NSV--C25K Success story!

brigbug

So, I started on MFP around November of 2010. I started the Couch to 5K about that same time. My husband (bobbydaniel) on MFP had started the C25k in September. I lagged a little behind, but started as well. I ran my first 5K in Jan of 2011. I ran another in February and a 3 miler and a 5k in March of 2011. I did a 5 mile race in May and then my first 10K in November. I was still running between May and November, but no races.

About that same time my husband signed up for his first 1/2 marathon, then we decided to sign up for the Rock and Roll in New Orleans. Me for the 1/2 and him for the whole.
I am telling the back story, because of what happens next. I finished my first 1/2 on March 4th. 2:40:04. Not lightening speed, but finished. My husband also finished his first marathon!

Well, that being said, we signed up for the St. Patrick's Day 3 miler we ran last year. My goal was just an improvement on my time. My time last year was 33 mins. This year I finished in 29:57...woo hoo!

Now for the kicker. We ran a 5k this past weekend. It was one I ran last year and finished at 35:29. This year I finished at 30:40 and I won my age division for women 40-49. Needless to say, all the fast runners stayed home! LOL! But that day, I was the fastest.

This is a year later. 60 lbs gone and lots of work, but it was a personal validation of all that work.
I post this to encourage others who may be struggling, and want to stop. I have been there. Don't quit. You DESERVE this! You OWN this! Take it like you OWN it!

b3kah5

Congratulations on your win!!! What a great success story.

BobbyDaniel

I may be a little biased since I am the said "bobbydaniel"...but I think you pretty much ROCK! And I'm very proud of how far you have come!

Rielyn

That is a great success!! I just decided to start the Couch to 5k program today and I'm looking forward to being able to run 5k without stopping!
I'm using your story as motivation

cantobean

That's awesome!

I started C25K in October, ran my first 5k in late November, and I'm running my second one this Sunday! Would love to run a 10K or a 5-miler or something!

Question for you: did you do a 10K training program, like the "Bridge to 5k?" I seem to be stuck in 5k mode and can't run much farther (4.5 miles is the farthest I've gone).

Thanks!

ccbing

Yep....you have inspired me to keep going. Just registered today for my first official 5K in April. Have already registered for a half marathon in Feb. 2012...but the thought still looms in my head that I won't be able to do it. I keep saying "I hope my knees hold out til Feb."...I know it's a crutch excuse...the excuse I plan to use when I get scared of failure....but I just plan to keep dropping the weight and refuse to be scared of failure. My hubby has been running for a couple of years now...took me a long time to join him. So glad I have. Him and our 9 yr old daughter are doing the 5K with me
Congrats on your success and thank you for sharing your story

brigbug

That's awesome!

I started C25K in October, ran my first 5k in late November, and I'm running my second one this Sunday! Would love to run a 10K or a 5-miler or something!

Question for you: did you do a 10K training program, like the "Bridge to 5k?" I seem to be stuck in 5k mode and can't run much farther (4.5 miles is the farthest I've gone).

Thanks!

No, I didn't use another program. I just upped my mileage. The 10K I ran was actually the first time I had ever done 6.2. I think the farthest I had run was 5 miles at that point. It's more conditioning and mindset at that point anyway. I just kept doing 1 longer run a week and kept doing the 3 miles a few times a week.
Try slowing your pace down some. I know when I had to run the farther distances, I have to keep in mind I can't go at the 5K pace. See if that helps!
Good luck on your 5K!

cantobean

No, I didn't use another program. I just upped my mileage. The 10K I ran was actually the first time I had ever done 6.2. I think the farthest I had run was 5 miles at that point. It's more conditioning and mindset at that point anyway. I just kept doing 1 longer run a week and kept doing the 3 miles a few times a week.
Try slowing your pace down some. I know when I had to run the farther distances, I have to keep in mind I can't go at the 5K pace. See if that helps!

Thanks! The 4.5 miler only happened when I really focused on starting slow, so I know you're right. I guess the problem is I'm not sure whether to focus on running longer or faster...I guess what you said---work for faster 3-miles during the week and a slower 4 or 5-miler on the weekend. Sounds like a plan!

brigbug

I may be a little biased since I am the said "bobbydaniel"...but I think you pretty much ROCK! And I'm very proud of how far you have come!

Thanks honey! You have been my greatest inspiration and encourager in all of this!