IowaJen1979 Member

Thanks Pam! I have been slacking on my water so this is great. So far I have drank 5.5. I'm going to try to make it to 8... I workout almost every day, so my fitness goal this week is to branch out and try a spinning class on Wednesday. This is a big challenge for me because it means the following: 1. Getting outside of my…

Woohoo! SW: 190 GW: 184 My weight loss has been moving a lot slower this summer, so six pounds is a little ambitious. I wanted a goal that would make me push myself a little harder to get through this hump. Also, I have a trip in the middle of the challenge so this will encourage me to pack my running shoes and not snack…

I tried South Beach Diet a few times and just couldn't stick with it. I love carbs! I have carbs with every meal along with 1-2 veggies and a protein. I also have an apple as my morning snack (which has carbs) and I usually eat a carb as my nighttime snack. That's my treat for staying within my goals for the day. :-)…

I almost quit after week one. This morning I ran 3.25 miles in 38 minutes. :-) Just keep putting one foot in front if the other and be VERY proud of yourself when you finish each run.

Thanks, Pam! I love how high tech we are. :-) Also - there is a Google Drive app for iPhone and iPad (and probably droid products) that allows you to access Google documents. Very helpful if you're away from a computer and need to log your weight. I'll kick off the intros. My name is Jen (or Jennifer). I grew up in Iowa…

LMAO

So glad to be back with everyone! :-) Welcome newbies! You picked a great group to join! Jen (Iowa transplant in Chicago)

I agree! No such think as going too slow. You're running! That's a big deal! Go at whatever pace you can finish. You will naturally get faster over time without even noticing.

I'm 33 and have NEVER run recreationally before June of this year. I only ran if I was being chased by someone who wished to harm me. :-) I finished C25K and am now running 3 mile stretches at around 33 minutes. Soooo many times during these runs I want to quit, but I've found that if I keep pushing myself I make it…

I looooove peanut butter! I try to work it into my breakfast to get more bang for my buck. My fave quick breakfast is: 1 light Eggo waffle (or any toaster waffle) 1 Tablespoon peanut butter 1/2 banana Mmmmmm..... Don't cut it out, just find a way to work it into your regular calories.

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/03/brownie-bites-2-points.html

56 pounds!

Vodka and soda with a lime. Or bacardi and diet.

I ran my last C25K day on August 9. I ran 2.63 miles, so I don't know if I would necessarily call that my graduation day. On August 13 I ran 3 miles in 33 minutes - my personal best! I signed up for my first ever 5K on September 22. I still have a hard time calling myself a "runner", after years of telling myself I…

Word. Which is why I quit. I never stuck to having just one drink, so the calories would pile up. And when I was REALLY getting tipsy, then I would have to stop at the diner for some pancakes. Not good!

I don't think you're lame at all! I have walked a 5K before. But, it sounds like you're pretty active. You should give running a try and I think you would be amazed at what you can do. Start with short intervals and work your way up.

Your post is making me laugh so hard because when I started C25K over two months ago, I asked my coworker the exact same question. "When does the pain go away?" After week 1, my legs felt like they were going to fall off. I even gave up for a week after week 2 because I didn't think it was worth it. But, after some gentle…

I heard recently that using shoes to correct your natural gait are counterproductive, because ti works against what nature has already taught you to correct. (Does that make sense!?!?!) Try normal running shoes and do what feels natural. Also, try slowing your pace a little. You may be pushing yourself too hard. I prefer…

I did timed. This seemed more attainable to me. I didn't feel like I had to push myself to an uncomfortable pace. I finished C25K last week and decided to run for distance today. I ran 3 miles in 33 minutes. Since the last C25K workout is a 30 minute run, this seemed like a reasonable goal for me today.

My doctor has never told me I needed to lose weight, even when I was at my heaviest. I once asked her for advice, and we chatted for a few minutes about it but she never brought it up again.

Take a break! I don't think you should run more than two days in a row. Your body is telling you it needs some rest. Personally, I do Zumba on Sunday and Monday, run on Tuesday, lift weights on Wednesday, run on Thursday and Friday, then do Zumba on Saturday. I've noticed that if I run after work one day then run before…

I started around 12-13 minute miles. I'm on Week 8 and am down to 11 minute miles. It gets better every time I run unless the conditions are different (i.e. hilly terrain, high humidity, etc.) then I noticed I'm slower.

I just did Week 8 Day 2 (running for 28 minutes) and I ran 2.5 miles, which is .25 miles less than what the app said I should be running. I think the program is designed for running 10 minute miles and I'm around 11 minute miles. But if I had to, I think I could run the 3.1 miles (5 K) in around 35 minutes today. I have…

When I started C25K I was just shy of 200 lbs. I was freaked out EVERY TIME I started a new week! I'll admit, Day 1 was usually hard but Day 2 was always easier. The program really does a great job of building your endurance gradually so you can make it through each run. Now I'm on Week 8! It's still a challenge, but I…

I like Map My Run (or Map My Fitness). It records your pace and split times, and you can post it to Facebook and Twitter. It also shows routes people have taken in your neighborhood.

When you pack your running shoes on vacation and actually USE them! I did that twice this summer!

Agreed! Eat a balanced diet of foods you like, eat more fruits and veggies, and keep your portions in check. You'll do great!

Running in humidity is really hard! I ran W5D3 in extreme humidity and it was SO HARD! I actually ran at a better pace when I was in the high altitude of Colorado (I live in Chicago) than I did in the humidity. Definitely run for time then you can work on your pace.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Zumba! It is the only workout I did for about 5 months and I lost close to 40 pounds. I started running a couple of months ago because I was plateauing a little so I reduced from 4-5 classes a week to 3 classes a week. So now I run 3 times a week and Zumba 3 times a week. One thing I will say is that I…

Awesome job! Couch to 5K (C25K) is a GREAT program to transition from walking to running. I am on Week 7 of the 8 week program and am doing great! It's a great pace and gradual build - both mentally and physically. There are lots of smart phone apps to help you through the program.