Cyber running partner OR advice!! PLEASE!!

I have never been a runner. I hate to run-but I want to learn to love it. I want to start C25K this weekend. TIPS? Tricks? What about fueling your body for a run and after? I KNOW NOTHING!!!!!!!!

AND does anyone want to start it with me??????
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Replies

  • I sometimes run but it depends on my mood and some days I have more energy than others.
    To get in the mood my tips are music and water - this keeps me going.
    I would start with interval jogging and build up over time. Use your watch or count steps/strides or use lamp posts trees etc as markers.

    This works for me but we are all different. I tend to find when I do interval running my walk between is stronger too and I feel fab.
    Obviously stretching and eating at the right time are important but if I am honest I often forget to do this before hand.
  • marirosea
    marirosea Posts: 3 Member
    I did day 1 of the C25K program. Hoping to get day 2 in tonight!! Id love to be a cyber partner.
  • Hi, I started c25K today and I'd love some cyber partners. I hate running, always have. But darn it...such a great way to get in shape. I'm going for it.
  • Brandi_Allison
    Brandi_Allison Posts: 20 Member
    Can anyone tell me what the C25K program is? I have noticed a lot of people on this site and Facebook mentioning it. I am a running beginner, and I think I would be interested in this. Thanks in advance! :-)
  • marirosea
    marirosea Posts: 3 Member
    Couch to 5K
  • Hi! I am a sorta newbie to running but I have run multiple 5k's and have placed in my age division and I am currently working on running a half marathon! The key is to start slow and not to go to fast. Going to fast only leads to injury! As for eating, eat a small low fiber meals particulary 30 to 40 min before you run. After running, greek yogurt is a great snack because of the protein. feel free to add me!
  • morganstrf
    morganstrf Posts: 93 Member
    Hey- if ur thinking about c25k- ABSOLUTELY GO FOR IT!!!
    I began at the end of July, and just ran 5k today (okay, well I walked 5 minutes after I did two miles before I started running again.... But I ended up with 32:38 including the 5 mins walking). Let me tell you, I WAS NEVER A RUNNER!!! The last time I ran a mile was in like 6th grade for those physical fitness tests!! My hubby and I are doing a local 2 mile this Saturday. It will be my first run ever. I've probably lost near 10 lbs while doing the program, but I've been gaining a lot of muscle. HTH and GL! Add me if u want.
    My advice- just go for it and do it, and remember that ur mind will quit long b4 ur body does.
  • morganstrf
    morganstrf Posts: 93 Member
    Ps I used the zen labs c25k app
  • vrmshoes
    vrmshoes Posts: 14 Member
    I miss running! Im currently out on an injury and who knows when I can run again! But when I was running I found the NikePLus app very helpful and fun! I asked friends and family to join, and I enjoyed seeing their runs and challenging them to see who ran more miles in one month. Also they have a large community on the website that allows you to participate in online challenges with others. :) But keep it up, you'll learn to really enjoy it. Always remember its not about how fast you're going, what matters is that you don't stop! :)
  • cjohn2278
    cjohn2278 Posts: 65 Member
    I started c25k last week and tomorrow will be week 2 day 3 for me! I was a runner when I was younger, but always a sprinter...never competed in more than 200meter...I am enjoying building up my endurance!! Feel free to add me...the more the merrier we can all encourage eachother!!!

    As for eating I usually have a yogurt before (I go in at 5am) and a banana after and I feel great!
  • ContentedBeauty
    ContentedBeauty Posts: 21 Member
    I just started today and would love some friends to help keep me accountable. I have a friend (long distance) and we are going to try to keep each other going on the couch to 5k program, but I would love to support and receive support from others.
  • iamwilso
    iamwilso Posts: 1,955 Member
    Good programme I use the ACTIVE c25k app has changable and funny voice overs and a good music player inbuilt.
    you tube some stretches, shin and calf in particular. Take it easy running on steap downhills (if you if you come across any) for the first week or 2 till your shins get used to the pressure of running.

    Good Luck
  • yaseyuku
    yaseyuku Posts: 871 Member
    I just completed W5D1 today and love C25K.
  • JessieMaeH82
    JessieMaeH82 Posts: 79 Member
    Thank you so much everyone!!! I'm going to start the first day TODAY!!!! I'm excited but SCARED!!!!
  • obbycake
    obbycake Posts: 21 Member
    I haven't done the C25K program, but I do run. I'm training for a half marathon right now. It stinks when you first start (running, I mean).. But it should grow on you as you do it more frequently.. I go out for walks and runs nowadays to just wind down my day and relieve some stress. My running resulted in me joining a gym. Since then I've been going strong. I think running is a great way to get started on becoming more active.

    You can do it. Don't be scared - everyone has to start somewhere! Let me know if you want some moral support. :).
  • Tala_
    Tala_ Posts: 8 Member
    Count me in! I'm brand new at MFP and I desperately want to run again. I used to run years ago, but I'm heavier now and a little scared. I would love to be cyber buddies with any and all for moral support. I feel that now is my time to be serious about weight loss and getting healthier. I'm Ready!!
  • jipis
    jipis Posts: 11
    My one piece of running advice as a C25K veteran (who, unfortunately, can't run a 5k anymore -- but hope to change that in the next few weeks) is SHOES. Find a running store near you where they will evaluate your gait and try you in as many pairs of sneakers as they need to to find the right ones for your foot's anatomy and your gait. I did this before I started C25K and was very happy. Then, about 5 weeks in, I started developing blisters. So, I tightened the laces more. Which led to loss of feeling in my feet by 2.5km. I went back to the store and explained the problem. At first they thought I'd worn out the sneakers. When I told them that I had under 50 miles on the sneakers, they started looking at other things. We ended up putting in a different insole with better arch support, I tie my laces so loose that the sneakers *almost* could fall off my feet, and everything's good again.

    Seriously, the wrong sneakers will not only make running that much more difficult. They'll also lead you to potential injury -- which can lead to you completely giving up. Is it more expensive than just buying a cheap pair of sneakers at ****'s Sporting Goods? Yep. Is it worth it? Well, you tell me. How much are your ankles, knees, hips, etc, worth? :D

    Happy running!!
  • SloRunner25
    SloRunner25 Posts: 89 Member
    Keep at it. You'll be sore. Things may hurt. It will take time to learn how to breathe properly. It's not always pretty and you may have some setbacks. Go slow in the beginning. Speed will come with time (lots of time). Just never never never give up.

    I started C25K on December 29, 2012. I ran my first 5K in April. I just ran my first 10K at the end of August. What people didn't tell me when I started was that it is HARD. Like life it's not going to be easy. I still dread going out for some workouts. Sometimes all of the workouts. It hurts and sometimes you do call a training session short. It's not easy, but if you truly want to be a runner, you can do it!
  • jynxxxed
    jynxxxed Posts: 1,010 Member
    I just completed Week 2 Day 3 last night and it's easier than expected :)
    I NEVER ran before this, so it's definitely something that is great for beginners. Make sure you drink a LOT of water!

    ETA: I ended up trading in my Pumas for a paid for Asics and it was an amazing idea. Good running shoes are a must. I haven't been sore once since beginning the program.
  • steve2kay
    steve2kay Posts: 194 Member
    My advice is to slow down.
    I struggled a bit when getting to the 20 minute runs until I learnt to slow down. I found running at 10-12kph comfortable but I couldn't run for very long - I slowed down to 8kph and although it felt like I was hardly moving I could run for much longer.

    I actually bought a Heart Rate Monitor that told me I was running too hard - it really helped me realise I was pushing too hard to be able to run for a long time.

    Good luck.

    oh, I also found that walking too fast (>5.5kph) or running too fast (>12kph) hurt my shins - slowing down and taking shorter strides fixed this.
  • feel free to add me I was going to start it on Monday and was looking for a couple of buddies
  • teamAmelia
    teamAmelia Posts: 1,247 Member
    I just run. I have no idea what you need. But, this is the group and message board for C25K http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

    And, this is our daily check-in thread where we post how we did for the day, how we felt. We're very supportive. There are always ppl starting the program, so I'm sure you'll have someone starting next wk and we'll all cheer you on no matter what level we're on. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1073934-daily-check-in-thread

    Good luck! :bigsmile:

    Oh, yeah, I see that some ppl have stated that you need to slow down, so I want to reiterate that bc if you're going too fast and think that you can't finish, you might give up. Just pace yourself. You should be able to complete each interval. In the beginning, depending on how fit you were before starting, it may be a bit hard, but that's okay. Just pace yourself and don't be afraid to walk a running interval if it's too much for you. You can always continue running when you've recovered.
  • BranMuffin86
    BranMuffin86 Posts: 314 Member
    I use to HATE, LOATHE even, run and now I get upset when I cant. I started slowly so C25K will be great. It'll help you pace yourself so you don't get worn out and continue hating running. Just remember to listen to your body. Your body takes a pounding running so if something is uncomfortable STOP!! Best of luck!!!
  • Julie7741
    Julie7741 Posts: 93 Member
    I almost done with week 4- Feel free to add me as a buddy. I was never a runner either... I did C25K last year and loved it. I finished it and ran a few 5ks. Then I took up cycling and rode my bike all summer. I injured a nerve in my arm, so riding is out for me right now. I started running again last week and picked up in the middle of C25K since I've been riding so much. I felt like I could skip the first few weeks.


    Advice- Stick with it and trust that it works. There are days that will feel hard, but you will be able to persevere and do it. Also, repeat weeks if you feel like you need to. Week 5 is a big hurdle to get over- running for a solid period of time.

    The first time I did C25K I weighed 215 lbs and was MAJORLY out of shape. It was tough, but if I could do it then, you can too :)
  • mdhummel
    mdhummel Posts: 201 Member
    I'm a newbie runner as well. I'm using the Couch 2 5k Zen Labs iphone app, but I don't always follow the app and have been going at my own pace. I've always gotten my cardio workout on the elliptical, which is very low impact, so I was in a lot of pain after my first run and couldn't run again for almost a week. Weight training has helped me strengthen my shin and calve muscles. My ankles would kill me after running, but doing calve raises and lots of stretching after my run has helped reduce the pain.

    Started off at a 17 minute mile a few weeks ago and I have already reduced my mile to 13 minutes and 40 seconds! I won't be running a marathon anytime soon, but it has been exciting seeing improvements each week!
  • When I was younger I was a daily runner. As of now, I am a daily walker. Studies have shown that with the exception of time, all benefits are the same for running and walking. Calories burned during 1 mile of running is the same as for 1 mile of walking. The only difference is that running will take less time.

    If you hate running, my advice is to take up power walking. Exercise that you don't like - you won't stay with it. Walking is more enjoyable and far less stress on the knees. If you want a partner for power walking, I can help you. Presently, I do 4 miles daily and 6 on the weekends. Otherwise, good luck!
  • jynxxxed
    jynxxxed Posts: 1,010 Member
    Calories burned during 1 mile of running is the same as for 1 mile of walking. The only difference is that running will take less time.
    This isn't true. I burn significantly more calories when I run vs when I walk and I definitely put forth a lot more effort into running.

    Either way, walking is great as well. Running is more fun though in my opinion :smile:
  • crista_b
    crista_b Posts: 1,192 Member
    I loved c25k and went on to do c210k (I still haven't done a 10k distance, but I can run 4.5 miles straight) which I recently completed and just moved on to a personalized training plan to increase my distance to 10 miles in the next 11 weeks (hopefully).

    Personally, week 5 of c25k is when I started to love running, and in the past I never would have thought that was possible. I'm planning to continue and sign up for the Feb 2015 Disney Princess half-marathon in June and hope to do a full-marathon before I turn 30. I definitely caught the running bug! :laugh:

    For A LOT of people week 4 is kind of the hump. It feels the hardest for some reason, but once you can get past it and finish week 5, you start to feel unstoppable.

    With that said, you may not ever enjoy it, and that's okay. You don't have to run. If you like to dance, try Zumba; if you like to ride your bike, do that; etc. I think the key is finding something active that you enjoy and doing that, but from personal experience and a lot of discussions in the c25k group (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k ), if you start c25k and haven't "learned to love running" in the first couple weeks, try to get through week 5 before deciding you don't want to do it.
  • JessieMaeH82
    JessieMaeH82 Posts: 79 Member
    My one piece of running advice as a C25K veteran (who, unfortunately, can't run a 5k anymore -- but hope to change that in the next few weeks) is SHOES. Find a running store near you where they will evaluate your gait and try you in as many pairs of sneakers as they need to to find the right ones for your foot's anatomy and your gait. I did this before I started C25K and was very happy. Then, about 5 weeks in, I started developing blisters. So, I tightened the laces more. Which led to loss of feeling in my feet by 2.5km. I went back to the store and explained the problem. At first they thought I'd worn out the sneakers. When I told them that I had under 50 miles on the sneakers, they started looking at other things. We ended up putting in a different insole with better arch support, I tie my laces so loose that the sneakers *almost* could fall off my feet, and everything's good again.

    Seriously, the wrong sneakers will not only make running that much more difficult. They'll also lead you to potential injury -- which can lead to you completely giving up. Is it more expensive than just buying a cheap pair of sneakers at ****'s Sporting Goods? Yep. Is it worth it? Well, you tell me. How much are your ankles, knees, hips, etc, worth? :D

    Happy running!!


    Thank you so much!!!
  • JessieMaeH82
    JessieMaeH82 Posts: 79 Member
    Calories burned during 1 mile of running is the same as for 1 mile of walking. The only difference is that running will take less time.
    This isn't true. I burn significantly more calories when I run vs when I walk and I definitely put forth a lot more effort into running.

    Either way, walking is great as well. Running is more fun though in my opinion :smile:

    yeah if I walk a mile on the treadmill vs doing C25k for a mile---I burn more cals.
    I want to love it! lol I'm gonna try!!! :)