What am I doing?

thankyou4thevenom
thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
Am I completely insane to think I can do this? Possibly. Am I going to do this? Yes.

Hi! I'm a 36 year old obese woman who can barely run. I can walk, in fact I clock anywhere from 5000 steps (on a day off) to 25000 on a work day. I've done a little bit of this before on a treadmill and got quite far. That was back when I had a gym membership and could afford one. I know I need to do something as I am am really about the heaviest I remember being and I hate it.

I've already done week one and was thinking for doing it again as it was so hard. I've done week 2 day one and I could barely breathe after the last 90 second run. Not that I am even running that fast on the last ones, it's more move that lead leg a little bit faster than my walking pace please. Also oxygen would be nice. :laugh:

I am glad that I have done the start of week two but I can see me doing more than a few of the weeks over and over.

I can't yet afford to get running shoes (at least not proper ones) but I do have a pair of shoes just designed for running. So here's to learning to run.
«1

Replies

  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
    You can do it! I probably hold the record for taking the longest to complete it--I started at the beginning of December and just did my 30 minute run last week!! And I run so slow. But I'm running, which I never ever thought I could do, and it is a great workout.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thanks hoyalawya2003

    I did Week 2 day 2 and it felt horrible. I hit my first run and I immediately felt out of breath. I slowed it right down and just kept on at it. It felt like i was going so slow when I was doing the jogging bit but according to the GPS, I was actually going at pretty much the same speed as I always do. A little bit slower but not by much.
    Also there were a lot more people around than normal and I just feel so embarrassed. I know I'll get over it but URGH!
  • megan_elizabeth8
    megan_elizabeth8 Posts: 216 Member
    The main thing is to keep going, no matter the pace.
    I never thought I could do it, but I completed week 6 day 2 today and even had energy for an extra 5 minutes of running at the end!
    I used to be so scared of running around other people in case they saw me.
    Now I just put in my ear buds, get some good music on and ignore the world.
    Just keep going - you'll be amazed at how fast your stamina increases!
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thanks Meg.
    I went out today and day 3 was so much better. I am actually looking forward to attempting Week 3 now, although I think I'm going to have to do it tomorrow. Is that a bad idea?
  • PaytraB
    PaytraB Posts: 2,360 Member
    You are all great for just getting out there and running. Don't worry about the speed. We've all been embarrassed at our slowness when we first went outdoors to run; the embarrassment goes away after a couple of runs when we realize that either no one notices us or, if they do, they are so friendly and happy to see you out there running (yes, happy....you get high fives, waves, smiles....it's very encouraging). The speed will come over time.

    Take it slow. It is actually possible to run slower than you walk. Don't worry about that. Just aim for running through the running intervals and recovering during the walking intervals.
    When you complete the program (and you will complete it with your attitude), you'll be able to run 30 minutes straight but will not reach 5K in that time. Heck....I graduated C25K over a year ago and still can't run 5K in 30 minutes; I may never reach that goal. But I can tell you that I'm running 5K (sometimes a bit more) three times a week and enjoying every run whether its a "good" one or a "bad" one.

    It's usually best to leave a rest day between training days but try it and see how it works for you. Sometimes we've got to do what we can with the time we have. Don't be discouraged if tomorrow doesn't go as well. That's okay. Your muscles are tired and still you are running. You're a winner!

    Way to go!
  • heyjude345
    heyjude345 Posts: 66 Member
    Trust me...if I can do this, anyone can! I started at the end of January and found week 1 difficult. I was determined, though, and never repeated a day, simply out of sheer will. Each time it got harder, I was convinced I would not be able to continue and many times tried talking myself out of completing the program. But, I did it! I completed my 30 minute run and started working my way towards running the full 5K, which I did Saturday in 37 minutes.

    I started this journey at 220 and am down to 208 now, but still quite overweight, especially for running. Set your mind to it and allow yourself to prove you wrong!
  • carolynrussell20
    carolynrussell20 Posts: 8 Member
    You can do this!!! I did Couch to 5K last summer and just ran a half marathon. I ran/walked it but I did it. And I have run many 5k's, a 10k and a 15k. You don't have to be fast-I am not. Just get out there and keep moving!
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thank you very much for the encouraging words. Day 1 of week 3 killed me. The last run had me really out of breath, the kind of out of breath I was when I started but I did it! Now I have two days off from running.
    I am worried about next week because my work schedule is horrible and it's going to be a push to get all three in but I am going to try.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    I was 215 pounds and had two toddlers and a full time job.

    Just focus on getting that next run in. If you can't do three this week, you can't do three this week. Do as many as you can.

    YOU CAN DO THIS.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thanks! I did Day 2 of week 3. I discovered even though I didn't realise it at the time I am going a little faster and that lead me to not quite being able to complete the last run. I stopped (well walked) for a little of it and then set off again. So I know I need to repeat it.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Repeated it and completed Week 3 Day 2. I know I was moving a bit faster because I finished my run a little further on than usual. I had a good distraction. There was a treasure hunt around where I run today (I had no idea it was on) and it appears I was going the opposite way to them. It was quite fun confusing them all.

    I've worked out what I'm going to do with my awkward week next week. I'll run on Thursday (and make that my fast day). Then I'll get back to it on Sunday.
  • maree142
    maree142 Posts: 82 Member
    Hi, I have completed the program, but I want to say that reading your posts is so inspiring!! I was completely getting spooked about the next week, even after I completed each week. A lot of iit is fear, but just trust what you are actually achieving. Your work at it is fantastic, and your willpower to keep at it is great. Remember the program is designed to get you running for 30 minutes straight -- and it is designed so that you will be able to do this!! Keep it up, you have this in your sights, just stay on it.....
  • romyhorse
    romyhorse Posts: 694 Member
    You are doing great! Sometimes I took my dog with me and he would walk alongside me as I was running! There is no such thing as too slow. Keep up the good work!
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thank you!
    W3D3 was okay. My GPS kicked back in today. I was going too fast at the start, I knew that. I had to slow right down on the last run. It's something I need to watch closely. I am scared of next week. The thought of a five minute run terrifies me but I am going to give it a go and see what happens. I'll do it on Sunday as long as the weather holds (it's apparently going to snow).
    Tomorrow I am having a proper rest day. No running. No work, just nice food and a comfy sofa.
  • tabbyblack13
    tabbyblack13 Posts: 299 Member
    It took me three trys to succeed at the week 3 day 1 program. I love to be able to run but that one was a pain in the butt to finished. Just keep going and if you don't succeed one day, give it a try the next day.
  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
    Thank you!
    W3D3 was okay. My GPS kicked back in today. I was going too fast at the start, I knew that. I had to slow right down on the last run. It's something I need to watch closely. I am scared of next week. The thought of a five minute run terrifies me but I am going to give it a go and see what happens. I'll do it on Sunday as long as the weather holds (it's apparently going to snow).
    Tomorrow I am having a proper rest day. No running. No work, just nice food and a comfy sofa.

    So glad you are hanging in there! I repeated several days, had weeks where I didn't get three (sometimes not even two in), etc. And I listened to my body and took as many rest days as I needed (especially before I realized my achy knees were bad shoes rather than old age!) But I have done a 30 minute run! I don't consider myself "graduated" yet as I haven't been able to repeat that triumph. Keep on keepin' on!!!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Thank you!
    W3D3 was okay. My GPS kicked back in today. I was going too fast at the start, I knew that. I had to slow right down on the last run. It's something I need to watch closely. I am scared of next week. The thought of a five minute run terrifies me but I am going to give it a go and see what happens. I'll do it on Sunday as long as the weather holds (it's apparently going to snow).
    Tomorrow I am having a proper rest day. No running. No work, just nice food and a comfy sofa.

    By week 6, I got used to the feeling of terror at the first glance at the next run. I started to just laugh and swear they were on crack. And then do the run. By the end of C25k, I realized that the program was created by pixies and sprinkled with faerie dust.

    "There's no better time to start

    Think of all the joy you'll find
    When you leave the world behind
    And bid your cares good-bye
    You can fly!"
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thank you!
    W3D3 was okay. My GPS kicked back in today. I was going too fast at the start, I knew that. I had to slow right down on the last run. It's something I need to watch closely. I am scared of next week. The thought of a five minute run terrifies me but I am going to give it a go and see what happens. I'll do it on Sunday as long as the weather holds (it's apparently going to snow).
    Tomorrow I am having a proper rest day. No running. No work, just nice food and a comfy sofa.

    By week 6, I got used to the feeling of terror at the first glance at the next run. I started to just laugh and swear they were on crack. And then do the run. By the end of C25k, I realized that the program was created by pixies and sprinkled with faerie dust.

    "There's no better time to start

    Think of all the joy you'll find
    When you leave the world behind
    And bid your cares good-bye
    You can fly!"

    Oh I like that quote.

    I daren't look further forwards than the next run. I suppose I'll get used to the terror! :laugh:

    I am really hoping I get this done by June (at the latest). I have a festival and I want to be fitter. I also know there's a 5k race for life in June. It's the weekend before the festival and I'm thinking of going. I'll be interesting running with a mohawk. Maybe my head will be cooler!
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thank you!
    W3D3 was okay. My GPS kicked back in today. I was going too fast at the start, I knew that. I had to slow right down on the last run. It's something I need to watch closely. I am scared of next week. The thought of a five minute run terrifies me but I am going to give it a go and see what happens. I'll do it on Sunday as long as the weather holds (it's apparently going to snow).
    Tomorrow I am having a proper rest day. No running. No work, just nice food and a comfy sofa.

    So glad you are hanging in there! I repeated several days, had weeks where I didn't get three (sometimes not even two in), etc. And I listened to my body and took as many rest days as I needed (especially before I realized my achy knees were bad shoes rather than old age!) But I have done a 30 minute run! I don't consider myself "graduated" yet as I haven't been able to repeat that triumph. Keep on keepin' on!!!

    Thanks. I am trying. I know I'm going to have to repeat days. I don't want to, I want to get through it in one go but I am quite large still and I know it's going to be a struggle sometimes, just lugging this weight around.

    Good luck, I know you'll do it. You've gotten this far.
  • ldocampo
    ldocampo Posts: 34
    You got this. That's all you have to tell yourself. As you're struggling just tell yourself "I got this. I am going to be so proud of myself when this run is over" and you will. I know when I finished W5D2 yesterday I was grinning like a fool to myself. That feel of pride and accomplishment is enough to push you to run harder! You got this!
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Thanks!

    I did Week 2 Day 1 today. I got up and the weather was not good. I was expecting that. My app said it was going to rain all day, so I ate and waited and then went out during one of the breaks on the weather.
    It was hard going today. My GPS stopped working again and the first run was a freaking challenge. The second was okay and the third, well I just kept plugging at it. I didn't stop but it felt like I was going so slow. I can't have been that slow because I finished a lot further on than normal.
    I've got a good week for days off and being able to run. I hope to get through this with my GPS working and for a better run.
    :drinker:
  • Rushgirl82
    Rushgirl82 Posts: 223 Member
    It gets better! I could barely run a minute on week one. I ran 25 minutes yesterday instead of the required 20. I went into this very doubtful. Keep your head up. You can do it. And repeat as many weeks as you need to! Don't be embarrassed! You are doing great!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Thanks!

    I did Week 2 Day 1 today. I got up and the weather was not good. I was expecting that. My app said it was going to rain all day, so I ate and waited and then went out during one of the breaks on the weather.
    It was hard going today. My GPS stopped working again and the first run was a freaking challenge. The second was okay and the third, well I just kept plugging at it. I didn't stop but it felt like I was going so slow. I can't have been that slow because I finished a lot further on than normal.
    I've got a good week for days off and being able to run. I hope to get through this with my GPS working and for a better run.
    :drinker:

    I hate it when the electronics go wrong. Sounds like you did well though.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    I hate it when the electronics go wrong. Sounds like you did well though.

    I think I worked it out. My phone locked on me. I have a case that protects the screen and I don't have it on autolock when I run. It locked and because I hate the battery getting drained when I'm not using it, I've turned off background app refresh. Turns out it needs to be turned on in this app for the GPS to work. So I turned it on for this app today and it worked.

    It turns out I am going my average pace which is nice, which is about 16 mins per mile. So that's good. I am beginning to see the wall in my mind. While I was waiting for the voice to tell me to stop on the last section I thinking I was not going to make it . When it said that was over I knew I had a whole lot more in me.
    For the first time I know I have this. On the walk back, I burst into tears of happiness. I can do this and for the first time I really believe it.
  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
    Yeah!! So glad you are still at it! We had crap weather this weekend so I didn't run in the 5k I signed up for, but I ran for 31 minutes straight on the treadmill, took a little break and ran some more! Honestly, if I can do this, anybody can. I totally agree with Varda that it is almost miraculous how you are ready for the next run even when you think there is no possible way. Our bodies are amazing--I am just starting to appreciate how much mine can do!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Yeah!! So glad you are still at it! We had crap weather this weekend so I didn't run in the 5k I signed up for, but I ran for 31 minutes straight on the treadmill, took a little break and ran some more! Honestly, if I can do this, anybody can. I totally agree with Varda that it is almost miraculous how you are ready for the next run even when you think there is no possible way. Our bodies are amazing--I am just starting to appreciate how much mine can do!

    This makes me cry a little. You have no idea how amazing this next year can be for you and I'm excited that you are putting yourself in the way of discovering it for yourself.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    Yeah!! So glad you are still at it! We had crap weather this weekend so I didn't run in the 5k I signed up for, but I ran for 31 minutes straight on the treadmill, took a little break and ran some more! Honestly, if I can do this, anybody can. I totally agree with Varda that it is almost miraculous how you are ready for the next run even when you think there is no possible way. Our bodies are amazing--I am just starting to appreciate how much mine can do!

    That's amazing work on the treadmil. Don't beat yourself up about not going, you did it anyway.
    IKR. It's amazing what we can do if we try.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    So it's been a whole week since I ran and actually it's not set me back as much as I thought it would.

    I was going to run on Friday but TOM happened and it was a bad one. For me that includes nausea and vomiting if I move too much. Yes mine can be lovely. By the time to worst was over it was raining heavily so a no go for me.
    Then Sunday I just couldn't be bothered. However by the end of the day I was really restless and I knew I should have gone out. Of course I've been working since then.

    So today was my first day back and instead of repeating day 2 of week 4 I just went into day 3. Turns out since I was so pissed off, that it was a good idea. I managed it and didn't feel like I was dying.

    So here's to the start of week 5 and maybe I'll sign myself up for that 5k after all.
  • tabbyblack13
    tabbyblack13 Posts: 299 Member
    I repeated W3 D3 several times to make sure I could do it. I need to step it up so tonight I have to do W4 D1. Its going to suck but I have to keep up with it.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    I repeated W3 D3 several times to make sure I could do it. I need to step it up so tonight I have to do W4 D1. Its going to suck but I have to keep up with it.

    I think you'll find because you've repeated the last one so much you'll be able to do it easier than you think. I'm not repeating anything unless I fail at it. If that happens i'll just do it again. Once it's done I want to focus on the next one.