C25K anyone?

Calliope610
Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am new to MFP, an active daily member since 02/04/13. I am 50yo, 5'4" and today weighed in at 221 (starting weight in Dec 2012 was 232). I am losing weight w/ 1300 cal/day, but have yet to start a regular, consistent exercise plan.

I want to start a C25K program and have started researching on the internet. I haven't found what I would consider the consummate site yet that would provide a running novice like myself the guidance I need.

Any suggestions, advice or experience out there? Please share.

Thanks, Michele

Replies

  • majoki
    majoki Posts: 151 Member
    I downloaded the c25k app from Zen Labs onto my phone, and I'm about to start my fourth week. The advice I'd give is to assess yourself: do you feel like you can easily walk for 30 minutes? If so, then go right ahead and start c25k (you run for one minute at a time the first week). Do listen to your body! Any new running program is going to bother your knees (probably), so do give days between walk/runs to allow your knees to get used to it.

    If you don't feel like you can walk for 30 minutes, then I'd start with walking right now and build yourself up to 45 minutes of walking. Once you can do it walking, then you can start the running program.
  • Amandatorie
    Amandatorie Posts: 93 Member
    I agree with majoki's advice. Also, if you've really never run before (or at least, not as an adult!) it would probably be helpful to read up on some stuff, like breathing and stride. The cool running website (the site that created c25k, I believe) might have some resources. Otherwise I'd just do some google searching.

    But I wouldn't overwhelm yourself with info. I'd just get started with workout 1, week 1! And remember to run as slow as you want to. Deal with speed later. Just get your body actually running for those intervals, if you can. Even if you're running at a speed barely faster than what you're walking.
  • KetoDebbie912
    KetoDebbie912 Posts: 105 Member
    Congrats on taking the first steps to a healthier you! I would check out the cool runnings web site for the C25K schedule, as well as tips for beginners. I have never been a runner and am now on Week 5!! You can do it too!! Take it slow and steady and just concentrate on each day as it comes. If you have to repeat a day, then do it.

    FYI.. I am 45 and 192 lbs. I run super slow but I am doing it and I feel great!! I eat between 1200 and 1300 calories and try to keep it clean and healthy. One thing I noticed, the scale didn't move quickly but the inches are melting off. YAY
  • ncl1313
    ncl1313 Posts: 237 Member
    I'm starting week 2 tonight, though I'm nervous about it since my last week 1 workout was really hard (the first two weren't bad, but for some reason the last one kicked my butt). I'm at a snail's pace because it's been years since I've done any running. I started with walking also...three times per week at 3-3.5mph for 30 minutes. I'm not doing an inches measurement until after I'm done with week 2, so cross fingers!
  • GoffGirl1029
    GoffGirl1029 Posts: 93 Member
    I downloaded Active.com's C25K program. I love it! It maps your run, calculates pace and has 3 different personality-types to be your coach.
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    Thank you for your replies. I must admit that I was a bit intimidated by the thought of running, but now that I learn more about the C25K program, I am confident I can do this. I am excited about starting.

    In November and December 2012, I was walking 3-4 a week, 2-3mph for about 30min with my Rottweiler. We both enjoyed the exercise and I felt accountable to her to make sure she got her exercise. However, Lacey died on 12/23/12 (euthanized due to chronic renal failure), and I haven't wanted to walk - it wasn't the same without her. I have a new dog now, Cora, a 7 week old Australian Cattle Dog puppy. I know she will require lots of physical activity and will be a great walking/running partner. Here's to many miles with Cora.
  • TARuiz84
    TARuiz84 Posts: 13 Member
    I started week 1 last week (gave up not running 3x/week for Lent). Today is run day for me and it snowed about 6". I have no access to an indoor track or treadmill to make up for it, so I'm a little bummed. I feel very accomplished when I finish a morning run.

    I'm currently 28, 5'4" and weigh 258. I could walk at a rather quick pace all day with relatively no issue, so i jumped right into jogging. Don't get discouraged if you're unable to jog for the full minute. I most certainly wasn't able to the first couple days. By Day 3, it was much easier although I was still sucking wind.

    Best advice: although you should push yourself, be sure to listen to your body. Pay attention to pain knee (knees, ankles, feet) , be sure you stretch, wear good shoes and find a good motivating mix to listen to.
    I did have some problems with my Zenlabs app on days 2 and 3 and have downloaded the Run Double app which I've not gotten to try yet.

    Good luck!!
    Tammie
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I'm on week 5. Two 10 minute runs tonight. Look for C25k under groups, there is one good one with tips and support.
  • 212ackley
    212ackley Posts: 431 Member
    I started 3 weeks ago and did week 1 for the first 2 weeks, I have never even been a jogger and I did it!!! (without collapsing or even pausing the screen! :happy: ) I have had a majorly odd work week schedule this week so I will attempt week 2 next week, but may end up doing week one again if I need to...
    All you can do is try! Good luck on your journey!
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    To quote Yoda: Do, or do not. There is no try.
  • Amandatorie
    Amandatorie Posts: 93 Member
    I started 3 weeks ago and did week 1 for the first 2 weeks, I have never even been a jogger and I did it!!! (without collapsing or even pausing the screen! :happy: ) I have had a majorly odd work week schedule this week so I will attempt week 2 next week, but may end up doing week one again if I need to...
    All you can do is try! Good luck on your journey!

    The first time I tried c25k I ended up doing each week for a few weeks. I just wasn't ready to move on right away. So don't worry if you have to do "week 1" for the first few weeks before you move on to "week 2"! Just be sure to be consistent at doing it 3x/week. I did the program 2-3 times up through most of week 5, and then ended up quitting. But not this time! I start week 6 tomorrow, and I'm already signed up for an actual 5k in less than a month!

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