When you started c25k...

Good questions... I'm in Week 2 and took a peek at what's to come, and quite frankly, even Week 3 scares me! :noway: I'll be curious to hear what people have to say.

I am completely in the same boat as you! I have never ever ever in my life ran or jogged willingly until 3 weeks ago when I started the C25K program.
So far it is pretty good, the walking/jogging intervals are good for me- but I am still slow! My husband who is a runner keeps telling me to take it as slow as I need to and just focus on being able to jog for the appropriate amount of time (not going fast) and then when I am able to jog for 20 minutes solid, THEN focus on speed. I think that piece of advice has helped me.
Good luck!

I've not run at all but i did my W3D1 yesterday and the second interval floored me and i kept thinking "i'm not doing this again". But i finished it and when i woke up today i felt pretty good, so good that i decided to go out again today. I figured if i needed to get back on that horse before i give up. As i was running i kept thinking that people in cars must be saying "What is that stupid cow doing? is she trying to run?" but i kept going. I try to use a route with the least amount traffick. I run along a canal and in industrial areas. I am a bit tired but i think if it's good out tomorrow, i'm going out again. It is quite exhilarating and fun actualy once you get into it. I am a bit scared about the rest of the programme but i'm still doing it.
good luck, you'll love it.

Although I'd been cycling for about 18 months, I'd never been a runner and actually hated even the thought of it - probably the last time I ran was when I was doing my "job" training when I joined the Navy - and that was in 1991!!!!!!! :noway:

However I'm flippin desperate to firm up the flab on my thighs and stomach, so thought I would give C25K a go - I started in May.

I get up at 6.30am on Mon, Weds and Fri and puff my way round the lanes in the village where only the rabbits can see me I finished the 2nd run of week 5 this morning - I am stunned that I can run for 8 minutes straight, when I struggled to even do 60 secs on week 1!!! I'm very surprised at how much I'm actually enjoying it as well

I had been cycling for a while when I took up running so I already had some cardio endurance, but no running skill/ability. In spite of being somewhat fit, I really struggled with running. My problem was shin splints; everytime that I felt like I was making progress with running I'd get shin splints and be sidelined. I gave up several times but always came back later for another try. I finally had to do even less running and more walking than the c25k plan, but I stuck with the agonizingly slow process and eventually succeeded in running 5k distances, and that is pretty much where I am now. I'm just not interested in a half or full marathon. I run about 5k 3/4 times a week and do strength training and cycling as well. I love running, but it is only one part of my fitness plan so maybe I am not a real runner in the classic sense. But I do trail running and absolutly adore it. It is well worth the effort I invested to become a runner. You may be able to follow the plan, or you may be like me and have to go even slower, but you can do it and it is worth it!

Thanks for making this thread, just the inspiration I needed. I downloaded the first week a few days ago and keep putting it off so I am determined to do it tomorrow

I'm on Week 4 day 3 of the program (tomorrow is day 3 for me). And I was NOT a runner either. I still wouldn't group myself into that category lol. But it is definitely doable like everyone is saying!!
After each workout I was like "dang I'm going to have to do that one again because I suck!" but, I haven't repeated a day yet. Week 4 is when you start the 5 minute runs, and I was very nervous. But, I just thought, What the hell? See if I can do it, if I can't I'll give myself a break.
You wouldn't believe what your body can do. I can now run 5 minutes without stopping. Although, I still every once and a while have to walk for about 30 seconds to catch my breath. But if I can, I just keep on going.
Fun little tip I just learned: on my second 5 minute circuit, I stopped thinking about running. I started thinking about other things... for me, it's what I was going to do with this new horse I've been training. Anything you can think about that keeps your mind busy, and keeps you happy is a good thing while you're starting to up the time and distance. Also, you might realize how tense you were while running, and as soon as you stop thinking about it, your muscles loosen and it suddenly get's easier :-p
And don't go TOO FAST! I keep on trying to do that haha. I run outside and I always feel like a snail, so I up the speed and then I can't breathe lol. Just pick a pace, stick to it, and keep it slow for now. Speed can come later (or at least I keep telling myself that).

Good luck! Stick with it. And when you don't think you'll be prepared for the next week, just give it a try and see what happens. You may surprise yourself

This thread made me feel so much better! I'm starting c25k with one of my friends next week and I'm pretty nervous because she is in WAY better shape than I am, but I think we'll be able to do it! I just gotta push through the asthma and carry my inhaler with me!

I am sooooo not a runner, but did week 5 day 1 yesterday and it was great - must admit I'm somewhat scared to take on day 2 and the 8 minute run. I'm super slow too - ran on a treadmill today in front of a full-length mirror and my top half is running, but my legs do look remarkably like they are walking...... I am slowly getting there and am surprised considering I couldn't do 60 seconds at first.

I was in the same boat. I did W5D2 then got ill, took a week off, did W5D2 again and then the 20 minute run. Loads of people repeat weeks. Just take each day as it comes. Make sure you're having a good day before you tackle the 20 minute run. Don't stop... don't look at the timer... it's all mental!