Running Questions

tinana_RN

So I completed W1 D2 last night. I can't believe how amazing it felt. I didn't have to cut it short like I cut some of the running (like 5-8 seconds) on the first day. I tried a different route around the neighborhood which worked nicely because there are streetlights.

Here are my questions.... If you can answer any/all I'd appreciate it.


1. Do you run when it's dark out- whether in the morning or at night? If so, do you bring a flashlight or anything? I'll admit.. I grew up in a country-part of NY, but there's a lot of things about the dark that scare me... :embarassed: However 4 days out of the week, my husband is gone (for work) first thing in the morning, until after dark. We have 2 kids that I can't exactly bring with me.

2. What kind of shoes have been the best for YOU? I know it's recommended to get fitted for good running shoes, but I'm wondering what the general consensus is.

3. At what weight did you start C25k? I'm in the 220-range and I feel like I handled myself decently considering what I'm carrying with me... :laugh: Just kind of wondering what to expect with the changes in the program as the weeks pass.


I have some more questions but I of course can't remember them now... :sad:
Thanks in advance for any help!

lukeout007

Congrats on taking the first step (pun intended).

Answers:

1) I run at night mostly. I don't take anything with me but I try to stay in relatively well lit areas. Now that we're getting closer to the summer its not as dark when I go now either which is nice. If you're really concerned I'd try to find a way to keep a small thing of pepper spray with you. Also maybe get one of those red lights that clip on and blink so that cars can see you.

2) I just went out and found the ones that were the most comfortable. They seem to work ok for me...they are K-Swiss.

3) I started C25k at around 222 or 223....I'm now 203 and am about to finish the program this week. The 220's are perfectly fine to start running but I was worried too when I started. I can tell you in the 220's I couldn't even run the 60/90 second intervals without feeling like passing out. Now I can do 30 minutes straight with very little issue.

tinana_RN

Thanks so much. I feel like people look at me as "the fat girl that's trying to run"... I know I shouldn't care what others think of me, but I do. We live in an ok-area, but there are some scaries, too- we live in a townhouse development right now, but you just never know. There have been break-ins and so forth, so I just worry.

Shoes- I didn't get a new pair but the pair I'm using right now haven't bothered me yet- I realize this can change as the running increases.

I appreciate your answers!

lukeout007

I feel like people look at me as "the fat girl that's trying to run"...

This is the reason I run in the dark mainly. I've only recently had to get out of that mind frame now that the daylight is staying later. But the way I see it...if anyone is really enough of a *kitten* to make jokes or rude comments about someone trying to be serious about their health...let em. Their comments won't slow me down, make me gain weight, or make me eat unhealthy foods. So they really don't matter.

Also...now that I can do 30 minutes straight I'd bet I can do just as well as most of the other people I see jogging around my neighborhood. So don't worry about it. I doubt anyone is looking in the first place...but if they are...f*** em.

tinana_RN

I think it's why I enjoyed running in the dark so much last night- It was also chilly out so I had one of those ear cover/headband thingys too, I felt like I was incognito... LOL Until I ran past my brother-in-law, but I don't think he recognized me to be honest with you.

I can't believe that a few weeks ago, I didn't even give C25k a second glance. I can't wait to have more endurance for running... running 30 min, such an accomplishment! Great job!

MandaJean83

Hey there

1) I run in the late morning or early afternoon. Haven't had the need to try night running yet, as I don't have kids to worry about during the day. I would def stick to well lit paths, however, if I ran at night. Safety first!

2) A few weeks into C25K I went and got fitted for running shoes. I am wearing Brooks, and they are awesome. They analyzed my gait at the store, and it turns out that I underpronate...so the right pair of shoes can correct this. It really helps with leg and back pain if you're wearing the right shoes!

3) I never had terribly much to lose, so I was around 130 lbs when I started running in late February! I've since lost 10 more lbs and reached my GW!

Feel free to add me as a friend. I'm always posting about C25K...it's my current exercise obsession!

-Amanda

naprestsleep

1) treadmill at the gym. Eventually I will tranisiton outside but plan to run in the AM.
2) I bought NB($120, so not to much) after the second week.
3) 310ish when I started, finished week 3 and I am at 304.