Couch to 5k! Anyone else?

I'm on week 3 now. Is anyone else here on this program?

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.s html

You guy's are doing great! And your right in assuming the difference between running and walking shoes. You might be OK on them during the first phase's of your "run walk" program. But when you get upwards of 30 min of this it will start to effect your feet, ankles and knees. I'm not sure of your weight but if you are heavy you might want to wait till you knock down a few LB's before you start a running program, 20Lbs makes a HUGE difference in the pounding your knees are receiving while you run. Talking to your doctor isn't a bad idea either. When I was what I consider a "runner" my knees felt best at under 190. I'm only 5'9". When I got to 220 it made a huge difference in the way my knee's felt. I won't run again till I get under 200. (215  :{ )

Daddon,

I was sondering about this same thing.  Right now I have gotten up to walking 6 miles every day.  It takes just a little under two hours.  But when I try the running thing I feel like my knees and ankles are taking too much of a pounding.  I started out at 235 and as of this morning I hit 215.  My target weight is 135.  I used to run alot, but now I am afraid that if I do and end up making my knees hurt so bad, that it will knock out walking too.

Good luck with it all.

Suzanne

So, I did it. I got back on my treadmill last night after a long day at work, a parent teacher conference, helping my kids with their homework... anyway, I did it. I went back to Week 1 and was going really slow-- 2.0 per mile. I just couldn't do more. Not only am I normally a low energy person, I have a lot I need to take care of in a day. Getting back on the program has improved my mood a bit and I feel a lot better about everything. It's amazing what exercise can do for your psyche, even if it is as minimal as what I did.

I'm 50 pounds overweight and am wondering if the jogging will hurt my knees. Even when I got to week 3 though before, I didn't notice any pain in my knees. Some other types of exercises will do that, like stair machines and bikes, but the slow jog I'm doing seems to be okay.

Now, do I buy running shoes or walking shoes right now?

I say just listen to your body.   Audz74, started jogging for 30 secs. and is extending the program to her comfort level.   Wellread22 is giving it a try and considering purchasing some appropiate shoes! I think it is a great program if you are up to.  I have to admit that i had been walking for a few weeks before i started the program and when i was consistently working out (back in the good ol' days)  always incorporated some jogging.  I have not had shin splits for the first time since i started runing in middle school, following this program.  I have been listening to my body and going at a slower pace.  I weight 200 lbs! I was always around 140 lbs.

Verdict: If you wanna do it, try it ! but don't over exert yourself.  I am so over caring what the faster, fit person next to me is doing on the treadmill.  I can only do MY best and having you guys for support is awesome, especially since we are positively working towards the same goal.

WE CAN DO IT!! (If we want to, of course!)

Original Post by javagen3:

So, I did it. I got back on my treadmill last night after a long day at work, a parent teacher conference, helping my kids with their homework... anyway, I did it. I went back to Week 1 and was going really slow-- 2.0 per mile. I just couldn't do more. Not only am I normally a low energy person, I have a lot I need to take care of in a day. Getting back on the program has improved my mood a bit and I feel a lot better about everything. It's amazing what exercise can do for your psyche, even if it is as minimal as what I did.

I'm 50 pounds overweight and am wondering if the jogging will hurt my knees. Even when I got to week 3 though before, I didn't notice any pain in my knees. Some other types of exercises will do that, like stair machines and bikes, but the slow jog I'm doing seems to be okay.

Now, do I buy running shoes or walking shoes right now?

 Hey Java!!!

I am so glad you worked out yesturday, you are thr ring leader, yayyy!!! I would not being doing this if you hadn't posted it!  I'm using cross trainers, but i think either will do for NOW.  Good luck and keep in touch bud.

xoxox

cmpass is right just take your time. I have hip problems...they are slightly offset from one another...if I put to much stress on them I get bursitis in the left one. I know, from previous experience, that when I take my time and start out slow and work my way up I don't get those problems, and in the long run the excercise will strengthen it and losing weight will put less pressure on it. if you are worried about things like your knees, then talk to your doctor of course, but also make sure you stretch really well before hand. I stretch about 8 minutes before I try to run, and while I stretch everything I have some special stretches that help warm up my hip joints.

And Yea for Java, I am glad you worked out last night. Believe I know how difficult it can be when you have so many other things to do between work, family obligations, friends, ect..

I have just started this program again.  I used this program two yeras ago and made it all the way through.  I dropped 40 pounds by counting calories and doing this program.  However, right after finishing this program I got a new job with a 1.5 hour commute.  This extra time in the car shot my running program and I gained back everything ove the last two years.  

We moved closer to work this summer and I started the prgram yesterday.  I plan to run my second workout tomorrow morning.  Wish me luck.  Hopefully by counting calories and running I will be able to get in shape by next summer.

Keep the group going!!

Welcome! I totally know what you mean about the commute. Mine was about as long as yours and especially during the winter I was always tired. Leaving when its dark and getting home when its dark stinks. I just got a job closer to home, and have been doing this program for several weeks. So far on calorie counters I have lost about 17 lbs, but even better than that I feel much better than I used to.

Good luck and best wishes!

Audrey

Hey guys!

I love it when new people join our little thread.  I will complete the last workout on week 3 tomorrow .  I am in disbelieve that I have been able to stick to something for this long.  I can't remember the last time I followed thru on a diet or exercise regimen. 

Good luck everyone! Let's keep truckin'

This is awesome!
Thanks sooo much everyone for all the motivation you've just given me. I'm going to start this program tonight and I'm VERY STOKED about it!

Thanks and good luck to everyone!

Original Post by cmpass:

 I will complete the last workout on week 3 tomorrow .  I am in disbelieve that I have been able to stick to something for this long.  I can't remember the last time I followed thru on a diet or exercise regimen. 

Congrats!! Very awesome!!!

I'm shooting for Mon, Wed & Frid mornings with my program now. My honey and I will also try to lift weights Tues & Thurs evenings after we're done with the kiddos and Sat mornings.

Welcome dan.sensel. I know what you mean about a long commute. Mine steals an hour and a half to 2 hours of my day.

Hi Javagen,

I completed the C25K program about 2 months ago and it was such a big help to my weight loss.  It is a great program and the sense of accomplishment really gives you a boost to keep off the treats and snacks (which are always my downfall).

If Coolrunning seems to be a bit of a cumbersome website, www.runningahead.com has a great C25K group and the encouragement being given by the members there is pretty inspirational. 

To everyone starting the C25K, go for it and follow it through to the end.  I used to be 20st 4lbs and could barely waddle but now I am 17st 6lbs and can run 5k three times a week at a modest pace. 

Don't go too fast and take each step as it comes and you will (literally) go far!

Finished WK1 workout 2 this morning.  It feels good to be running again.  

You can also try www.C25K.com.  It is a website devoted to the Couch to 5K program.  They have links to specially designed pod casts to listen to while doing the workouts.  The music changes or someone tells you to change pace, so you don't need to look at your watch constantly.  

i done it!!! i actually managed to run for 1 min then walk for 1 min 10 times it was only 6mph but i done it,so gonna do the same friday when i go,to think 4 wks ago i struggled to walk on the treadmill at 3.5mph for 10 mins,the only thing i hate about running is all the fat bouncing around lol

Thanks guys for posting other resources; i will poke around them later.  I am loving it.  I need to stretch more though, i'll look thru the websites for some good stretches besides the ones I already do. 

xxjanexx, which challange are you following?  The first week on the one we're doing is jogging for 60, walking 90.

I love how i do not have to use my towel to cover the time.  This workout seems like it takes no time to complete.  I finish my cardio with the elliptical trainer for 15-20 mins.  I need to start strength training soon if i want to see good and faster results.  If anyone has something they like let me know! I have a gym membership so I have access to everything.

hi cmpass it from a running website think it was called the runner it says on there run 1min walk 1 min for 20mins,ill double check tho

Original Post by xxjanexx:

i done it!!! i actually managed to run for 1 min then walk for 1 min 10 times it was only 6mph but i done it,so gonna do the same friday when i go,to think 4 wks ago i struggled to walk on the treadmill at 3.5mph for 10 mins,the only thing i hate about running is all the fat bouncing around lol

Wow! 6 mph seems fast to me! I just finished week one of this program but there's no way I could go as fast as you right now. This week I had my treadmill set for just 2.5 mph for the whole 25 minutes. (5 minutes of a warm up walk, 60 seconds jogging alternating with 90 seconds of walking for the remaining 20 minutes).  I jog very slow right now. I could probably walk faster than I'm able to run-- as odd as that might sound. I may start increasing my speed next week to at least 3.0 mph and then keep going up till I get to that 6.0 mph-- or some similar goal. I need to figure that out still I think.

I just realized that I need to switch my schedule around a  bit-- so next week, I'll do running on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings. Then try to alternate that with weight lifting Monday & Wednesday evenings & Saturday mornings.

Great job everyone! This is awesome! I am glad we decided to do this.

I am doing this program..only i have changed it a little. I am currently running a 12min mile and last night added 1/2 mile on to that. Every night i push myself farther. I have also found that by doing this my speed is increasing. I have not ran a mile since junior high as i had a severly broken leg and just now am recovering form surgeries and such .13 years later i am amazed at how i am doing.

It's my goal to run a 5k...may even do a Turkey Trot this thanksgiving...who knows.

I hope that all of use can keep up this enthusiasm!!  the hardest part of this program is weeks 4 and 5.  that is when mayn people quit.   We ned to stay motivated and work thourhg it so that we can get to the finish line.