I did it! W3D1 completed! I do have a couple of complaints about the program I had to switch to. It doesn't tell me my speed, it doesn't tell me my distance, it doesn't tell me my calories and I have to crank the volume to hear it!

The second 3 minute run was easier as I slowed down. I've got to remember to slow down when I am running!

Week 8, Day 2 tonight. Enjoyed the run and didn't have any problems finishing it. Felt fine the whole time. Only one more 28 minute run before the final week. I won't be at 3.1 miles in 30 minutes, though, so I think I'm going to start running by distance instead of time until I do my first 5k in July. After that, I'll start the C210k program.

I think you mentioned stomach issues before, but could you describe it a bit more? NIce job on moving on to week 8.

It kind of feels like when you eat something that doesn't agree with you - stomach pain, discomfort, grumbling, etc. It isn't a very fun feeling, to say the least! I've done some research on it and found that it is extremely common (Google "runner's trots" if you're not familiar) and usually diet/hydration related. I've been tracking when I have stomach issues and when I don't, so I can go back and see what the cause might be. I thought I might have figured it out, but the fact that I felt fine on my run tonight ruined my theory. Back to the drawing board!! :sad:

W7D1....not the best run, not the worst. Need to go to Fleet Feet to have my gait analysed and ask for proper breathing tips, I don't know how to not do chest breathing. Speed is increasing and I can push myself a little more to get through the slight inclines, but regulating my breathing has probably been my biggest challenge. I have NO clue how to do "tummy breathing"...

I am finding that when I get home from my run, my back is aching somewhat.

Possibly core strength, or it may be that you're tense.

As far as tension when running is concerned, try to keep your arms going back and forth, not across your body. I've been noticing a lot of newbies out recently who twist at the waist and that's very inefficient as well as putting stresses on your muscular system. Also, if you do fel your shoulders hunching, then take a deep breath to relax them. Fingers loose, don't clench your hands.

As far as core strength is concerned, on my off days from C25K I swam, cycled or did bodyweight training; press ups, mountain climbers, box jumps etc.

W1D1. I'm starting again.

Last year I had nearly completed the program when I got a pretty bad respiratory infection that I used as an excuse to quit. I didn't find the motivation to start again until last night. It was a lot easier to get going this time. My first time around on C25k I couldn't even finish all of the intervals. I probably could have done w3 or w4 last night, but I feel that starting over is just the best plan for me.

One change that I'll be making this time around is that I'm not going to sign up for a 5k until I finish the program. Last time I did that I felt under prepared. This time there's a lot less uncertainty and doubt that I can do it.

I am finding that when I get home from my run, my back is aching somewhat.

Possibly core strength, or it may be that you're tense.

As far as tension when running is concerned, try to keep your arms going back and forth, not across your body. I've been noticing a lot of newbies out recently who twist at the waist and that's very inefficient as well as putting stresses on your muscular system. Also, if you do fel your shoulders hunching, then take a deep breath to relax them. Fingers loose, don't clench your hands.

As far as core strength is concerned, on my off days from C25K I swam, cycled or did bodyweight training; press ups, mountain climbers, box jumps etc.

I do move my arms back and forth, but they are coming up and across my chest, not at my side. My roommate who is a runner (and went with me the first couple of times) told me to do that.

http://www.runnersworld.com/getting-started/the-starting-line-proper-running-form

W6D2 completed. No more walking breaks from here onwards. (Which is a little terrifying!)

Nice job! It's actually a relief once you get into the rhythm.

I do move my arms back and forth, but they are coming up and across my chest, not at my side. My roommate who is a runner (and went with me the first couple of times) told me to do that.

Sounds like you're adding a lot of tension and rotational stress then.

My hands end up running to just in line with my shoulders at the forward part of the motion, anything more than that and I can feel the twist in my trunk, which is taking efficiency away from the run.

Notwithstanding that, I'd suggest something like You Are Your Own Gym which is pretty good for core work.

I finished W4D1 yesterday, I felt so good about it. I want to run everyday, and I am resisting that urge. When do people start running 4-6 times a week?

I did it! W3D1 completed! I do have a couple of complaints about the program I had to switch to. It doesn't tell me my speed, it doesn't tell me my distance, it doesn't tell me my calories and I have to crank the volume to hear it!

The second 3 minute run was easier as I slowed down. I've got to remember to slow down when I am running!

Great job!

I have to remember to slow down too.

W4D1 today and it was a bit rough. For some reason, my heart rate wasn't recovering as quickly as it has been. I made it through, but it felt a lot harder than anything I've done before, even though I've run a few 5 minute cycles in a row before just messing around on my own. Any thoughts?

Running too fast? Sometimes I have the same issues when I didn't eat so great the night before or wasn't really hydrated. Or sometimes I just have a bad run.

W3D2 done. I still need to remember to slow down during my 3 min run. I'm more winded after the first one then the 2nd. I know I'm doing that one slower as I could have kept going today.