skinnywish - I am the same way...I kinda am still "unofficially" doing the program, but can't really follow it. I had what i think are shin splints and now it's in my ankle and the top of my foot too. I can't handle it.

well, i am going to try and get back out there tonight, and hopefully my shins won't pay for it!

i am cross training with hatha yoga fro 90 min on thursdays, so maybe that will help stretch my legs out for running...

W1D2 for me today. It actually seemed a wee bit easier than Monday (day 1)... but my left knee started feeling a bit funky. I'm trying to learn proper form and breathing techniques. I also need to get some real running shoes. I have a feeling my crosstrainers aren't really fit for the job.

Can anyone recommend some awesome, affordable running shoes? I don't know if I can convince hubby to shell out $100+ for sneakers!

Will he pay for the podiatrist if you screw up your feet, then?

Ha! Good point, Maria. I just feel a bit guilty spending so much on fitness-related expenses lately.

What is a C25K? I've heard people talk about it on here, but I'm not familiar with it.

C25K stands for Couch to 5K. It's a program designed to build a "couch potato" up to where they can run a 5k in 9 weeks-ish. You can read about the plan here:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I did day 1 of week 8 today. I did 28 minutes which wound up being 2.25 miles. 2.75 if you factor in the 5 min warm up and cool down I do. I'm toying with the idea of bumping up the speed for small intervals, but wondering if my legs (and my lungs) can handle that yet.

WEEK 4, DAY 1 DONE!!

Can you believe it? I RAN THE 5 MINUTE INTERVALS! Yes, me. What a feeling of accomplishment! Girls, stick with it. The physical and mental benefits are just unmatched by any other form of exercise I have done!

*I think I may be having a runner's high right now! Either that or I heard the term "run-gasm" Whichever you prefer!

Hey, everyone. I started week 1, day 1 yesterday and found this thread today. My plan is to do this program 3x a week when I want to burn 300+ calories. I'm also doing intervals with an incline on the side. Yesterday I found it kind of hard, but I could do it. I've been running for 3-5 minutes lately. My highest was 10 minutes, but I haven't attempted that again. This program will keep me motivated. I'm scared like crazy of the coming weeks though. 20+ minutes of straight running? Kill me now. LOL. But I'll see how I do. My only problem is that my calves tightened to the hardness of a rock and it HURTS. I have to take a few minute breaks to rub them.

I'm going to do day 2 right now! I doubt I'll have any shin problems because I've been running a few minutes here and there with almost every treadmill workout. But I'll be on the lookout.

finished w2d2 today!
The entire time I was exhausted and cranky but I kept at it. Afterward I felt great!!

I did week 1, day 2 and felt really good while I did it, but I forgot I hadn't eaten in a while and got really sick. But food made it better.

did w1d2 yesterday and it seemed SO much easier than d1! yay! still have shin splints, but oh well...

beesknees, i just got new balance running shoes for $69 and LOVE them! i have a hard time finding runnign shoes that work for my feet, but these ones are super lite and really comfy!

Thanks for the rec skinny! I'm going to a local running shop today to see what I can find. Hopefully someone there will be able to help me. I think I am somewhat flat footed, and the Saucony's I have don't seem to offer much support.

I just finished W1! It's getting easier. I also bought some AWESOME shoes from a local running shop. The dude there was so patient and really thorough. He looked at my old shoes, my feet, watched me run on the treadmill in several new pairs to observe my running gait... We finally narrowed it down to a pair or Brooks. They are WORTH EVERY PENNY! I had no idea running shoes could be this comfortable and supportive. It makes all the difference in the world.

Okay, so maybe people have already asked this, but i'm interested and don't wnat to read through 7 pages to find the answer.

So what's this all about???? I'm looking at the Cool Running website and so it's a program that you buy?? or do you just read the chart, what's the benefit of buying the package???

Advice?