Huge NSV - Couch to 5k Graduate!

kaavery120188

Huge NSV this weekend...on Saturday I finally completed c25k. I have started the program three times and FINALLY finished this time. Like most people, when I started c25k I could barely run 2 minutes without feeling like I was about to die. My official 5k time on Saturday (all running, no walking) was 35:26. I am SO proud of that number. It's not very fast, but it's a huge accomplishment for me. I ran 35 freakin' minutes without stopping. Holy crap! I started c25k when I started getting serious about losing weight and counting calories 8 weeks ago. Since then I have lost 17 pounds. I couldn't be happier.

If you're just starting c25k or thinking about doing it, JUST DO IT! It may be difficult, but it's well worth it. The two most important things I learned while doing the program are below. Please note that these are from my experience and are just suggestions. Everyone is different... so if these suggestions work for you, GREAT! If not, do your own thing and work it!

1. Listen to your body. If you're feeling achey or unusually sore the day after a run, take a couple of days off from running. Your body needs to rest and heal. On those off days I usually went on a nice, slow walk with my dog for an hour. That way I still got some exercise and wasn't puting to much stress on my body.

2. Don't stop moving! If you feel like you can't complete that last minute or two, just slow down a little... focus on your breathing and keep moving!


My next goal is to start Jillian Michaels 30DS to get a little strength training started. During this time I'm going to try and run twice a week. I hope to improve my 5k time over the next couple of months. :drinker:

EdTheGinge

Well done

Your points are sound bits of advice, easier said than done as I found out thursday but non the less correct all the same.

What's next for you now then ?

kaavery120188

I downloaded the 5k Faster app that helps improve your 5k pace. So we'll see how that goes. Also going to start Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred because I know I need to start incorporating some strength training.