Looking for a small Learn to Run group/challenge. Any takers?

So I want to be part of one of those six week learn to run programs. And I know that I am the type of person who is more likely to actually complete the program if I am competing or comparing myself to the progress of others. I see a whole bunch of groups and challenges that sound great but they are usually closed by the time I find them. Anyone interested in starting another one? I want to lose weight, a lot of it, but I am not sure how much is realistic to expect in a six week period (I am currently about 180 and am only 5 foot 2) . Any one with any ideas out there? I'd really love the support and the help. And I really want to try this program. I have always figured I would fail in the running department, so I never bothered to try. Maybe a small group who is learning together could help us out.  I am already starting to chicken out. Already starting to think that I am just way to busy and tired with all the kids. Where am I going to find the energy to do this? Am I crazy?............See what i mean, I need the motivation!!!

Can't join, but just want to wish you luck. The key to being a succesful runner, is overcoming the mental stresses. If you can overcome your own fears and doubst, and if you're patient, you'll be succesful.

hey lulu, I know what you mean about thinking you're crazy, too tired, too busy with the kids, don't have energy etc....I have the same mentality but it doesn't stop me from wanting to do this! Which program are you looking at starting? I was thinking about the Couch-to-5k, in fact I already downloaded the podcasts for each week onto my ipod, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it. Maybe because I just don't have the motivation needed...none of my friends here are interested in exercising or learning to run with me. Actually my mom was just diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 and she seriously has to lose weight and exercise, so I'm been trying to get her to do this with me.
So I am definitely down for this, let's do it!!!!

I'm in! I actually just started the Couch to 5k... did day two of week one today. It's actually not very difficult, and I am already finding that my one minute run segments are getting much easier. And that is pushing my 30 lb son in a stroller while doing it!

I'm 32, with one child, and am trying to lose about 30 lbs before next year, when my husband and I plan to have our next child.

I've already lost about 4 lbs in the past two weeks, so I am psyched on this new regimen!

Sounds great. Can one of you send me the Couch to 5k program? I can't seem to find it. I am getting excited! Maybe I can really do this afterall!

I'm on week 5 of Couch to 5k!  Good luck and here's a link: 

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

i just started this program as well and am already seeing the results!  here's the link:

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

 

must_lose... where did you get the podcasts for the program? And what's in them? Are they to listen to while you run? 

I wanna join! I've been reading all morning about the best way to start running. I'm 5'4" and currently 176lbs. I'd like to lose 60lbs. I know what you mean about thinking your to busy or too tired. I don't have any children but I work full time and go to school full time (12+hrs) by the time I get home I'm pooped. I'd love to be a part of your group if thats okay.

i have ALWAYS wanted to learn to run.  i just downloaded the printable, but didn't find the podcast.  but i would love to try this.  I am 46 150 and so desperatley want to lose 30 pounds. i have been 150 FOREVER!!! and can't seem to get off the plateau.   i know running would defiantely help.  I would love to be part of this group.  i'm sure i can do this on a treadmill at the gym.

I'm an unshamed dropout from the Learn to Run program.  I think it was week 5 that did me in.  I agree with what mortalmonkey said, the most important thing is to convince yourself that you can do it.  In my case, my doubts and fears won.  Perhaps it's time for me to give it another go?  With a group for motivation it might make things easier?  I feel tired already ... LOL :-)

I've been looking at all these run and learn programs. I mean really. I just put my best foot forward and worked on walking, jogging, and running a year ago. I would like to do one of these programs too. What I've been doing here lately is giving myself a time to beat. I can run 3 miles in 20 to 25 mins, and I've been working at cutting back the time. Now! My boyfriend said I've ran the morning 3 in 15 mins. In my heart I feel it can't be, because if that is so.. I've killed 5 to10 mins of time, and I'm reaching some of my old high school records. To me, this running is one of the hardest things to do. I mean, we was great at it when we was kids... I ran track in high school.  Whats the problem now? I mean I use to run a half a mile and be b-ing after I get into.. Or should I say.. Crying why it hurts so bad. I hope you find a great program. I'm going to look into some of these links.  

Lulufit you sound a lot like me.  I would love to join you.  I am 32 and am down to 178 after starting at 215.  Most of my success is due to my daily walks, but  now that I am getting more fit I have started jogging a little.  I really like it but I am kind of lost as far as what my next step would be.  I would love to join your group so I can learn the right way to do it!  I am wondering how much the couch to 5k thing cost?  I am trying to get fit on a budget, but I suppose I could probably swing it if isn't too much!!Lets go!!!

Ok guys! So far we have eight (if I counted right.......my brain is a little tired). I think this is a good size group, maybe we should close it after we get 10 people?  I am hoping that we can really get to know each other enough for that motivation factor to kick in. I am not really sure how to work a group at this site. Any suggestions? I think we will need to share our progress (probably daily..if possible...and perhaps any nutrition advice. It might be fun to give starting weights so that we can see our results. From what I understand it is a twelve week program.

I need to print out that site and get my treadmill dusted off....literally. It hasn't been used in quite a while!

sarahjo36, you can download the program for free. Here is the link

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

I'm in this one group where we weigh twice a week. On Mon/Wed, and I really do like it. Weighing in twice during the week. It's something about it. I can see where I am at after the weekend. I don't weigh anyway until Monday, and I normally weigh again on a friday to see where I'm ending my workout week at. I must add an question.. I have a treadmill and a elliptical, and I go to the track a few times a week. I'm running the track this week, So I will start my program off with the track...

Is this okay.. That's the question, and do I have to stick with the same tool or running. Track, Treadmill, or elliptical. I know a lot of us have them at home.. Easy on the joints and things, and I had to add.. You can get a good running cardio workout without all the impact on your joints.

lynnhaslost....I will be using my treadmill, for the most part.

 I think we should all use what works and is convenient, whether that be the treadmill or the track or the street. I plan to start on the treadmill because with all the kids and the baby...I don't usually get time until evening. And then once I am a little stronger, maybe towards the end, I can get my husband to look after them and I could try it on the road. Ultimately, I would like to be able to go for a jog in the metroparks. Thats my dream!

I think we should start Week One on either WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, or MONDAY . That way you will have a few days to decide how you want to do this... The treadmill, street, or the track. Also, looking at the plan there are a couple different ways. What will work best for you...keeping track by minutes or distance? I am going to start with minutes since I'll have the treadmill timer right there. I need to go to the sporting goods store and get some running shoes. My tennis shoes are pretty old and don't fit that great anymore. (they were my "pregnant" shoes...so those of you with kids know what I'm talking about!)

I would prefer to weigh in once a week, but I know some people like to weigh in more than once. So if you choose, perhaps, we could do a monday weigh in with an optional Friday weigh in, or vice versa.

My vote is to start Monday.....I like to start things in the front of the week. And that way, we can have sunday off without interupting the schedule. What does everyone else think? Lets get this going ladies! WE  CAN DO IT!

Can I join?  I have been thinking about this for a long time, and I don't know if I am ready for this, but I guess there is no time like the present to find out.  Starting next Monday would work well, so I think I should go for it.  Is the couch-to-5K plan what we are doing?  It looks like that's a 9-week program, so we would be finishing on October 6th.  That would be good, because we could all be "runners" before the weather gets cold and nasty.

I will say that my reason for wanting to join is not to lose weight, but just because I have NEVER been able to run.  I have never run even a half a mile in my whole life, and I feel like I am just incapable of running.  I hate the feeling of failure this gives me.  So I want to learn to run just to prove I can.

So, what are you all doing to prepare?  I know people say that the right pair of shoes is very important to your ability to run.  Have any of you bought running shoes?

pumpkin314 welcome! I know how you feel about wanting to prove that you can do it! Is it a 9 week program? I thought it was 12, but I usually can only pay half attention to whatever I am trying to look up so you are probably right. It may take me a little longer than 9 weeks to get this thing done. I am pretty lazy and out of shape. But I want to follow the program!

As far as preparing and shoes, I am going today to get some. I asked around for what shoe is the best for arch support (I need this) and I heard that Asics is the best for that. Also New Balance are supposed to be great too. I am going to prepare physically by starting to stretch at night and hopefully get some walking in. I don't want to start jogging right now out of the blue because I may scare myself right out of it!

Ending around October 6th would be good, because I could hopefully lose weight for Halloween. Maybe I won't exactly look smokin hot, but I would like to feel it!

So...how bout we start Monday August 4th and end Monday October 6th. I think we should post our daily progress in the forum...that way we will all see it if there are any questions about the program, or nutrition, etc.....

Also, once the group is closed....which will probably happen today......I think we are supposed to move it to the games and challenges forum. So, do you guys want a cool name or something? or Just the Couck to 5kers?

The "Learn To Run" program is different from the "Couch-to-5K" program, so I just wanted to clarify ... we will be following the Couch-to-5k program?

***EDITED TO ADD INFO***

tankerraid - i got the podcasts from iTunes, they were free. They are for your iPod or mp3 player, I'm not sure what they're all about (I haven't listened to them yet lol).

Robert Ullrey's C25K Podcasts
Robert has recorded nine podcasts to accompany you on your runs. Some great music, plus Robert will tell you when to run, and when to walk...a must have. http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/ files/category-7.html

So we have to figure out what day we're going to start. Obviously I haven't started yet but I've been extremely busy...my bf leaves tomorrow for a month, he goes fishing for a living, on a boat with 7 men so I had to go shopping for their trip, and do all kinds of stuff to get him ready I just haven't had energy or time. But this is the perfect opportunity to start now! Did anyone else start reading on the program? Apparently you only go 3 days out of the week, with a rest day in between. So are we all going to start on the same day, and weigh-in on the same day? We need to figure it all out and get started, I'm ready!!

lulu I agree we should post our starting weights and stats before we decide to get started, that way seeing other people lose pounds or inches, will be more motivation to those who don't lose as much (like me lol).

ajazzymama.....what is the Learn to Run program? I thought it was the same thing as the Couch to 5k. Do you have a link for it? I was following the links some people had listed above and that was the couch to 5k program. Are they very different?