I've started C25K several times now (most recently about a month ago) I haven't made it through more than half the first workout (listening to Ullrey's podcasts). I'm gasping for breath and sweating like crazy while my beagle, Lucy, looks at me in puzzlement.
I've lost about 7 lbs since my last attempt and I do long (2+ mile) walks several days each week.
I plan to start again tomorrow (tues/thurs/sat are my usual workout days).
This thread is a huge encouragement, with lots of people heavier than me getting started and being successful. I really want to learn to run and I think I can do it this time.
I did day 1 of week 3 and, omg, at one point I wondered why I was even doing this. But then I remembered that I really want to go sleeveless this summer. I don't like my arms, so I never ever go sleeveless outside. Today was a warmer day and really sunny, it was a big reminder. I was sweating so much and it was really tough. But I got through it. The first day is always the hardest. The middle, slightly better. And the last one, comfortable.
Btw, I have a treadmill. I haven't run outside since I was 13. I admire people who run out there. I'm too self-conscious, as you can tell by my not going sleeveless!
JUST finished w3d1...i thought it was all fine and dandy until half way through the second set of 3 minutes when i started up a hill and thought i was going to die! luckily i had my husband cheering me on, and i finished strong!
HeatherMcG-now i'm even more scared for 5 and 8 then i was for three...thanks a lot
Angel's Dust-good work! i am running outside because i am hoping to run a half marathon this fall and i've heard it's best to train outside for that...and i totally hear you about the arm thing...i hate my upper arms, and totally have the batwings when i lift them up and the flab spread when i put them down...
rocketbunny-welcome! the first day always SUCKS ( i thought i was gonna puke w1d1) but it gets way better! keep us posted on how you're doing!
Hi bjeweled! I just started w3 yesterday, so we should be on the same time line! do you usually have a weight training program that you try and do with c25k? that's the one place i'm lacking...i tried the 100 push-up challenge, but i am useless at push ups...i've been practicing tho!
W1D1 of my Couch to 5k is complete. I heard Robert Ullrey's "Congrats" at the end of the podcast for the first time and boy did it feel good.
This is so huge for me.
For some reason it was much easier than previous attempts.
The weight loss may have been a factor, but I've been scouring the internet for tips on getting through it. The two that really helped were:
- Don't be afraid to breathe through your mouth. It can pull in so much more air than your nose and the last thing you need when trying to run is a restriction on your air.
- Slow Down! It's not a race. The objective is to jog, distance doesn't matter.
I picked up some new Asics trail running shoes over lunch today (my old running shoes were pretty worn). I don't know if the new shoes helped physically, but in my mind, they were bouncier than my old shoes. I wore moleskin over my heels to make sure no blisters formed (an old trick from backpacking).
As for other gear, I'm sure I looked ridiculous. I wore my 70oz camelbak (I like to have water quickly accessible) with an old phone beltcase from the early 90's strapped to it on the front (for my phone/mp3 player and a portable water bowl (just in case) for my dog Lucy on the back.
Speaking of Lucy, she barely broke a sweat, although I spent two running intervals carrying a bag of poo. I thought a trash can would NEVER show up.
I plan to do the 2nd workout on Thursday at another part of the same park. BF and I are going to a party on Friday night, so if I bring my gear to his house then, I should be able to do the 3rd workout at a different city park on Saturday morning. A change of venue will be nice.
Skinnywish and Angel's Dust: Thanks for the warm welcome.
Last edited by rocketbunny; 04-21-2009 at 10:12 PM.
i did w3d2 last night. went pretty good, although that last stretch of 3 minutes still kicks my butt and i am definitely counting down the seconds until it's up.
I did w3d2 yesterday afternoon. It was kind of warm in my house, but alright. Wow, I can't believe I'm on week 3! The workout yesterday was hard. I thought it would get better, but it was barely easier. I'm thinking I should repeat it for another week. I don't want to advance too fast. I'm doing d3 tomorrow and if it's not easier, I'm repeating. I have horrible burning in my calves. It hasn't gone away since I started. Pills don't work either. I have to take time out to massage them while doing my workout, which lowers my heart rate. So, I think I'm going too fast and a repeat is needed.
I just got back from the park and my W1D2 workout. Like last time, my legs were a little sore as I climbed out of the car after my short drive home. This probably means that I actually accomplished something. My legs have never felt sore after just walking/hiking in the park.
The weather cooperated beautifully. It was a glorious 79 degrees with a slight breeze. Our entire Houston summer lies ahead.
Funny thing: This workout felt more difficult today than it did on Tuesday. It seemed that the 2nd and 2nd to last intervals were the hardest. Perhaps during the 2nd I was no longer fresh, and had the entire workout ahead of me. During the 2nd to last, it felt like I'd been running for ages (and had lost track of what interval I was on) and from Ullrey's words, I knew that I still had more to go.
Anyway...I'm looking forward to the next (and last) week 1 workout this weekend.
Welcome Rocketbunny,
I'm wrapping up week 2 tomorrow morning. I couldn't download Ulrey's music for some reason so I'm using podrunner intervals with DJ Beatsmith. I'm so silly and old school for using a little boombox, instead of an mp3 but I guess whatever gets the job done!
w4d3 is supposed to be today, but I really don't feel up to it. I have a zillion things to do today because I'm leaving town for a couple of days and I know I should do it tonight but I did something to my back and it's really bugging me. I would hate to make it worse :/
I'm full of excuses as to why I don't want to do it tonight, I'm hoping at least one of them is a certified reason. :/
