Couch to 5K Challenge?

[EmilyZA]

Has anyone done this?

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I was planning on starting this week and was hoping some others would join me. Anyone in?

[EmilyZA]

Whoops-- looks like I'll have to start next week! :( I'm unable to space the days out like they recommend.

That will give some people a chance to join me though... :)

[APCullip22]

I've done this..it's a great program...but...I would love to start fresh again! Count me in!

[ramaba]

I'm on week 5! (I had to repeat weeks 3 & 4 each once, as I was listening to my body and didn't over-exert myself.)

I'm hoping to be in shape to run the entire Denver Race for the Cure on Oct 2.

[TX Sweetheart]

can this be done on a treadmill? I live in a very not-good-for-running apartment complex and neighborhood but I still would love to start running...

[giry76]

I am doing a modified version of this and would love to join you.

This program can easily be done on a treadmill, just be warned that your first time out on the road after the treadmill can be a bit of a shock. It is recommended to set your treadmill incline at 1% to simulate the outdoors.

[carrie9142]

I am thinking about doing this. I started running (somewhat regularly) in January for a race in May. Unforunately, I got sick for about 6 weeks and lost a lot of endurance. I am thinking I could probably start this program around week 4. As in that would be my first week and I would go from there. Is that normal?

[EmilyZA]

It's great to see all of you here!

TX Sweetheart: I don't see why not.

How do all of you do it? What do you recommend?

Carrie9142: I'm not sure. If you feel that would be comfortable for you, I think you'd be fine.

[BTB]

Finally, incentive to hurry up and buy an exercise bra in my current (nursing) size. (That's been my excuse not to use our elliptical machine) :D If it ships in time, I'll join you next week!

[lil_geek]

Can I join? Is someone going to come over to my journal and kick my butt?? I'll do it for you!!

:)

[EmilyZA]

Yes! Definitely!! We all need to push each other!

[APCullip22]

Hi Ladies!!! Are we doing this, or not?! I really want to, in fact, I have been...I have to figure out which week to consider myself. I would love to know about others and their running!!!

[EmilyZA]

I was planning on starting yesterday, but have come down with some odd combination of the flu, a cold, and allergies... I'm home sick from work today. :( I'm going to play it by ear for this week.

[APCullip22]

Ugh, so sorry to hear that you're under the weather...that's the worst :( I hope that you feel better soon!

[TX Sweetheart]

I'm starting the middle of this week after DH gets paid 'cuz I realized I don't have any running shoes... he gets paid Wednesday so I'll probably start Thursday...

[lil_geek]

I love the excuses! He he, I'm no better... I have killer cramps!

My new goal this week will be to just make it out once/twice and get moving, even if I don't get running.

[TX Sweetheart]

My new goal this week will be to just make it out once/twice and get moving, even if I don't get running.

good goal! :D

[EmilyZA]

That is a good goal! I've still got this nasty bug, went back to work today but left early. I'm hoping to be up and at it by the weekend... I feel like a big slug!

[carrie9142]

Ugh. I am sick too! I think mine is allergies, but my head feels like it is going to explode. I really will start when I feel better. And, I am an excellent butt-kicker ;)

[giry76]

Yay! I just ran .6 miles without walking outside. I really didn't want to go today, but I "forced" my self out there with some self trash talk. I am starting really slowly and plan to build up over the winter. I am a good 60 pounds or so over weight so running that distance without walking is a big acomplishment for me.

I hope to hear more from others taking the running plunge.

[EmilyZA]

Yay! I just ran .6 miles without walking outside. I really didn't want to go today, but I "forced" my self out there with some self trash talk. I am starting really slowly and plan to build up over the winter. I am a good 60 pounds or so over weight so running that distance without walking is a big acomplishment for me.

I hope to hear more from others taking the running plunge.
GREAT JOB! I plan on starting tomorrow. I'll report back then!

[LeslieandPaul]

Just saw this thread, and I'm going to join. I really need to get in shape-and not spend a fortune at the gym. I'm going to try and start tomorrow-hopefully I can get DH's cousin to join me-it will be an alternative to going shopping all the time!

[SwiftyOWB]

I have started this program a few times but never finished. I have done my first own workout over the weekend and I will do my next one tomorrow.
September 3rd week 1
September 5th week 1

[EmilyZA]

I started today! And boy am I hurting! :) But it's a good hurt! Next run is Thursday...

[LeslieandPaul]

I went for a pre challenge run. I couldn't bring myself to do the full 20 minutes. I did the 5 minute warm up, and then did two reps of 60 seconds running and 90 seconds walking, for a total workout of 12 minutes (7 minutes jog/walk). I'm going again on Thursday, and I'll try to go 20 minutes (15 minutes running). I really need new running shoes

[lil_geek]

I did workout #1 yesterday! I was actually fairly impressed with how well I fared. I generally try to run/walk so I think the first 2 weeks I can handle.

:)

Got a 'date' with my sister at the gym again tonight after work.... :) HUGE improvement over last week!!

[LeslieandPaul]

Argh, my face is burning. I just got back from my first official run (I didn't wimp out this time). I went the route I took the other day twice. I ran for a total of 15 minutes (twice as long as last time) plus my five minute warm up for a total of 20 minutes! I did 7 reps each of jogging and walking. And surprisingly i don't feel that winded. I also got my MP3 player from ebay today and it was very nice having music.
Off to stretch and take a shower.

[giry76]

Ran .6 miles again straight yesterday. I will probably do that one more time and then add on. I have nice loop right out my door so I have to increase/decrease in .6 increments.

[Delaney21]

I'm so excited I found this thread! I have always wanted to run, but I always try to start out fast (too much at once) and then I give up. I can't even run a quarter mile without getting really tired, so this will definitely be a challenge! My plan is to start the workout tomorrow so I can try to keep up with everyone.

[EmilyZA]

I'm so bummed, today was supposed to be my second run day of the week but I feel like I'm getting sick again. Rested tonight and hopefully will get an opportunity to run tomorrow!

[Brandy]

Count me in to start next week too! I've done this before but after 3 weeks not being able to get past week three, I quit! I think I need to do the runs more often to build up endurance.

[mlfallis]

Count me in as well for starting next week. I need to start something and I am hoping this helps me get going again.

[lil_geek]

Whoo Hoo! I did workout # 2 yesterday.....

Note: Don't do it 2 days in a row! I could barely make it through! And just feel totally run down from it.

Glad the 'official' start date is next week.... I want to do week 1 over (OMG... How am I going to make it through some of the harder weeks!!)

:)

[Juliana]

HI- Glad there are some of you out there who haven't started yet b/c I'd like to join you. I've been thinking abuot doing this, and I really need something to jumpstart my fitness routine and get me back in shape. And anyone who needs a little journal support for this, count me in- I need it too!!

Can't believe I'm actually looking forward to running tomorrow - Thanks Emily for starting this :D

[lil_geek]

Can't believe I'm actually looking forward to running tomorrow - Thanks Emily for starting this :D

Thats sick!!!

I was thinking... it would be nice to hear what fitness level you consider yourselves at... what have you been doing and what is your motivation for improvement?

Fitness level Hmm, moderate.

I've been going to the gym for 2 years, haven't managed to loose weight but I've gained muscle. I HATE cardio, hate to sweat, hate to get tired!!

Motivatio The fact that I have been going, but haven't improved... I'm not doing something right. Also, the whole loose weight for the wedding thing is there :rolleyes:

I work out with my sister, who is in great shape, and I've always been jealous of people who can just 'go for a run'

[Juliana]

lil geek: I admit it's completely sick- I can't believe I've typed those words either. I guess I'm mostly looking forward to actually doing something about the current pathetic state of my exercise routine (and the added physical benefits that running will surely give me- I plan to make my yucky IL's quite jealous at my "new" runner's physique when I have to see them at Christmas :p )

I'll go ahead and add my stats too:

Fitness level: moderate. I'm going to be completely honest here and admit that most of my exercise comes from going to Jazzercise classes a few times a week. I know, that sounds like such an 80s thing to do, but it's fun, and there's only one older lady who actually wears belted leotards and headbands to class :D . I've done these classes for about 3 years on and off (more off lately). I think I need something to rev up my fitness routine and really challenege me.

Motivation: Getting in better physical shape, finding an activity I can actually look forward to and commit to 100%, help lose about 15 lbs (5lbs of which has crept on in the last 2 months while DH was away and I decided to be lazy).

And I totally get the whole jealousy over people who just pop out for a run too- I always thought they were just absolutely insane, but secretly wanted to be in as good a shape as them.

[LeslieandPaul]

I'm going to go tomorrow again, instead of Sunday-I'm going to try every other day rather than just 3 times a week-and I'm also look forward to it (who knew I would ever enjoy running!)

Fitness level-moderate. I'm not in the best shape, but i am kind of strong for a girl, and I've been keeping fit by taking pole dancing once a week (but haven't been in a month :()

Motivation-be fit enough to be able to trek all over the place in Europe. Be able to exercise with DH (right now there's no way I could keep up with him)

[giry76]

Fitness Level Pretty low. A few months before the wedding, 9/04 I stopped going to the gym and just tried not to gain any weight. Then after the wedding... well you know... fat and happy;)

Motivation We want to try to get pregnant this time next year and if I don't lose weight now I don't know when I will. I hate that I actually think "It would be great to run into so and so... no not in this shape." So I want to get into a shape/size that I will be like "lets go see so and so!"

One funny thing is that I want to run because I am too lazy to do anything else. I think running gives the biggest bang for the buck and time. I like that I can throw on some clothes and go for 15 minutes (for now) and be done.

[Brandy]

Fitness Level Low to Moderate. I used to work out like crazy but since starting a new job (at a huge gym no less) I have had no time to work out! I do Yoga, if not anything else at least once a week.

Motivation Not to be the fat one at work anymore? lol. Now's the time to lose the weight if I am ever going to do it. I want to run in a race (5k) and not finish last (I did that before, third to last! I had bronchitis but thought I could run in the 30F weather!)

I'm going to try to run on the treadmill during my lunch break M-F next week! Good luck everyone!

[LeslieandPaul]

So all day today I was suffering big time-sore hips and knees I sucked it up and spent more than I wanted to on running shoes. Now I feel like I'm walking on air!
They're Asics Gel-Cumulus VII (for supinators/under pronators)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid185/p0da64a56a840dd9af81f53734e794ec0/f260ac77.jpg

[Delaney21]

Fitness Level Very Very Low - I haven't worked out since playing sports in high school! If someone put a gun to my head and told me I had to run a mile or die, I'd just have them shoot me right then because I know I couldn't even come close. I can probably run a block, but I'll be really out of breath and sore just doing that. Pretty pathetic, huh?

Motivation I'm a size 4, so I don't need to lose weight, but I had one of those body fat measurements done and I was classified as obese! I was shocked, mortified, etc. The problem is that even though I am skinny, I have absolutely no muscle so my weight and size is made up of all fat.

[LeslieandPaul]

Wow that was a good workout! I don't think I've ever run that far! I went just over 2.5 kms, and was gone for just over 20 minutes (so not quite 20 minutes of running-but almost). I also ran faster than last time, and thanks to my new shoes my legs don't hurt yet!

[EmilyZA]

My fitness level is what I would consider low... I haven't really worked out since before my wedding (a year ago.)

Motivation is to be healthy, lose weight before TTC!

[sucia02]

I want to join! It might take me a couple of weeks because I'll be traveling for work the next 2 weeks...but I'll start when I return. :)

Thanks for posting this!

[Juliana]

Just finished the first workout, and I'm pretty proud if myself. Let's hope I can keep up with this and stay motivated.

Time: 30 min (5 min warmup; 20 min workout; 5 min cooldown)
Distance: 2 miles
Cals: 140

[LeslieandPaul]

I've moved onto Week 2 Workout 1-I'm exhausted.
Time: 25 minutes (5 minute warmup walk, 20 minutes workout-90 seconds jogging X6, 2 minutes walking X6)
Distance: 3.4 km approximately (2.1 miles)

I really had to push myself to keep going, and my hips were bothering me a little bit, but I got through it. Having the right music definitely helps.
I've gotta say, I've never been a fan of running (in fact, I used to hate it), but now I really like it. I guess it's the fact that this program actually lets you build up the stamina to run for longer at a time and so I'm seeing that I can actually do it! I like the fact that when I wake up on run days I actually want to go running!!!

[lil_geek]

Week 2 - workout 1
Ouch, it was harder. Around 10 minutes I definatly felt more tired and out of breath.. but I did manage to finish it.

Question If you are doing this on a treadmill... what speeds are you using? I've been using 3.5mph for walk and 5mph for run (I did bump it up to 5.5 for 2 sessions... but it was a little too hard!)

[BethIrish]

Hey ladies,

I'm starting this today! I hate running, always have. I ran in HS and college for sports and it was the best shape I've ever been in. As we are gearing up to TTC, I want to get in better shape. I'm overweight now, but more importantly, I just don't feel healthy. I also said to DH the other day "Y'know, losing weight for me isn't about fitting in to the smaller jeans or the bikini - it's more that I need to be healthy so I can safely carry our children and be around for them for a long, long time." That's where I'm at.

So, I'm up for the challenge! I hope I can do this. I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes! I'm definitely getting inspired by all of you...

eta:

Fitness level: Low. I work out sporadically, but most of my cardio is walking (at about 4.0) and I love to do yoga.

Motivation: Getting ready to TTC next year. Also, my clothes keep getting tighter!

[Juliana]

Question If you are doing this on a treadmill... what speeds are you using? I've been using 3.5mph for walk and 5mph for run (I did bump it up to 5.5 for 2 sessions... but it was a little too hard!)

For now, I've set my treadmill to the following:

3.5 for 5 min warmup
4.0 for walking during workout
5.5 for running

Granted this is only the first week- I have a feeling I may need to take it down some once the running intervals get a little longer. Also, I keep the incline at zero which does make it much easier to get some speed going. I'm hoping to increase the incline at some point too.

[lil_geek]

Hmmm, anyone think that your height has to do with the speed you can walk/run at??

:)

[Brandy]

LOL lil geek. I hope so!!! At 4.0 I am running!

[SweetRed]

OK, I'm in!

I have lurked here for the past week or two, and when I lugged myself to the gym this morning, I decided today was the day. Unfortunately, I didn't consult the web site before I left, and I thought week 1 was 90 second walking and 90 seconds running. I guess that means I started sort of in week 2? I knew something was wrong when it didn't add up to 20 minutes! :eek:

Anyway, I have never been able to keep up with jogging because my knees always give me problems. Today, I started getting a tiny pain in my left knee during one of the 90 second runs. But I took it back down to a walk and by the next run segment it was better for the rest of the workout. Maybe this will help?

And now I'll end this novel...

Fitness level: Low. I work out from time to time but nothing like I should.

Motivation: Post-honeymoon gain has got to go, preparing to TTC, I want a feel better in my clothes, I want a healthy BMI,... what other reasons could I need? :D

~ Kay

[lil_geek]

Week 2 - Workout 2 went okay. However, by the time I got home, my right knee was a little tender. It's fine this morning. Taking today off of running... I was supposed to do Cardio Kickboxing class... but oops, left my gym clothes at home so I may skip out on it all together!!

:)

Keep up the good work girls!!

[LeslieandPaul]

Today was Week 2 Workout 2-I just didn't feel motivated today (but it kept me from running too fast and too hard which is good).

Distance: approx 3.3 km (about 2 miles)
Time: 23 minutes (5 minute warmup, 90 seconds joggin X5, 2 minutes walkingX5)

[angelraven]

Hello everyone! Juliana had this thread and the link to the website for this challenge and drew me in! I just got finished with my first workout and I feel great!!

5 minute workout, 20 minute workout, 5 minute cooldown

I feel like I should have stretched a few more minutes after the warmup. I'm going to be sore later on.

Fitness Level: Low to moderate. For a while this summer, I was working out for an hour four times a week, but I've since been slacking, partially due to being bored with my routine. I hope that this challenge will help since it's something different.

Motivation: As sad as this is, my husband has asthma and is currently having a lot of problems with it due to his weight gain. It seems like the more he gains, the harder I want to make sure that I don't do that. Other motivation is just to finally feel like I'm in shape and to get myself as healthy as possible for TTC in a couple of years.

[Juliana]

Welcome SweetRed and angelraven!!

Got in Week 1 Workout 2 last night. This was after watching the Gilmore Girls premiere, whcih is a huge deal for me b/c usually once I'm on the couch watching my shows, I don't budge until bed. I must be really motivated to go running at 9pm!!

keep up the great work everyone!! :D

[giry76]

I am crazy. Yesterday DH said he wanted to go with me on my run, but ride his bike. I warned him that I am SLOW but he still wanted to go with me. I didn't stop him. I thought I was going faster than normal to "show off" so I kept trying to slow down. Well I slowed down and went almost 30 seconds slower than my last run... DH kept trying to talk to me and be cute. I was going too "fast" to keep a conversation going with him.

When we got home he said he probably won't go with me next time cause he thought we could talk while we ran/biked. I told him that eventually I should be able to hold a conversation on easy runs, just not yet. I can't believe I let him come with me/watch me run SLOWLY. BUT at least as I get better he will have a point of reference for my progress.

[EmilyZA]

Hi everyone,

I'm so glad everyone is so involved! Unfortunately the cold I thought I was getting back last week turned into an ear infection, and I had a bad reaction to the medicine, the whole 9... needless to say I haven't moved from my bed until this afternoon. :eek:

Hoping to be 100% by Monday/Tuesday, and getting back on the wagon. I can't wait...

[LeslieandPaul]

Hope you feel better soon Emily! It's too bad you can't do the program yet.

[mlfallis]

Well last night I finished day 2 of week 1. Not bad run, the only thing is conviencing the dogs to slow down for the walking period. Hopefully I can keep it up next week. So far so good.

[SweetRed]

Juliana I am awestruck that you did your run after being on the couch. Man, even if I was capable of running 10 miles, I don't think I could find that motivation to get up. Woo Hoo for You!

Actually, Woo Hoo for everyone! (Yes, I'm a little hyped up this Friday morning :D )

So after starting the program slightly off-schedule, I decided to call today Week 2 Day 1, and I will follow the schedule as-is from here on out. Wasn't too bad at all. My quads were quite sore yesterday becuase I didn't stretch enough then, but after a good stretch today, I feel fine (so far!)

I am SO happy to have found this thread. :)

~ Kay

[lil_geek]

Whoooo hooooo!!

I did the third workout this week. VERY proud that I made it to the gym seeing as it is rainy and gross and all I wanted to do was go home and curl up!

Have a great weekend ladies!

Tara

[LeslieandPaul]

I did week 2 workout 3 today! I was supposed to go yesterday, but it was raining and I wasn't prepared for that (I need to go buy a running jacket if I want to keep running here on the Wet Coast[yes, it's supposed to say wet:)]).

Distance: approx 3.2 km
Time: 22 minutes (5 minute warmup walk, 90 seconds jogging X5, 2 minutes walking X5)

[SweetRed]

Done with Week 2 Day 3 today! :D I'm a little nervous about moving to week 3, but I have to keep telling myself that it's the EXACT same amount of running, just bunched up a little more. Did anyone else feel this way?

Good job everyone!

~ Kay

[LeslieandPaul]

I tried to do week 3 workout 1 yesterday, but I started my new job (retail) and my legs and feet were killing me so I only did the run/walk portion once, and you're supposed to go twice. I'll have to do 4 workouts for week 3.

[angelraven]

Finished with Week 1 now. I'll probably do Week 2 Workout 1 tomorrow. I'm doing a lot better as far as soreness goes. Taking more time to stretch really helps a lot. Still a little pain in my knees, though, so I may have to try some new shoes or something. Ha! Who am I kidding- I just want a cute new pair of tennies! lol

[Delaney21]

I finally started Week 1 workout 1! I'm so out of shape that it was really hard for me, but I like the way it is broken up. Hopefully I can keep it going and not give up!

[LeslieandPaul]

I had to kick my own butt, but I officially did week 3 workout 1. I went for 30 minutes (5 minute warmup, 20 minute workout, 2 minute "cooldown"

[lil_geek]

LeslieandPaul I'll kick your butt if you kick mine!!

I did manage week 3 workout 1 last night... so this week will be pushed to get all 3 workouts in (I have this thing... I don't like to workout on weekends!!)

How are you finding the workouts? Last night was the first with a 3 minute jog.... the first one was incredibly hard, but the second wasn't too bad. I also decided to up the incline to 0.5..... probably should have done it at the beginning... but I had a burst of motivation yesterday!

:)

[LeslieandPaul]

I found both three minute runs incredibly hard. But the worse part of them is the first two minutes. I kept thinking, oh I'll just do two minutes, but then you get through them, and it's like, "Hey, I can do this!" I'm hoping tomorrow will be easier since I'll have already done it once.

[LeslieandPaul]

I just got back from Week 3 Workout 2!!! I even got to go a different route than last time! I do workout 3 on Monday and then move on to Week 4 on Wednesday!!

[t3h_wookiee]

I'm starting to think about trying this out soon. It looks like a really good idea. I just need to get up to the gym and grab my shoes at some point! :)

[lil_geek]

Good job LeslieandPaul !! I did workout 2 after work on Friday.. and found it MUCH harder then workout 1 this week. I am debating repeatin this week.... but I think I may push it with the understanding that I NEED to repeat next week!

:)

[SweetRed]

Great job everyone! Let's keep it up!!!

I, on the other hand, have been suffering from a miserable sinus problem, a result of the constantly changing weather here (30-degree swing daily... aaaahhh the joys of autumn!) It's hard enough to breathe while just standing still. I have visions of me passing out if I actually tried to run! :eek:

I hope to be back at it tomorrow morning even if it means popping some meds. I have GOT to get moving on week3!!!

~ Kay

[SweetRed]

Week 3 Day 1 done today :D All was pretty good until the very last minute of running, and then <BAM!> I was watching the clock on the treadmill and begging for mercy :) Still, I made it and I felt great when I was done. Looking forward to Day 2 on Wednesday!

~ Kay

[LeslieandPaul]

I was watching the clock on the treadmill and begging for mercy :)

That's a good way of putting it!

[Delaney21]

I just got done doing week 1 workout 2. I'm so jealous & proud of all of you ladies that are progressing so well! Even this first week is really hard for me, but I was practically on bedrest for the first 6 months of this year, so my body has to completely start from scratch. I think I may do week 1 again next week because I don't think I could do week 2 yet.

[LeslieandPaul]

I just finished Week 3 Workout 3!!!! I feel great! The first three minute run was great, and I probably could have kept going, but made myself stop. The second 3 minutre run was brutal, but it felt very good!

[mlfallis]

Well tonight is week 3 day 2 and I am hoping it isn't raining. Wish me luck.

dalaney21: If you stick with I am sure you will do fine. Just take your time and you will get there.

[lil_geek]

Good job guys!!

I have week 4 workout 1 today... and am I ever scared of that 5 minute run!

dalaney21 Don't worry if you have to/ want to repeat a week! I figure on repeating this week (week 4). It is a huge mental block (5 minutes!) for me... and I sort of slacked last week. I think that repeating a week will only make you more confident in the weeks to come!

Great job LeslieandPaul you are on a roll!!

mlfallis one definate advantage to running at the gym! No rain! But then again... I don't have an excuse to skip a run!! ;)

[LeslieandPaul]

I totally agree with lil geek. If you have to repeat-do it! I did week 3 workout 1 twice, and I'm SO glad I did!
lil geek-5 minutes! eek! I'm not looking forward to that tomorrow!

[lil_geek]

Week 4, Workout 1

oh. my. goodness.....

I did it last night. It was hard, that second 5 minute run.... my sister was on the treadmill beside me and was watching/laughing at me... she said I was breathing SO loud!

Anyway, workout 2 tonight. Then likely tomorrow off to rest!

[giry76]

lil geek is there a reason you are working out two nights in a row?

I worry because the fastest way to injure yourself, just starting out, is to do too much too soon. Your body needs time to heal between workouts. The plan calls for a rest day between ALL workouts. You are in this for the long haul don't try to do too much too fast. :)

[lil_geek]

You can do cardio as often as you like. When I used to swim we had 11 practices a week. The main concern is doing weight training 2 days in a row because you are essentially tearing the muscles and need the rest day for it to heal.

That said, whenever you feel exhausted from doing a cardio session, you should take it easy a day or two to recoup.

Also, I only have 4 nights a week that I can workout due to an insane life..... so while ideally you can take a day off... that just doesn't work for me.

[SweetRed]

Checking in for Week 3 Day 2!!! This time it wasn't until the last 20 seconds of the last 3-minute run that I started begging for mercy. Now THAT'S a sign of improvement :D

And then... when I was officially done... I decided to throw in an extra 2-minute run. Just because there was a really good song on my mp3 player :)

I'm so happy there are so many people hopping on board the challenge!

~ Kay

[lil_geek]

Good Job Kay!

Week 4, workout 2
I did the same today with my run today! I added an extra 90 seconds at the end of my run.

The second 5 minute run was WAY easier today.

[angelraven]

Woah look at all of you go! Awesome! :) I sort of slacked off. I've been swamped with interviews the last week and a half. I got back at it today though and started week 2. I felt really great when I was done! I am really liking this program so far. :)

[LeslieandPaul]

I did week 4 workout 1 this morning! It was great! The first 5 minute run was fine, but the second one was soooooooooo hard! I can't wait for Friday's run!

[APCullip22]

I'm joining this thread again, hope that no one minds. I am doing week three, day one this morning :) Can't wait!

[mlfallis]

Question: Has anyone completed this program and kept with it??

I realised that most of us are in our first month of the program and just wanted to know if people actually did this past the first little bit.

[LeslieandPaul]

It burns it burns!!! I just did week 4 workout 2! i've relaxed a little so my muscles aren't feeling that bad, but it was a hard run. And my neck is really hurting-i don't know why, but it's pretty bad.

[Juliana]

After a little break due to craziness at work and home last week, I am officially back to my workouts. I did my first Week 2 workout last night, and I plan to repeat it 3 times next week. I figure I need the repeat to get caught up again before the running time really starts to increase.

Congrats to all of those who are really keeping up with the wokouts! BUt I do have to admit you all are scaring me with your posts a bit- I am not ready for 5 minutes of running!!

[lil_geek]

He he Juliana the five minutes isn't THAT BAD once you get to it! But I gotta tell you there are more fun things I can think of!

LeslieandPaul You run outside, right? Maybe you have someone that can go with you and watch your posture? I run in the gym and check myself out in the mirror.... man, my posture stinks when I run! You may be craining your neck or something. I find my shoulders get a bit tense when I run.

APCullip22 The more the merrier!

mlfallis I definatly think it will be hard to keep it up once we reach the end.... but I bet we could find a 10km training session to do!!

Week 4 Workout 3 was hard... worse then 2... weird. When I started my last 5 minute run I thought there was NO WAY I would make it.... but I tried concentrating on breathing steady and it seemed to work.

That said, I am repeating week 4 next week.... that 5 minute is just about all I can handle yet!

[lil_geek]

Question: Are you running for time or distance? In the next few weeks the workouts start to tell you to Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes).... I have been doing the 3 minutes... but I am JUST BARELY hitting 2 miles in my total workout.....

[LeslieandPaul]

LeslieandPaul You run outside, right? Maybe you have someone that can go with you and watch your posture? I run in the gym and check myself out in the mirror.... man, my posture stinks when I run! You may be craining your neck or something. I find my shoulders get a bit tense when I run.


I do run outside. I haven't had a problem with a sore neck since I started-I'm thinking I slept funny and then when I was running I agravated it.

Question: Are you running for time or distance?
I've been running for time, and I'm going to keep doing that. I know how long my routes are and as I run for longer periods of time I'll find easy ways to extend my route,

[mkvh]

I WANNA JOIN!

DH and I are going to run a 5k on Thanksgiving, so this looks like the best way to do it, and you guys are such GREAT cheerleaders for one another.

BUT...I can't start until 10/17...at least not religiously...because of travel for work.


I think I'm going to start with week 3 then since I do work out on occasion, mostly brisk walking.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you ladies a bit better!

[SweetRed]

Way to go everyone!!! :D

mfallis I think we're all newbies here, but I did check out the Cool Runnings message boards when I was thinking of started. Over there, they have a whole thread dedicated to graduates of the Challenge. There are definitely lots of people who keep it up and take it further once they're done. I hope to be one of them too!

Welcome aboard mkvh! The more the merrier!!! :D

Question: Are you running for time or distance?
Right now, I run for time. I too barely break the 2-mile mark, but it's easier for me mentally for now. I figure once I start getting into some of the longer runs, I'll start shooting for distance.

Today was Week 3 Day 3 for me. Preparing for Week 4 (especially the whole 5-minute thing) has been a big psychological thing with me all this week, so today I decided to break from the program a little :eek: and when it came to the 3-minute runs, I just covered the treadmill clock and told myself that when I started feeling fatigued, I would look at the clock and as long as I met 3 minutes, I would stop.

The first run, I looked at the clock and I was 4:45 into the run! So, I went for broke and made it to 5 minutes. Just to say I could do it. :D The second run I went for 4:30. Wasn't going to push that last one.

I feel great. I feel like I'm accomplishing something here. And I feel ready for week 4. Bring... it... on! :D

~ Kay

[mlfallis]

Welcome everyone.

I currently run for time, but I am finding I run a bit over 3 km after completing week 3. I am starting week 4 on tuesday and I am not looking forward to it. We participated in a charity event this weekend and we were walking/running for almost 3 hours. So we need some recovery time. Good Luck everyone.

[LeslieandPaul]

I made a half-@$$ed attempt at week 4 workout 3 today. I did a three minute run and a five minute run and then a 90 second run. I just wasn't feeling it.

[lil_geek]

Week 4 B!

This is my second attempt at week 4. I decided to change it a bit to make it harder. To me it seemed like the difference from week 4 to 5 was too big.

So,

5 minute brisk walk warmup
4 minute run
30 second walk
6 minute run
1.5 minute walk
4 minute run
30 second walk
6 minute run
cool down walk of 3.5 minutes

So, for a total of 30 minutes I ran 20 of them. It was HARD! But I made it, and knowing I can do 20 minutes of running makes me a LOT more comfortable to move on to week 5 next week.

I also broke a 'distance' record for my workouts... hit 2.3 miles!

[mlfallis]

Wow Tara that is amazing. You are going to be my insperation tonight.

[lil_geek]

He he, if you could SEE me while I'm doing it you may change your mind!!!

But I have to say I'm pretty proud I've made it this far!!

Good luck with your run tonight!

[SweetRed]

lil_geek, I'm confused. Week 5 is only 15 minutes of running to start, in 5 minute segments. It looks like you're doing MORE than that already! Just asking because I've already confessed to mucking a bit with "the plan" and am always curious on how people modify things.

I'm doing Week 4 Day 1 tonight after work while I watch the Red Sox beat some Chi Sox butt! :)

[SweetRed]

I'm back... and I did it!!! :D Week 4 Day 1 is history.

I'm actually rather surprised I made it. I don't know if I was just having an off day or the fumes from construction going on at the gym got to me despite all the open windows, but I was having breathing issues even during the first 3-minute run. I think I might've promised my first-born to the devil in return for the strength to make it through the last two minutes of the last 5-minute run. :eek:

Nonetheless, I can check it off my list, but know that I will probably repeat at least some of this week. We'll see.

I'm on the road for work for a while, probably without Internet access this time. But I will have my running shoes and I have verified that the hotel has a few treadmills. Since I won't be here to cheer you all on for a few days, I'll just leave one big cheer to last a while:

Run! Run! Run! You can do it!

:D

~ Kay

[APCullip22]

Alright, so I went on another run at the gym tonight. I was supposed to be doing Week 3, Workout 2...but ended up doing the following: 5 minute warm up, alternating 2 minute runs with 1:30 walks until the last 10 minutes when I ran for 5 minutes and walked a 5 minute cooldown.

At any rate...at least I'm trying here! :) It feels great to be one of the "runners" now at the gym...I've always wanted to be one of them, as silly as that sounds!

ps. it didn't hurt that a real hottie was working out while I was there...lots of good eye candy ;) LOL I know, I know...I'm terrible!

[lil_geek]

SweetRed It's the week 5 workout 3 that terrifies me. I can do a lot of running, with the breaks... but the 3rd workout is a 20 minute run.... and there is NO WAY I can do that without walking. Doing 3 5 minute runs with the 3 minute walks in between is easy....it's once I get past that 5 minutes I start to die and to even THINK of 20 minutes straight sounds like pure torture!

Maybe I'm weird, but just 'allowing' myself to walk for 30 seconds makes it much more manageable!

Week 4-b workout 2 I totally wasn't feeling it yesterday. We have been on Smog advisory since sunday and I feel really congested and drained.

I managed
5 min warm up
4 min run
30 sec walk
6 minu run
90 sec walk
4 min run
30 sec walk
3 min run.... cool down.

At any rate...at least I'm trying here! It feels great to be one of the "runners" now at the gym...I've always wanted to be one of them, as silly as that sounds!

Ditto!!

[angelraven]

I'm a little behind you all, but keeping at it I guess. I did Week 3 workout 1 today and it was ok. I had to cut the last three minute run a little short. I got too hot and started to break out into a heat rash on my arms! Even though it's only 60 degrees outside!

I think I'll probably be doing week 3 twice, but I'm ok with that. :)

Do any of you have bad allergies? Do you feel it affects how well you can run? I do. I feel like I can't breathe out of my nose after a bit of running because it gets stuffed up, so I have to breathe out of my mouth, which for some reason makes it harder for me to control my breathing. Maybe I need to go back on my Claritin or something.

[lil_geek]

Do any of you have bad allergies? Do you feel it affects how well you can run? I do. I feel like I can't breathe out of my nose after a bit of running because it gets stuffed up, so I have to breathe out of my mouth, which for some reason makes it harder for me to control my breathing. Maybe I need to go back on my Claritin or something.

I am constantly 'stuffed up'... one day last week I tried a sudafed before running, but I think I took it too close to running because it didn't seem tto help. I'll likely try to do it again and remember to take it earlier!

Hmmm, I missed my 3rd run last week. May try to get it in before thanksgiving lunch tomorrow.

[LeslieandPaul]

I've so slacking. I haven't been in about a week. I need to start up with week 4 again.

[SweetRed]

Today I got through Week 4 Day 2... almost. I had to take a 30-second walk in the middle of the last 5-minute run. :(

I thought it would be much worse. The airline lost my luggage for a few days, so not only was I running around trying to deal without the things I packed for work, but I also didn't have running shoes or workout clothing. Fun times...

I know I'll be doing week 4 for a little while longer. ;)

Do any of you have bad allergies? Do you feel it affects how well you can run? I do. I feel like I can't breathe out of my nose after a bit of running because it gets stuffed up, so I have to breathe out of my mouth, which for some reason makes it harder for me to control my breathing.

I have bad allergies and now is peak fall allergy season in New England. I try not to take drugs for it, but lately I've had to. I can totally imagine it interfering with a good run.

~ Kay

[SweetRed]

Hope all our Canadian runners had a happy Thanksgiving and are running off all the turkey as we speak! :)

Tonight was Week 4 Day 3. Once again, I needed a 30-second walk in the middle of the last 5-minute run. So...

I will be sticking in Week 4 a little while longer. I'm certainly not upset with myself. In fact, I'm pretty darned proud I'm sticking with the program and not giving up. It's just going to take a little longer.

Speaking of taking longer, I realized today that I'm having some oral surgery in two weeks. No exercise of any kind for at least two weeks after! I SO want to accomplish the 20-minute run at the end of week 5 before then.

~ Kay

[angelraven]

Hey ladies! I did Week 3 Workout 2 just now and I feel great! I took a Claritin this morning before leaving for class. It made a world of difference. I was able to get through the whole workout with no problems. :)

SweetRed: What type of oral surgery are you having? Whatever it is doesn't sound fun. :( I'm getting my upper wisdom teeth out in the beginning of Nov. Eek!

[lil_geek]

I'm such a bad girl... haven't run since last WEDNESDAY! And I won't make it tonight.

Good job to all of our canadians who made the effort over the long weekend!!

Someone kick my butt!!

[mlfallis]

Ok Tara I will kick, you MUST go running, think of a baby body you want ;)

[SweetRed]

Kick! Kick! Kick! Just remember that awesome feeling you had when you accomplished that first 5-minute run! You NEED that awesome feeling again :D

OK, I did Week 4 Day 4 (repeat) today and I finally finished without the extra 30-second walk. It felt really good to say I did it. Still, I think I'm going to do another day or two in Week 4 before moving on. Just not ready yet.

angelraven I'm having a gingivital graft, where they graft some skin from the roof of my mouth to an area of my gums that has receeded too much. It's an after-effect of wearing braces for almost 9 years :( Anyway, I had the same thing done in a different area a little over a year ago, and it's only painful for a few days. They just don't want you exercising for fear you'll irritate the area. Good luck with the wisdom teeth. Hope you get good drugs! :D

~ Kay

[lil_geek]

Thanks girls! I will drag my sorry butt to the gym tonight!!

I think there are 2 kinds of 'workout' people.... kinds like my sister who can sit on their butt for a year and then decide they are going to get moving and do it..... and kinds like me... I am GREAT if I go VERY regularly (really, every weekday is the best for me...), but if I miss ONE day I fall back into the couch rut!!!

[SweetRed]

Come back everyone! Come back!

Unexpectedly, I moved on to Week 5 Day 1... plus some! :eek:

I just realized I was feeling great today and went for it. And when I was done, I wasn't even fatigued. So I threw in one more 5-minute run at the end. And even then, I probably could've pushed it a little more, but decided against it.

That means I'm up to 20 minutes of running (5-minutes x 4 reps). If anyone had told me last month I'd be doing this, I would've thought they were nuts :D

~ Kay

[mkvh]

Hey ladies!

Starting either today or tomorrow, I think with Week 4 Workout 1...gotta get this butt in gear!

[mlfallis]

Well Week 5 workout 1 and 2 are done, I just need to see if I can do #3? I will be trying it on Tuesday.

mkvh: Welcome.

[SweetRed]

mkvh, welcome! And mlfallis -- good luck with Day 3! That's a good milestone to reach!!!

My efforts to move past Week 5 Day 1 have been hampered by a crappy hotel treadmill. When you take it up above 4.0 MPH, the belt starts to skip. And I don't know this area well enough to even think about running outdoors.

So today I just walked at 4.0 MPH at an incline for 3 miles. Still working all the right muscles, but WHAT A LETDOWN!!! :(

Hope to resume full-force on Saturday unless they happen to fix the treadmill by Wednesday (yeah, right!)

~ Kay

[t3h_wookiee]

I started Week 1 workout 1 on Sunday, and man that felt good! I'm doing workout 2 on Wednesday though as it fits better with my schedule, and I'm soooo sore today. It's been way too long since I worked out. :p

[mlfallis]

Kay - sorry about the hotel treadmill.

I am not sure if I am actually going to do the program's week 5 day 3 tonight or a version of my own. I will let you guy know tomorrow. If I do the program's day 3 I think I will stay with a 20 minute run instead of dropping back down. I figure if you can do it once, you can keep doing it.

[mkvh]

Thanks for the welcome, ladies!

Sorry about the crappy treadmill, SweetRed. You never can know what to expect in those hotel 'gyms'.

I'm starting tonight for sure...gotta print out the workouts again!

[angelraven]

I'm still around. :) I'm repeating Week 3 again, just because there are still times when I feel like passing out after I am done. I don't want to move on until I'm completely comfortable with the week 3 workouts.


Welcome mkvh! You'll like the program,and what's more it's great to have such a wonderful support system here, too!

[lil_geek]

Okay! I'm back! I took 13 days off. Between Thanksgiving, a cold and laziness!!!

BUT, today I did week 5 workout 1 (which was less then my week 4b).... and it just about killed me! I think my cheeks are still rosey and it was a good 4 hours ago! Also, I haven't lost weight, but my gym pants kept falling down! Not sure if the weight is moving around, or the increased effort!!

:)

Glad to see all of you who didn't loose any motivation!!

[mlfallis]

OK I did week 3 day 3 last night and it wasn't horrible. I know that it was not really fast but I still did it. I think I am goign to stay with 20 minutes for two more days and then go up to 25. More like the last three weeks of the programs, instead of going to week 6, I want to cut out the walking portion. It is so hard to convience the dogs to slow down for me :rolleyes: they just want to run and run.

Hope everyone is still doing well

[mkvh]

Hey ladies! I ran last night but didn't do Week 4 Workout 1 because it was WAY too nice outside to run on the treadmill...and I hate wearing a watch to workout. I did about 20 minutes, running about 1/2. I'm going to TRY to do 4-1 tonight.

I know what you mean about the dogs, mlfallis!! My little guy gets all anxious when I do my walking intervals in the beginning. Although he is REALLY worn out by the time we get home!

[SweetRed]

Today I went back to my regular gym and a nice treadmill :) I did Week 5 Day 2 with only minimal agony towards the very end. That's what I get for not running in a week :rolleyes:

I'm going to try to get in one more workout Tuesday morning before I go in for oral surgery. It definitely will NOT be Week 5 Day 3 -- no way I'm up for a 20 minute run. If anything, I'll shoot for 10 + 10. Then when I return in a couple of weeks, I know I'll probably be backtracking and getting back up to speed. I would LOVE to finish this challenge by Christmas!

Keep up the good work everyone! :D

~ Kay

[mlfallis]

Just wondering how everyone is doing. I am currently running 25 minutes, Monday was my first day and today will be my second. It feel so nice to be actually running with FH instead of letting him go out with the dogs without me :D

Hope everyone is doing well.

[lil_geek]

mlfallis I am so proud of you!!! That is amazing to be running 25 minutes!


I hit a funk, made it to the gym last night and did Week 5 workout 1.... run 5 minutes, walk 3. Felt good to be back, but HARD to get back into it! It's amazing how fast you loose it....

[mlfallis]

Tara, not sure if this is an option for you, but have you tried running outside? I love it compared to in the gym. I think if I had to run on a treadmill I would scream for even five minutes.

We leave the house, walk for 5 minutes, run for 12.5, turn around, try and hit the same spot we started to run at, and the have a 5 minutes cool down walking home. I works great, plus I can keep track to make sure I am not slowing down and try and get a bit further eveytime before we turn around.

I am dreading those -34 days puls wind chill, I guess the gym will be a requirment those day :(

[lil_geek]

I haven't tried outside.... I really like watching TV when I run!

Actually, it may be worth trying... hardest part is I am in a subdivision, so 12.5 minutes would likely be through a lot of streets and turns and such!

Now, I need to convince Terry to start running with me before work!!

[mlfallis]

Tell Terry he needs to support his soon-to-be wife and to get his butt out running :D

[lil_geek]

Oh! Oh! I did it again last night!

5 min walk, 10 min run, 5 walk, 6 run, 2 walk, 2 run, 5 walk......

THEN I even did some weights! :)

[mlfallis]

Yeah Tara. Anyone else still on the program????

[mkvh]

I'm a slacker and haven't started "the program" yet...but I DID run Sunday...12.5 minute increasing incline walk, 5 min run, 12.5 decreasing incline walk (it's a program on my treadmill). Surprising how easy the run was considering I've been lazy for the last couple of months. This week has been really busy in the evenings, but I'm going to try to get two more workouts in over the weekend. And start the program Monday.

[lil_geek]

Surprising how easy the run was considering I've been lazy for the last couple of months.

WOW! I have been following the program... and the 5 minute run nearly killed me! I think some people are built to run, and some aren't..... I should stick to swimming!!!

[mkvh]

Oh, lil geek, I am SOOOO not built to run! Swimming is more my style as well. Bad knees and big boobs do not a good runner make! But I do it to prove to DH that I can AND I drop weight faster AND I *heart* the way my legs look when I do it...:rolleyes: Vain reasons, I know! But hey, they keep me going. And I have a friend much like me who ran a MARATHON. So that in and of itself keeps me motivated.

[SweetRed]

I'm Back! Good news... doctor said my oral surgery went so well I could go back to exercising this weekend. Now there's a statement I never thought I'd make :)

Given I only had one run in the past two weeks, I decided to protect the ol' knees and go back to week 4. Good thing. My legs felt like jelly at the end. Still, I might be able to move back to Week 5 on Tuesday. We'll see.

How's everyone else doing? I wanna hear it! :D

~ Kay

[APCullip22]

I'm still following the program...I just haven't had a whole lot of time lately. I've adjusted the program to fit my abilities right now. It's going very well. I'm so happy that everyone is doing so great!!! :)

[mkvh]

Starting the program, hopefully tomorrow. I did run yesterday, a 40 min. program on the treadmill, max 4.5 mph but never flat...the lowest grade was 3, I think. It was 2 4 minute runs and a 3 minute run over the 40 mins. But the walking was at high inclines, so it really was a good workout overall. I really should be ready to start Week 4 tomorrow!

[Foley42]

I want to do this running program too.

Fitness Level: ugh, If I had to run a mile I think I would die...I could do run 1/4, walk 1/4, run, walk.

Motivation: My husband is in the Army and will be coming back from Iraq in January. He's going to be training for Ranger School (I could never keep up) but I'd like to be able to go on jogs with him instead of sitting at home. Also I think it would fun to do 5 and 10k in surrounding areas with him on the weekends.

I think we're all on different weeks...mmm I just have to get motivated enough to do the first day then I should be ok. :)

[SweetRed]

A fly-by post to report that I hit the treadmill and just felt like the underbelly of a slug. Ugh! I couldn't even finish a Week 4 workout today. :( Maybe my body's just too beat from getting our house ready to sell it?

In any case, no worries. I'm sticking to this come hell or high water. Maybe tomorrow I'll give it another shot. :)

~ Kay

[Foley42]

I started the program today Week 1, Workout 1...I even lifted some afterwards (arms). I had some shin splints, ouch. I wonder how sore I'm going to be tomorrow.

[mlfallis]

Congats Foley42. Welcome to the program it is great, when you stick to it that is.
Do you workout outside or at a gym?

[Foley42]

I was in a fitness center today. My apartment complex went to 24 hr on it...I shouldn't ever have an excuss right? haha I pick up some part time hours working at the Y so I also have that option. Today was my first day running on a treadmill too.

[SweetRed]

Welcome aboard Foley42! I have one word of advice for after Week 1, Day 1:

STRETCH

It will do your shins a world of good!

~ Kay

[Foley42]

SweetRed: I did stretch...maybe not good or long enough...I'll do better on the 2nd workout.

[SweetRed]

Oops... I need to clarify :o I found the first couple of weeks, I needed to not only stretch well before my run, but I needed to stretch a lot after. On my off days, I actually pulled out some yoga or pilates tapes and I always felt better after that.

Can't wait to hear how Day 2 goes! And I hope you feel better.

~ Kay

[jh03]

I just started on this last week, so I am on week 2. I am doing OK, but I just can't imagine running for 20 minutes. To be honest I have a hard time thinking about 5 minutes of running. Does it get easier? I don't mind repeating a week if I need to, but I feel like it could take me a year to make it to the 20 minute mark. Please tell me that it gets easier.

[Foley42]

SweetRed I'm sore today...but mostly from the weights I lifted after running. I'll take your advice, thanks. I definately can't run Saturday and maybe not Sunday because I wait tables on the weekends. After all that walking...I cringe at the thought of running.

[mlfallis]

OK I am going to try the second week of running 30 minutes tonight and my knees are still hurting from the run on Saturday and the hiking yesterday. I think I might be in need of new shoes since I wear my knee braces every time and my knees still hurt, So what is everyone favorite type of shoe??

[Foley42]

Week 1, Workout 2 I did well. I'm not extremely tired when I'm finished. My shin splints weren't as bad today either. I stretched much more before and after...hopefully this will help the soreness. After I finish the 9 weeks...my treat is new running shoes :)

[mkvh]

Well, ladies...I'm out before I really got started. I just found out that I am pregnant, so this is not the time to take on aggressive training schedule. Good luck to all of you with the program...maybe I can rejoin post partum!

[Foley42]

Congrats... :)

[SweetRed]

mkvh Congratulations!!! :D We look forward to you coming back to the challenge some day ;)

I, on the other hand, have no excuse for slacking. Well... selling our house is taking WAY more time and effort than I had originally planned, but still. Hopefully I can jump back into week 4 again tomorrow after work.

~ Kay

[mkvh]

Thanks guys! Good luck...sending some motivation your way!

[Foley42]

Week 1, Workout 3 Went well... :)

[jh03]

I just finished Week 3 Workout 1 and it was tough. I made it through the first 3 minute jog ok, but the second almost had me ready to quit. I am going to have to repeat week 3 next week to get all of the workouts in, but I think I could use it. It felt good to accomplish just 3 minutes, I can only imagine the feeling of being able to run 20 or 30.:)

[Foley42]

Week 2, Workout 1 Ugh, that extra 30 seconds made a difference. Shin splints were really bad on my left leg today, I didn't stop though. I had to slow down my walking pace though because it hurt so bad. Anyone know any good stretches to help shin splints?

[Foley42]

Week 3, Workout 2 Did well...but I ate too much turkey :(

[Foley42]

Is anyone still doing this running program???? Don't leave me all alone...ughhhhh, need encouragment! :o

[jh03]

I am still doing it. I am going to try week 4 tonight after 2 1/2 weeks at week 3. I don't really think I will be able to do it, but I am going to give it a try. I am making myself a CD right now, so maybe I won't be so bored on the treadmill.

[SweetRed]

RUN! RUN! RUN!

How's that for encouragement? :p

I am apparently on a "hiatus" but have not given up. I have just been so very, very swamped with selling and buying houses, I get great workouts with all the maintenance. We're hoping our house sells this week (fingers crossed) and I can get my life and workout back to normal.

I WILL RETURN!!!

~ Kay

[jh03]

OK I tried week 4 tonight. I didn't quite make it to the 5 minute mark. A little over 4 was all I could do. I really need some encouragement. Luckily DH was home to cheer me on, but even that didn't get me to 5. Oh well, guess I will just keep trying until I hit that 5 minute mark.

[Foley42]

jh03 I'm starting week 4 and I have to say I'm a little nervous

[jh03]

I haven't tried again this week. Hopefully I will be able to tonight or tomorrow. I definetly will be on Week 4 for a while. I think at least until after Christmas. How did it go when you tried it?

[Foley42]

I haven't attempted it yet...I've been sick the past few days and had to call out from work...I'll keep you posted

[chortles]

I'm a newbie to the group who is thinking of joining - will that inspire anyone? :D Is there anyone who might help cheer me on?

[Foley42]

chortles woo hoo! I'll support you on this thread because I need the support too. I usually post each time I do a run. Will you run outside or on a treadmill? It's been so rainy and yucky in North Carolina for a while...I don't see how anyone could run outside. Plus I hate the cold...treadmill for me.

[chortles]

I'd do a mix of the two. Although I'm better at keeping running when I'm on a treadmill.

[SweetRed]

I'm going to pick up again tomorrow (Tuesday) so hopefully we can ALL cheer each other on! I had some oral surgery done last month, and it's been VERY hard to get back on track since then. Too many other things going on in life to distract me :(

Given how long I've been away, I'll be amazed if I can do a Week 3 workout. We'll see.

Be back to report later. And welcome aboard, chortles! As someone who had made it up to the 20 minute run before, I can attest... this program DOES work!

[SweetRed]

As promised... I'm back! :)

I was really surprised at how well I could do after a month away. Week 4 was too much to come back to, but once I got running, Week 3 was seeming too easy. So instead, I did something in between:

3 minutes running
90 seconds walking
5 reps

Not bad :) I'll probably repeat that on Thursday and then hit that 5-minute run in Week 4 on the weekend. For as much as I want to tackle Week 4, I know this is all about slow and steady and avoiding injury.

How's everyone else doing?

~ Kay

[Foley42]

Good job SweetRed! I attempted Week 4 Workout 1 on Tuesday. I made it to the first 5 min but then the second 5 min I did run 2 min, walk 1 min, run 2 min. My shin splints were flarring and this was my first run since being sick last weekend.

[SweetRed]

Great job Foley42! Tonight I had some work aggressions to get out, so I went for Week4 Day 1 too. And I too had to split up the last five minute run. No worries... something to look forward to next time! :D

~ Kay

[Foley42]

Week 4, Workout 2. Ok wow! I absolutely had to FORCE myself finish the last 5 minute run. Week 5 scares me...8 minute run :( I'm excited that I've made it this far and have kept up with it. I wanted to take a nap instead of running, but afterwards I'm soooo glad I went ahead and ran :)

[SweetRed]

Foley42 Congrats on making that 5-minute run... TWICE! And don't worry if week 5 scares you. I actually found it pretty easy to do (last month!) after I became comfortable with Week 4. If you need to, don't be afraid to repeat some days. Heck, I'll be nowhere near 9 weeks when I'm done :)

Just checking in for my own run. Week 4 Day 2 but yet again breaking up the last 5-minute run. But yet again, no worries! I'll get it next time. I'm just so happy to be back :)

~ Kay

[Foley42]

I definately think I'll be repeating before I make it to 8 straight minutes of running. Today while I was at work I got a pain in the sole of my left foot. It's on the outside at the arch. It's fine at rest, but when walking OUCH. I don't know what in the world is wrong. Wonder if it had to do with my run yesterday? hmmm. Well I wanted to wear heels tonight, maybe not now.

[bensgirl1222]

I'm starting this as well. I just printed out the workout page!!

[Foley42]

Welcome bensgirl1222!

The day after I ran last time, my foot was really hurting. So today I attempted to run Week 4, Workout 3. I did the warmup, 3 min run then during the first 5 min run I had to stop after 4 min because my foot was hurting again. Ugh! I was doing so good and now this... :(

[SweetRed]

Foley42 Sounds like you already know you need to rest that foot a bit. Might there could also be a problem with your running shoes? In any case, I hope you're back to Week 4 with a vengence soon!

Welcome bensgirl1222! Great to see another runner-in-making here!

I forgot to check in with my run on Wednesday. Oops! Another "almost" on Week 4. So it goes... someday I'll finish it again!

~ Kay

[Foley42]

A co-worker who is a marathon runner recommended a running shoe shop. She said their prices were reasonable and they really knew what they were talking about. I will be visiting them SOON! I really do want to keep up this running stuff.

[Foley42]

How exciting...all these new ladies on this thread! WELCOME.

After work today I went to a running store called "Run for Your Life" and bought some new running shoes. I'm so excited about them...the feel so very wonderful. They really knew what they were talking about. I tried on 4 different pairs before choosing Asics Gel-Cumulus VII. I didn't know how much of a HUGE difference running shoes that actually fit your foot will make! Seriously ladies...if you're having trouble running (shin splints or any leg or knee problems) new shoes will make all the difference in the world. I'm just so excited for my feet not to hurt afterwards/next day.

Week 4, Workout 3 It was 1.85 miles total (walking and running). I was SO proud of myself because I made it through ALL of the running. (2) 3 min run and (2) 5 min run. No cheating or stopping or anything. Wooo hooo!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc01b3127cce96526e015fa000000015108AYtWjJi2Yt5

[bensgirl1222]

I am on Week 1, Workout 1. Tomorrow I will do Workout 2. In that 20 minutes, I ran/walked/jogged 1.18 miles. I like it bc when I'd try to run a mile, I'd get overly tired and bored. I liked how they broke it up. Made it easier.

Question... In the article it says to keep track by distance or time. If you are going 20 minutes everytime like the plan say to do, than how else would you be able to measure in time?

[bensgirl1222]

Oh and I'm going to do my workouts on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Are you supposed to space it out like that...every other day?

[SweetRed]

bensgirl1222, even if you're doing it by time, it's not always going to come out to be 20 minutes. It's just that the few weeks hover around 20 minutes. If you're going by distance, well that's obviously going to vary depending on how fast you're going.

The point is, just pick whichever method is easiest for you to measure (I go by time because it's easy to keep track of on the treadmill) and stick with it. Eventually we all end up in the same place.

And as far as spacing out the workouts, it is recommended and I personally NEED the day of rest in between to let my muscles rest. If I'm really itching to work out more, I usually do something different like an aerobics class or the bike.

Of course, I've been doing NOTHING the past week because I've been spending every waking hour getting our new house ready for our move. I hope and I pray that we'll be moved in by mid January and I can really start back in earnest with the challenge. Nothing like life getting in the way of a goal I really want to achieve!

~ Kay

[bensgirl1222]

Oh ok. So the first few weeks will be around 20 minutes but once you start running more, thats when you start to measure with time or distance?

[Foley42]

I started with doing it by time and I'll just keep doing that. It says distance/time on the webpage so it doesn't matter which one. I just prefer to stay with the same one that I've been using.

[Foley42]

Ate a big lunch...passed out for a while...then went running. I'm at my parent's house so I didn't have a treadmill. It was my first time running outside since I started the Couch to 5K. WOW what a huge difference outside makes. I was sucking wind BAD. Did a 3 min run then 5 min run...I was DONE after that. UGH!

[LeslieandPaul]

.I tried on 4 different pairs before choosing Asics Gel-Cumulus VII. I didn't know how much of a HUGE difference running shoes that actually fit your foot will make! Seriously ladies...if you're having trouble running (shin splints or any leg or knee problems) new shoes will make all the difference in the world. I'm just so excited for my feet not to hurt afterwards/next day.

Those are the shoes I wear-they're awesome! And I definitely agree on the new shoes for relieving pain-they make a HUGE difference.

I'm going to try to get back to running (hopefully this week). If it snows (which is seeming unlikely right now) or rains (which it will) I'll go to the rec centre down the street and use the treadmill. I really need to get myself into shape. I've been so lazy lately. I think I'll start tomorrow morning. Go me! :p

[Janey]

I'm in. :)

I have always thought I couldn't run. I didn't know how, or something. I always thought I needed to find a running class. But my friend Ed is training for a marathon (http://bigedthebad.blogspot.com/) and he's like old and stuff. :p He posted that Cool Runnings site on another message board that we read and I thought, "Hmm." My husband runs, and I always feel like such a slug when he says, "I'm going for a run!" and I say, "Okay - see ya later! Be safe!" and I stay home. :rolleyes:

The other thing is ... we've been remodeling our house and we finally got a mirror. It's been 2 months since I've had a bathroom mirror, and I'm surprised to find out how big of a difference that makes. It's way past time. I just posted some before & after (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=12162) pictures of myself and man... I don't look like that After picture any more and it's scaring the bejeezus out of me. I can't go back to my Before -- I just can't! I worked waaaay too hard to get there.

So B and I went out and did Week 1, workout 1 tonight. I totally sucked wind, and it was dark and absolutely pouring down rain, but it felt really good to get my heart rate up again. Embarassingly, I haven't worked out like that since before Thanksgiving.

Good for all of you who have gone so far in the program!!

[Foley42]

Welcome back LeslieandPaul

MrsHill Atleast you gave it a shot! Good job :)

It seems like I've been doing week 4 forever. I've been so scattered that my runs haven't been 3 times a week. Today I did do a week 4 run, but I've decided that I'm ready to move onto week 5. The new shoes are still doing great, not foot or leg pain.

Does anyone else lift weights (arms) before/after their runs? I'm doing some light arm weights in attempt to tone up.

[amorey]

I'm starting this program on Monday! :D

Fitness Level: Moderately fit. I work out 3 or 4 days a week doing epical trainers, stationary bikes, weight training and Pilates.

Motivation: Boredom! I'm ready for a new challenge. The ellipticals are getting really old. I've never run in my life, and I'd like to prove to myself that I can do it. I walked the mile run in school. Oh, I'd also like to loose a couple more inches off my waist. ;)


I went and bought running shoes today. I went to a running store and had the women take a look at my feet, so I'm hoping these will work well for me. I'm going to be running on the indoor track at the gym. It's too cold and snowy to run outside here now, and I'm scared of treadmills. I don't want to have to think about what speed I'm going.

Foley42, I lift free weights at the gym, and I would say that it's been an important factor in me slimming down. I wouldn't do "light weights," though. Find a weight that you can lift 2 sets of 10-15 reps. For me this is 10-15 lb dumbbells for arms. Don't hesitate to add some leg weights (squats, lunges) too. They really help to tone your legs. Don't worry about "bulking up." I lift until exhaustion weekly and I've lost inches. Stumptuous.com (http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/index.php)has lots of excellent info on weights for women.

[Janey]

I finished week 1 today. It felt really good to have the first week under my belt! I have also made a goal of the Wenatchee Marathon (http://www.wenatcheemarathon.com/) (I'm not actually doing the whole marathon -- they sponsor a 5k race). It is Sunday, April 23. So I have 4 months to get to the point where I feel like I can run 5k. I think it's plenty of time! I'm looking forward to it -- my MIL & SIL live in Wenatchee, so it will be a combination goal-completion & visit weekend. :)

We also got me a new pair of shoes today... the Asics Nimbus VII (http://www.roadrunnersports.com/cgi-bin/rrs/rrs/ProductPg.jsp?baseProdKey=RRASC1025&catOID=-9073&BV_SessionID=@@@@0947810099.1136084064@@@@&BV_EngineID=faddficgdhhlbekgcgecfeedg.0#). They are soooo cushy, especially compared to the demoted cross-trainers I used for running this week. I'm excited for Tuesday, when Week 2 starts!

[elissa]

I start this tomorrow. I have not worked out since before my wedding, and going to Italy right after with loads of pasta and then continuing that trend has not helped matters in the weight or fitness department. I'm hoping to research some 5K's in our area (there are tons) and find out which one makes sense for me to do!

[LeslieandPaul]

So I didn't start last week :( But I'm going to the gym tomorrow, and I'm going to do the challenge as (part of) my cardio. And I'm going to go to the gym regularly.

[Janey]

Elissa, one of the Health Instructors at my diet class gave me this site to find runs in our area: www.ontherunevents.com (http://www.ontherunevents.com/). Hope that helps!

[elissa]

MrsHill, thanks for that link, it will definitely help out in choosing something to do!

[Foley42]

Completed Week 5, Workout 1. Whew, it was tough. I made it though. I don't know about running 8 minutes, that might be a little much.

amoreyThanks for the link, it has a lot of good info. The kind of weights I've been doing for example: 40 lb bench press 3 sets of 10...by the 3rd set I'm quite tired. What kind of weights would I do to help with back fat? I've been loosing weight and some has gone away. Ughhh I hate it, it's got to go haha.

[LeslieandPaul]

I did it! I went to the gym and did week 1 workout 1! I went 1.9 miles according to the treadmill. I walked at 3 and 3.2 mph, and ran at 4.4 mph. I'll go again on Wednesday.

[Foley42]

LeslieandPaul Wonder if treadmill's mph or distances are different. I did 1.95 miles...walked 5 min(3.5 mph), ran 5 min (4.9mph), walked 3min (3.5mph), ran 5 min, walked 3 min, ran 5 min, walked 2 min. 28 minutes total. It just seems like mine should further than yours since I'm on week 5. Did you do any extra running/walking? Hmmm...I guess the treadmills are just different.

[RobynScott]

I've got to join this thread. I've done this before (learned to run) - and in fact have completed two marathons - but I haven't run in so long, it's back to basics for me. I've got to get on the site and choose a date to start the workouts.

I am also considering signing up with Team in Training for the June 2006 Alaska marathon - but I'm not so sure about the fundraising part.

[Foley42]

Welcome RobynScott!

Today I did Week 5, Workout 2. It is run 8 min, walk 5 min, run 8 min. I did the first 8 min ok...on the second 8 min I had to walk for a minute. I think overall I did pretty well.

[amorey]

I did workout 1 week 1 on Monday. I’m still a little sore! :o It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I kick ass on the elliptical, but it’s a lot more work when I’m actually hauling that ass around. ;) I’m doing workout 2 tonight.

amoreyThanks for the link, it has a lot of good info. The kind of weights I've been doing for example: 40 lb bench press 3 sets of 10...by the 3rd set I'm quite tired. What kind of weights would I do to help with back fat? I've been loosing weight and some has gone away. Ughhh I hate it, it's got to go haha.

40 lb bench press is great, especially if it’s free weights! While you can do things like lat pull-downs and rows to work your back muscles, I don’t really believe in spot reduction. If you think about it, all those people with ab rollers would look like wasps with skinny waists and big tops and bottoms. ;)

[LeslieandPaul]

LeslieandPaul Wonder if treadmill's mph or distances are different. I did 1.95 miles...walked 5 min(3.5 mph), ran 5 min (4.9mph), walked 3min (3.5mph), ran 5 min, walked 3 min, ran 5 min, walked 2 min. 28 minutes total. It just seems like mine should further than yours since I'm on week 5. Did you do any extra running/walking? Hmmm...I guess the treadmills are just different.


I ran a little extra on two of my runs. One, or both of our machines must be wrong.

[Foley42]

amorey There is definately no such thing as spot reduction. But I wanted something to work that general area. I'm not good with weights. The gym I use is at my apartment complex and they are machines, not free weights. Well there are some dumb bells, 5 lb to 40 lb.

I work part time at the Y and I get a free membership. It's 17 miles one way (so I won't drive there JUST to workout) and I almost hate to workout before/after work. I know, lame excuse...I just don't like to be there longer than I have to.

[LeslieandPaul]

I did week 1 workout 2 today! It felt great. I feel like I could run longer, but I'm trying to pace myself, and stick to the workouts.

[amorey]

I did week 1 workout 2 today as well, and it went better than last time. I went a whole 45 seconds without looking at my watch to see if it was time to start walking yet. :p

Foley42, I gottcha. There's actually a lot you can do with some machines and those dumbbells! That's pretty much what I use. Here's my strength training routine- I do upper body one a week and lower body once a week. You can mix it up any way you like.

Squats (http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displayarticle.php?aid=123)- You don't even have to use weights- but you can hold some dumbbells while to you it to add resistance.
Lunges (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/GluteusMaximus/DBLunge.html)- Again, you don't need weights unless you want to add them
Weighted ball crunches (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/RectusAbdominis/WtBallCrunch.html)- if you can do a zillion crunches, it's time to add some weight! ;)
Leg-Hip rise (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/RectusAbdominis/WtVerticalLegHipRaise.html)
Hyperextensions (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/ErectorSpinae/WtHyperextension.html)– good for the back!
One arm dumbbell row (http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displayarticle.php?aid=121)– another good back one
Lat pull down (http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/displayarticle.php?aid=124) – back again!
Dumbbell shoulder press (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/DeltoidAnterior/DBShoulderPress.html)
Dumbbell bench press (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/PectoralSternal/DBBenchPress.html)

[Foley42]

amorey...thanks that's awesome info

[elissa]

So I am going to have to start next week instead of this week. It is so dark at night and I am going to be doing my running outside vs. a gym that I need to get at least a jacket that has some reflectors on it for this pitch black season we are in. The good news is that I have lost 2 pounds this week just by focusing on water intake again, yeah and I'll update with my purchase this weekend!

[Janey]

amorey, no embarassed smiley necessary; I was sore for the first few days as well.

Elissa, when you get a jacket, let me know where you found it. I've been wearing B's running jacket since we've started this program, so I've been looking around for one too. My specifications have been: Waterproof (or at least water-resistant) due to all the rain we've been having lately, not dark-colored for visibility at night, with some reflectiveness qualities. I've found qualifications 1 & 2 through this jacket from REI (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47911951&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=BLADE/GRAPHITE&img=/media/485905.jpg&view=large), and it may be what I go ahead and get (in blue) once B decides he wants his own running jacket back. ;) I've also looked around online, and also at Fiorini Sports at U-Village (They had a pretty good Marmot jacket, but it was more expensive than the REI one) and Road Runner Sports (they had some decent running jackets, but not waterproof).

If I can't find anything reflective (I can't tell if the seams around the arms on the REI jacket are reflective?), I am thinking of getting one of these reflective vests (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47989264&parent_category_rn=4500872&vcat=REI_SEARCH) (in Pink!). Also, I got B one of these zipper-pull lights (http://www.4physics.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37/products_id/93) for a stocking stuffer, and it has been a good thing to have.

Week 2 day 2 is tonight, and it looks like it's going to be another wet one!

[PrincessTommi]

I'm thinking about trying this. I've always been terrified of running, not sure why but it never seemed like something I could *do*. I've tried a little jogging on the treadmill (60s run, walk for awhile, etc), and it doesn't seem as horrible as I've imagined it to be.

I have a possibly stupid question though - for treadmill runners, what mph are you doing your walks and runs at? I don't know where to start to pace myself so I could get through the whole first workout without dying in the middle. :o TIA!

[Foley42]

princesstommi I have never been a runner...never did track/cross country in high school. It really is a good program...although I think week 5 moves a little too fast. When I started week 1 I walked at 3.5mph and ran at 4.5mph...now on week 5 I still walk at 3.5 but I run at 5 mph. That's just because my "wind" is getting better. Give it a try, you'll feel so refreshed afterwards...GOODLUCK!

[Janey]

It was raining soooooo hard yesterday -- we got over 2" of rain -- but I went running anyway. As soon as B walked through the door I told him that I didn't want to go running. He said, "How unfortunate for you that you don't want to go. We are going anyway, so let's get ready."

You know you are hardcore when you're the only one out on a very popular running path where you usually pass by about 10 runners. By the time we got home... I was soaked through to the bone. When we were out, B said, "I really like being out in the rain like this!" I responded: "Yeah? Well, you're wearing Goretex." I think I might just go ahead and get that jacket, and not wait for B to start running again.

[Foley42]

MrsHill WOW, good for you! That's awesome you ran in the pouring rain.

Well I kinda ran today. I didn't really do a run from the challenge. I was too sore from the lunges I did yesterday. But I walked 5 min, ran 5 min, walked 2 min, ran 5 min, walked 3 min.

[LeslieandPaul]

I went today. I did 90 second running, 60 second walking, for 20 minutes. I thought that was the week 3 workout 1 run (I was trying to jump ahead). I survived (and it was a very good workout)

[RobynScott]

I went today too :) Boy, has it been a long time since I have run for anything but the train! :p

I think I did a combo workout - I did either 60 or 90 seconds of jogging, 90 seconds of walking - and I did that for 20 minutes (not including the warm-up or cool down).

I tried pushing the speed up but my knee was starting to bother me a little bit already so I think I'd better not take it too fast. My cardio definitely needs to get back into shape - I was definitely sucking a bit of wind.

Now, I just gotta get back out there and keep doing it. Just hope I can keep myself motivated (I've got to lose the spare tire I am currently carrying around!)

[Janey]

Foley42, thanks for the Wow. Makes me feel good.

Week 2 is completed today. I'm scared of week 3, when I have to run 3 minutes. :eek:

I have decided that as soon as this year's REI dividend comes out, I'm going down and getting that jacket!! They're expecting more rain all week this week as well... so I'm hoping the dividend shows up soon.

[Foley42]

MrsHill So Washington state is getting tons of rain. Note to self: don't move there, haha

[LeslieandPaul]

I'm really glad I'm running indoors now. We're getting tons of rain too. Yeah for the Wet Coast :p

[Foley42]

I will be in Alabama for a few days...but hopefully DH will do some butt kicking and make me run :)

[RobynScott]

So, I realized I read the workout wrong - I was thinking the 5 min warmup was included in the 20 mins. Good think I went to 25! I did a Yoga CHallenge class today - there's a Pilates class I want to take tomorrow, but I may try to fit in W2W2 before the class.

Good luck all and good job! (esp. Mrs Hill for going out in the rain - I have only done that when I have been in hard core training mode.

[Janey]

Thanks, RobynScott! If I never went out in the rain ... I'd never go! At least not at this time of the year! I don't mind getting a little wet... I mean I am in Seattle, after all... but last Thursday I was pretty crabby about being soaked to the bone. I guess I could run at the gym, but ... eh I don't know. Treadmills make me feel like a hamster or somethin'. :p I like running along the lake, having the scenery change, seeing other people out... it's nice.


I think I did the same sort of 'combo workout' that you did, RobynScott. Week 2 sort of confused me. If I do Week 2 just alternating 90/120, it doesn't come out to 20 minutes. It comes out to either 19 minutes or 21 minutes... and it adds up to less total running minutes than week 1. I could feel that it was a lot easier, and I was confused if it was easier cause I was getting better (but that just doesn't seem possible!!) or if it was easier because it was actually easier. So, for yesterday's run, I cut the walking in between running down to 90 or 60 seconds depending on how pooped I was. Hopefully that will gear me up for the 3 minute run on Tuesday.

[RobynScott]

Good point about Seattle Mrs Hill :) I don't think I will be outdoors for a while - unless I sign up with Team in Training. I just don't like running alone - so I definitely won't be running alone outside in the cold - TM it is for now.

My 'hard core' running in the rain was a 14 miler or something a few summers ago - but at least it was summer time so I was warm.

Planning on taking a Pilates class tonight and hoping to get in W2W2 before or after the class - if not, it may have to be till tomorrow. I'm glad I'm posting to this thread - I think it's the only thing keeping me accountable!

[LeslieandPaul]

I did week 2 w/o 2 last night (but I walked less than 2 minutes-which was not a good idea).

[FallingforPhil]

I've been reading along for a few weeks now, and I think I'm finally ready to jump in! :) I needed to make sure I was going to stick with this...:o I've been working out fairly regularly for a year and a half now (eliptical, arc trainer, and the very rare treadmill jog), but I needed a kick in the butt and figured this was a good way to do it.

I started last week with week 4, and though it was pretty tough the first time, the next 2 workouts went much better. I debated repeating week 4, but decided to give week 5 #1 a try yesterday, and it was OK! I repeated 5/1 today, because that 8 minute run scares me. Maybe tomorrow. :)

I'll be reading along!

[starxed]

I am going to do this starting tonight. I already run, but usually I just focus on burning over 200 calories. I am doing a 5k in April so this should be good. :)

[LeslieandPaul]

Just got back from doing week 2 w/o 3 (i did it properly this time-more walking). I'll do week 3 w/o 1 on Thursday.

[RobynScott]

I think I did a week 2 workout tonight - I'll have to check the chart. But - since I signed up to train for the Alaska marathon tonight as well - I think I'm going to need to speed things up significantly :)

The marathon is June 17, 2006 and I am going to train with Team in Training. Worst case scenario - I have to do the half-instead of the whole, but I'm hoping to eek out the entire marathon somehow. we'll see.

as I just said in the running thread - right now I don't know which thing I am more freaked about, the running or the fundraising, *lol*

Thanks for the inspiration all - if you all had not inspired me to get back into running, I don't think I would be thinking about a marathon.

In fact, tonight, after the TnT meeting when I wanted to go home, I thought about you all (and posting about my workout) so I went to the gym and got my workout in - thanks for the inspiration :)

[starxed]

I am on week two and doing great. It's actually a step down from my normal workout, but I still tack on some extra stuff after I do this. When it starts stepping up more is when I will really be feeling it!

[FallingforPhil]

I did week 5, workout 3 last night! I hadn't intended to-I was planning on repeating workout 2 from that week (the one where you walk 5, run 8, repeat) but I was feeling pretty good and remembered that the next workout was to run 20 minutes/2 miles straight after the warmup, so I decided to go for it!

Again, it was just OK--I still don't love running, but I'm not feeling miserable during the workouts anymore, so I suppose that's good, right? :p

[SweetRed]

Oh my goodness, so many new faces here while I've been away!!! YEAH! :D

We moved into our new house this weekend, and life can return to "normal" soon. As soon as I find my running shoes, I'll be back on the program, although once again probably stepping a week back to prevent knee injuries. Oh who am I kidding... amidst all the boxes, it's going to take me weeks to find my sneakers. Better just go get new ones ;)

Hope to have a good report in the next day or two.

~ Kay

[Janey]

RobynScott - AK Marathon! Good for you! What a challenge. :D

FallingForPhil - not feeling miserable is a good thing. :p


Week 3 is done! It got easier as the week went on, as they usually do. I was pretty proud of myself that I could run three whole minutes without stopping. Which seems a little weird to me since I don't get excited that I can finish a step aerobics or a spin class which is 1 hour or more... but for some reason, running seems harder.

Oh yeah - and as of yesterday, we ended our rain streak... only 27 days in a row (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002742874_rain16m.html). 6 shy of the record.

[LeslieandPaul]

Oh yeah - and as of yesterday, we ended our rain streak... only 27 days in a row (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002742874_rain16m.html). 6 shy of the record.

Our record was 28, so we had to reach 29-which we hit today! I'm really glad I don't run outside!

[Janey]

Wow, Leslie... I'm not sure if I should say congrats or not. :p We're back to rain again today.

I'm in a funk... not sure if the two are related, but I bagged on my step aerobics class today. It's already so crowded with the NY Resolution crowd that I figured the Off-Work crowd would make it just about unbearable, so I bagged.

[Foley42]

Yes, yes I've been slacking ladies. But good job for everyone else that's keeping up. :)

[LeslieandPaul]

I did week 3 workout 1 today. It wasn't too bad.

[t3h_wookiee]

Our record was 28, so we had to reach 29-which we hit today! I'm really glad I don't run outside!


Y'all can send some down this way! :) I'd love to be able to run in the same, just because it's finally raining after months of none.

I fell off doing my workouts, so I'm going to start again at week 1 here in a few days once my shins aren't hurting.

[Janey]

Well something interesting happened yesterday. My friend who is about 25 years older than I am called me yesterday and said, "Sooo I was reading your blog... and I saw that you're doing this running program. And I was wondering if you thought this was something an old lady could do." Of course I told her that she could totally do this program. Then there were a bunch of excuses why she couldn't do it, which I wasn't letting her wriggle out of. I told her that if she wanted me to go with her on T/TH, then I would go with her... but that she'd have to do it on her own on Saturday. She said, "Okay I'm just in the kicking-it-around stage; i'll kick it around further and call you back and let you know." So she called me back last night and said, "Yep let's do it."

So, I have started over, again, sorta. I'm not stopping with my T/TH/SAT routine -- week 4 starts tonight! I am just adding another couch-to-5k starting with week 1.

But the awesome part is... this friend is the third friend I've inspired to do this program. Fourth, if you count my husband. :D The virus is catching!

[starxed]

:) I did workout 3 from week 2 tonight. I've really been proud that I've been sticking to it. It's kind of exciting to work up gradually to see how far you can push yourself. I'm more of a fast, short distance runner than a long steady runner so it should be interesting when I start having to run a mile straight.

In junior high I broke the record for the mile run just messing around one day during PE (usually I just walked/jogged it with a group of friends, but some were absent that day). So I have the capability to run a fast mile, but anything over that is hard. Especially since I was just diagnosed last year with excercise induced asthma, but I haven't broken and turned in my prescription for the inhaler.:rolleyes:

Anyway, keep up the good work ladies!!

[RobynScott]

Hi all - well, I missed some of the C25K workouts - but I think I sort of graduated today (well, not really). My marathon training progarm started today and they started out fast - as in 4-6 miles for the first day! So, I jumped in and did 5 miles this morning. I still did a run/walk method though (and I'm pretty sure that is how I will do the marathon) - so the C25K paid off. We ran (jogged) 5 walked 1 (till the last couple where we walked 2) for a total of 5 miles! The real test will be getting the workouts in this week on the treadmill ...

Thanks for the encouragement - without this thread, not sure I would have even started running again!

[Janey]

RobynScott, in case I didn't say so earlier... I am totally impressed by your goal of a marathon!! Wish I was going to be in AK in June to cheer you on but it looks like we'll be going in July.


I have found my first week of REPEAT. Every week so far I can tell a marked improvement in my runs between Tuesday & Saturday. Not so, this last week. I could do it, but man was I ever sucking wind last night. With week 5 looming large, I will stick with week 4 for one more week. See if things improve by this coming weekend.

[LeslieandPaul]

Last Wednesday i did week 3 workout 2 and yesterday i did workout 3 (sort of). I ran 90 seconds, walked 90 seconds, ran 5 minutes, walked 5 minutes, ran 5 minutes, walked 5 minutes. I was surprised at how well I did on the 5 minute runs. I'm off now to do Week 4 workout 1!

[amorey]

I am off the C25k band wagon. :( When I was finishing up week 2 my knee started to really hurt. I was running on a banked track which can apparently lead to knee pain. Makes sense, but I didn’t think of it at the time. Now I’m waiting for it to feel normal again. I think I’ll start with week 1 just to be safe- and on the treadmill this time. I’m really itching to start running again because I was really enjoying it.

[LeslieandPaul]

It burns! Week 4 is hard! I did fine until the second 5 minute run. Then I really started to feel it and was counting the seconds until it was over. I only went about 1.7 miles, but I was going 3.9 mph most of the time (and that was almost too fast. I actually went down to 3.6 for the second 5 min run), and 2.9 mph for walking. Tomorrow is my no gym day, so I'll go again Thursday, Sunday or Monday, and then Tuesday will be week 5! I think week 5 was as far as I made it when i tried this in the fall.

[Foley42]

I attempted to run (Friday) after 3 weeks of no excercise. Soooo let's just say running really sucked and I'm not even going to comment on how little I did. On a positive note weight lifting and lunges went well. :)

[Oakley]

I'm glad I found this thread! I started the program and am now in week 4. I did the second workout today and start my weeks on Tuesdays.

LeslieandPaul- I agree- week 4 is tough! The first workout totally sucked and I was so exhausted. This time I could definitely feel an improvement and the last 5 minutes were actually good! I slowed down a bit though, so I'm sure that's why.

Week 5 scares me! :eek:

[LeslieandPaul]

I didn't get to do workout 2 on Thursday (I slept til 1pm-oops) and I didn't go Friday b.c I had my pole dancing class that day, and I don't go Saturdays because I work all day. So hopefully tomorrow I'll get a run in, if not then on Monday for sure.

[LeslieandPaul]

I did it! I actually hauled my sorry butt off to the gym and did week 4 workout 2-it was still challenging, but definitely not as much as the w/o 1. I did just fine until about 3 minutes into the last running segment (and I thought it had been four minutes-argh). But I felt great after!

[LeslieandPaul]

I did week 4 workout 3!!! It's getting a little easier. I also lowered my speed a tiny bit so I could easily make it through the workout.