Ultimate 5k Running Group - Week 1 (closed)

Am I part of the group?

Ok

three .5 mile run 7mph , min.
Two 3 mile amt sessions (40 min or less)

a) workout 1 completed (yesterday)
b) It was pretty tough. My body ached and my breathing was off. Maybe I pushed a little to hard?

Great job dear. Does that mean I can count my workout for yesterday too?

I use runkeeper from http://www.runkeeper.com. I have been very happy with it, as it uses my iPhone GPS to track my route and has audible milestones (time = 9:30, distance = 1.00 miles, average pace = 9:30 per mile, current pace = 8:45 per mile). The downside is that you have to run with the phone. It also allows you to track treadmill runs, elliptical usage, rowing, swimming, walking, bicycling, etc. I even put my weight sessions in there (just calories and heart rate info). I have a friend that puts his Tae Kwon Do sessions on there as well.

Also, the web interface is great and allows you to see how far you have run over a period of time, how many calories you have burned, etc. There is no loss of functionality for having the FREE version, but there is a TON of functionality if you pay for the "Elite" version (which I do not - I am cheap).

I believe they have an android and windows phone app as well.

I have been using it for about 9 months, and think it is one of the best apps written - and I am a technical guy by trade :-)

Haven't got my running workout in today My hubby is a recovering addict/alcoholic and his meetings are just right there in the way but I would never discourage him from going. Those meetings are the best thing that has happened to us. I am going to have start getting up early and doing it. Its so darn cold right now. Oh well.

Jessica - life is definitely a balance. Good for you and your family that you are supporting your husband!!! Remember that you need some "me" time as well. Even if you can only take 20 minutes, try to get out and walk or run. If that is not possible (with kids sometimes it is impossible), maybe try to do some calisthenics (crunches, push-ups, sqauts, burpees). Additionally, do you have a Wii? I understand that Wii Just Dance 3 and Zumba burn off calories at an amazing pace (some report 800 calories in a 45 minute session).

I believe that family comes first always, but don't sacrifice the "me" time. You would be surprised how many times I am on the treadmill at 11:30pm or 12:00am after all the kids have gone to bed and I spent time with my wife. I have to squeeze that run in, but I get it done for me.

Good luck!!!

Greg, I'm not a tech savvy as you, but I'm sure I can figure it out. Are you familiar with iMapMyRun? I do have the app on my phone, but have never used it. I have an iphone 4S, so i believe it automatically tracks my current location as my starting point, but I'm not sure of the features specifically. I suppose I have to do more research to better understand it...

Felicia, I have not used that app before. They are all pretty much the same. I am old-schooling it with an iPhone 3G (not even an S), and runkeeper uses the GPS to track my distance and map my route. It even posts my runs to Facebook (with my permission) so my running friends and my family can see I am still being healthy! :-)

I feel really bad about not being able to plan out all 3 workouts this week. I feel like I’m giving a bad first impression. Don’t worry though starting Monday ITS ON! lol

Don't feel bad! Like I mentioned to Jessica, if you have a hard time getting out (or on a treadmill) to walk/run, just try to do some exercises at home. Surprisingly, crunches, push-ups, jumping jacks, squats, step-ups, burpees all burn a lot of calories and result in some cardio build up. If you have a wii or xbox with kinect, get on it for 20 minutes and burn 400 calories. This is considered a workout AND is considered cross-training!

Another thing that I forgot to mention - I bought one 15lb kettlebell (Bob Harper) for about $30 at Target. I went on the internet and looked at kettlebell workouts, watched a few videos on You Tube; and I have to tell you, a single kettlebell workout done properly will build strength and give you a cardio workout all within 30 minutes! Most estimates are that you will burn between 300 and 500 calories in a good kettlebell workout. For us manly men, even though we feel compelled to go out and buy a 50lb kettlebell, TRUST ME, all you need is the 15lb - it is sufficient. For the ladies, a 10lb is probably good (according to what I read on the internet). I usually throw a kettlebell workout in while I am upstairs barking out orders to the kiddos telling them to take showers and get ready for bed. I can sit there and do some quick repetitions while making sure they are doing what they need to do; and I burn off a few calories.

Goals (for the remainder of 1/16-1/22):

1. Run 3 times, minimum of 3 miles - pushing for 4-4.5 miles
2. Run 2 times doing intervals/fartlek training (.25 mile jog, .25 mile run/sprint - rinse and repeat for 4 miles)
3. Hit weights 2x during week

Progress so far (as of 1/18):

1/16: 30 min weights, 4.50 miles (intervals)
1/17: Ran 4.33 miles, 10:28/mile average

The 1/16 session was good - felt strong in the intervals even after good workout on weights (including leg press, leg extensions, calf extensions, and hamstring curls). Hit 9.2 speed on treadmill for top .25 mile (6:31/mile avg).

1/17 - run was outside on concrete, encountered 3 dogs, one of which won a stare down so I did a 180 and ran the other way, the other two were within voice distance of owners, so they left me alone. Temp was 76F, so it was a little warm to run, although there was a breeze. Didn't feel too bad.
Greg

Awesome run. I wish that I was able to run at that pace, but even more I wish that I was where you are at! 76F! I won't see that for a few months! **Sigh**

Awesome run. I wish that I was able to run at that pace, but even more I wish that I was where you are at! 76F! I won't see that for a few months! **Sigh**

Keep doing the C25K!!! You'll be running like crazy before you know it. I didn't do the exact C25K program, but I basically signed up for a 5K and pushed myself to get ready for it. I started with the running between street lights, then walking. I was LITERALLY afraid to run around the block (only 3/4 of a mile), for fear I would collapse!!! Now I can't imagine going for a run that is less than 3 miles. The C25K program is so great because it gives you the plan for being successful.

The 76F last night is followed by 50F and dropping tonight. Not complaining, I love the fact that I can run year round without having to put too many layers on. My fear is that when May rolls around, I'll once again be running in 90F+ at 90%+ humidity :frown:

Am I in? I replied yesterday to the other thread, but I don't know if I was accepted, because I can't find the other thread now! Just in case I am, I'm planning to do the first week of c25k this week. We're snowed in here, though, and don't have a treadmill at home, so my start might have to be postponed until next week.