it gets your there.

Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Hi everyone,

So glad to see this thread is still up and running (pun intended ) I have personally put running aside to concentrate on kickboxing cardio (skipping mainly) but may well return in future.

Hi there
I thought I should start some running and whoooa - found this thread! How's everyone doing?
I plan to start today (well, IF it stops raining). Any tips for beginner are more than welcome

Moonwish - Liv is right - the Couch to 5k is a great place to start and can accommodate people of most fitness levels.

Tips for a beginner (nb I am not a pro in the least) but I would say invest in good running shoes to protect your knees. I'd recommend going to a specialist running shop and having them help you get the right kind. They'll be more expensive than average trainers, but worth it. Also replace them at least once a year. Also for women wear a good sports bra! (I like enell or shock absorber).

Generally, don't be afraid to repeat a week (if doing C25k) you'll get there.

[Kagi]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

I agree wholeheartedly with liv and alexa! C25K is a great program! And I can actually run now without pain in my legs... a wonderous thing. Definitely spend the money to get some good shoes and linger on a c25k week as long as you need to master it.

Welcome!

[moonwish]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Hi, thanks everyone for advice :9

I did yesterday the first day of the first week of the Coach to 5K. Was easier then I had expected, but I was taking myself quiet easy really. Me like it! next run tomorrow

[moonwish]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

3 runs done.
Moving into week2

[arcticsp2003]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Just finished week 1 today!

[soon2bslim]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

I was so intrigued by this program that i had 2 do something to start, but i feel like a totally remedial runner and we live in a hilly area so this is intimidating too. Anyway i started walking more briskly than usual and added short sprints (running till i reach those 2 garbage cans...oh can i push a little more till the white car) Not really ready to do Week 1 yet and once i do i'll probably have 2 do it 4 a few weeks, but we have great weather for running and i'm sooooo excited to at least have started working towards beginning this program. So i'm in the babystep mode but thrilled to find you guys and the C25K workout.

I've downloaded the following to my MP3 player for prompts along the way
***Podcasts - need 2 convert from ma1 to mp3 format ( just google freeware for this)

***Podrunner: Intervals - Free Workout Music from dj steve boyett (several options on this page - did DJ Beatsmith)

and a music-free recording, just in case i don't want 2 listen 2 music on a particular day:
***Couch to 5K

Happy running!

[michelley]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

I've started bringing jogging into my walking routine. But I'm doing it 5 days a week with interval jog 1/6 mile, walk 1/6 mile. I'm increasing distance every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. I want to try c25k but will it really be better than continuing 5 to 6 days a week? I feel like it would be a step down to only go 3 days a week.

And the weight has started coming off faster now that I've been jogging. I like that too!

[Happy2BThin4Me]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Michelle, I think if you keep the 5-6 days a week that's great, just make 3 of them the couch to 5 k if you want to do that. Consistency is always the best training policy!

-Michelle

[michelley]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Thanks Michelle! I've been upping it & can now do 8 or 9 minute jogging intervals. Yesterday I pushed it to about 10 minutes & today I've got a swollen ankle. Not sure that the two are related, but might back off for the rest of the week, still did 2.1 miles today. Wow, you've done marathon?? Awesome! We live by Disneyland & I'm hoping to make the Disney 10k in Sept. Plenty of training time!

[Happy2BThin4Me]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Thanks Michelle! I've been upping it & can now do 8 or 9 minute jogging intervals. Yesterday I pushed it to about 10 minutes & today I've got a swollen ankle. Not sure that the two are related, but might back off for the rest of the week, still did 2.1 miles today. Wow, you've done marathon?? Awesome! We live by Disneyland & I'm hoping to make the Disney 10k in Sept. Plenty of training time!

Cool! That sounds like a lot of fun. I have a friend that regularly does the Disneyland Half Marathon which is usually in August but not sure for this year. She's always trying to get me to go too but I am in Northern Nevada so its a bit of a trip for me lol. So I haven't done it yet! Sacramento and Las Vegas are closer! My next half and full marathon will be in Sacramento! 10K is great. My very first race was a 5k and I was excited to score a 30 min 5k. It was awesome and I was hooked!

-Michelle

[michelley]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Michelle, a 30 minute 5K! Wow, that's less than 10 minutes a mile! Awesome! If my math is working right :/ I'm doing 13 minute miles running (guess it's jogging, not running). Today I went 20 minutes straight at a jog.

I was shocked that once I got over that 4 minute hurdle (just a couple of weeks ago) it got much easier. I'm 48 & never thought I could do this! My knees are letting me know that I only have a few good years left, haha, so I'm making the most of those years!!!

I love adbb for helping us all along our way! I look forward to the mileage challenge & now the president's challenge. And I'm glad you joined Michelle cause I like to read your posts & be motivated by them!!! Take care & keep running!!

[Happy2BThin4Me]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Michelle, a 30 minute 5K! Wow, that's less than 10 minutes a mile! Awesome! If my math is working right :/ I'm doing 13 minute miles running (guess it's jogging, not running). Today I went 20 minutes straight at a jog.

I was shocked that once I got over that 4 minute hurdle (just a couple of weeks ago) it got much easier. I'm 48 & never thought I could do this! My knees are letting me know that I only have a few good years left, haha, so I'm making the most of those years!!!

I love adbb for helping us all along our way! I look forward to the mileage challenge & now the president's challenge. And I'm glad you joined Michelle cause I like to read your posts & be motivated by them!!! Take care & keep running!!

Yep! I think I averaged 9:45/mile for that 5K and I like I said, it was so encouraging that I was completely hooked. Of course that was after losing 64lbs on a low calorie diet which I found VERY hard to maintain and let myself go back up about 10lbs to a more comfortable place to maintain (which incidentally is where I am now too) but I had started running about 10lbs away from my goal. My knees have never hurt my from running but I did have an IT band injury when I first started out and had improperly fitted shoes (properly fitting shoes make all the difference for me) and was trying to do too many miles too fast (which also gave me shin pain). I took 8 wks to prep for that 5K so I rushed it I think but it was quite the motivator for me to get into shape. I was so red-faced when I finished that 5K! Nowadays a 3 miler is a short run. I love that. 2-3 miles is my favorite distance for an easy run but nowadays I have found that 10k or 6.2 miles is my favorite distance to race. I got my best ever race time doing that distance and on a trail 10K w/my dog too! I have had many many wonderful times "jogging" or running on my feet and wouldn't trade it for anything. If I am upset, even to the point of tears I know I can always go for a run and 5 mins into it, I don't even remember what I was upset about - it all just works itself out. It's like magic. I don't get depressed anymore, I don't get as tired after a long day, I am just more pleasant to be around. I leave my inner B word out on the road...she still finds me sometimes but I try to kick her to the curb as much as possible. Lol.

Now I have a friend that's losing weight via other methods (though I think she should do Atkins but I won't preach to her) and she wants to jog with me! I am so excited I can hardly wait til she finishes the couch to 5k plan and I consider running some of it with her just because I want to encourage her. She's having fun and I am so excited for her! I want a running buddy! I told her, I run slowly and often I average around 10:30-11min/mile anyways so if I have to go slower for her, that is fine with me, its all fat burning exercise!

I did mean to mention I used to have trouble with my knee when I was heavier (54lbs or so heavier) and had to have a cortisone shot but after losing weight and letting it heal (and it took a long time), my knees don't hurt at all. I don't think the running hurts my knees much. It's the hips that hurt most. That IT Band (or iliotibial band I guess is what its really called) that runs down the sides of my entire legs (hips, knees, calves) can act up and ache when I put in lots of mileage or run on one side of the street too much (leading to imbalances in wear and tear) but I have learned lots of good stretches for that so it doesn't bother me anymore. I got fitted for running shoes when I first started out and now I get my shoes on ebay for much cheaper. It's a good thing I don't cover that many miles becuase 400-600 miles can take me a while to run and that's how many it takes to wear them out! I paid $90 for my first pair from the running shop and now I pay between $50-$65 a pair for my favorites due to ebay. When I got fitted I memorized the top 3-4 brands/styles that worked for me (I am a neutral runner) so I could have my choice later.

I am glad you don't mind my endless prattling on about running (which is really just jogging for me too but I consider myself a runner anyways) because I really love the subject! Maybe as I go on with this way of eating and way of life, my running will get easier and easier as I am not carrying as much weight around. When I was younger (and I am not sure this is much of a comparison point or not) I was 131-135lbs and people said I was too thin so I would really like to get to the 140's now that I am in my more advanced age (haha) I mean mid-thirties lol. BUT I have to reach my 155lbs goal first to see if I can DO it at all! Lol.

-Michelle

[michelley]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Michelle, I like your prattle!! I so much want to know how the journey is for other people! I know that we all have to experience it on our own, but it's great to see similarities!

New Year's Eve I got fitted for running shoes & OMG it helped so much! It eliminated the shin pain & I had a toe that hammered down that is now okay. I wear an 8 & they recommended a 9 1/2.

In the beginning i had alot of hip pain, but I haven't had it lately. I think it's because I slowed down. I'm working first on endurance, then I'll pick up the pace. I, too, am hooked & can't wait til I can run a 5k without needing to walk!

[ShannonK]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Advice for somewhat of a new runner? I am forty years old. I am 5' tall and that is it. Should I say 5' short? I weigh 149 lbs today. (don't get me started on that!)

I am not a beginner to physical fitness. I bike to work a couple times a week, about 14 miles round trip. I do a Shred class twice a week and Pilates twice a week. I have been pretty consistent with this and getting better.

Whenever I try to run, I find that I can usually walk one minute and slow job one minute. I am just so incredibly slow. My tall friend can just walk along side me.

Any advice? MY fitness goals are to be able to run fully 5K several times a week. To be a runner, not a slow jogger. This is one exercise I am not consistent with at all. I live in a country that doesn't really job and if they do it is indoors. They aren't really into wearing jogging clothes outside or exercising in public. My American friends don't really care, but I tend to feel self conscious...

Thanks for your thoughts.