~~~Couch to 5K ~~~ Think you can't be a runner? Think again!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Anne! Great to see you back...we've missed your presence here. And GREAT JOB on the "pushing." You go on, girl! Just go ahead!!!!

When I got home from spending the day at the filming of World's Strongest Man Competition tonight, even though it was a bit late for a run, I knew I should not pass up the chance. I could feel the energy. I knew it would be a successful run. I couldn't let it slip by. All signs were giving me a thumbs up: Go for it.

I was right. Warmed up for 5 mins, then ran a solid 29 mins, with a 3 min recovery/cool down. I think I could have run further, but I was starting to get spooked by skunks.

I could smell them! Get outta here, Twyla. You're done. Go home. And so I did. But it was a great run!

[zinny]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

I vote for Callanetics. The stretching/strenthening/flexibility cannot be beat!

Thanks Twyla! Your Callanetics results help keep me going!

[zinny]

Done with week 3!

Just read Haruki Marukami's new book, "What I talk about when I talk about running." He's a long distance runner so I would say his training details aren't too relevant but it's really great read!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/bo...ew/Dyer-t.html

[WolfmanJacque]

*sniff* *sniff* What's that smell? Oh, Hi, Twyla!



Week 5 Day 3 this morning: 20 minutes or two miles. I opted for two miles, which I completed in a glacial 33:00. Put another way, I jogged for 33 minutes non-stop! 5 weeks ago I couldn't make 2 minutes!

My calves tightened up right at the 3 minute mark today, a first with my new jogging shoes. I was the Little Engine That Could, though: I think I can! I think I can! My calves ached from the 3 minute mark until 16 minutes mark...then magically the pain disappeared. Weird.

Got to the 20 minute mark and was very disappointed in my progress, so I said I'd go two miles just to see if I could make it. Around the 27 minute mark I started getting short of breath so I basically shuffled on to the 2 mile post...but I did not stop.

On to Week 6!

[myanv]

I completed week 4 day 1 today and it was a breeze. I am kind of nervous about jumping from 5 minutes to 20 minutes next week. I think my calfs will be on fire after about 10 minutes. I guess I said that about every week inside my head lol.

I seem to have a slight soreness still in my right knee at the beginning of my run. It goes away after about 30 seconds of jogging, so I assume it is nothing bad. I bought some new inserts for my shoes because I have ridiculously flat feet and I think that might be the culprit.

also for those of you that use the podcast, I found a website that shows you how to make your own with the music you like. This was a huge boost for me since I could get in the zone with my own music.

How to create a custom running playlist

[skeeweeaka]

Well today is my day to jog, currently it is raining out. Waiting on the rain to stop so that I can get her done!

Ok, the weather finally broke, it was raining bad. So I went out for my run today...week 8, day 1... Ran for 3.5 miles again today... I'm beginning to feel like a runner....slow but steady.... To put it in perspective, however, a walker breezed by me easily walking at a fast paced . I'm hoping that with weight loss and continued training my speed will increase...but I'm happy to see the progress I've made.

On another note, I must say that if I can do this anyone can!!!

TJ

[wall]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

I vote for Callanetics. The stretching/strenthening/flexibility cannot be beat!

I vote for that massage!!


Nice to read everyones progress.


I'm down to walking a 5k now as I try to keep loose and moving. I gotta let my left knee heal up a bit or I'm liable to go Barbro and have to be euthanized after my race.

Its a fast paced walk but walking none the less. I can feel myself want to start jogging but I just need to keep tapering as my training nears its end.

[GME]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

I was right. Warmed up for 5 mins, then ran a solid 29 mins, with a 3 min recovery/cool down. I think I could have run further, but I was starting to get spooked by skunks.

I could smell them! Get outta here, Twyla. You're done. Go home. And so I did. But it was a great run!

.......and I remember when you were worried by the 20 miute run Look at you go!

Its great to see so many folks here doing so well (and in the heat no less, if I lived somewhere it ever got over 80 I think I'd die trying to run. I do have the skunk factor though ).

I've been pluggin' along on the OHR program. I'm due for a 41 min run this weekend. I got sidelined by a case of plantar faciatis (spelling ??) for about 8 days. I wound up have to take a walk break in the middle of my run last night.

What I am really excited about is that I am starting a "Run 100 Miles" challenge with my third graders at school. We did something similar last year, but without the big goal. We have little scorecard type things the kids run with and every time they do a lap a teacher marks off one little shoe. 40 little shoes and they have gone 10 miles and earn a little plastic shoe they can wear on a necklace or their shoelace. 10 scorecards and they will have gone 100 miles. We'll have a special award at our assembly and I'm hoping to get some kind of prizes donated.

The kids were really into it last year and all we had was a little chart on the wall for 25 miles. This year another teacher and I are going to run with them.

We have 33 weeks of school left so that's just over 3 miles a week. I found a website (PE Central) where the kids can log their runs and see how far they have gone and how far their class and school have run on a little US map. I don't know who is more excited... me or them. We will do our first run on Thursday if we get all the scorecards made up.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Me again.....ol' Stinky.

(Good point, Gina! Skunks have become my bigger hurdle!)

I LOVE THIS CHALLENGE. Great group of people here, very focused, determined, and inspiring!

Gina, I want to share your "Run 100 Miles" Challenge with my neighbor, who also is an elementary school teacher. She struggles with her weight and staying motivated. Very inspiring to me, so I know it will be for her also. You are amazing, the progress you've made! So proud of you, girl!

I am DYING to get back out there again....so addictive! This week is very hectic for me schedule wise, so it will likely be late Thursday night (after feeding the football players dinner) that I'll get to squeeze in my next run.

Wall, I hope you feel better very soon.

Everyone STAY THE COURSE! Great job.

[skeeweeaka]

Originally Posted by GME

.......and I remember when you were worried by the 20 miute run Look at you go!

Its great to see so many folks here doing so well (and in the heat no less, if I lived somewhere it ever got over 80 I think I'd die trying to run. I do have the skunk factor though ).

I've been pluggin' along on the OHR program. I'm due for a 41 min run this weekend. I got sidelined by a case of plantar faciatis (spelling ??) for about 8 days. I wound up have to take a walk break in the middle of my run last night.

What I am really excited about is that I am starting a "Run 100 Miles" challenge with my third graders at school. We did something similar last year, but without the big goal. We have little scorecard type things the kids run with and every time they do a lap a teacher marks off one little shoe. 40 little shoes and they have gone 10 miles and earn a little plastic shoe they can wear on a necklace or their shoelace. 10 scorecards and they will have gone 100 miles. We'll have a special award at our assembly and I'm hoping to get some kind of prizes donated.

The kids were really into it last year and all we had was a little chart on the wall for 25 miles. This year another teacher and I are going to run with them.

We have 33 weeks of school left so that's just over 3 miles a week. I found a website (PE Central) where the kids can log their runs and see how far they have gone and how far their class and school have run on a little US map. I don't know who is more excited... me or them. We will do our first run on Thursday if we get all the scorecards made up.

Wow, that sounds so exciting. I am excited for both you and them. I'm sure they will all have fun competiting... My dd is 12 and they do a walk every year but nothing like that... Great job!

You know, I was looking at my thighs today thinking they look smaller, but I haven't weighed in a while. Will weigh myself on Friday...I need to see a loss of some sort for my ego ... But, I am enjoying the running again, it has been years and I am so inspired because I really didn't think I could do this...getting emotional so will shut up for now! Believing in yourself is a good thing that I lost, I guess I found it again!

TJ

[WolfmanJacque]

Week 6, day 1: A very good jog today. Overcast and rather cool, but the humidity was very very high. I thought my time would be better, I guess I'm just impatient for results. I've noticed that my legs are much much stronger than they were a month ago and I no longer feel that certain "jarring" sensation when I plant my heel.

I've decided to do some elliptical work (20 minutes) and swim a few laps on my "off" days.

[myanv]

Originally Posted by GME

.......and I remember when you were worried by the 20 miute run Look at you go!

Its great to see so many folks here doing so well (and in the heat no less, if I lived somewhere it ever got over 80 I think I'd die trying to run. I do have the skunk factor though )

I live in las vegas and when I WAKE UP it is over 80 lol. I have to go really early or else I won't run at all. It becomes a health risk

[skeeweeaka]

Managed to do week 8, day 2 today... Ran 3.5 miles again... It was a little more difficult today because I walked yesterday plus did beginning Pilates. I might have to just do the Pilates so that I am giving my legs a day of rest...

Hope everyone has a great day!

TJ

[WolfmanJacque]

Week 6 day 2: Plenty of reasons to quit today, but I didn't. My left sock kept chafing my big toe which was an enormous distraction. I had some new running shorts which road up high and strangled some Very Sensitive Parts.

I slogged through it though. It stopped raining about 2 minutes from the trail and the sun came out nice and shining...and wow it felt like a steam bath.

I did some weight lifting yesterday and my chest was in agony all last night, thankfully it was 80% better today. I did some squats as well, which I really felt in my quadriceps today jogging down hills...quads felt "all scrunched up". Not exactly painful but distracting. So to recap, in the past 6 weeks I've had pain in both calves, both quads, and my left knee.

But I keep on plugging away!

[skeeweeaka]

Originally Posted by WolfmanJacque

Week 6 day 2: Plenty of reasons to quit today, but I didn't. My left sock kept chafing my big toe which was an enormous distraction. I had some new running shorts which road up high and strangled some Very Sensitive Parts.

I slogged through it though. It stopped raining about 2 minutes from the trail and the sun came out nice and shining...and wow it felt like a steam bath.

I did some weight lifting yesterday and my chest was in agony all last night, thankfully it was 80% better today. I did some squats as well, which I really felt in my quadriceps today jogging down hills...quads felt "all scrunched up". Not exactly painful but distracting. So to recap, in the past 6 weeks I've had pain in both calves, both quads, and my left knee.

But I keep on plugging away!

Hey Jacque... Way to keep on plugging along... Congrats on your run today...

TJ

[myanv]

W5 day 2 completed

I struggled a little bit today. I had no motivation at all. Plus it seemed like everyone in the area decided to walk their dog on the walk/jogging trail during my run. Next is the big 20 minute run...

from 8 to 20 omg

[skeeweeaka]

Originally Posted by myanv

W5 day 2 completed

I struggled a little bit today. I had no motivation at all. Plus it seemed like everyone in the area decided to walk their dog on the walk/jogging trail during my run. Next is the big 20 minute run...

from 8 to 20 omg

Hey My...everyone seems to have that same feeling when they have to start the 20 minute run, but you'll get through it! Congrats on your progress so far!

Day 3, week 8 of C25K Program completed. Ran my 28 minutes then did several HI intervals...completing my 3.5 mile route! Haven't felt well for the past couple of days but got her done... Onward to the last week of the program... Who would have believed that I would have gotten this far, certainly not me! Way to go everyone!!!! Can't believe we are actually runners!

My legs seem thinner and my waist is a little thinner.... My upper body seems to have lost but my hips are pretty much the same. In terms of weight loss I lost 2 pounds this week!


TJ

[WolfmanJacque]

Originally Posted by skeeweeaka

My legs seem thinner and my waist is a little thinner.... My upper body seems to have lost but my hips are pretty much the same. In terms of weight loss I lost 2 pounds this week!


TJ

I'm sort of the opposite. My waist and upper body are unchanged but my hips, which were never that big to begin with, have lost a good two inches! My calves are getting downright muscular and toned, in contrast to the rest of my flabby self.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

I'm behind posting....way too busy this week...but I got a run in Thursday night....sweltering humidity! Yuck.

I'll post more later.

Just wanted to say "WAY TO GO" to Wolfman for tackling the weights. Weight lifting is going to give you MILES OF RESULTS for stoking your metab when you're NOT RUNNING. You'll get strength, burn fat, increase your metab, and the lean body mass you gain will help you to lose the "flabby" you talked about. You're very determined....that's wonderful!

[WolfmanJacque]

W6D3: Good strong run today, 2.25 miles. Way back in the very first week I made a commitment to follow this program EXACTLY, because many folks have detailed in various forums how they've encountered problems doing too much too soon, inconsistent days, etc.

So what did I do this week? Started doing "light cardio" at the gym on my "off" days...and my C25K performance has gone to hell. I forced myself to do nothing yesterday, take an entire day off from cardio (even though it was gorgeous outside)....and was rewarded with a very strong run today. As Homer Simpson might say: d'oh!!

I'm still going to lift weights on my "off" days but no more light cardio until I complete this program and run my 5K (*gulp* Five short weeks from yesterday!!)

[GME]

Originally Posted by myanv

I live in las vegas and when I WAKE UP it is over 80 lol. I have to go really early or else I won't run at all. It becomes a health risk

I hear ya! Until two years ago I lived my whole life in a climate very similar to Las Vegas. If its 110 I don't care how dry the heat is. I used to think about running, but that was it.

I had my best run ever this afternoon. I was scheduled to go 41 minutes, but I started feeling chicken when I was setting my timer (haven't run in a few day, its windy, I have a little congestion, blah, blah, blah), so I set it for 37 minutes. I made up a new playlist and my watch started beeping at me just at the end of Fat Bottom Girls and that was enough to motivate me to go the extra 4 minutes. And I found two sand dollars!

I had steel cut oats for the first time this morning and I think that helped make a difference. Twyla, I know you like them. Is there an ideal way of making them? I followed the directions on the can but it took forever and I had to keep adding water because the dried out before they got done.

Happy running everyone!

[kelley17]

Hi Guys, I've been lurking for awhile now since Twyla told me about your thread. Well tomorrow I'm jumping in and starting my first day of C25K - got the podcast downloaded and ready to go.

You are all such an inspiration and should be very proud of yourselves and Gina - WoW 1 HOUR Runner program - you go! I hope to do a 1/2 marathon in March and run the whole dang thing. Walked a 1/2 marathon last year and felt great until mile 11 and then hit a brick wall. I forced myself to finish because I was gonna be da**ed if I was going to get that far and not finish.