Couch-to-5K - Who's In?

jesstiger81

Did week 4 day 1 today! I'm glad to see that each week has its own mini group of support. The 2nd 5-minute run was definitely more challenging, and I didn't add any extra time on the end of it like I did the first 3 weeks, but I made it. I hope to make the 2nd 5-minute run a 5.5 minute run on Wednesday, and I hope to make it a 6 minute run on Friday. I think this is the first week that I actually struggled. I slowed it down a little, going 4.4mph on the first two runs and 4.5mph on the last two. Wednesday I plan on doing 4.5 and 4.6, and 4.6/4.7 on Friday. Little by little!

I also have asthma. The past few months I have been on Singulair and my asthma has been totally under control. But, as these runs get longer, I will probably take a couple of puffs of my rescue inhaler before I go work out. My previous doctor suggested that, and she is a runner with asthma.

I tried a little of the techniques today. I can definitely see how making yourself as tall as possible will help you be lighter. I also tried the timed breathing. I count to 3 on the inhale and 3 on the exhale. I tried to visualize my stomach and diaphragm going out on the inhale and in on the exhale.

We can do this! Great job today runners!

yallcallmedeb

Started week 4 today and loved it!

cartwoman

Finished the first day of week 4. I did not even die during the 5 min run Does anyone have any advice for running in the rain?

You just do it? I tend to run in the rain and the only difference I notice is that I don't get as hot as normal

Started week 5 and the first day didn't kill me. Bit scared of running 2x 8 minutes tomorrow though and 20 minutes in a row on Saturday

mishtery

Hi, I'm in also. I did my first 14.38 km run earlier this yr. Ran least half of it. But plan is to do more fun runs this yr, and this probably the best plan to get into it and do it right.

yallcallmedeb

I did Week 4, Day 2 this morning. I'm finding the running to be getting easier but now my brain is getting in the way. I know that I could run further but find myself thinking "1/4 lap down, 1/2 lap down, " etc. I'm thinking about the run every single second and it just drags on and on. How do I just chill and enjoy the workout? I am probably ADD which I think is playing into this. HELP!!!!

Southernb3lle

I started on this ages ago but stopped. I'm back in on Day 1 Week 1 tomorrow.

MJ7910

I will be starting this over the weekend!! there is a group alerady at: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

you can always join in the fun

Here is my post about June starters: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/622939-anyone-starting-this-month-june-2012

jessimom

I'm in ... Been doing it for almost 4 weeks and loving it now ... Actually felt like I was more stressed in begining but now finally got rid of all the built up stress stuff and it is relaxing me now ... Keep at it I can't believe that I can run for 3 min intervals now and KNOW I will make it through the whole program

sandygettingfit

I started this morning - I need some motivation to stick to it.

uk_angeldust

Meeeee toooo! I started 3 days ago

kimlight2

I am also starting this week. I have tried it before and I love to run but prior injuries made me stop. I am trying again but plan to take it slower and find someplace softer to run other then pavement.

kmel2479

I did Week 4, Day 2 this morning. I'm finding the running to be getting easier but now my brain is getting in the way. I know that I could run further but find myself thinking "1/4 lap down, 1/2 lap down, " etc. I'm thinking about the run every single second and it just drags on and on. How do I just chill and enjoy the workout? I am probably ADD which I think is playing into this. HELP!!!!

I totally know what you mean... I think maybe it just comes with time. I'm not sure how to help the progress other than just sticking with it I guess...Can you zone out a little with music?

CarrieMyPhilos

I started this week! I was so proud of myself, even though it was just the first step (w1d1), for actually going out and DOING it. Today is w1d2... looking forward to it after a long day of sitting at my desk at work. My legs are still pretty sore from d1, though - clearly haven't used these muscles in a long time!

profgal43

Hi all, Funny I was just getting ready to start a similar thread. I am in week 4 of a similar program: Ease into 5 K. It's on my Android phone and so far it's working well for me. I used to run years ago but not since. two things got me started again. My boyfriend went from being fairly inactive to running a mini (half) marathon in ten months. He ran the whole thing, inspiring much awe and envy in me. I decided to shoot for something more doable for me. Second, I tried for several months to lose weight without exercising or just with walking which has worked in the past for me, but no success now. Running was always a guaranteed metabolism booster for me and it helps with anxiety and makes me feel good. So here I go. Now running (slow) 20 minutes and shooting for a 5k in July. Add me: profgal43 if you are working slowly up to a 5K and we'll cheer each other on!

jesstiger81

I did Week 4, Day 2 this morning. I'm finding the running to be getting easier but now my brain is getting in the way. I know that I could run further but find myself thinking "1/4 lap down, 1/2 lap down, " etc. I'm thinking about the run every single second and it just drags on and on. How do I just chill and enjoy the workout? I am probably ADD which I think is playing into this. HELP!!!!

I'm with ya Deb! We are in the exact same spot in the program, although yours may be slightly different because I am doing the treadmill version. I haven't even looked to compare, but here's what it has me doing this week:

5 minute warm-up
3 minute run
90 second walk
5 minute run
3 minute walk
3 minute run
90 second walk
5 minute run
cool-down walk

I wondered how I would do on the long runs, but I've made it so far. Yesterday was easier than Monday, so I was happy about that, and I am excited about tomorrow. I am going to try to add a whole minute on to the last run tomorrow.

I try to keep my eye off of watching the time constantly. When I look down after what seems like a lot of running, only 2 minutes or so has gone by sometimes. For me, the TV at the fitness center is my distraction. I need to take my mind off of running. If you are running outside or on a track, I think you need to have some music. Really try to concentrate on that song, and even move your lips to the lyrics. Most songs are 3-4 minutes long, so pick a few of your favorite songs that get you going and that'll help!

NJTeacher411

Just started yesterday morning. Felt good after, but my lower back was killing me during the first session. Hope it doesn't always hurt like that. Maybe it's just my body saying, "Hey, I ain't used to this!" lol.

octoberfalling

I'm in! I started last week, and tonight I do my w2d1 run. I can't wait to get out there.

ameriesj

I am all the way in there!!! I will start fresh on Monday! I've been on a 21 day diet (eating no meat but eating more veggies) & I will be finished with that on Monday. I am going to try it but the last time I tried it was very hard to control my breathing. I really need to lose at least 10-15lbs. My mid-section is horrible! Any suggestions??? Is it better to do it on a treadmill or on the track? Thanking you in advance....

kiku76

I did Week 4, Day 2 this morning. I'm finding the running to be getting easier but now my brain is getting in the way. I know that I could run further but find myself thinking "1/4 lap down, 1/2 lap down, " etc. I'm thinking about the run every single second and it just drags on and on. How do I just chill and enjoy the workout? I am probably ADD which I think is playing into this. HELP!!!!

I'm with ya Deb! We are in the exact same spot in the program, although yours may be slightly different because I am doing the treadmill version. I haven't even looked to compare, but here's what it has me doing this week:

5 minute warm-up
3 minute run
90 second walk
5 minute run
3 minute walk
3 minute run
90 second walk
5 minute run
cool-down walk

I wondered how I would do on the long runs, but I've made it so far. Yesterday was easier than Monday, so I was happy about that, and I am excited about tomorrow. I am going to try to add a whole minute on to the last run tomorrow.

I try to keep my eye off of watching the time constantly. When I look down after what seems like a lot of running, only 2 minutes or so has gone by sometimes. For me, the TV at the fitness center is my distraction. I need to take my mind off of running. If you are running outside or on a track, I think you need to have some music. Really try to concentrate on that song, and even move your lips to the lyrics. Most songs are 3-4 minutes long, so pick a few of your favorite songs that get you going and that'll help!

i run outside so I do this with teh music. I also find that concentrating on my breathing helps. or I watch my pace. LIke I count with my steps. Like left foot goes down, that's one. right foot, then left foot, two. I usually go one, two, one two and just make sure I'm not going too fast or I will tire myself out too fast. I also make sure to breathe in with my steps.
Before focusing on these things, i was obsessed with teh time and it made it seem even longer. tomorrow is week 6, day 3 for me.

insidesart

What do i need to do????

Im_NotPerfect

I'm on week 2, day 3 tomorrow! Not too bad so far...especially for a non-runner!

insidesart

If someone doesnt mind will they please send me a msg that explains what this is, it sounds very interesting and i love trying new things that will help me and have buddies to talk to about it with, thanks.

yallcallmedeb

i run outside so I do this with teh music. I also find that concentrating on my breathing helps. or I watch my pace. LIke I count with my steps. Like left foot goes down, that's one. right foot, then left foot, two. I usually go one, two, one two and just make sure I'm not going too fast or I will tire myself out too fast. I also make sure to breathe in with my steps.
Before focusing on these things, i was obsessed with teh time and it made it seem even longer. tomorrow is week 6, day 3 for me.

I do always listen to music and now I have music loaded that has a tempo that matches my desired rate of jogging. I do lip sync some of the lyrics and try to concentrate on the music, either the words or the rhythm. I have also counted steps. But not as intelligently as you! I will count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, etc. etc. Once I hit 200 or so, I am really driving myself crazy and thinking enough is enough already! LOL I will try to do a left, right, left, right type of thing and see if I can do it as a sort of meditation. I've tried to concentrate on my breathing and breathe in for 2-3 steps and out for 2-3 steps but it just confuses me so I just try to make sure that I am breathing from my diaphragm.

I think that part of my problem is also going through my laundry list of what I *should* be doing instead of enjoying what I *am* doing. I'll be thinking of the phone calls that I need to make, the paperwork that I need to do, who needs to go where, etc.

yallcallmedeb

If someone doesnt mind will they please send me a msg that explains what this is, it sounds very interesting and i love trying new things that will help me and have buddies to talk to about it with, thanks.

Check out http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml for a description of the plan. If you have an iphone or an android device, search for apps for C25K. There are several out there. I think that there are also some for iPods. The apps are really great in that they tell you when to walk and when to jog/run. The app that I use also tells me how far I went for that interval, pace, total distance and average pace which I find quite helpful in that I need to be careful to not try to run too fast and not have anything left to be able to do the distance!

Some people do the program on the treadmill and some on the road/track. I've been doing mostly track with 1 or 2 days on the treadmill. I'm still using my app while on the treadmill to have it tell me when to walk and when to run. While on the treadmill, it can't tell me distance or pace but I can get that data off of the machine. The app that I use also allows you upload the information to a web account on their website so it is really neat to be able to go back and see the improvements!

kiku76

i run outside so I do this with teh music. I also find that concentrating on my breathing helps. or I watch my pace. LIke I count with my steps. Like left foot goes down, that's one. right foot, then left foot, two. I usually go one, two, one two and just make sure I'm not going too fast or I will tire myself out too fast. I also make sure to breathe in with my steps.
Before focusing on these things, i was obsessed with teh time and it made it seem even longer. tomorrow is week 6, day 3 for me.

I do always listen to music and now I have music loaded that has a tempo that matches my desired rate of jogging. I do lip sync some of the lyrics and try to concentrate on the music, either the words or the rhythm. I have also counted steps. But not as intelligently as you! I will count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, etc. etc. Once I hit 200 or so, I am really driving myself crazy and thinking enough is enough already! LOL I will try to do a left, right, left, right type of thing and see if I can do it as a sort of meditation. I've tried to concentrate on my breathing and breathe in for 2-3 steps and out for 2-3 steps but it just confuses me so I just try to make sure that I am breathing from my diaphragm.

I think that part of my problem is also going through my laundry list of what I *should* be doing instead of enjoying what I *am* doing. I'll be thinking of the phone calls that I need to make, the paperwork that I need to do, who needs to go where, etc.

when I'm busy counting, I CAN'T think about anything else that could distract me. For me, I count to keep my pace slow and I breathe in on every left foot. or every other. I can't remember now LOL. If I'm feeling tired, I will breathe in deep through my nose to fill up my lungs (think pilates) and then let it out through my mouth. It may not work for everyone but it helps me

akaporn

C25k Week #2 Day #3:
Running/Walk 5mi in 1 Hr! It wasn't that good. But, it was exactly the same run I struggled 2 weeks ago. There were so many times I just want to skip the walk and continue with the run. But, I'd rather pace my self and be patience... 5k under 30min is totally do-able now....

Rylie324

I'm in. I started this last Sunday. So far so good!

jesstiger81

YAY! Finished week 4 today! I added an extra minute onto the last run of the workout.

Sometimes when I am on my way to the fitness center I'm thinking, I don't have lots of energy today, but I'm still excited about this workout. Then, once I get started, I know I have the energy.

Next week...
Monday - 3 5 minute runs
Wednesday - 2 8 minute runs
Friday - a 20 minute run!

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I am SO glad I take a rest on Saturday and Sunday!

buckeyegirl0103

I just did W2D2 today- I have seen a lot of posts about how to log this- what I did was purchase a hear rate monitor. I have a naturally high heart rate, so trying to get calories burned from just off the internet by looking at MPH etc. doesn't work for me. I LOVE IT!! It gives me an accurate reading and records my time, my heart rate- tells me if I am exercising in the zone. Then I log it as C25K Training and minutes done and calories burned.

I also use my C25K ap with the Nike+GPS ap. It gives me how many min per mile I did and logs my route if I did it outside. I can run both aps at the same time on my iPhone.

Good luck to us all with this!!

bunnybeth14

Start Week 4 on Sunday eeek! Have just repeated week 3 day 3 cos wasnt able to go for nearly a week but I dont think Ive ever made it past week 3 before without giving up so Im pretty proud of myself!