Exercise! - Cool Runners - May 2008

New month, new thread! Let's post some great runs this month!

Hi, I went out for 17.3 miles this morning. That will almost certainly be my longest run between London and Edinburgh. Everything I've read seems to be saying that it's important not to do too much if you're doing two marathons quite close, so even though I felt like I could have carried on for longer, and kind of wanted another 20 miler in the bag, I decided to stop while I was feeling good rather than trying to push on unneccesarily.

Tomorrow I'm having my photo taken for a running magazine! They're doing a weight loss feature which I agreed to be part of. The scary thing is that unlike my last magazine photoshoot which was very glam, and had stylists and hairdressers and makeup, this one is just me in running kit, they're sending a photographer out but it's up to me to make myself look presentable for it. I'm currently trying to work out which pair of shorts are most flattering...

Great job on the long run today!

Picture in the running magazine, wow, how cool is that! What running magazine is this for? So exciting!

It's the UK version of Runner's World.

I got in my 8 miler this morning and other than being rained on at the end it went fine.


It's the UK version of Runner's World.

That's very cool! I was reading your blogs this afternoon, they are very inspiring!

I can do the block about twice... :lol:

I can do the block about twice... :lol:

That's about 3 times as much as I could run when I first started running, so you've got something worth building on! Join us!

Hey look, a May thread! :)

So I'm back on track with my running again. I did my LSD today and it's the best run I've had in weeks. I didn't have any pain during the entire 7K and the little bit of stiffness that I had has worked itself out during the rest of the day. I also managed to complete the distance in 53 minutes today, whereas it took me 1:18 last week.

I totaled up all of my runs for the week and I'm at 24K. Next week is supposed to be the same but I'm going on vacation starting on the weekend so I'll have to see what I can squeeze in.

YP: That's so cool about getting in the magazine! You'll have to let us know how the photo shoot goes.

Spoz: My return to running 6 months ago involved me just about falling over after every 2 minute run I did on the treadmill. Good for you for getting started!

I did my LSD today !

What's LSD?

I ran 6 miles this am in the spitty not quite rainy but almost there weather. I was fine with that weather b/c it allowed me to wear a sweatshirt w/o feeling "covered up." It was uphill for 1/2 the miles, downhill for 1/4 and level for 1/4. The hardest part came first. Maybe I'll do it the other way next time. But it is nice to get that out of the way first. Just glad to have done it!! :)

then I ate fried chicken.... for lunch and dinner?! visiting Mom is always fraught with food issues.
flash into my childhood...."you're too fat, try this dish, it's delish..."

still not too much damage done, cal-wise. about 350 over aim.

have a good Sunday runners. I'm headed into NYC to work. There's a bike tour going on tomorrow. TRAFFIC.

What's LSD?

Long slow distance. (Though the teenager in me giggles each time I type it.)

Here's a question: Has anyone had any success using Body Glide to prevent blisters? I was wearing my non-blister socks today and I've got a brand new giant of a blister on the inside of my heel. I was told that Body Glide can help.

Thanks for the encouragement Tyler and Kim, Hopefully I can build it up and join you guys in the miles soon! Any advice?

Thanks for the encouragement Tyler and Kim, Hopefully I can build it up and join you guys in the miles soon! Any advice?

There is a great program called Couch-to-5k (often written as "C25k") that will take a new runner from your first bits of running all the way through running a 5k (3.1 miles). Here is the link: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

It's a great program and I followed it EXACTLY when I started running in June of '06. I never thought I could be a runner until I finished that program, now I love running! There is a support thread for that program in this Exercise forum, here: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141278 so you can share other people's experiences as they go through the program!

Here's a question: Has anyone had any success using Body Glide to prevent blisters? I was wearing my non-blister socks today and I've got a brand new giant of a blister on the inside of my heel. I was told that Body Glide can help.

Amazingly, I've NEVER had a blister on my feet (knock on wood), but I have used Body Glide for chafe issues (particularly when doing triathlons) and it worked great.

I ran for half a mile today! I ran for about 7:30 minutes and it was such a great feeling. It's the longest I've run since starting to jog about five weeks ago. It felt sooo great! More tomorrow :cool:

Woohoo Helen...that is so exciting!!!

Had a good 10K yesteryday, hilly so very pleased with a PR, think it could have been better if I had eaten less breakfast. Had some stomach cramping. Went out for my long run today and was surprised that I had minimal leg fatigue, so it probably wasnt as fast as it could have been.

I ran for half a mile today! I ran for about 7:30 minutes and it was such a great feeling. It's the longest I've run since starting to jog about five weeks ago. It felt sooo great! More tomorrow :cool:

Great job! It gets addicting, doesn't it?

I'm not up to all of you "superrunners"
not yet at least.
Maybe someday I'll get there.

I put on my running shoes and hit the pavement this morning. Ended up doing about 1.5 miles. I'm hoping to run this 3 times a week for the first 2 weeks to get used to running outside again and then bumping it up to 2 miles.

At the end of last summer I was running 3 miles consistently and I can't wait to get back to that distance and possibly farther.

Great job Glitterlicious! I'm sure you'll be back up to the 3 miles before you know it!

Today was a rest day for me and I had itchy feet, looking forward to the next 3 run days!

I got in 4 miles this morning and I'm hoping to get back out there tonight. I'd like to start doubling up on some of my run days, even though that's not really in my formal training plan. I just like the way I feel when I do two runs a day. I have to decide what my real goal is right now -- train for a fall marathon, or train for weight loss and "fun". I'm leaning towards weight-loss and fun right now, since I can always train for another race later, and it certainly won't hurt to have an even better base when I do. Ah, decisions decisions!

Where are all our cool runners, eh?

I got 5 miles this morning, it was supposed to be 4 but I got a little lost A little extra never hurt anyone!

Hey Runners!
Yesterday I ran from work to the train. I was a bit delayed in leaving my office and I'm a pretty slow runner. I pretty much ruled out making my regular "late" train. Then as I got closer to the station I realized if I really moved I would be able...
So, I ran fast-- and in a very very crowded area. I signed to those who saw me-- "let me thru" by placing my hand together in a snake-like way. I actually touched someone on her back so I could dash barely clearing a limo...across the street to stampede down the steps and get to the train. I saw "all aboard" flashing on the screen and while making grunting sounds ran thru the station, stampeded down another set of steps, made it onto the train sweating bullets, took out my ticket and water -realized I had no tissues, used my sweater to wipe my face. The woman next to me was HORRIFIED.
(And my sports bras were not exactly "fresh" before I started out) I made apologies which were pretty much ignored.
Then the train started out and I gave my ticket to the conductor. He punched a hole in it and handed it back to me saying "transfer at Newark". ??HUH, my train is direct. I turned to the disgusted woman next to me, asked, "what train am I on? " It was totally the wrong train!!!!
UGHHH
But, then I transfered and did get home at a reasonable time. HEHE.
:)

LOL, Kitty, that is AWESOME! Man, I could just SEE you dashing through the crowds, weaving and sprinting, and then the look on your sweaty face when you realize you're on the wrong train! TOO FUNNY!!! Great job!

I did 6 miles this morning, it was really nice. Yesterday I had left the house later (around 8am) and I was hot the whole way. This morning I was on the road by 6:15 am and it was much cooler!. Highlight of my run was meeting these 2 HUGE ex-racing adopted greyhounds. They were so beautiful, so sleek and muscled. Both were almost pure white, which I've rarely seen in person and had gorgeous eyes outlined with the black "eyeliner" look. Both were super duper lovey-dovey. So cute.

My friend, her SIL and her MIL have rescued greyhounds. GREAT DOGS.

Yesterday was my long run, 8 miles, and other than the fact that I got a hole in my sock at the heel and my shoe rubbed a bit, it went well. Usually I don't lost weight the morning after a long run, but this morning I was down 2 pounds, yay! I'll take it!

Where did everyone go? I miss all the interaction. You guys inspired me to attempt to start running.

Please come baaaacccckkkk.

Where did everyone go? I miss all the interaction. You guys inspired me to attempt to start running.

Please come baaaacccckkkk.


I know, I don't know where everyone went? :?:

Maybe they jumped on the Walk/Run thread, it looks like lots of action there, maybe we would all join that thread?

Ha! I've been away because it's been raining here all week and I haven't figured out how to run in the rain and like it yet :)

Yesterday I ran for almost 1.5 miles, with some walking breaks in between, for a total of 2 miles. I think i badly need new shoes! I have no idea how to pick out running shoes and I need professional help. Any tips on what questions to ask when I get to the store? I've heard some stores even have you run for a little bit to see how your foot hits to get you the best shoe for you. I would love to know I'm doing the best thing for my knees!

Tyler Durden - are you training for a longer run? How long does it take you to do 8 miles? My goal is to get comfortable doing 5 a day, but for me to finish 8 I would have to be out for two hours :)

zinkemomx2 - 5 5ks in May!!! Wow!

And I am still here too! I ran 6 miles yestereday and either 5.5 or 5 today-- still trying to figure that gmap pedometer site. I was planning to do the same 6 mile loop, but DH sort of indicated he wanted me home in 60 min and that loop for me is 80 min. But, I figured, well it's my (mother's) day-- I'm doing it!

So, I think I bit off a little more than I was able to chew. I needed to walk up one of the uphill areas and I felt a little bit like I was runing in a time warp-- I have to be at the end of this road.... could it be I passed it?? ,, no it just never ends... kind of thing. ANd in the interest of time and the fact that tday 80 minutes would have turned into 100 minutes I turned a little earlier than I planned. But I may have still done 5.5m, just not a full 6. I'm going to drive it if I can't get that google site down. (computer invalid here)

have a good night all :)
see you soon !! ;)

just putting it on the record-- my sunday run was 5.74-- add kid soccer walking fields/ pking lot/ playing, I'm rounding it up to 6 flat.

OK- just checked out ez's run/walk thread. Yup, some defectors there. I am good here with some VERY cool runners but am also ok to jumping over there too....
:)

Heck, let's just stay here, we've come this far, right? :)

I'm on a rest day today, so I'm doing a few core exercises and that's it. Tomorrow starts week 9 of the training plan, yay.

Hi everyone,
I'd like to start chatting here if that's alright. I want to start running about 30 minutes at a time (maybe some walking in there... I've got to get my stamina up). :)

Welcome Michelle125! :)

Heck, let's just stay here, we've come this far, right? :)
.

dig it! :hug: :carrot:

I have a run coming up in an hour, but I am soooo tired today. I'm just dragging, and I've had enough sleep. Sure hope I'm not pregnant :) :nono:

I'm going to try to power through the run. Hope everyone else is doing better today than me!

Michelle125 - I'm in the same boat! Six weeks ago I couldn't jog one minute without taking a walking break, and now I'm up to 7-8 minute intervals. We can do it :cheer:

I ended up having a good run! It was tough getting started because I was so tired, but my usual intervals felt easier - not easy, :) but easier. I'll try to add more time this week. I'm up to jogging about 2/3 of 30 minutes with some walking breaks in between.

I'm glad we're keeping this thread going!

Can I join in? I'm a runner, currently logging about 20-25 miles per week. Not training for anything in particular right now, because race season is pretty much over for us here in sunny South Florida -- it's getting HOT! Over the winter season I did about four or five 5Ks, one 10K, and a half marathon.

Let's see, over the weekend I did my usual laid-back 5 mile loop around my neighborhood on Saturday and met my running buddies for our Sunday morning beach run, a little over 8 miles this week. I don't want to lose my base over the summer! This morning, an easy 5 miler on the treadmill ...

And should I mention that a year ago I was barely running at all?? I re-started running last summer as part of my weight loss program and running is now an integral part of my maintenance plan. And since I weigh less, I'm faster now than I ever was -- so you-all can do it too! :D

Morning gang, I got in 5 miles this morning in a nice park with lots of shade (and some pretty forward squirrels!). Still quite a bit of smoke in the air from the local wildfires, I hope they get them under control soon.

Welcome MBN! Congrats on being at goal and on your renewed running! I'm looking forward to some speed benefits when I drop more weight, I can hardly wait! It's so much harder running with this extra weight, that's for sure. I'm probably just a little north of you on the east coast of Florida, so I'm right there with you about the heat. I've started trying to get out of the house before 6 am to enjoy what little coolness there is.

Makeyourownplans -- Hope you where able to enjoy your run, maybe it actually GAVE you energy! I notice that sometimes when I'm dragging a run will actually perk me up for the rest of the day!

Tyler Durden - are you training for a longer run? How long does it take you to do 8 miles? My goal is to get comfortable doing 5 a day, but for me to finish 8 I would have to be out for two hours.

Hey, sorry I missed this question...

I'm training for a marathon in the fall. I'm not sure I'm actually going to do the race because I may not have a good enough base at the moment to have a race that isn't just miserably painful, but I just wanted to have a plan to follow, so I picked this race and training plan to have something to motivate me.

My longest race to-date is a half marathon, and I had a blast, so I want to make sure my first marathon experience is as fun as that was!

Re: how long does it take to run 8 miles ...
When I first started running (didn't start till over 40), I was run/walking and it would take me between 1.5 to 1.75 hours to run 8 miles. I finished my one (and only) full marathon in about 5.5 hours. So that's one benchmark for you. With your first full marathon, the time really doesn't matter, just FINISHING is a major accomplishment.

Then I stopped running for a couple of years, gained weight, lost weight, started running again ...

Now I can run 9 miles in 90 minutes as a regular long run. My half marathon this year was a PR at 2:07. I'm at least 10 pounds lighter than when I was previously running, so lighter IS faster! :-)

Hey everyone-

I just registered today because I really wanted to be a part of this thread. I work with several runners who just completed a marathon last week and it is all that they talk about. It motivated me to consider running and I found the C25K plan. I'm psyched to try it out. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine being a runner but I guess it can't hurt to try. I did my first C25K workout last night and it went very well. Hopefully chatting with you all will keep me motivated to stay with it!:)

Hey everyone-

I just registered today because I really wanted to be a part of this thread. I work with several runners who just completed a marathon last week and it is all that they talk about. It motivated me to consider running and I found the C25K plan. I'm psyched to try it out. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine being a runner but I guess it can't hurt to try. I did my first C25K workout last night and it went very well. Hopefully chatting with you all will keep me motivated to stay with it!:)

Welcome Shanhandles!

Like you, I *NEVER* believed I could be a runner. But my dad runs all the time and seemed to enjoy it so much that I figured, what the heck, if I don't like it I'll stop. Plus, I really wanted to do a triathlon, and you need to be able to run.

So I followed a C25K program and what do you know, it taught me I CAN run! And ENJOY it! Who would have thought it! :)

Please come share you experience with the program and know that you CAN do it!

Now I can run 9 miles in 90 minutes as a regular long run. My half marathon this year was a PR at 2:07. I'm at least 10 pounds lighter than when I was previously running, so lighter IS faster! :-)

Nice pace! It must have felt awesome to PR that half!

Very inspiring to keep getting the weight off in order to get FASTER! :)

After my last few runs (note that I use the words run and jog interchangeably) my knees were hurting the following day, and today they were feeling a bit weird (not hurting exactly, but not feeling good) during my jogging. I'm thinking this is because I was inactive for so many years and have only been at it for a month and a half. Have any of you had knee problems? Does it mean I'm pushing too hard and need to take more rest days, or is it a normal side effect of getting in shape? Glad I have my experts to go to! Thanks everyone!

Welcome to Shanhandles! Glad you're trying c25k - I LOVE it! This thread is a great one!

Hello, I am new and would like to join in, if that's ok.

I've been running for about a year now and am trying to get my miles up. I do about 3 times a week, around 5 miles each time at the moment. I am thinking I should aim for about 30 miles a week in the long term. Does anyone have any comments on this - or would like to go running in london?

Thanks.

Also, in reply to makeyourownplans, I have had sore knees the day (or two days) after running quite a few times. Also my elbows and shoulders have hurt at the same time. I went to the doctor last week and she said that this was probably a result of running after not being active. The joints are not used to it.

She told me not to worry and said that after 6-8 months of regular exercise (rather than on and off which i've been doing) it should go away. Of course I don't know if this is good advice for everyone but thought you might be interested to hear.

Well, well... this thread has surely picked up, hasn't it??
Hi everyone, so nice to meet you. :)

I was letting my body chill out today- legs ( and only legs) felt really tired. I was mentioning to DH, at this moment I feel like the rest of my body isn't working or getting stronger, compared to my legs. When I am on the treadmill I run w/ hand weights, so I feel my upper body gets something- but I have been so happy getting back into longer outside runs... I think I need to sort of "bring it all together."
Maybe a treadmill/hand weight work it out/chill session is in order...

opinions welcome...;)

Welcome southofriver! It sounds like you are doing great!

Kitty, I've never run with hand weights and when I google it there appears to be alot of differing opinions as to whether is "good" or "bad", so I don't have much advice. I can understand the urge to get a n upper body workout in, though.

In general I feel like I ought to be getting in some weight training, but I haven't wanted to take away time from running and biking and I'm anxious to get back into the pool, too. Going into a gym doesn't have much appeal when I'm used to getting all my workouts in outside. So I'm not quite sure yet how I will address this.

I did a 4 mile run this morning, it was really beautiful out!

I'm in W3D1 of my jogging/walking program and loving it so far. I have my first 5K (in a long time) in mid July and I'm starting to get pumped for it. So far my knees and legs in general are in pretty good shape. I'm looking forward to doing straight runs again. Anyways...glad to be part of this thread:-).

Hey gang, I did a fiver yesterday evening. Then I sat down in bertween two cranky people who were very resentful of my presence. But I don't think it was the sweat (hee) just end of workday why the heck can't I have my own space kind of thing. actually it was really just one person who was a little pissy. but she was quite polite by the end of the ride (maybe my fumes unkinked her crank)
Looking forward to some mileage tomorrow am.

I think I'm glad I don't have to ride subways Kitty!

No run for me today as I'm nursing a wounded knee, but I did swim a mile. :)

I think I'm glad I don't have to ride subways Kitty!
:)

Hee hee, I'm a delicate flower ;)

Hi everyone! I went light week doing eliptical at the gym rather than running. The machine is so different from running and I really missed it, but my knees felt better today when I ran outside. That being said, it was really windy out and I didn't feel it affecting my muscles at all, but my lungs freaked out. I was gasping for air during intervals that have gotten somewhat easy for me. Oh the joys of leaning how to run outside!

Hope your knee heals up nicely Tyler!

My knee is feeling much better today, I did an easy 2 miles today and it felt good. I'm going to ease back in over the course of this week and see how it goes. I'll probably be em phasing cycling and swimming for a bit until I can comfortably get my run mileage back up. I'm just so glad that I didn't do anything serious!

Makeyourownplans -- Glad your knees felt better! Running outside is always so much more challenging than treadmill and eliptical work -- but it is also so much easier to be injured doing it! It's great to do a mix up of both!

Glad your knee is feeling better.

I think I prefer running outside. I do wish I had somewhere better to run than the highway. I don't feel as trapped by the numbers on the treadmill and I have always had better time. Inside is nice though as there is no wind, bugs, etc annoying me though.

I definitely prefer doing everything outside, even the community pool I swim at is an outdoor pool. Right now I don't have a gym membership because I do all my stuff outside. I do feel guilty about not getting some strength training in, though.

Also, I've read (and heard from long-time runners) that interspersing treadmill work with road running will give your joints etc. a break when your mileage gets really high.

I am in no danger of high miles, lol. I only get the chance to get outside on weekends when DH is home and then it is weather/bugs permitting. The kids are only 3 so I can't leave them alone and they can't keep up yet. DS still needs to much help on his bike and DD won't go near hers. Sigh.

zinkemom I have twin boys- age 4. And a 2 year old and a 6 year old-- all boys.
We do have a sitter b/c I work parttime, so that can really be a treat.
My twins had a slow adjustment to their training wheeled bikes. They much prefered the trikes at their school. Now they are little bike-aholics, and major scooterers too.

Last weekend I ran outside with them as they all wheeled around the block. Fun!

Mine will be four in September. DS would probably do really well on any sort of paved surface but we have a gravel road full of potholes. It really does make for rough riding. DD fell of hers once early LAST summer and won't even try now. They also have scooters that they ride around the house. We attempted to take DS outside one day but it was the same problem as the bike. They've never had much interest in their tricycle unless DH was pushing them 100mph on it.

I'm waiting patiently for them to go to preschool so I can join the gym in town and run the rail trails nearby. They can start this fall but DH is trying really hard to convince me to wait one more year. Not sure what will happen yet.

I fast walked/jogged intervals with my DS for about 2.25 miles just now -- of course my DS is of the furry, four-legged variety. :) He picked up about a dozen stickers in his feet fur and now I have little pricklies in my fingers from pulling them out! Knee feels pretty good. DH and I went biking this morning and it doesn't hurt at all on the bike, but does a little walking/jogging.

Ah, another week over, watch out, here comes Monday!

Starting the C25K tomorrow!!! Here we go!!!:tread:

Hello. I'm new here.

A good friend of mine runs marathons. Hearing her talk about her running got me interested, so I decided to start running.

I used to be a big walker (6 miles, 4 days a week) but I never could stand to run. The jiggling, the pounding... not good. Last time I lost weight, I went to Jazzercise toning classes, walked, and did yoga. Anything but run!

This time around, I started using the treadmill at my fitness center. I started out in March doing intervals for 30 minutes. Then I turned that into a modified Couch to 5K program. Last week, I ran (and by 'ran', I mean 'shuffled hurriedly without walking breaks') for an entire mile. I was thrilled with that!

I'd love to be a person who wakes up and runs 6 miles in a single hour every day -- that is my image of a fit person. I'd also like to start running outside, but not until I can outrun my local muggers. Right now, my 'running' speed is about 4.3 mph. I have a ways to go. Those muggers are speedy.

I'm doing 3 miles a day, about 5 times a week, while I work on speed and endurance.

I do want to tell you all that you have inspired me. One day last week, I wasn't planning on going to the gym, but reading about the running here got me motivated and I put on my sneakers and went. Thanks to all of you!

I'd love to be a person who wakes up and runs 6 miles in a single hour every day -- that is my image of a fit person. I'd also like to start running outside, but not until I can outrun my local muggers. Right now, my 'running' speed is about 4.3 mph. I have a ways to go. Those muggers are speedy.



Hah! I totally agree with every part of that! Only you worded it in a much cuter way!! My HB is VERY fit, and loves anything outdoorsy, so I'm aiming to one day be able to keep up with him, so we can do more than just -my- activities to bond. (And poor Honey Bunny sits through more than enough Sex and the City marathons to deserve a good day out rock climbing or snow boarding! I hate that we can't because I just can't keep up. VERY weak lungs over here!)

So far your doing much better than me with your one mile shuffle, I haven't made it to a quarter mile yet! But hopefully I'll catch up soon enough! Good luck with your running!!

Starting the C25K tomorrow!!! Here we go!!!:tread:

Yippee, very exciting! You'll do great, I really liked the program and it's what got me into running!


I'd love to be a person who wakes up and runs 6 miles in a single hour every day -- that is my image of a fit person.

Welcome! You keep holding that image in your head and eventually you WILL get there! 10 minute miles are a great goal to work towards and definitely achievable!

Helloo everyone. I need a little bit of that motivation today. I packed all my running stuff, then had train trouble- which started my workday behind the eightball and now ...sort of just don't want to. Also, I'm battling that can't have just a little bit of sweets thing. A little lends itself to wanting more and more and more...
Tomorrow I am planning to do that neightborhood 6 mile loop and the added 2 miles, if my bod is feeling game. I am also getting LASIK on my eyeballs tomorrow afternoon so I think the run will help my nerves... which are popping. :dizzy:

DD fell of hers once early LAST summer and won't even try now.

Oh, that can be a tough one! We had same sitch. I love that the kids can scooter in the house!! I'm sure my guys would love to play with the zinketwins!

Oooo Kitty, I've always wanted lasik and I've always been too scared! I've been wearing either hard lenses or gas perm lenses since I was 15! It would be such a joy not to wear them! Tell us how it goes!

Good luck with the 8 miles, kittycat, and with the eye thing - hope it goes well. I haven't been running since Thursday but walked 6 miles yesterday and 5 miles today so not bad. Running to work tomorrow - just wish I didn't have an early meeting ...

Was W1D1 on C25K And I am just SOOO excited about this program!! I love love LOVE it! Thanks SO much to everyone who recommended it! It's only the first time, but I just love it so much already. Feeling those endorphins kicking in! It makes it so much easier to stick to my eating plan too - to have it all charted out and set in time. I didn't choose the podcast for it after all, as I found that music with lyrics I tend to sing along to in my head and get distracted enough to make it bearable. My friend and I did make little charts though for when to run and when to walk (Ie - 13:30 - 14:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:30 etc) and that made it a lot easier. We met our tiny goals so fast, and it was hard to get discouraged when there's "Only fifteen seconds left!"

GREAT program! Looking forward to Wednesday!

Hello All.

I've strayed away from 3FC for a while but started working out and such doing ellipticals for the past couple of months. I used to go out for leisurely 2-3 mile runs when I was younger, 10 years ago, but quit and of course gained a bunch of weight.

I'd like to get back to running. I have always told myself I was too heavy, but the other day at the gym, no one was round and I got onto the treadmill and said, I'm going to jog for 5 minutes and I did it. I was SO proud. So I've added the five minute jog as a little something to tack on after I do 30-45mins on the elliptical while I'm nice and warm and streched out. I will soon add another minute for a week or two and go up from there. Does that sound like a plan?

Where can I check out the podcasts? I'll go onto itunes and search around. But I would like to start posting here although I'm not a "runner" and maybe eventually I'll earn my title?

I hate the treadmill because I always feel I'm going to fall off. But I think I'm too embarassed to actually try this outside at the track just yet. Do all of you find a huge difference between treadmill and ground? Also, when can I stop considering it a "jog" as far as pace? I'm only jogging at 4.0 - for me that's a really fast walk lol not sure because I'm so heavy or because my legs are so short or what.

Thanks for your help - you guys are an inspiration!

Welcome Girlie! Whether you're running 5 minutes a day or 500 minutes a day, you're a runner because you are doing it and have the desire to continue -- and you belong on this thread! :) There is a pretty big difference between the road and the treadmill, but both are good for working out so just go where you are comfortable right now. And "jogging" is just another word for "running" as far as I'm concerned, so don't worry about the vernacular.

Eskinomad -- you sound like me when I did C25k! I was just so excited to be doing it, to be actually running for ANY amount of time was just awesome! I'm glad you are enjoying it, it is all that enthusiasm you have the will make you fall in love with running!

southofriver -- hope you had a nice run into work, are you very far from the office? I used to bike back and forth for work (about 10 miles each way) but it was SO hot (I'm in Florida) and the lockers/showers they provided at work were kind of icky that I always felt a bit grody for the rest of the day.

Good news for me, my knee feel almost back to 100% and I did 5.15 miles this morning and it didn't bother me at all while I was out there!

I'm getting towards the end of c25k, so I figured I'd just post here.

I did 28 minutes of running at 5.8 mph. I really want to get to 6.0 mph for the entire 3 mile run (this weekend). I think I'll be able to do it as long as I can keep up the running this week.

I've got a question for you runners out there. I got fitted for some running shoes last week and I've worn them twice. Every time I run, my left foot goes kind of numb on the bottom (I don't think they're laced up too tight). Is this normal, or is it the shoes? It never did this when I wore my old shoes.

ShadesofGray -- my feet have never gone numb in any of my shoes even during my longest runs (half mary). I'd maybe call the shop and tell them about the issue, maybe you can exchange of different shoes!

Is that you in your avatar rock climbing? So cool!

ShadesofGray -- my feet have never gone numb in any of my shoes even during my longest runs (half mary). I'd maybe call the shop and tell them about the issue, maybe you can exchange of different shoes!

Is that you in your avatar rock climbing? So cool!

Thanks for the advice! I'll give the shop a call. They seemed really nice when I was there, they said I could return them if I had any problems at all.

And yep, that's me rock climbing. It's such a great sport, you should try it sometime if you get a chance! I work at a rock climbing gym, so if you have any questions let me know!

Congrats on the knee, Josephine!! Have you ever taken cod liver oil tablets for sore joints? My hips pop a LOT from a dance injury when I was younger, and they're like oil to the tinman. It helps me out a lot. So if your knees still bother you, you should give it a try if you haven't already.

And ROCK CLIMBING! Wooo! We should start a new thread on questions about it. My SO tries to get me to go every week, and I always say no because I don't want to be stuck up there with my booty in the air, out of breath and half dead, just proving to him that I can't do it.

Very negative thinking - I know. But SO is SO fit, and I'm SO not, and lets face it - it's just not cute. He's very supportive, but it all sounds very embarrassing for me. I'm hoping that the running will get me in shape enough to enjoy rock climbing!

Eskinomad, there is nothing wrong with being a beginner in a new sport! Your rock climbing fitness would improve the more you do it, so I wouldn't let that hold you back! You sound like you're being very hard on yourself! :)

Today's run was a bit over 4 miles and I was hot and draggy and glad when I was done. Sometimes it is nice just to get FINISHED and take a cold shower! :)

Thanks Josephine. Your avatar is SO great!
What's this "blue team" thing?

I did my 35 mins on the elliptical today, 2.7mi and then did my 5 min jog on the treadmill and then my cool down and stretches and such. I HATE the treadmill, I really do. I am constantly looking at the time and praying for the time to be up. I can't see myself doing 6 minutes right now because I'm just waiting for the time to be up.

I may go to the local track this weekend and try jogging there. That way, I can go by distance (times around the track i.e 1/4 miles) instead of having to stare at the time on the treadmill.

I tell ya, one thing that is rather discouraging is to look at the tredmill's # of calories burned. After jogging for five minutes, I'm all sweaty and all for 27 calories burned. I know they aren't accurate, I don't even have an option to enter my age/weight, but it still sucks :)

Hi COol Runners!
Well, I did not go for my long run-- it rained in the am and I considered going in the rain-- but then reconsidered b/c I had this LASIK scheduled. I did go in for the LASIK. It was cerainly a quick, but extrememly unpleasant procedure. But, here I am right now w/o glasses and having 20/15 vision in each eye!! (that's better than 20/20)

pretty cool stuff.

now back to cool running, glasses free!!

Sigh, kittycat:
I dream of LASIK. I will wait a while though. I'm so used to contacts. I have such bad eyesight - my contacts are up to -9 so it would be awesome to not have to wear them. Life is just a blur without them.

I dream of Lasik, too. Maybe someday. The comment "extremely unpleasant" however, doesn't give me the warm fuzzies!

Girlie -- "Blue Team" refers to a challenge I am in over in the "Biggest Loser" forum and I am on the "blue team". :)

What pushed me to get the surgery is that my eyeballs became intolerant of lenses. It's a huge bummer to ALWAYS wear glasses. I've worn glasses/lenses since age 12. Then while preggo with baby (now exactly 2) went thru some eye thing and that was the beginning of the end of lenses.

I'm seeing every leaf on every tree. Very awesome. But, again.. if I could still wear lenses I would never have considered it.

hoping to run tomorrow. Need to see how to get it into my day. Many appts and babysitting crunch.

So - I'm really looking forward to week 2 of C25K, but I'm wondering if I can modify it like this..

Monday - W2D1
Tuesday - Repeating W1D1's regime
Wednesday - W2D2
Thursday - W1D1
Friday - W2D3

Do you think that's OVER doing it?? I just feel like I'm not exercising anywhere near enough like I should be to meet my weight goal. I'm trying to keep a healthy balance, but I'm just not quite sure where that is. Any input?

I had Lasik surgery about 5 years ago. I hated running with glasses, they fogged up and were a PIA. I wasn't terribly nearsighted, so was a very good candidate. I thought the procedure was a piece of cake, a little odd-feeling, but not painful or anything. My eyes were a little sore and scratchy feeling that night. I was driving the next day and back to all normal activities within a day or two, with no glasses! I can still see at a distance just beautifully, but have had to start using reading glasses in the last year or so ... old age catches up with us all. (Lasik doesn't cure presbyopia, at least not yet) But in general, I'm very happy I had it done. I love being able to wear any kind of cool sunglasses I want to, no prescription required!!

Oh yeah, I did my easy 5 miler on Saturday, a 9 mile long run along the beach with the girls on Sunday, a 5 mile easy/tempo run on Tuesday and 40 minutes of speed intervals yesterday. So my thread is on technically on topic. :D

Do you think that's OVER doing it?? I just feel like I'm not exercising anywhere near enough like I should be to meet my weight goal. I'm trying to keep a healthy balance, but I'm just not quite sure where that is. Any input?

I think it would be ok as long as you aren't feeling a great deal of soreness from the exercise. The C25k programs are doing more than training your cardiovascular system, they are slowly building mileage so that your muscles, joints, and tendons etc. can slowly get used to the rigors of running as well. Taking the program slowly definitely helps avoid alot of injuries that new runners tend to get by trying to do too much, too fast.

But I also understand wanting to get in more exercise. What I did when I was doing the C25k program was swim and bike as ways to get in more exercise while using different muscle groups. Swimming and biking are excellent cross training for running, so there is an option you might consider. But if those aren't alternatives for you, I think your outlined plan would be fine as long as you listen carefully to your body. You don't want to rush through this process!

Speaking for swimming, I've decided to shake things up a bit for myself and swim in the mornings and run at night after it is dark when it is cooler instead of my usual early morning runs. For last two days I did so much stuff outside (between running and yard work) that I just burnt out because of the heat.

So this morning I biked over to the rec pool and swam about a mile. Wow, did that cool water feel good. I need to improve my swim fitness anyway, so this is, in theory, a good plan for me plus I'll get lots of double workouts (how can that be a bad thing!?!). I've never liked waiting around to work out at night though, so we'll see if I can make this routine comfortable for me.

I did 3 miles this morning at 6.0 mph pace. That was my goal for doing the c25k program, and I've finally done it! I was only planning on doing 28 minutes today, but I figured an extra 2 minutes to finish the last mile wouldn't hurt. I think I'm going to get comfortable at the 6.0 mph pace and slowly move up the mileage (eventually!) to 5-6 miles once or twice a week. I'm going to do some intervals and speedwork at the track too I think. Any advice for a newbie to running?

So this morning I biked over to the rec pool and swam about a mile. Wow, did that cool water feel good. I need to improve my swim fitness anyway, so this is, in theory, a good plan for me plus I'll get lots of double workouts (how can that be a bad thing!?!). I've never liked waiting around to work out at night though, so we'll see if I can make this routine comfortable for me.

Your mini-triathlon sounds great! I never learned how to ride a bike, but does the elliptical machine do anywhere similar a work out for your body? And our pool opens up Saturday so swimming is fantastic! Thanks for the input.

Whoo hoo, I just got back from my run, 6.21 miles. Other than feeling like I'm "waiting around" to go do the run, I really did enjoy running at night. I saw wild bunnies! And a bat!