Learn to Run - AGAIN - want to do this with me??

*** New People Always Welcome ***

So, maybe some of you have done this with me, way back when. I started a thread called "Learn to Run" Check it out http://caloriecount.about.com/learn-run-wants -ft27698. We had lots of people join & lots of "graduates" who could run 5K in 8 weeks!! Way to go all of you!!

So, I lost a bunch of weight & then coasted for a bit longer than a year with no exercise & not watching what I eat. But eventually that catches up with you. I'm about 10lbs heavier - so not to bad. But I have to get back into this. Who's with me??

Here's how it goes . . .

It's an 8 week course. You should do it at least 3x a week so you're ready for the next week, & don't forget to stretch before & after.  (I actually really like 4x a week & it really prepares me for the next week's numbers)

Take your car or GPS system & figure out a 3.1 mile or 5 km route & then run/walk for the minutes it says below until you reach 3.1 miles or 5 km.

Week 1 - Walk 3 mins, Run 1 min
Week 2 - Walk 3 mins, Run 2 mins
Week 3 - Walk 2 mins, Run 3 mins
Week 4 - Walk 2 mins, Run 5 mins
Week 5 - Walk 2 mins, Run 7 mins
Week 6 - Walk 2 mins, Run10 mins
Week 7 - Walk 1 min, Run 14 mins
Week 8 - Walk 30 seconds, Run 18 mins 

It also says for week 8, if you find that you don't HAVE to stop running after the 18 minutes, then by all means, carry on without the walking break.

Dee

toddlermama, if you have an ipod you can download free couch to 5k podcasts that tell you when to walk/run.  Otherwise, the only other way I've found to do it is to watch the clock the whole time, which for me was difficult.  It takes everything I have to just put one foot in front of the other without falling over or tripping...so I didn't bother timing myself until I got to larger chunks of time like week 5 or so.  It also took me 3 months to realize my ipod has a stopwatch in it.  Duh!

Libby, thanks alot for the kudos.  I'm pretty psyched.  I still can't believe that I can do it.  It's a little hard on my knees, but I always make sure I rest a day between jogs and I figure as I loose weight it will get easier on my knees as I still have about 50lbs to lose.

Thanks jodiferjuniper, the advice about the couch to 5k podcasts is good.  Are there any ones in particular you would recommend?

Toddlermomma, I downloaded all of them I think there were 6 or so.  All of them are fine, but it's just that the music the people chose didn't really motivate me.  There is a version that has the run/walk cues in it but has no music.  They say you can then splice in your own music, but I don't know how to do that.  The first guy that ever did it used new age elevator music, one lady does hip hop and she lists out all her songs which is very helpful.  Check it out on itunes.

Saturday - I did 3.5 MPH walk & 5 MPH run alternating each for 2.5 minutes.

Sunday, I did 4mph jog for most of the 5k except for a 1-2 min break every 15 minutes.  (ps- CC lists 4mph as a walk - for me it is a run - short legs I guess)

Which is better?

I guess no one answers in here........

I just did the 3.5/5mph for 2.5 min each again.

Hello there,

I'm new to this forum and to running for that matter, but i am nevertheless determined to start running for the first time in my life (I'm 25 years old).

i plan to go out for a run around the block tis eavning so we will se how this goes.

wish me luck.

I'll keep you updated with my progress.

p.s. any advice is more than welcome!

Just to update:

I came back from my run alive :)

I did 3 kilometres not 5k but i guess that is also OK for a first time. It took me about 30 min. Next time I plan to do the full 5k.

I was walking for 3 min jogging for 1 min just like it has been suggested.

I hope I keep up with this because it feels amazing :)

Hi ,

i think i will try it ! :) Just need to get new trainers .

Don't think...just do it! Trsut me!  

That is awesome - good for you!  I haven't been on in a few days - I guess my 14 year old and 12 year old trump ole mom! lol  I am so glad you are doing well and getting closer to running that 5k all together.  Keep up the great work!

I have gotten up to running a bit more - my shin splints improved tremendously and I bought new shoes! Yay!!

Great to hear your shinsplit has improved.

And let us know how the new shoes feel like :)

I am definitely in this time and hope to get off the plateau. I have been struggling with my weight lately. 

I probably will do it on treadmills since I don't have good watch.   Wondered where I can buy good running shoes on a budget?

Hi cutzman, I wish you good luck with your running and your goals. About those shoes on a budget, i wouldn't have a clue. Maybe someone else can help. You probably don't live in my country ;)

I was just wondering how everyone else is doing/progressing? I'm on my last day of week 1. i know, still a long way to go! but I'm enjoying my self beyond I could have ever imagined. :)

Cutzman, please share your progress since you and i started at almost the same time. Best of luck to you!

Bye!

I am new to this but I am going to start this as well, a week late but not planning on catching up though I will try and finish a week after most. 

And not a week too late

Let me know how your first run goes. Good luck to you!

I'm totally in for this! It seems every summer I make an attempt at becoming a real 'runner'. I usually do a few 5k charity runs each summer. I've never tried an actual training program. I have a route that equates to about 5k, so I'll just run as long as I can, then walk a bit, then try to run some more. I'm guessing I might have a bit more success with a more structured training plan...

If I don't start tonight (I do a Spinning class on Mon & Wed), I will definitely start tomorrow.

.

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When did you start doing this? I would love to do this with you. My physical therapist actually gave me similar instructions to this when i asked her how i could build up to running. THis sounds great to me.. i need to be able to run/jog a 5k by next may... i would prefer to be able to run it but we will see.

I can not get up in the morning   i just cant  Is here anyone from Harlow (essex) who would want to do this with me in the evening ???

Well done to everyone who can get up in the morning and good luck to all of you !!!