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Good luck! I've done the c25k and totally adored it. It feels sooo empowering to be able to actually run. Before I did the program I could probably only run for 30 seconds, afterwards I could easily run 30 minutes.
Just stick with it. Sometimes you will doubt your ability to do it but just know that you can :)
@punky_brewster: Thanks so much! What sweet words of encouragement. :)
i'm just getting ready to finish week 6 and im hooked on the program. the biggest thing for me is planning out the runs--i plan which days im going to do them at the beginning of the week. also, i repeated two days in the program because i felt like crap during the runs--im glad i did this, i think it helped me move on quicker.
GOOD LUCK! :)
@Gemstone: I think you will do awesome, ESPECIALLY with the support and fun of having FI by your side! I started c25k last year & my FI came along a couple times...and it really made the time fly by!
I think punky brewster's comment is right on ... it is a great program and you will feel so proud of yourself! i also went from NO running endurance whatsoever to being able to complete a 5k. I can't believe how quickly I went from someone who NEVER exercised to someone who packs her running shoes even on vacations.
You might already know about this...but if you have an IPod there are helpful podcasts and apps you can use that time the intervals for you.
GOODLUCK! So excited for you!!
Yay for starting the program!
I started it in April and graduated in June. When I began I had absolutely zero endurance and couldn't stand running. I decided to get the boy involved because even though he is an athlete he was coming off an ankle injury and needed to gradually get back into training. (We also brought the dogs the first three weeks but left them at home after that). I hated weeks 1-4 so much and never wanted to go out running. Towards the end of week 5 I was liking it and by week 6 I was hooked. Moral of the story? Don't give up even if you are hating it!
Yesterday I competed in a 10K race and finished in 56.5 minutes. I give all credit to the C25K program for getting me running that first 3 miles in such a short time.
Here are some tips I wrote for somebody else starting the program but I think they apply to you too :)
Tips:
The first couple of weeks sucked because even though the intervals are short, there are so many of them! But it does get better so push through it. I never repeated a week but I have heard some ladies have and it worked well for them.
Make a schedule of when you will run to keep you motivated. I scheduled every day I would run for the 9 weeks on my iCal so I would have no excuse NOT to run :p
Download some type of C25K program. If you have an iphone/itouch I suggest the C25K app (the one with the little man running on a green background). If you have a regular ipod/mp3 player download the podcasts. It is MUCH easier to run when you don't have to focus on the time.
Invest in great shoes. I was running in okay shoes for a while and my feet never hurt but as the distances got further I decided to invest in better shoes. I went to an actual running store and had my foot analyzed (scanned, ran on treadmill, etc.) and dropped $250 on proper shoes, socks, and insoles. It was a lot of money but so worth it for the health of my feet.
I've never run the program on a treadmill, so after I get home I calculate how far I've run and track my speed/splits/etc. I use this program, but if you will be running on a treadmill it will be easy to keep track of. I like doing this so I can see how much I've improved over the weeks!
Sign up for a 5K around the end of your program to give you motivation to finish. But, if you will be running the program on a treadmill I suggest doing some road running first to prepare you. Running outside in the elements is SO different than doing it on a treadmill.
Congrats on getting started!
I just started week 3 tonight and it's already getting better. I hated week 2 for some reason. I did the program back in 2007 and it helped me lose weight, tone my entire body, and I ran two 5K's that year. It's an extremely rewarding program.
I definitely agree with everything babyboo has said! Especially about the shoes. I went to a local running store and they let me try on the shoes, go outside and run down the sidewalk in them. My feet overpronate so I need a very supportive shoe. I replace mine once a year because I don't run too much. The more you run, the faster you need to replace them, but it's SO worth it. I had problems with shin splints and achey knees wearing my old shoes. Now, I have no pain at all after a run. My shoes are Mizunos and they run about $100.
Aww, bees, you all are the greatest! Thanks for all of the encouraging words.
The first night of running went well. I was kinda winded by the end of it, but I survived. I think I was going a little slower than FI, but he was sweet and refused to run ahead of me.
We are doing Day 2 of Week 1 tonight! I'm actually pretty excited about it, aside from the fact that it's 100 degrees (heat index) tonight!
@blondeeebuckeye: Great advice! We're trying to do it certain days a week too!
@musthavedietcoke: Thank you so much for your confidence in me. :) I think you're right. It's great having Fiance do it with me—more fun and he holds me accountable!
@fitzly: Thank you! Glad it is going well for you, too!
@babyboo: Thanks for repeating your advice. It's really great! And congratulations on your 10K race.
@sboston06: What a great success story! And I haven't had a chance to go out and get "proper" shoes yet — I am hoping my athletic shoes will do until I can — but I think that will help even more!
@Gemstone: so awesome that you're doing this! When I started running a few years ago, I was running a 12 minute mile and was just trying to cross the finish line doing 5Ks. Last night, I finished my 5K running 9:51 minute miles, and I was so proud of myself! It's my personal record!
I second the suggestion to get good running shoes. You'll find that if you use just plain athletic shoes, your knees, feet or hips may start to hurt. A good running shoe will help alieviate that.
Good luck, and let us know if you need motivation!
Can anyone tell me where you got your running shoes? And approx how much they cost (only if you want to share that, though)?
@2PeasinaPod: Thanks for the encouragement and advice! And congratulations on your latest 5K time...so awesome! You should be proud.
My current running shoes are Nike. We have outlets near us and I got an amazing deal. Plus, it's nice that they have a little slot that I can put my nike running chip into rather than tying it to my laces.
But, I usually get mine from our local running store. Do you know if you have any near you?
@2PeasinaPod: Okay, good to know, thanks! And yes, we have a Running Spot nearby. Better to buy from a specialty shop than running shoes at a department store?
@Gemstone: Mine are New Balance, and from a New Balance specific store... I love them, but I did end up finding them at Nordstrom for half the price later!!
I would probably say a specialty running store (maybe one that carries a few brands) if possible. They can help you find the best shoe for you. Then, once you know your foot pretty well and what kind of shoes you like, you could buy replacement shoes anywhere you can find them.
@Gemstone: mine are mizunos and i LOVE LOVE LOVE them. i severely underpronate and was in a lot of pain in my old shoes (sauconys and they were supposed to be good for underpronation). zero pain in these shoes and they feel super light. i got mine at a sport store called REI. they were $95.
I got my shoes at a store called Road Runner (it is only a running store and they analyze your foot). Here is there website: http://www.roadrunnersports.com/. I suggest going to an actual running store (not a department/sporting goods store) because they are more knowledgable.
I currently run in a pair of Nike Vomero 5's but I also tried on these Asics and almost got them. I also have a pair of custom fitted insoles in them and running socks.
Shoes: $130
Custom insoles: $70
Socks: $25 (3 pairs)
Honestly, though, people can recommend brands to you but your foot could be completely different! For example, I don't over/under pronate, I have even balance but put slightly more weight on my heals, and I have a slightly wide bridge for my food. They had me choose this shoe on because it works for all those things. Go to a running store to see what they say for you!
I started the C25K last week and so far its going awesome! I was just wondering what speed you guys run at when you run on a treadmill? I'm doing it at 5.5 and its a challenge, but I feel like I need to kick it up a notch in the next few weeks!
I love this idea! I think I'm totally going to do it! I HATE running but I think if I ease into it would be a lot better. I decided a couple of weeks ago I wanted to run a marathon in about a year. This will give me great motivation!
i read about this program a few months back and kinda passed over it. I've hit a complete standstill with my weightloss and exercise habits, so I'll suggest it to FI!
@XcitedBride630: I never ran it on a treadmill but I would calculate my speed/distance after each run. By my 30 minute runs I was running at about 6.7 to 7 mph.
I love C25K! The first time I did it was six years ago, I didn't ever quite make 3 miles, but it got me running more than I'd ever run in my life (2 miles). Anyway, a couple of years later I tried the program again and found success. Next week I'll be running my second half-marathon!
Here are some tips:
Don't get discouraged-- if you want to repeat a week, do it. Try not to miss a work out. The key is consistency.
Like others have said get good shoes, but also good socks (not cotton, they cause blisters), dri-fit clothes, and a good sports bra (Running sports bras need to be a whole lot more supportive than ones you'd use for aerobics or yoga--Title 9 is a great place to find a really supportive one, especially if you're busty!)
Good luck!
I love C25K. It was very successfull for my years ago and I plan on starting back up soon. I wear Asics and love them.
Ahh thank you for the great comments everyone! So many great tips. I definitely need to get some better running apparel—shirts and bras primarily.
We're starting Week 4 tonight!
Yeah! Way to keep sticking with it! Yes, a good sports bra is in need. I usually need a regular bra under my sports bra (for the bigger chested), but it works! You'll be doing your 5K in no time! Keep up the good work!
@2PeasinaPod: Thank you so much! It's great having FI do it with me, and it's a huge motivator to stay on track! I can't wait to be able to run multiple 5Ks a week.
I have a pretty typical sports bra but could probably use something a little more high-tech. I DID buy some great Nike running shoes that have 1) made running more comfortable and safe and 2) made me want to run because the shoes are pink and white and cute.
I'm nervous though that by the end of the nine weeks, we won't quite be at three miles (i.e. running slower than a 10-minute mile). But it sounds like you were able to up your speed, which I think is so impressive! :)
I'm on week 4 too! I'm taking things a little slower and repeating a few weeks, but I'm really enjoying it.
@XcitedBride630: I'm running on the treadmill too. I usually start Day 1 on 5.2 and then by Day 3 ramp it up to 5.5 as I get used to more running and less walking. It's worked for me so far!
Thanks for all this advice on sneakers... mine are causing me some serious blisters on my toes :( Looks like I need to invest in a new pair!
@TinyTina: Congrats on Week 4! Is it hard? It seems like SO much more running than Week 3!
@Gemstone: I know I was so intimidated by it.. but I just did Day 1 and 2 and it really wasn't that bad! Good luck!
@TinyTina: Thanks for the encouragement! I'll let you know how it goes. :)
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Beekeeper
I'm excited to announce that I'm starting Couch to 5K (C25K) tonight!
FI and I have been talking about starting it together for a while, and tonight we're making it happen. I'm excited that he wanted to participate in this fitness plan with me because it will make it that much more fun AND we'll both be healthier!
Like many brides-to-be on the 'bee, I'd like to shape up for the wedding. It's not so much about losing X-number of pounds. I just want to be as healthy and beautiful as possible when I get married. I'm just about a year away so I am hoping that I have the time to really get into some healthy habits so I can feel my best for my big day!
But the wedding isn't the only reason for starting C25K. I sit at a desk all day right now, and it's wreaking havoc on my body and my energy. Ugh. Sitting at a desk all day makes me crave exercise!
I also just really love the idea of running with FI because it's something we can do together long past the wedding that will help us both stay active and healthy.
So, that said, any words of encouragement? Anyone have your own C25K success stories and/or tips to share?
Thanks, bees! You're the best.