Can you describe C25K for me?

It's a run/walk program. It was really hard for me (still is) and I had to do week1 for a month before I could move on. But I'm happy with my progress and am looking forward to someday completing the program! I run outside, but have recently been told it's easier on your joints to run on a treadmill or trail (softer ground)... just a little fyi

In my experience, it just helps you build your endurance for running. It has been working for me. Are you planning on running on a treadmill or the road? I found out yesterday, that the treadmill seems a bit more challenging because it forces you to keep a pace. I never really realized how much my walking or jogging pace was varying until yesterday.

Good luck to you.

I am starting week 5 today...and its been very hard for me. The breathing part is the worst, I lose my breath before my muscles get tired. I have never been a runner, but almost every weight loss story I read, they say they ran...lol
I thought I would try it and here I am starting week 5...It is hard, but worth it. There is something about accomplishing something really hard that makes you feel a really good about yourself
Good Luck, and don't give up..push through it!!

and I definately think running outdoors is way harder than on a treadmill

I have an iphone. Does it tell you when to run and when to walk on your iphone? Do you exercise everyday?

There is a free podcast you can download from iTunes onto your phone by Richard Ullrey (sp?) that will tell you when to walk, when to jog, etc. The program is structured to have you running every other day. You could do other workouts on your days off C25k.

The iphone app prompts you when to run and when to walk. It also allows you to play your own music in the background and will still cut in with prompts over your music. I used it for the first time yesterday and liked it. I will probably redo the same one later this week. I just started a bootcamp program last week that I go to 4 days a week so I thought the couch to 5k would be good filler on off days.

Also, I have Asic gels...are those good for running?

I got Asics gels at the weekend after visiting a small running shop in my area and getting advice from the staff there (after they made me run up and down the street to check out how I ran etc) I've only used them once so far - they seem pretty good to me though - and much more comfortable than my last pair of running shoes (which I picked because of their colour, because they were on sale and because they didn't make my feet look big!) I now realise that (because of vanity) I've been wearing a pair of trainers that were at least half a size too small for me!

I've done Cto5k several times and I think it's the best thing out there. Even the well respected running coaches like Jeff Galloway encourage you to start running by doing intervals.

I'll be doing week 4 next. I have run off and on for years (never very fast) but not much this year so I thought I'd start from scratch.

I'm using the "Chubby Jones" podcasts. She's funny and encouraging and she plays club music. Her podcasts are free on Itunes. You don't even need a watch, you just turn on the podcast and she times it and plays the music for you. Such a huge improvement!

I would just encourage everyone to take as long as you need to do each week before you progress. That jump to the 20 minute run is a killer (I think it is week 6).

I think it helps to visualize oneself as a runner. I think we look at this and think, "It's so hard, how can I possible do this?" Instead of, "I can and will do this."

It always helps me to sign up for a 5k off in the future. Then I won't blow off any of my runs. I'm doing a Race for the Cure in Sept. and I hope I'll be ready, but if I have to walk part, so be it.

To do any sport, you need proper equipment. I recommend getting fitted for shoes at a running store. Your foot can roll in or out when you run and you need proper support. Also for ladies you need a good sports bra. Don't be bouncing all over out there. It can make your really sore!

And why not plan to buy yourself a cute new running shirt or shorts when you reach week ___? I've never had a matching running outfit but this time I'm buying myself one when I finish! (Target has cute stuff).

Run on, friends!

Shari

That's exactly what I was thinking while i was there...and I tried out more shoes than Harry did wands. I spent a hundred on mine but i had budgeted that much. It was also one of the first questions my salesperson asked me. It might not be bad running in your shoes for the first few weeks but it's something to think about if your really wanted to keep running. Besides body glide (anti-chafing lotion) it's the only equipment you'll need!

It's hard to say about shoes without seeing you run...that's why I agree with person who said get to a local running store so they can analyze your gait. At a local running store, the shoes always pick you not the other way around.

Where are these stores? What are they called?

Look up local running shoes stores in your area. My wife and I went to one called Varsity sports in New Orleans.