Couch to 5km Graduates!!!

Happyoceangirl

Wow guys - your goals are inspiring!! Thanks for posing the question Maddie! Honestly, I haven't given it too much thought... yet. I will think on it and post back.

I would say that my general goal is (and has been) to maintain an active lifestyle - with running every other day (of course, forgiving events that get in the way here and there). But, goals are good. Maybe I can set a mini goal to strive to complete in February or so...

In other news... I ran yesterday a total of about 3.8 miles, much of it was a steady uphill climb... it was hard, but rewarding to know I can (and did) do it. Re-started the 30 day shred today (completed it 2 weeks ago) - and thinking of doing another round of 30 days, this time with heavier weights and fewer modifications. We'll see!

maddiebabe

OK so Christmas was good to me. I got a new running jacket, winter running mitts and a hat and new running tights. I am so pumped to run in the cold uphere in Canada now!

The bad news is a friend of mine's husband passed away suddenly so I will be working more hours on top of the stresses of the funeral and I may not get a chance to really dig into th running until next week. I am excited to get going though.

How did everyone else fare this past week?

Oooh but I did get the wii fit for christmas and im ging to wear my heart rate monitor and see how many cals I actualy burn hehe

Happyoceangirl

Hmm, is this happening to anyone else?I've tried several times to post to this thread in the past week and it never actually publishes. Weird!

Today was my first day out with my new running buddy - and WOW - what a fun difference to have company! we only went about 2 miles, but still.... was such a nice change from my "normal" routine. I was on the road by 6:30 this morning. Crazy!!!!

How's everyone doing?

JPriceGA

I'm starting the new year out sick!

One of the good things/bad things about working from home is that I can go to work and not put anyone at risk for catching my germs.

My energy level is still around 50% - so not enough bandwith to exercise yet. However, I've been careful about my food intake so hopefully the scale will be kind when I recover enough to worry about weighing in!

I have a 10k coming up the end of February, so I'm anxious to get back out there.

savvystephy

You all are inspiring!

Smiles - Great job on 6 mph! I can't run that fast yet.

My goals for 2010: Keep increasing the amount of distance and increasing my speed (decreasing time). I have a 5K in April and maybe I will find a 5 miler over the summer before graduate school. I hope to keep losing weight and to lose at least 30 more pounds by the end of summer (which would be 10lbs from my end goal, but in my healthy weight range). Just keep getting healthier and becoming a better runner.

Today I haven't been that motivated to run, but reading this thread is getting me there. I know I will feel a lot better once I get out there, so it's a matter of just getting out and doing it. I will be starting Week 4 of Gateway to 8K. I only did two days of week 3 do to a lot of holidays / housework things needing to be done, so I am hoping to continue to Week 4. If it is too hard, I will just do Week 3 for the remainder of this week.

maddiebabe

HAPPY NEW YEAR GRADUATES

I feel your pain Jan I am sick again and I dont know what fromthis time. Last time I know it was the chronic sinus infections but not this time. Im all stuffed up and feel like crap but dont know why Doctore cannot figure it out either. Oh well...such is life! I hoep you are feeling 10 TIMES BETTER by the end of the week

I wanted to go for a run outside today,a nd I woke up at 6 am and looked out to be greeted by 13 inches of snow on my lawn!!! grrr stupid Canadian Winters!

Anywway, I just wnated to jump on and say hi and happy new year to you all and hope that this year brings us tonnes of successes and happiness because we all deserve it! And thanks for the 2010 goals ladies. I love hearing what motivates us to keep going! Please let meknow if I can do anything to help any of you out

hugs and love!

Happyoceangirl

Okay, I'm STILL trying to determine my goals for 2010. I have so many (which is really unusual) - it's hard to pick just one and I want to follow through with whatever I RESOLVE to do.

Here are a few:
*Go to the beach more
*Walk all 3 dogs at least 2 x a week ("family night walk")
*Keep with the running e/o day (and walk on "off" days)

I think I'm going for a walk now - who knows - maybe inspiration will strike and I'll RUN instead? Tomorrow morning, bright and early is my official "run" time. Maddie - so sorry for your 13 inches of snow....... I don't know if I'd even come out from under the covers to log in. I'm a wuss! Hope it melts soon!

Happyoceangirl

Was out the door at 7:00 am this morning for a run. 2.5 miles (or just over) with a total of 3.2 miles (when walking is added in.) Have slacked off some but will be advancing forward soon.

How's everyone? Maddiebabe? Jan, Stephy?

JPriceGA

Still sick... Every day I keep hoping the next I'll be strong enough to run again. Today the darn thing moved to my lungs - when that happens I get really short of breath! My overall energy is better though, so maybe tomorrow...

I made a big 'ole pot of chicken soup today so perhaps that will do the trick!

Jan

nebulas

i did the couch to 5k and it was great. now i am working on a 10k training program and currently running 4 miles. it also encouraged me to join a running club, i have my first run tonight!

savvystephy

I did Week 4, Day 2 of Gateway to 8K. Running time was about 3.5 miles. With the warm up and cool down I did about 4.2 miles.

Just a quick check in, because I have a few things to take care of.

savvystephy

Hey everyone - I just finished Week 4 of Gateway to 8k!

How is everyone doing?

chrissyh

I started back over a couple weeks so I have 8 weeks to go til I am ready for my half!

JPriceGA

I made it out of the house today.... I at least got in about a 10 minute walk. It got up to 32 today... It's been so cold there was still nice crunchy snow out for me to walk on.

maddiebabe

Great Job Jan!

I hate the cold......it sucks. I finally got out and went for a run.....well it ended up more walking/ lessrunning because it was so cold on my lungs and chest.

That being said I want to get out anddo it again tomorrow morning hehe Good luck later this week with you rrunning ladies

cheers

Iceprincessk25

I love this thread. It's so inspiring for us C25K current students! :bigsmile: I love seeing how many of you completed the program! I can't wait to join you!

I'm starting week 3 on Wednesday! Ahhhhhhhhh!:sick:

savvystephy

Good for you Jan & Carrie!

Iceprincessk25 - You'll get through it! I am amazed every time I got out and run how far I get. It's a great feeling.

Starting Week 5 of Gateway to 8K today! Woohoo! By March, I should be running 5 miles!

jlbay

Hi Everyone - back on track this year!

I decided to start back at week one of G28k this week - as I only had a few running workouts for all of December. Had an easy run last week and really didn't feel sore after, so I'm thinking I'm okay to jump back in on week one G28k.

I really want to run a half marathon this year, so I've got to get back on the training schedule! The ice and snow here aren't helping, but the treadmill isn't killing me... yet.

Happyoceangirl

Yay - I see a revival happening here!

Went for a 2.2 mile run this morning with new running buddy - while I can go farther, she's working up to it and I want us to run together. She's quite a bit taller than I am though - so keeping up with her is ending up as a good challenge. She gave me some feedback though: 1) work on my breathing and 2) need to be more "light on my feet". Um.....??? Isn't just doing it good enough? LOL!!

So, anyone with suggestions on how I can improve, I'm all ears. I'm also researching. Out of curiosity though - how do you breathe when you run?

savvystephy

Hi Smiles! Glad that you have a running partner! For my stride, I try to make sure my feet don't land in front of my hips. Leaning my whole body forward slightly seems to help (as well as increase my speed a little). As for breathing, I breath through my mouth and nose and I try to breath in rhythm with my running. If you are having trouble breathing while running, I have heard that chewing gum helps that apparently.

This is really what I have read from active.com articles that I have incorporated (except I haven't chewed gum while running. Especially in the winter - I don't need colder air filling my lungs lol).

Happyoceangirl

Hi Smiles! Glad that you have a running partner! For my stride, I try to make sure my feet don't land in front of my hips. Leaning my whole body forward slightly seems to help (as well as increase my speed a little). As for breathing, I breath through my mouth and nose and I try to breath in rhythm with my running. If you are having trouble breathing while running, I have heard that chewing gum helps that apparently.

This is really what I have read from active.com articles that I have incorporated (except I haven't chewed gum while running. Especially in the winter - I don't need colder air filling my lungs lol).

thanks Stephy for the feedback.... I would have never thought of gum. I"ll have to let you know how it goes....

maddiebabe

wow...I never thought aobut the gum idea too That might really help with my issues as well! Thanks stephy for the great idea. I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes hehe

cheers everyone!

jlbay

G28k - back on week 1, and I ran 12 minutes miles - very slow! However, I did that on purpose to let my body readjust to the running effort. I ran on the treadmill as I fear the icy walks around town right now. The 12 minute miles felt super easy, so perhaps I will be able to either skip a week or up the speed next week.

maddiebabe

WOW....no action on this thread in 4 DAYS!!!! Runners...wha is going on here I went for a run today because the weather up here was above zero for the first time in about 3 months so i was thrilled

Its hard to run hen its so cold out but I still try.Today was a great day though,a nd i burned a tonne of calories and got in 4.5 KM to boot

I hope everyone else has had a great weekend!

jlbay

Okay, I'm starting to understand why a lot of people call it the "DREADmill." I hate it, I hate it!!

The walkways are too icy and scary to walk on - much less run, so I've been making myself go over to the gym and run on the treadmill. Not even halfway through my run - I just wanted to stop. I felt like I could go on. Why?? My legs felt fine, still a little tightness, but nothing to worry about. My lungs feel GREAT - which I'm very pleased about. The running effort felt EASY (well, I am trying to keep myself to a very slow pace for the first couple of weeks back on schedule). No - no - I was just SO - FREAKING - BORED!!!

So, my last interval, I just couldn't take it anymore and I started playing with my speed to pass the time. I originally promised myself to keep to a slow, even pace, but playing with the speed was the only thing that kept me going. It was fun and I didn't hurt myself. I forgot how fun it is to run fast (relatively fast). He he he. Still, I hope the ice melts so i can run outdoors soon.

Completed Wk 1 G28K.

MrsDanceBartley

I too would be interested in any 10K programs. I've been running 5Ks for many years, but would like to do a 1/2 marathon this time next year, so 10K is my next goal.

Would love to hear any suggestions!

savvystephy

jlbay - Yep, that is definitely why the treadmill is the "dreadmill". The only thing I like about the treadmill is how you can push yourself to maintain a certain speed. I may be going there today to run.. I haven't decided if I want to start this week today or tomorrow. The weather is pretty cruddy, so the gym would be an option. Or I will do a Jillian Michaels DVD today and run tomorrow.. we shall see.

MrsDanceBartley - The Gateway to 8K program is good, it is followed by Freeway to 10K.. if you wanted to look into that.

Carrie - I am glad you got a nice run in this weekend! Today cruddy weather has hit my area, so we'll see how long that lasts.

maddiebabe

Jan- I hate the treadmill. i get so bored on it as well. Its like you think you're kickin butt, feeling good and almost there...and you look down and you're barely half way through your run....its sucky! I am so glad taht its nice up here in Ontario today.

Stephy That sucks about the weather down ther. I am debating going for a run today and taking advantage of the nice weather before it gets nasty again tomorrow or Tuesday.

I am realy trying to avoid using the treadmill at the gym. I just find it so depressing and boring and I ose all motivation!!!

Happyoceangirl

Hey Maddie - I saw your post on 1/16 wondering why no one posted in 4 days and asking what was going on..... I don't think I posted but I ran on 1/11, 1/13 and 1/15. The 1/15 run was especially "hard core" because we were up running IN THE DARK, before the roosters were up (literally) because i had an early morning meeting and I knew that the run would wake me up and have me alert.

True enough - I was bright eyed and bushy tailed - and my compadres were, well, not so much.

Working on the breathing (in thru nose, out through mouth) and at a consistent rhythm. It's a challenge - but I think one worth undertaking. Seems like in the long run, I will be breathing more efficiently. Right now we're still running less than 5k (alone I had worked up to 5k and longer) but while the distance is shorter, my speed is increasing, so it all works out in the end. Maybe this week we'll strive to add another leg to the run.

The vog (volcanic smog) is terrible today - I am struggling to breathe while indoors... so running is off the agenda for today. Hang in there everyone - I love reading your updates.

Stephy - way to go on the Gto8K program... you're kickin some serious booty, girl!

jlbay

Well, now I've done it!

I entered myself into the ballot for a 1/2 marathon and WON A SPOT!!

That means, I've committed myself to a 1/2 marathon at the end of September. Yikes. Gotta stay focused now.