I completed W6D1 yesterday. After running 20 consecutive minutes, going back to the interval seemed strange. I noticed we do it again on W6D2, then that is it. I am not sure why but my pace was a lot faster than ever before in the first interval. I wondered if subconsciously I sped up knowing it was a shorter run? Either way, I still struggle to get this pace thing in check – I have been able to complete each run while trying to figure it out but it worries me for some reason.

Did W3D1 today. I'm not using the apps and looked at the workout this morning before I went out...then did three repetitions instead of two. I guess my brain doesn't function quite right at 5:30 am! Still finished it and going forward with this week should be pretty easy in comparison!

I did W4D1 today and man those 5 minute were exhausting. I was worn out at the end of that. But I feel okay now that I'm done with it and have showered and all. Glad tomorrow is a rest day for me.

We are in the same spot and I feel exactly the same way!

Almost as soon as I got the cue to start my cool down both of my calves seized up which made the next 1/4 mile quite unpleasant. I guess that is what I get for slipping into my old shoes this morning instead of my running shoes!

Did Week 8, Day 1 today. Didn't get out as early as I wanted to so the temps had started climbing, but still reasonable to run for me .. barely. I did it! 28 minutes straight running! My dog wanted to quit at 27 minutes 30 seconds, but with a quick encouragement he popped back up and did the additional 30 seconds. We were both glad to get to the cool down walk though.

I finished W5D3 yesterday!

I remember a few weeks ago, when I peeked ahead to see what everybody was talking about, I thought, 20 minutes! Holy crap, will i be able to run 20 minutes straight by then? Well, I did. I think somewhere between running 5 minutes and 8 minutes nonstop, I conquered my breathing, and from there, it's just mind over matter.

I am slow, though. Other runners at the track lap me repeatedly. It is encouraging to see others here who are slow like me, and who still put on their shoes and go out there and do it. It does help me to know that I'm not the only one who finds this challenging.

So question: What strategies did you other beginners use to increase your speed? At this juncture, I can't even imagine finishing a 5K in 30 minutes.

Completed W4D1 today and had to stop on the first 5 minute with 40 seconds to go! I'd just gone up a slight rise and met with a neighbor whose children like to laugh, so I was aggravated. Anyhow, I stopped for a few paces then finished the last 20 or so seconds. Then, on the next 5 minuter, someone pulls up to ask for directions! Overall, not a great day, plus I wasn't feeling like running much after playing ultimate frisbee Saturday. Glad I pushed though.

Week 7 Day 1 done. We're under a flash flood warning here, it was pouring when I got out of work this morning. When I went out to do this it was slightly drizzling. I laughed because I didn't go back inside.

Did the 25 minutes. My Fitbit says 2 miles, but then on the way back with walking, gives me less of a read, more like a mile. I know the route is longer than a mile, I head that way going to work. I'm taking it as 2 miles. I was kind of hoping the dark clouds would open up as I was closer to home on the way back. The humidity sucks.

What do you use to track distance?

RunDouble app on my phone uses gps to track distance.

I was using my Fitbit last year and realized my running stride wasn't set correctly because at the end of the program I ran a 5K and my Fitbit told me I had run 4 miles. You can apparently adjust the stride on the dashboard to make it more accurate. This year I'm repeating the program and am using the C25K app which also uses GPS.

You guys are awesome. Keep up the great work!

I finally got through W4 D3 after putting it off for four days. (I know W5 D3 is right around the corner, so I'm getting nervous). It was a pretty rough run today. I tried to use some proper running techniques, and it almost made me cry when it was time to walk. Interesting run, but I got through it. So I'm proud of myself.

Week 7 Day 1 done. We're under a flash flood warning here, it was pouring when I got out of work this morning. When I went out to do this it was slightly drizzling. I laughed because I didn't go back inside.

Did the 25 minutes. My Fitbit says 2 miles, but then on the way back with walking, gives me less of a read, more like a mile. I know the route is longer than a mile, I head that way going to work. I'm taking it as 2 miles. I was kind of hoping the dark clouds would open up as I was closer to home on the way back. The humidity sucks.

What do you use to track distance?

I use Map My Run in conjunction with the free zen labs c210k app.

My headcold is cleared up and I had a great run. Week 8, Day 1 and my first 28-minute run is out of the way It was my slowest pace yet but guess what? My little buddy is still plugging along beside me. He couldn't believe he ran for a full 28 minutes, either

Have been on holiday for a few days. Unfortunately there were high hedges and narrow lanes so no road running but managed to get a treadmill run in - wow, what a different experience.

It was difficult for me to get my rhythm and my headphones died so I was totally bored throughout and it didn't really feel that challenging. I have no experience with treadmills so put it on 1 incline and ran at 6.2. I had no idea how this would work out and didn't want to mess it up by choosing the wrong setting but guess I should have made it harder!

Oh well, home now and back on the road tomorrow.

:drinker:

Two posters say they use the C25K app to record distance? Is that the free app? I didn't know it did that. Guess I should look it over more!

The RunDouble app is free for the first 2 weeks, the upgrade was around $2 I think. I love it- uses gps to track distance, speed, rate, calories burned and can be used with music players on your phone.

I use the Active C25K app to track distance. I did pay $1.99 for it.

Completed W6D3 today. I felt so inspired that I installed the C210K app on my phone! Maybe, just maybe I can run a 10k in February next year!

You'll be able to run one way before that.

I finished W5D3 yesterday!

I remember a few weeks ago, when I peeked ahead to see what everybody was talking about, I thought, 20 minutes! Holy crap, will i be able to run 20 minutes straight by then? Well, I did. I think somewhere between running 5 minutes and 8 minutes nonstop, I conquered my breathing, and from there, it's just mind over matter.

I am slow, though. Other runners at the track lap me repeatedly. It is encouraging to see others here who are slow like me, and who still put on their shoes and go out there and do it. It does help me to know that I'm not the only one who finds this challenging.

So question: What strategies did you other beginners use to increase your speed? At this juncture, I can't even imagine finishing a 5K in 30 minutes.

A lot of people can't finish a 5k in 30 minutes by the end of the program. You will, however, be able to run an entire 5k. I graduated in February and probably could have done a 30 minute 5k by June.