Couch to 5k day 1

I did my first day today also!

I started Monday and can't wait to start jogging longer than just a minute or two at a time!! Can only get better from here!!

This makes me wanna get home and run so I can join the c25k club starting today!

I share this little story of my experience, not to discourage you, but to encourage you if you find the C25K isn't working for you or you encounter a setback.

I started the C25K program back in June after having quit smoking for a couple of months and doing a lot of walking (35-40 miles per week) and stair climbing.

Day one was hard but I got through it, took my rest day and did day 2. That is when I felt a little pain in my shin. I wasn't too bad so I finished my "run" and went on about my day. Within a few hours I couldn't walk. After going to the doctor it was discovered that I had stress fractures in both my tibia. It was kind of a perfect storm for me due to decades of smoking (apparently this is bad for you and your bones), crappy running shoes, and at that point still about 50 pounds overweight.

The doc made me take 2 months off running while I healed but said I could bike all I wanted as long as it didn't hurt. I stated biking like crazy and I mean I was pushing myself to where I would get winded and high heart rate. After the two months off of running I resumed my walks and threw in a few short jogs with the plan that I would start the C25K again soon. Except I found I didn't need to. All of a sudden, now about 25 lbs lighter and farther removed from smoking I could just jog 5 miles. Slow as hell but I could do it.

Now I am training for my first half marathon next month which will be almost exactly 6 months after quitting smoking. I have worked probably harder than most and have astounded myself with the results. If that sounds like a brag, well maybe it is. But what I really want people to know is that you can't ever give up. We all have obstacles and setbacks but if you are determined and refuse to give up you can amaze yourself.

Good luck with C25K. Set some goals, log you workouts, measure your improvements.

I am on week 6. I remember the feeling. I love C25K! Great job! Keep it up!

i just downloaded an app on my phone that tells you when to walk/run. I'm so excited to try it!

I started another plan that actual starts you off a little slower. I will lay it out. You do each one 3 times a week with a day in between each.

Wk 1- Walk 4 min, jog 1, repeat 3 times (20 min)
Wk 2- Walk 3 min, jog 2, repeat 4 times (25 min)
Wk 3- Walk 3 min, jog 2, repeat 5 times (30 min)
Wk 4- Walk 2 min, jog 3, repeat 4 times (25 min)
Wk 5- Walk 2 min, jog 3, repeat 5 times (30 min)
Wk 6- Walk 1 min, jog 3, repeat 7 times (32 min)
Wk 7- Walk 1 min, jog 4, repeat 6 times (35 min)
Wk 8- Walk 1 min, jog 4, repeat 7 times (40 min)

I finished week one, but havent gotten to week two due to back issues. Going to pick it back up next week.

Stick with it! It gets easier! I used to dread jogging, now I really enjoy it and I am up to 2.25 miles (my first 5K is Thanksgiving morning!)

I just started tonight too :-)
I tried it earlier this year but I was getting terrible calf trouble. Anyway I'm giving it a go again, 19lbs lighter than I was last time and with generic orthotics in my runners, so hopefully it will go better this time. I found it tough but I travelled a longer distance than I did my first night 6 months ago. Am hoping to do a 5k before the year is out but am not saying anything to family/friends in case I don't get to do it.

Best of luck everyone

I just started week 4. Can't wait to sign up for a 5K during Thanksgiving break. I am hoping to do it with all of my family before we have our big meal.