C25K Challenge

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Replies

  • Smccau3
    Smccau3 Posts: 20 Member
    I ended up not doing my run this morning. I would give you the excuse I made for myself, but they are just excuses.

    I'll be out tonight, but if I get home, and can still see in front of me, I'll go for my run tonight. Otherwise, it will have to be tomorrow morning.

    Did you go? How was it? I have my last run of week 4 tomorrow... can't wait!

    A tip if you have problems making excuses... go every other day, no matter what. If you go '3 times a week' you're giving yourself the extra psychological hurdle of having to decide which days to go. Just go every other day and take the decision out of your hands :)

    Thanks for the tip! What a great idea.

    I went this morning, but tripped and scraped up my hands, so I had to stop for first aid. I did get more than halfway through before that happened though. I am planning on redoing tomorrow.
  • kimlight2
    kimlight2 Posts: 483 Member
    Completed w2d1 today. Started out a little slower then picked up the pace after the first interval. I was tired when I was done but not totally exhausted and a few hours later I was ready to go out again. How crazy is that!?! I never thought I would have this much energy this soon. If you complete the weekly schedule is it ok to move on to the next week or is it better to repeat what week you are on until the next calender week? I don't want to push to hard and hurt myself but I feel good enough to do more then the 3 runs a week.
  • desbanks
    desbanks Posts: 2
    I started C25K challenge last month but I didn't like the app because it didn't tell me when to walk or run. I have an android so I will look up the link. I walk/ jog on college campus. I would love to join in on this with you guys.
  • jmm774
    jmm774 Posts: 34
    I'm so glad you all want to join me on this challenge!

    My plan is to do Monday, Wednesday, Friday runs. If you're a first timer, we can start together Monday!

    For those of you who have already started, any advice to us beginners? I know I struggled with my test run yesterday.

    Best advice I can give is DON'T SKIMP ON PROPER EQUIPMENT just because you are a beginner. I've tried running in the past and always quit. Why? I was in pain. Both from muscles/knees/ankles and blisters. :(

    Proper footwear and socks are VERY important. Go to a runners store and get properly fitted by a professional for running shoes and ONLY wear them for running. It can be pricey, but it is more than worth it to spare yourself some serious injury. Buy some non-cotton socks to go along with those new kicks. Your feet will thank you. They help keep moisture away and prevent foot issues. They should have some at the running store as well. :) They average about 10 bucks for 3 pairs.

    This has made a HUGE difference in my runs and I find I enjoy them now. :)

    Now for the less awesome, but still good advice:

    1. Study up on proper running form and try to improve yours. It makes a difference. :) You won't be a pro right out of the gate, but you will improve slowly if you try to concentrate on it during your runs. Hint: I try to work on it at the beginning when I'm not exhausted yet, ha ha :P
    (Some links: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=823
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx6x2cD6Y8Q
    http://video.about.com/running/Proper-Running-Form.htm )

    2. STRETCH before and after for at least 10 minutes. Stretching is VERY important and most people skimp on it. Do not skimp on it. Your body will thank you.

    3. Warm up/Cool down walking. A good thing to do. The podcasts I use have them programmed in. You can find them here: http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html

    4. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before and bring a bottle with you on runs. :)

    5. Lastly, DON'T GIVE UP. If you can't keep up the jog, walk fast and try again on the next interval. If you need to repeat a week, do it! Just keep pushing forward. We can all finish :D

    I have severe asthma and running has to be THE most challenging activity for me (especially outdoors with my allergies), but I push through it. Remember, if my lungs haven't given out on me yet, yours will probably make it too, ha ha ;)

    I used to hate running with a passion, and I am learning to love it <3:D

    Though most of this is very good advice, it is not a good idea to STRETCH BEFORE running. You should ALWAYS stretch after running, when muscles are warm, but stretching cold muscles before a run can lead to injury. The best way to warm up before a run is with 5 minutes of brisk walking.
  • morkiemama
    morkiemama Posts: 894 Member
    I'm so glad you all want to join me on this challenge!

    My plan is to do Monday, Wednesday, Friday runs. If you're a first timer, we can start together Monday!

    For those of you who have already started, any advice to us beginners? I know I struggled with my test run yesterday.

    Best advice I can give is DON'T SKIMP ON PROPER EQUIPMENT just because you are a beginner. I've tried running in the past and always quit. Why? I was in pain. Both from muscles/knees/ankles and blisters. :(

    Proper footwear and socks are VERY important. Go to a runners store and get properly fitted by a professional for running shoes and ONLY wear them for running. It can be pricey, but it is more than worth it to spare yourself some serious injury. Buy some non-cotton socks to go along with those new kicks. Your feet will thank you. They help keep moisture away and prevent foot issues. They should have some at the running store as well. :) They average about 10 bucks for 3 pairs.

    This has made a HUGE difference in my runs and I find I enjoy them now. :)

    Now for the less awesome, but still good advice:

    1. Study up on proper running form and try to improve yours. It makes a difference. :) You won't be a pro right out of the gate, but you will improve slowly if you try to concentrate on it during your runs. Hint: I try to work on it at the beginning when I'm not exhausted yet, ha ha :P
    (Some links: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=823
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx6x2cD6Y8Q
    http://video.about.com/running/Proper-Running-Form.htm )

    2. STRETCH before and after for at least 10 minutes. Stretching is VERY important and most people skimp on it. Do not skimp on it. Your body will thank you.

    3. Warm up/Cool down walking. A good thing to do. The podcasts I use have them programmed in. You can find them here: http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html

    4. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before and bring a bottle with you on runs. :)

    5. Lastly, DON'T GIVE UP. If you can't keep up the jog, walk fast and try again on the next interval. If you need to repeat a week, do it! Just keep pushing forward. We can all finish :D

    I have severe asthma and running has to be THE most challenging activity for me (especially outdoors with my allergies), but I push through it. Remember, if my lungs haven't given out on me yet, yours will probably make it too, ha ha ;)

    I used to hate running with a passion, and I am learning to love it <3:D

    Though most of this is very good advice, it is not a good idea to STRETCH BEFORE running. You should ALWAYS stretch after running, when muscles are warm, but stretching cold muscles before a run can lead to injury. The best way to warm up before a run is with 5 minutes of brisk walking.

    My instructors always had us warm up and stretch before any strenuous activity as well as after a cool down. This is how all my dance classes were structured, so I just apply it to runs now. I probably should have clarified that the stretching should be done between the warm up and the run, then again after the cool down. :)

    My apologies for any confusion. I should not have assumed that everyone knows not to stretch on cold muscles.
  • KiwiKim25
    KiwiKim25 Posts: 61 Member
    I just started last week. I'm glad I'm not the only one!
  • SRH7
    SRH7 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Don't forget there is a group on MFP with loads of helpful info and lovely people to cheer you all on!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

    (starting Week 4 tomorrow and feeling worried!)
  • mommajolynn
    mommajolynn Posts: 353 Member
    Just finished W2D2 today and I am feeling great! A little worn tho cuz I didn't take my water bottle with me this time but I know not to do that again haha. Won't be able to do day 3 till Friday tho.. Hopefully I will get some time on the tredmill and repeat days 1 and 2 on there so my body won't be completely lazy by friday haha
  • ambercholtz
    ambercholtz Posts: 84 Member
    :happy: I was happy to find this forum! I started this program 3 weeks ago and am beginning week 3. I just completed week 2 this morning. Granted I cannot run the 6 mph that they want you to run since 5 mph is enough for me (I am 5'3" so my legs are shorter) right now. I would love to join in with you all if I can?

    I do think I need to eat better though since I seem to be gaining weight rather than losing it and I hope it is not from my thyroid (I have a slow thyroid - at least its what the doc told me).
  • darkling_glory
    darkling_glory Posts: 239 Member
    I'm in the middle of week 2 and am loving it so far!

    Last night it was 95 degrees outside, but I did my run anyway and now I feel like I can do ANYTHING! I told my husband to remind me, next time I don't want to run, that I ran when it was hella hot out and that I can do it!

    Love this program!
  • tauny78
    tauny78 Posts: 180 Member
    I just finished my week 5 day 1 run! The first 2 5 minute stretches weren't so bad...but that last one was a killer! I don't think it helped that it was getting hot at that point. I really have to start getting up earlier to beat the heat. But, I did it and I feel great! Here I come 8 minutes!! WOOHOO!
  • aimeem2
    aimeem2 Posts: 35
    I just started this week! I did day 1 two days ago and I'm still sore. I completed the workout THREE times with no rest and really overdid it. Next time, I'm only going to do it once (or maybe twice if I'm feeling awesome).

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  • morkiemama
    morkiemama Posts: 894 Member
    I just started this week! I did day 1 two days ago and I'm still sore. I completed the workout THREE times with no rest and really overdid it. Next time, I'm only going to do it once (or maybe twice if I'm feeling awesome).

    The best way to go about it is to do the program 3x per week with AT LEAST one rest day in between each run. :) If you need to repeat the week, do it again the following week. <3 You don't want to work so hard you put yourself out of commission. That defeats the purpose. :D

    Also, do you have the proper footwear? It makes a huge difference. Go to a running store and get fitted if you haven't yet.
  • Alexface21
    Alexface21 Posts: 23
    I've been doing some shovelling work recently and so my back feels a bit tense. I still felt I should run today though, so I did a W1 run again, and it's amazing how easy it suddenly feels.

    I recommend it actually; if anyone feels unmotivated, tired, fed up... going back and doing the first workout again really shows you how far you've come. It felt really easy so I knew I'd improved, and that's a great realisation.
  • ceppie
    ceppie Posts: 33 Member
    I just completed d2w1. Honestly struggling with it. both to motivate myself to run/walk and to keep going. but it was easier today....
    feel free to add me if you are as well right at the beginning.
  • mhelm2010
    mhelm2010 Posts: 2
    I'm doing week 7 day 1 tomorrow! I've been using C25K since May and I love it! I've never been a runner in my life and now I am looking forward to my first 5K on July 29th!
  • Alexface21
    Alexface21 Posts: 23
    I just completed d2w1. Honestly struggling with it. both to motivate myself to run/walk and to keep going. but it was easier today....
    feel free to add me if you are as well right at the beginning.
    You've already overcome one of the hardest steps; getting going. :) Soon you'll really get into the swing of it, I'm sure.
  • tauny78
    tauny78 Posts: 180 Member
    Just got home yesterday from my camping trip, and I loved running at the campgrounds! It was wonderful having some scenery (besides corn fields) to enjoy while running. And I did my 20 minute run on week 5 day 3 Thursday and it went awesome! I really wasn't sure I'd be able to do it, but I found my rhythm and kept at it and really enjoyed the run. Today I did day 1 of week 6, and it was horrible! I woke up with a headache but went anyhow, and pushed through it. I couldn't get into a groove with it, and was really having to push the whole time, even though I thought it should feel easier after the 20 minutes. Hopefully Tuesday's run will go better....
  • sjlapins
    sjlapins Posts: 26 Member
    Tauny78 - w6d1 was my worst day so far!! I am now on w8d1 and although every run is a struggle, it is getting a little easier! I actually kind of look forward to going now. Ican't even believe I said that since I never ran in my life before starting c25k. Your next run will be better! Hang in there.

    Will be doing my first 5k 7/21. :)
  • Medeabacktothestart
    Medeabacktothestart Posts: 2
    I've just completed my 2nd run of week 8 and I'm acheing to finish C25K.

    I find the 1st 10 minutes are kind of dullish, 2nd 10 minutes are hard and the last 8 minutes feel good but I deifinitely enjoy finishing, although I do sometimes sprint the last stretch of my run.

    If you know what your pace is jog fm is good for finding music to match it.
  • Lshona
    Lshona Posts: 393 Member
    I'll be starting W3D1 on Tuesday. I go to a personal trainer M-W-F, so I do C25k on T-TH-S. Also, I'm doing the program on a treadmill. I did the program yrs ago outside though. Feel free to add me.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    Started today. I am so not a runner - but I want to do some of the fun runs - Color Run, Zombie Dash etc. next year that I'm missing out on this year because I don't run.
  • Alexface21
    Alexface21 Posts: 23
    I successfully did W5D3 today; no stopping. Apart from the hay fever, it felt amazing! I just took it slow to start with and I had plenty of gas left for the whole 20 minutes. Maybe one or two more of those and I'll be ready to tackle Week 6. :D So happy.
  • tauny78
    tauny78 Posts: 180 Member
    Did my day 2 of week 6 today...not a great run again. I think I was spoiled running in the shade at the campground. I need to be getting up at sunrise I guess to run before the sun is beating down on me. I think Thursdays run (25 minutes no walking) will have to be on the treadmill at the gym since it's suppose to hit 100 that day. :( I'm not feeling too positive about the 25 minutes. If I can't do it, I'm going to repeat this week. At least today's run was better than Sunday's.
  • KiwiKim25
    KiwiKim25 Posts: 61 Member
    OMG!! Week 3 day 1 scared me.. But I just ran for 3 minutes straight! TWICE! I haven't been able to do that since i was 14! Wooooohoooooo!

    I just had to share. :)
  • londoneye
    londoneye Posts: 203 Member
    Tauny78 - w6d1 was my worst day so far!! I am now on w8d1 and although every run is a struggle, it is getting a little easier! I actually kind of look forward to going now. Ican't even believe I said that since I never ran in my life before starting c25k. Your next run will be better! Hang in there.

    Will be doing my first 5k 7/21. :)

    Just did w6d1 on Monday and it was horrible! Why?! I guess my body was still in shock from the 20 min run... I felt like I'd gone 3 steps back, but I trust in the programme. Hoping w6d2 is better!
  • ceppie
    ceppie Posts: 33 Member
    I did w1d4 yesterday! :) and it was the first time I managed to run each of the 8 minutes.... I know some of you guys are doing already a lot more, but for me that felt like being set free. not sure what was so different this time, but I was not as wiped out then the days before. I think I will stay in week 1 for another 1-2 runs and then start with week 2.... already scared, but slowly I am convincing myself that I actually could do it.
  • ceppie
    ceppie Posts: 33 Member
    OMG!! Week 3 day 1 scared me.. But I just ran for 3 minutes straight! TWICE! I haven't been able to do that since i was 14! Wooooohoooooo!

    I just had to share. :)

    That´s so great! Well, done.... Looking forward to get to that point myself.
  • ambercholtz
    ambercholtz Posts: 84 Member
    I'm on week 4 - day 2 (today) and glancing at week 5 looks kinda scary. I practiced jogging for 20 minutes straight at 4.6mph (I did it) since I see week 5 calls for it. Dang! That really kicked my butt! I was sweating up a storm! The goal is to run it at 6mph? That's crazy! I'm not sure I'm ready for that next week!
  • sarbahanew
    sarbahanew Posts: 11 Member
    this is a great thread with some good information! I am planning to restart the C25K program this week... a few months ago I got to W4 but got caught up with other things and didn't make the time for it. I would love to be a "runner" though so this time I am making that commitment to finish the program!
    I hope to get to a running store this weekend and get fitted for the right shoes!
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