New Couch to 5k (C25K) thread - anyone out there in week 1?

I am going to start this program this week. I know it's too late to follow this group, but I am still reading it and you're all motivating!

I don't have a gym membership, so it will be my yellow lab and I running the streets of my neighborhood! Good thing I live in So Cal, so we have great weather to run!

Welcome! You're not too late. The name of the thread is misleading - I'd change it if I could. Everyone here is at different points, so it's for all stages of this program. Let us know how your runs go. I bet most of us here wish we had your weather!

Great job everyone. You guys never cease to amaze me.

Welcome newbies! Let us know how your progress is going!

I did W4D2 last night. I had to knock the treadmill down to 4.5 for the second 5 minute run AND I had to "lean" on the treadmill railings a little. Boy it kicked my butt. I'm not sure if maybe I just needed a rest day, or my heart wasn't in it. I didn't find the run especially difficult for W4D1 (I mean, it was difficult, but I could handle it). But last night I *almost* just stopped altogether. I finished it though. Didn't quite make 2 miles. Walked at 3.0 for most of the walks, ran at 5.0 for the 3minutes and 4.5-4.7 for the 5minutes. No way I'm moving on to week 5 next week, but I'm completely ok with that. It is really gratifying how much longer I can run for when I lower the speeds. Plus, it is beginning to feel almost natural to run now. I find that I miss it on my off days, which is also a cool new development. I haven't hit the runners high yet, which I'm really looking forward to.

Needless to say I think I'm going to take a rest day today, or maybe just go for a leisurely walk later on tonight. I'm not going to do my usual elliptical hour. I will resume W4D3 tomorrow and probably stick with it throughout next week as well. I'm noticing that my legs are starting to look more toned and my butt and even my waist is getting slimmer, and I think it's due to the running. I didn't realize how many core and upper-body muscles are used in running.

Again, great job everyone. Keep up the good work!

Andrea, I'm impressed that you're doing the C25K and the 30 Day Shred. I won't even buy that DVD because that woman scares me. I can only imagine what that workout is like. Can you tell me about it?

Andrea, I'm impressed that you're doing the C25K and the 30 Day Shred. I won't even buy that DVD because that woman scares me. I can only imagine what that workout is like. Can you tell me about it?

She really isn't that scary in the video - it is 3 levels; you do Level 1 for 10 days then go on to Level 2. Each level is a combination of strength, cardio and abs. Honestly the first 2-3 days of level 1 my upper body was sore, but after that you just feel like you've had a great workout. For the strength she combines two muscle groups at a time (i.e.legs and biceps). I find it a good workout and it only takes about 20-25 minutes...sometimes longer if my 3 yr old stops me for a bathroom break! Which I usually welcome!
There is some lower impact options as well. You just need 2 dumbells...go with light ones! :laugh:

Ugh, I already have dumbells. I guess I can't justify not getting it. I've heard so much positive stuff and I think I need to change up my non-run day workouts.

HMKan: Great job! Remember that running/walking on a treadmill is easier than doing so outdoors. So raise the incline to 1% to mimic the wind resistance/terrain you'd experience outside on the roads.

Thanks Bex. My treadmill won't go below an incline of 2.0. Not sure why, but it was made to stay at 2.0 or higher. Glad to know that'll help me transition when I do start running outside.