This is a fun thread. I started C25K on the treadmill last fall, it took me about 6 months to finish. Then I continued running intervals on my own and started running outside. I found a marathon training program that is 28 weeks long, I started about a month ago, it moves very slowly, which is good because so do I!!! I am up to 4 miles a day and 5 mile weekend runs. Today I ran the 4 miles in 46 minutes, a new record for me. Wahoo! Our local marathon is in June, not sure that I will run it, but I am having fun with my daily accomplishments. Unfortunately, the scale is only moving up, it is a little scary. Hopefully I will be able to continue running through the winter, it is already dark in the morning when I want to go out, but so far beautiful fall weather.

I am considering a half marathon in May. (wow, my mind was just blown by actually typing those words) My concern is that Cincinnati's marathon is notorious for its hills. I wonder if the half is as bad. Anyone run the Pig in Cincinnati?

Ditto to the concerns expressed about winter running. I am considering a gym membership and figure I'll decide after my first few cold runs. I am very fortunate to live in a city completely lined with bike/running paths along every road, so I do feel safe from cars. I've never run in the dark and I spook easily. If a dog barks in the dark I may crap my pants! It sounds like this winter will be interesting for us runners!

And I finished week 3 of c25k! I do have a problem if any experienced runners can help! This may be a dumb question, but remember I am just starting out and know nothing about running really! Okay so for a couple days and during my runs I have been experiencing uncomfortable feeling in my shins. I am running on a treadmill so I don't know if maybe that means I need new sneakers? Or maybe there is a certain stretch I should be doing before and after? I just do basic touch my toes stretches. And also how far in advance should I eat before starting my run? Today was he first day I started to get a cramp in my side but I think it's because I ate about 45 mins before when usually I give myself at least an hour. Any help is appreciated! Thanks, Tara

Keep in mind I have been running for a year and am NOT an exercise physiotherapist. But you might want to pay attention to how you are landing on your foot, which might be part of the cause. I learned from an experienced distance runner that you should try to land on your mid-foot area, not on your toes or hard on your heel. And after running, try the stretch where you bend your knee and lift your foot behind you and grab it with your hand, pulling it up toward your rear end. if you point your toes while doing that you should get a good shin stretch.

As to the side cramps, I find I only get them when I'm trying to up my speed too much. If I dial back the speed and take some deep breaths it usually goes away. Hope this helps a little! And as I said, if you hear something different from someone else more experienced you should listen to them, not me. I still feel like a beginner too!

@mommamia - the cramps very well could have been caused by eating too soon prior to running. Next time, have a small snack instead, and eat your meal afterwards. Personally, I need to eat at least 2-3 hours prior to exercise, or it's super uncomfortable/comes back up.

@chell - look up the Couch to 5K program. I have the Zen Labs app downloaded on my iPhone, and I love it! I can play my music while I'm doing my run, and the interval run/walk prompts just cut in.

So, I got up in the dark today and did W2D2 in a cool 5C. I guess it's time to start shopping for cooler weather running clothes!

And I finished week 3 of c25k! I do have a problem if any experienced runners can help! This may be a dumb question, but remember I am just starting out and know nothing about running really! Okay so for a couple days and during my runs I have been experiencing uncomfortable feeling in my shins. I am running on a treadmill so I don't know if maybe that means I need new sneakers? Or maybe there is a certain stretch I should be doing before and after? I just do basic touch my toes stretches. And also how far in advance should I eat before starting my run? Today was he first day I started to get a cramp in my side but I think it's because I ate about 45 mins before when usually I give myself at least an hour. Any help is appreciated! Thanks, Tara

Going to the running store and getting fitted for the proper shoes totally eliminated the terrible shin splints I got. Yes, they were expensive, but totally worth it.

I agree about not eating much before. And don't stretch cold muscles - stretch after.

Keep on truckin'!

I don't know that I can be called a Runner (YET). I jogged my first consecutive 30 minutes EVER just 2 short weeks ago. Today, I reached my first running goal of completing 2 miles in less than 30 minutes (28:11, actually). So I am a beginner, for sure, but I am getting better everyday and I am LOVING every minute of it!!

I do not schedule my runs. I try to jog 2 miles on my lunch break 2 times a week, at least one weeknight after work and at least one day on the weekend. I use Runkeeper and set distance goals for the week (this week I am going for 10 miles).

I am going to concentrate on bettering my time when I run the 2 miles on my lunch and I am going to work on going further (without so much focus on time) when I run on weeknights and weekends. There's a 5K coming up on Oct 12th and I'd really like to be able to complete it without walking.

Thanks all for the help! I am going to go get fitted for new sneakers soon. I think treating myself will definitely be worth it and keep me going! Still feeling a little discomfort in my shins but taking today and tomorrow off from running ( just walking on my work breaks ) so hopefully I'll be good as new come Saturday!

I just noticed this thread. I am a runner too! I started 4 years ago.

I try to get in 3 runs a week. I'm not training for any races at the moment so this works for me. I aim for two 5km runs and a longer 8 or 10 km run once a week.

I run in the winter. The best advice I can offer is to dress in layers and be careful of icy patches. If the weather is bad, or too cold or the roads are sloppy I hit the TM.

I ran a 5km colour me rad race this past Sunday and it was a blast. There are photos in my profile if you want to have a look. As you run they throw coloured powder at you and some stations its sprayed on you. Lots of fun, I was surprised by the number of families that ran it with their children.

Today is a run day, heading out shortly for a 5km.

Happy running!

Karen

I'm a C25K graduate! And to "celebrate" I'm "running" my first 5K ever tomorrow! EEK!!!

BeckyJo - enjoy your race tomorrow! First one is always the most memorable!

Wishing you wings on your feet and the wind at your back!

Karen

Ughhh just attempted week 4 day 1 of c25k and failed miserably! For those of you that don't know, this week consists of Walking 5 min running 3 min waking 1.5 min running 5 mon walking 3 running 3 walking 1.5 running 5 walkig 1.5 and walking 5. Well let's just say I got to through the first half great! Then I started running my 2nd 3 min stretch and somehow switched a button on ny treadmill and lost all my distance calories burned and it slowed my speed. I just lost all momentum from there! I ended up walking the last minute of the 3 and was going to try to finish strong with the last 5 minutes. Got two minutes in and my shins were aching so bad so I just quit at 2.5 minutes. Didn't even walk it out. Now I feel like such a failure! I wish I stuck it out. I need to move past it though and hope my shins feel strong enough tomorrow to attempt it again.

Mommamia: if you are getting shin splints that painful, you may have the wrong shoes. I had horrible shin splints in the beginning and then caved and paid the $100+ for shoes that are made for the way I run. Totally worth going to a local running store.
Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go at it again! You've made it this far!

Did my first fartleks today and wow! I thought it would be too easy to slack off since I basically got to choose random times to run full speed. But I tried to challenge myself to get to certain marker points and it was very hard! I feel great though and can't wait to do it again.

Did my long run yesterday. Only needed 8 miles, but my partner kept going because she needed to make up a few miles from the week. Ended up doing 13.25 in 1.58. Pinky toe was tender yesterday. I can do some elliptical on this off day to stay burning. Its Monday! Lets go!