Couch to 5K (start 4/4/11)

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  • nehtaeh
    nehtaeh Posts: 2,849 Member
    I love that I started this thread yet haven't even started the program. I'm finding it hard to figure out when to do it. I really wish I could get up in the morning and do it, that would be the easiest. However, I've tried the morning thing and it just doesn't work well for me. I would have to be out the door by 6:30 and I'm not even sure its light enough for me to feel safe yet. It's also raining/storming here for the next few days. I think Saturday we are supposed to have a break, but otherwise - rain.

    I need a treadmill. :sigh:

    do you have any friends that live in apartment complexes that offer fitness rooms for tenant use? thataway you have access to a treadmill and a built-in workout buddy.
    Not in this town. I have looked into the Planet Fitness. They are opening one in my town and its only $10/month, but not sure I'd go there. I don't think they are open yet anyway.

    I actually just thought about the basement at my work...it's a long hallway. I could adjust my schedule and come to work a bit early. I could run down there(out of the weather and as soon as I get done with work) for free. Just not sure if I would actually do it. Hmmm, I might email someone here to see if maybe others would be interested in doing this with me.

    I actually have a treadmill I got from my mom but it keeps slipping and I can't get it to work out well for me. Maybe I'll try to adjust that again first before trying something else.
  • SweetBeth
    SweetBeth Posts: 87 Member
    Okay, I'm coming in late, but I want to start this week. So I'm in! I'll begin on Friday (unless tomorrow is to gorgeous to risk missing out!). Just started seeing the pounds start to come off last week and I'm so ready to gain momentum!!!
  • spcopps
    spcopps Posts: 283
    I just finished my day 2 of week 1. I averaged a 13.63 mile so I did 2.2 miles for my 30 minutes (this includes 5 minute brisk walks before and after for warm up and cool down) so although slow I got it done!!
  • For those who have already started, did you guys run on a treadmill or outside?? It's a bit chilly over here but I'm wondering if I should just push through the weather or go to the gym..


    I've been using my treadmill to start with. For me, the whole reason for buying the treadmill is that I am scared to walk outside, especially on the slushy/icy streets and sidewalks. I broke my leg a year ago in a freak accident on the ice, so you can see where my fear comes from.

    Once the snow and ice are gone, and I have built up enough strength and endurance to not look like a fool panting after a few minutes of joggin in public, I will be going outside more.
  • Shadowcasting
    Shadowcasting Posts: 124 Member


    i use 2 for the first walk, 4.5 for the runs (unless i feel like i can push it, when i go for 5) and 2.5 for all the walks in between.

    Hmm...maybe that's why I had to make adjustments. I've only been working out again (a 6-year hiatus) for the last three weeks. I did C25K week 1 starting Sunday (day 2 yesterday). I made my own adjustment to 60 second jog and 2 min walk (instead of 90 second), but I went 30 min instead of just 20.

    I've been using 3.4 for the walk and 5.2 for the jog! Am I shooting WAY too high?! I definitely hurt on Monday. I was still sore yesterday but did it again anyway (and it was all I could do to get through it!)

  • I've been using 3.4 for the walk and 5.2 for the jog! Am I shooting WAY too high?! I definitely hurt on Monday. I was still sore yesterday but did it again anyway (and it was all I could do to get through it!)


    Those are REALLY fast if you're just starting out.

    I usually do 3.2 for the walk and 4 for the jog on the treadmill. It's very slow, but I know from past experience that I have to start slow or I get MAJOR shinsplints.

    That being said, I can go a lot faster on the street than the 'mill. I run 6.7 outside without hardly trying....
  • Eviesmum
    Eviesmum Posts: 270 Member
    I've just finished week 6 day 3 which was a 25 minute run. I thought it was going to be really tough and when she said I'd only done 5mins I thought good grief, however I got into my stride and it was ok, so stick at it.

    Anyway, over the last few weeks I've found a few things that have helped me.

    Blisters - if you are getting blisters someone on here suggested using Moleskin which you can get from your pharmacy and I've been using that this week and its brilliant.

    Shin Splints, apart from the usual resting and compress, I was told to vary the ground you are running on outside and also sprint for 10 - 15 seconds so that when you start to jog again at a slower pace you legs are more relaxed. All these have helped me.

    I got shin splints really badly during week 3, but using the above methods I've not had them since.

    Have fun everyone :bigsmile:
  • tammlane
    tammlane Posts: 6 Member
    I did week1day1 again last night. I think I might do every day twice. It will wind up taking me 20 weeks to get to the 5K but slow is better then nothing. I have not run in a long time but between the C25K download on my blackberry and the threads on here Ithink I'm I can get back to it!

    We can go this!!
  • Eviesmum
    Eviesmum Posts: 270 Member
    I did week1day1 again last night. I think I might do every day twice. It will wind up taking me 20 weeks to get to the 5K but slow is better then nothing. I have not run in a long time but between the C25K download on my blackberry and the threads on here Ithink I'm I can get back to it!

    We can go this!!

    Don't overdo it as you will ache. Did you actually mean you'd be doing it twice a day? every day? The podcasts suggest a day between each run to let your body recover.
  • LovelySnugs
    LovelySnugs Posts: 389
    just did week 1 day 2 again. had to modify it to 1 minute on, 2 minutes off for 30 minutes instead of 1 minute on 90 seconds off for 20. still worked. and i noticed i'm not as comfortable at the lower speeds anymore. tomorrow i'll do it with the podcast as my official w1d3 workout, and probably keep it up through Saturday and sunday. then i'll start w2 on monday. woot!
  • HeatherShrinking
    HeatherShrinking Posts: 776 Member
    Hi Everyone! I'm just getting back to doing the C25K after taking 2 weeks off. I started W2D3 today (before I took my break I had just gotten to W3D1) and it didn't go so well. That time off is really kicking my butt! I may repeat the entire W2 again.

    Great job with your progress everyone!
  • dodier01
    dodier01 Posts: 84 Member
    Bumpaty bump bump!
  • kbg1
    kbg1 Posts: 5
    I have completed both c25k and b210k. Both are amazing programs. i am NOT a runner, and i was shocked that by the end I was running 60 minutes straight through!! I highly recommend them and wish there was another program after b210k to follow. If anyone knows of one I would love to know!
  • amandamcphee23
    amandamcphee23 Posts: 8 Member
    @kbg1: Check out local run clubs in your area. Most areas have running stores that offer clinics of differnt lengths from learn to run to 10ks, 1/2 marathons and fulls. In Canada the popular one is Runningroom. They are usually group based which is amazing for moral and support. They often train you based on your abilities and pace and provide safe guidance in increasing distance and speed. Usually they have goal races and everyone works together and trains for the same race to be completed at their own running pace.

    Good job in your accomplishments. BTW you ARE a runner! As long as your training safe I'd say just keep increasing every week, just no more then 10%.
    Amanda
  • emiskins
    emiskins Posts: 92 Member
    Last day of week 2 is tomorrow! I started at week 2 instead of week 1 because I exercise regularly and knew I was strong enough to start there. Plus I'll be right on track if I ever have to repeat a week. It's tough though! I do 3.0 for walking and 5.5 for jogging. Is that speed okay?
  • dodier01
    dodier01 Posts: 84 Member
    I have completed both c25k and b210k. Both are amazing programs. i am NOT a runner, and i was shocked that by the end I was running 60 minutes straight through!! I highly recommend them and wish there was another program after b210k to follow. If anyone knows of one I would love to know!

    I saw on the C25k facebook page that there's an app to train for a half marathon. I checked the app store and couldnt find it. Maybe i wasnt searching well.. Thought i'd let you know!
  • dodier01
    dodier01 Posts: 84 Member
    I did W1D3 today.. I had started at the beginng of March and had to take a 2 week break since i was out of town for work and working 12-15 hour days.. By the time i would get back to my hotel the gym was closed. Anyhow before i left i had just completed week 2.. I decided to do week 1 today to see how it would feel and i know thAt i will jump back to week 2 and start it all over again tomorrow!!

    If we put our minds to it I know we can all do it!!

    Feel free to add me.. I love giving and receiving motivation from MFP friends!!
  • Shadowcasting
    Shadowcasting Posts: 124 Member
    Well Week 1 Day 3 was an epic FAIL for me :( I tweaked my knee. I felt it the second I started my first jog/run. i only managed about 4 1-minute jogs and I had to stop. And now I'm walking with a limp.....fan-freakin-tastic! :p
  • Frankie_
    Frankie_ Posts: 10 Member
    Done the last day in my 3rd week today.

    Start week 4 on monday, Hopefully will get a bit further than I have been this week.
  • BroDave
    BroDave Posts: 241 Member
    I did Week 1 day 3 today and felt good, looking forward to Monday starting week 2
  • I finished Week 1 yesterday! Yesterday I increased my walking speed from 2 miles to 2.5. It sure made a difference in my distance and calories burned (according to the treadmill anyway.)

    I guess it's on to Week 2 on Monday... :happy:
  • Eviesmum
    Eviesmum Posts: 270 Member
    Week 7 day 1 was one 25 minute run, it sounds really daunting and I procrastinated loads before actually going out. I changed my route today so it wasn't so monotonous.

    The run was fine again and I've finally managed to quicken the pace a bit too.

    Keep at it everyone, it may seem hard work but you will see that you can do it.
  • LovelySnugs
    LovelySnugs Posts: 389
    Well Week 1 Day 3 was an epic FAIL for me :( I tweaked my knee. I felt it the second I started my first jog/run. i only managed about 4 1-minute jogs and I had to stop. And now I'm walking with a limp.....fan-freakin-tastic! :p

    oh, man, i'm really sorry to hear that! whatever you do, DON'T push yourself til you feel better. we'll still be here when you're able to pick it back up!
  • LovelySnugs
    LovelySnugs Posts: 389
    did the w1d3 run yesterday. i did so good that i decided to do that plus a couple extra runs today. i even tried a couple of runs at higher speeds and steeper grades. it was kinda cool.

    week 2 is 90 second runs and 2 minute walks, so tomorrow i'm gonna set my treadmill to a 30 minute run so it divides the intervals to 90 seconds each, then im gonna do 90 second runs and 3 minute walks, just to "build into" the week 2 podcast. i've found that since i'm already used to being on the treadmill daily, these little modifications are doing me a lot of good.
  • dodier01
    dodier01 Posts: 84 Member
    I did W2D1 yesterday and it went great.. I was actually very suprised!!

    I cant wait to Monday to do day 2!!
  • K1Teacher
    K1Teacher Posts: 324 Member
    Hi everyone! I finished w4 today and can't believe I'm actually able to run for 5 minutes straight! I'm so thrilled and can't wait to start week 5! Did I just say that?!? Lol!! I guess I'm actually starting to like running (gasp)!
  • spcopps
    spcopps Posts: 283
    I just finished my week 1 day 3. I was really worried about the heat and humidity out today (being in Alabama) but today was actually easier than the prior 2..can't wait until Tuesday to start week 2 (unless it's raining out). I am sweating like the devil but my legs and cardio held up really good today spite the humidity out..I did take it slower today than my other jogs but it helped me complete the task..
  • leandread
    leandread Posts: 166 Member
    Hi everyone! I just found this thread from another C25K one that is bouncing around and I could sure use the support and motivation from you all who are at the early weeks. Tomorrow I am heading out for W3D1 after repeating Week 2. I took a week off because the weather was awful and cold. I noticed that my knees can't deal with below 40 temperatures. It seems that I don't feel comfortable or confident about how the walk/runs are going until day 3 and then its time to move on and start the grind all over again. I'm kind of nervous for tomorrow morning and running 3 minutes straight. I hope its not awful :grumble: But even if it is, I'm going to push through.
  • spcopps
    spcopps Posts: 283
    Hi everyone! I just found this thread from another C25K one that is bouncing around and I could sure use the support and motivation from you all who are at the early weeks.
    Just wanted to say welcome and we can all do this if we support each other!
    It seems that I don't feel comfortable or confident about how the walk/runs are going until day 3 and then its time to move on and start the grind all over again. I'm kind of nervous for tomorrow morning and running 3 minutes straight. I hope its not awful :grumble: But even if it is, I'm going to push through.
    Just remember do what you can, if you have to repeat a week it's no biggie. You are doing this to get healthy, not injure yourself LOL. I feel the same way though, the first time I ran outside was SOOOO much harder than the treadmill so I started over. Today was day 3 of week 1 outside and it seemed a lot easier than day 1. Tuesday is week 2 and after today's run I feel pretty confident I can do it and I am confident you can do your new week also!
  • LovelySnugs
    LovelySnugs Posts: 389
    forgot to post today that i did a w2 modifier with 90 seconds on, 3 minutes off, for 30 minutes. took the runs really slow, but i was still pleased and somewhat surprised at how easy the whole thing was for me. tomorrow i do w2 with the podcasts at my usual speeds. looking forward to it!
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