C25K - I really WANT to be a runner

I just downloaded the app this morning and I am going to start this evening. I really excited and really nervous! I have been putting it off for weeks, I finally quit making excuses and I am just going to do it.

I finished it and I run 3x a week and I love it. Love it. Follow the program, don't be afraid to repeat a week if one is too hard and get the podcasts where they tell you in your ear when to walk and run so you are not attached to your phone/watch!

Exciting! I love running...but was like you in high school...walked the mile. I decided about two years ago that I wanted to try to run to get into shape...and just wanted to be able to run 5 minutes! I followed a 5K training program with the goal to run the entire race...and succeeded!! Last fall, I ran a 10K...and this year I am shooting for a 1/2 marathon! I am not fast...but I enjoy running distance! I agree...get yourself fitted for running shoes so you will not end up with injuries early on! It makes a difference!

I HATED RUNNING.
I'm on Week 4 Day 1 today and although it is still really hard, if you work at it and go at it with a positive attitude (and a good pair of shoes) it's BRILLIANT. Builds cardio fitness, tones your legs and bum and works the arms and core. Full body conditioning!

I'm starting to love the BUZZ from running, even if I sometimes am a little scared by the workouts changing levels.

C25K is awesome! I'm 44 and I started it about 2 years ago, and I have been going strong! I first started because I needed a high-calorie burning exercise to keep losing without starvation. I'm still doing it because I love it! I wish I could run for longer, but I have a hard time carving out more than about 45 or 50 minutes most days to exercise. So for now, I have to be content with running fewer miles on more days! It still makes me feel great.

A bit on my exercise history, just so you can see how this changed my life. I was not much of a runner or exerciser ever before. I ran the mile in track in high school, just because if you weren't involved in some type of athletic endeavor, you automatically fell to the social level of "bottom feeder". Basically, I hated running, and just did it to get my PE credits, and hang out with cooler people than myself.

After high school, I exercised sporadically (think occaisional Jane Fonda and Jazzercise) to help manage my weight. I basically could easily maintain a slim body without a whole lot of effort until I turned about 30. At that point I gained a good bit of weight. I tried to keep exercising, but I always resented the fact that exercise was taking time away from everything else I wanted and needed to do. It was just something else on my to-do list.

But all that changed with C25K. I loved the way running made me feel both physically and psychologically from the very beginning, and it made me look great. I had been slim before, but now I actually had a good, well proportioned figure and I'm in shape. Now I LOOK for ways to fit in running, and other exercise. I also swim (always loved this) and bike when I can. But running is truly the most accessible form of exercise. You can do it anywhere, anytime. I'm considering a triatholon this spring, and I'm working on muscle tone with lots of Jillian Michael's circuit training dvds (6 week 6 pack is awesome).

I would encourage you to stick with this program. Don't worry if it takes you longer to complete it. I had to repeat several weeks in the middle of the program, so it took me longer than average, but no worries! I still did it. You can too!!!!!

Congrats on your decision! I also used to hate running and said I would never, never do it. I started C25K last April (and ended up sticking with interval running but that's another story!) and ran my first half marathon on January 15. My advice:

1. Do not run more often than every other day and don't do high impact activities on the days in between. Your body needs to get used to all of the pounding you're about to dish out and it needs time to rest and recover. Believe me when I tell you that if you don't follow this advice you'll end up with pain or an injury.
2. Do not run on concrete, this includes sidewalks. Concrete is too hard a surface for running. Stick to asphalt or dirt. If you run on the street, ALWAYS run on the left side so that you're facing traffic. I have to dodge park cars in my neighborhood when I run but it's better than shin splints or other pain.
3. If there is any pain in shins, ankles, knees, etc. evaluate the situation and ask yourself:
* Am I pushing myself too hard?
* Do I need to buy new shoes? (Running shoes wear out over time and you should be wearing ones that fit your stride)
* Do I need to change my running surface?
* Do I need to improve my form?
You should be able to run without pain unless there is an underlying medical condition. If can answer the above four questions correctly, then it may be time to talk to your doctor.
4. Have fun!

do it! im so glad i discovered it! I went literally from struggling to run for 60 secs to managing over 90mins! and i love it! its my therapy, my 'me' time!

I have always hated running. I walked during the mile in high school. I played softball because if I hit the ball hard enough, I didnt have to run fast. But now, I want a challenge. I WANT to be a runner. I want to feel the endorphins spike as I take off for my morning run. Mostly I want to be fit and in shape and I want to be a role model for my lazy kids who also (you guessed it) HATE running. I have heard some good things about C25K and would like some pointers, advice, comments, suggestions, etc. for this transformation that I am undertaking.

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I am also a C25K graduate!!!! I HATED RUNNING...... I LOVE Running now! What a high! I about feel over on week 1 day 1. lol But now I run at least 3 times a week still! I have learned to take it slow and go slow! I don't run really I slow jogg but my heart rate is still above 155 all the time!

I just downloaded the C210K program! Good Luck and Happy journey!

I just ran 3 miles this morning. HATE the though running. HATE the first 10 minutes of it. But, I promise myself that I have to run 10 minutes and then, if I want to stop I can. Sometimes I do stop. But the 10 minutes are non-negotiable. Today I did tell myself I was going to run 3 miles...non negotiable. Really nothing beats the feeling after running. I love to feel proud of myself!! I'm not fast--I run at 5 - 6, but I really don't care. I've done the C25K. I've done alot of intervals (run a minute-walk a minute). That's how I am becoming a runner. I think the people at my gym consider me a runner---in my head, I'm not really a runner--but I keep running!!

I always feel like I'm going to die for the first 5-10 minutes of my run! But usually, when I get to my finish time (I run by time, not distance), I feel like I could go on forever! So I'm guessing I am more of a distance runner, and less of a sprinter! Maybe that's you too.

April 2010 C25K Graduate, did my first half marathon in Sept 2011!

C25K definitely changed my life. It was really hard for me to start--I remember telling my boyfriend, who I had just started dating, that I was "allergic" to running when he asked me to train for a race with him. But, I found C25K and pushed myself to stick to it and it changed my life. Week 5 was really hard for me, but I remember reading an article saying that that was the week where people either dropped out or made it through and I was determined to keep it up. I'm a slow runner. I started out with 13:30 miles and now run between 11-12:30, but I love that running is only a competition with yourself and making yourself better. I firmly believe that if I could make myself into a runner, anyone who really wants to can.

I REALLY agree with the people who suggested getting fit for shoes by a professional. Don't want to hurt you knees. Keep it up! I'll add you!

I, like you, used to be a powerful softball player. I was even the top ceded catcher in our county. I believed I could never be a runner.. I'd say I was built for power, not speed.. or my knees won't let me do it.. but that's bunk. Now flash forward 22 years.. A friend of mine wanted to try C25K and I went along with it to prove her wrong. 12 weeks later (even though we began the program as it turned to Winter) I was able to run a 5K. It was awesome. Then I began training for a half marathon. It was even more awesome! I dropped almost 50 pounds and 10-12 clothes sizes! I wasn't even that small in high school! I took two weeks off after the half marathon in October, and now I'm training for two Warrior Dashes. I'm up 9 pounds of muscle, still in a size 4, and I run faster than ever! I say go for it.. it does get better, and it feels wonderful!

How do I find the C25K group on here? I want to be a "runner" but after so many start and stop attempts I wonder if it can be done. Tonight I am going to attempt day 1 of week 1 at the gym. I can fast walk til the cows come home..but quickly become short of breath trying to run..I feel my feet dont land correctly and my shins hurt quickly. Would love to experience "the love of running" that others speak of but have yet to find that "Love". However, I need to figure it out. Turned 50 this year...and well, what they say is happening...every little ache and pain, and sneaky pounds coming up...I dont like it one bit!! So....I really WANT to be a runner. Any and all advice greatly appreciated!

If your shins hurt with just a little running, it's possibly the shoes you're wearing. They really shouldn't hurt unless you have some sort of injury. One motivator might be a new pair of running shoes, professionally fitted. You don't need to spend a fortune, but the right shoes can make all of the difference in the world. Also see my advice earlier in this thread.

It was my 45th birthday last year (I turn 46 tomorrow) that motivated me to lose some pounds and start running, so I understand where you're coming from. It's harder from this side of 30 but don't let that deter you!

ETA: C25K is short for Couch to 5K. It's a running program. The C25K group on MFP is here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k