Hi, I am Samer. I got into running three years ago for the first time in my life. I did C25K training and ran a race in my town. I did so well and loved running as an idea. But soon thereafter, life happened and I did not run since then. A month ago I got back into training and running--need to lose some weight, but needing to be in shape. So, I am doing the C25K again and registered for a 5 k race in late September. It's been going well. I am in my fifth week of training, but am doing more than what's called for in the program, just because I am using running as a way to spend calories as well. Love challenges and just found this one out.

I had such a good time (for me) last time around: 24:29. I would like to beat that this time (although that's doubtful for now!)

I completed 19.7 miles already in August and my plan as of today is to run a total of 50 miles. We'll see how that pans out!

Hi, I'm Jennifer. I joined this group to get some extra motivation, increase my speed and distance and to help me prepare for a half marathon I am doing in September. I currently run about 80 km/month and my average pace is 6:00 min/km. I would love to have some runner friends with me on MFP. Feel free to add me. Good luck with your goals.

Hi, my name's April, currently living in Hampshire, UK. I have been running off and on since high school, but have recently got back into it after 2-3 years off. I moved to a new area and after completing the c25k (for like the 5th time in my life ) I joined a running club, which has been one of the best things I've done for my health and myself! Everyone is lovely and encouraging, and they never get sick of talking about running! I am working up to a half marathon in Feb, but the longest I have run so far is 70 minutes/6 miles (last sunday) so I am looking forward to increasing miles and fitness!

Hi I'm Molly and recently lost my BRF (best running friend). She moved back to New Zealand and I'm finding I'm struggling to complete miles that used to fly by with great company. So hoping this gives me a kick in the pants to complete my 100 miles/month.

I started running a couple years ago after being a complete non runner my whole life. I started bc I received personal training sessions and didn't stay with it once on my own. Now it's a couple years, another baby, and an extra 15 ish lb later, and I would like to get back into it again. So here I am!

Hello! I'm new to this group. I'm Shay-lon, I'm an exercise Science college student! I really started road running 3 times a week.. With my roommate who introduced me to it. I go to a gym to workout, play softball and basketball during the week also and I do strength training during the week at least twice. I'm not a marathoner by any means.. I use to run distance in highschool until I switched to sprinter and I'm better with that but I wanted to join this group because I want to hopefully someday run a 5k to start with then.. Possibly 10k later in life. My life is hectic and with the weather getting cooler.. I'll probably be on the treadmill more so versus outside running. Anyone can add me, I accept all forms of motivation and good people!

Hi all, I'm Vicky.
I've been running on and off for years. I did two half marathons in 2007, and the following year was diagnosed with IT band syndrome, which for years I had problems coping with. Last year, I found a great running coach, who sent me to an equally great sports chiropractor, and between them, they have been knocking me into shape. I can now officially run five miles pain-free! So I'm psyched about that, but have recently found that my motivation has been waning (nothing to do with the encroaching cold weather here in NJ, of course ). I'm hoping this group, and making friends on MFP will get me motivated and running again.

Nice thread and group. I'm not new to MFP, actually been here 2 years. But new account. I like to run. so I'll join group.

Tom here. Just run to stay fit. No race in mind, though maybe fun sometime. I am shooting for 60mi in November. A high goal for me i think. Dont really track mileage. Usually calories. New Friends always welcome. Thanks!

Hi my name is Amelia (Mia),

I participated in last months running challenge and I completed approximately 75 miles! I had a goal of 156 but I didn't get out as often as I had wanted! So I am going to aim for 100 miles this month and hopefully I will nail this one!

I just recently had my first child in June and after recovering from an emergency C-section I have been easing back into running since September! I usually run late at night after my little one has hit the hay!

There is a race in my province every summer called the Telly 10 which I am aiming to run in! It's always been am it b I have been meaning to scratch and I believe this year is my year!

Logged 8 so far. On target.

Hi I am Emma, I have been running for almost exactly 4 years, I have completed many races inc more 10Ks than I can remember a number of half marathons and even managed to finish the London Marathon in 2014 altho I ended up walking from mile 11 and had 5 blisters on the bottom of my feet at the end.

I am now in training for London 2016 and am hoping to get to 10 miles before Xmas with the proper training starting just after.

MamaMollyT wrote: »

Hi I'm Molly and recently lost my BRF (best running friend). She moved back to New Zealand and I'm finding I'm struggling to complete miles that used to fly by with great company. So hoping this gives me a kick in the pants to complete my 100 miles/month.

@MamaMollyT Sounds like a great reason for a Road Trip to NZ for a visit/race. It's a beautiful Country.

ghouli wrote: »

Hey there hi there ho there, my name is Sam and I'm from Minnesota. I'm new to the group and new to running. I'm not involved in the current challenge because I kinda want to wait until I have a decent pair of shoes so I don't hurt anything,

@ghouli Glad to hear that you are on the hunt for a good pair of shoes ( kicks). As a wise person once said to me - the shoe finds you - So connect to a local running club and ask them which local shoe store(s) they like the most and go get fitted - check out last years models as they will be discounted. Welcome to the Running Rat Pack.

Hi there folks. I'm Pat, retired and living on the south East coast of Ireland.

I've been out of running for almost a year but thankfully it's coming good for me again. I'm back at it since early October and so far I've got no pain.
My usual week is 2 runs each about 5k (3 miles) and some walking. Mostly I'm a biker but at this time of year, running is a great option.

Goal: I am seriously thinking about WALKING a marathon in 2016. Not yet fully committed but I'll see how it goes this winter /spring. .

Hi, my name is Venus. Earlier last year, I finally decided that I should do some of the things that my doctor suggested after seeing some warning signs of my previous physical checkups. I started with Pilates at first and later learnt that I should do some cardio too. At the end of summer last year, I started C25K. I ran my first 5k race in Thanksgiving last year.

Shortly after that, I fell off the running wagon. I lost motivation. Fortunately, after seeing us (my 10- and 12-year-old ran with me) finished the race, my husband caught the running bug. He started C25k and my pride just wouldn't let him catch up with my time so quickly that I started running again.

We have run a few more races since then. Even my 6-year-old ran with us now. We also started a running group within our friends. It has now become a social gathering for us and we tried to run together every weekend. On Thanksgiving last week, our family together with 4 other families ran the race that I did last year. It was so much fun!

I do not know if I truly enjoy running yet - I still finished most of my runs with the thought: "let's get this over with". But there is always this sense of accomplishment after each run and seeing my mileage increase in the activity log. I am also eager to see my speed improves. I'm 44 years old. I am sure the newbie improvement with stop eventually and my age factor will kick in. But I am going to continue to run.