Training for C25K...Need MORE supoprt..

Hi - Great job signing up for and training for a 5k that's great! I too have picked up a number of races this summer, starting with a 5K and going all the way through to a Marathon next year so that I can continue to always look ahead to the next step. The most important part I realized while training is to ALWAYS keep track of your food and calories. This is because you may not even be getting enough calories to match your training which means your body will start breaking down muscle and you will become more prone to injury and lose strength and performance. It's actually become really fun to put in my food and calorie burn because my goal is to always hit a "net" zero in terms of calories so if I burn way more than my net, I get to eat great foods to replace it! Have fun with it and give it a try and you will see everything shift. Good luck and enjoy!

Hello , im jamie , im a keen runnner as fitness is part of my job. You need to start of by running in mmoderations to get your body used to the change in pace and breathing. There is no point in going balls out otherwise you will injure yourselve. While out set your self goals in the distance, i.e a static object and steadily run to it then walk , set another goal and run to that , or time yourself doing it , i.e run for a minute walk for 30 secounds run for a minute walk 30 secs. then gradually increase your running time and shorten your walking time. do this over a prolonged period though. dont go all guns blazing. Make sure to have a cool down period after you have finished running , then ensure to stretch off , i.e calfs etc etc otherwise you could cause damageto the muscels in your legs. If lacking in motivation , drag yourself out , i do a run every tue , wed , thu , fri , sometimes saturday. but im a half decent runner. if your ever stuck for any advice give a shout, im no expert like some people on here , but experts do get it wrong. This above methods are my personnel opinion. have fun and good luck

Hey MFP world ! I'm not new to the site...I actually lost 11 lbs so far since joining.

Congrats! That's fantastic!

I'm looking for new friends..maybe some with running experience who can help push me to eat what I need to eat for training and to keep me focused on the events to come.

I'm a big girl..230lbs...running my 1st C25K....if that is not a feat I don't know what is LOL

Very cool. Do not let your weight keep you from running! I'm a big boy -- 260, and I finished my first 5K a week ago, and am running my 2nd in a week. C25K has been wonderful. It allows you to ease into running, and you can always do it at your own pace. What I've learned along the way from C25K:

1) Schedule a race right now. Find one that's 9 weeks out. Even if you aren't done with the program by then, run/walk it anyway. My first race was so much fun. Running with other people was a great motivator.

2) Do not run on consecutive days. As good as you might feel, as confident as you may become, let your legs rest. Not resting can lead to fatigue, injury and decreased performance. Trust me.

3) Take it at your own pace. Don't worry about speed -- just build up your endurance. Speed will come later. If you aren't ready for the next week's run, repeat the current week. No big deal. At the same time, though...

4) Don't psyche yourself out when the big runs come. You can do it! I stopped looking at the schedule and just downloaded the podcasts. I wouldn't know what was coming each day until I turned it on and the gal told me. Loved it that way.

5) I loved the NHS Choices podcasts (http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/couch-5K-running-plan.aspx) on my mp3 player. The gal has a great British accent, and she provides tips and encouragement, along with the walk/run cues.

6) Run outside. Even in the rain. It's so much better than running on a treadmill. Enjoy the sounds and sights.

I'm working up to a half in September (walking one tomorrow and goal is to run the next!)
Believe me I know the ebbs and flows - I got completely off track for about 10 months after a foot injury last year! the important thing is to not get all caught up in the guilt of not being perfect and getting back on track as soon as you can! YOU CAN DO IT!

a couple of other hints I've incorporated in:
mix up the workouts with other things - I've started doing strenth/cardio intervals and have a runner sister who also swears by biking and yoga

make sure I'm eating enough and the right things - especially enough protein!