Exercise! Love it or hate it, let's motivate each other to just DO IT!

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Old 03-19-2013, 05:19 PM   #1  
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Default To Start Couch to 5k or not? Advice please?

Okay, I really want to run. I've picked my first 5k to be the Color Run here in STL mid-September. I am short and my steps are pretty small compared to other peoples'; right now, I do 60-90 minutes on the treadmill, 3.0-3.4, which is fast walking for me, 5-6 times a week. I think 4.0 would be a light run for me.

I really want to start Couch to 5k and if I do well, find another small 5k to try later in the spring. I don't feel confident about starting though - should I work on getting comfortable where I am before I push ahead? Right now, I challenge myself to go faster longer but I feel like I'm too overweight to start training to run and I need to work up to starting. I feel like I would become pretty winded even having to run for 60 seconds every few minutes. Does anyone have any advice or experiences?
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Old 03-19-2013, 05:21 PM   #2  
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Start!!! If you're having a hard time with week one, just repeat it as many time as you need!

I'm just starting too and I'm sure I'll stay on week one more than a week. I'm doing the Color Run in August and a 5k in September
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Old 03-19-2013, 06:23 PM   #3  
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I started yesterday. I am NOT a runner, but it was easy and fun. By the time the voice tells you to start running it's time to walk again. I was surprised how quickly it went.'

My usual walking route is 4.3 miles so I did W1D1 back to back without any problems. I've wanted to start for a while now but was too intimidated. Now I wish I had started weeks ago.

I really am looking forward to doing it again tomorrow
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Old 03-19-2013, 11:41 PM   #4  
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I'm in STL too!! I had never even run a mile before I started losing weight back in 2010 and I've run a few 5Ks now (s-l-o-w-l-y). The best advice I have is just to get out there--try it without the C25K first and see how you do. You may be surprised! It will be much easier to start now while it's cooler out than to wait and try to start when it gets warm. You could overheat pretty easily if you wait until late April/May to start. Good luck It's such an amazing feeling to finish that first 5K.
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Old 03-21-2013, 10:44 AM   #5  
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Thanks for the encouragement, guys!! I tried a little yesterday and learned very quickly I will need a special sports bra if I want to run. I did some research and bought one off Amazon that had the best reviews for ladies my size. I am super excited!!
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Old 03-21-2013, 02:23 PM   #6  
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Strap yourself up and hit the road. Honestly, I believe C25K is awesome. I never thought I could run. But I can! I weighed (a little) more than you when I started.

I am slow. But hey, so what.

Right now I can't run because of an injury, and I really miss it. I'm doing spin instead - which is great, but it ain't running. As soon as my foot heals, I'm back out there. (Assuming it doesn't get re-injured. I re-injured it last night.)
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Old 03-22-2013, 11:42 AM   #7  
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Just start. If 60 secs is too much right now, do 45 or 30 or whatever. Repeat weeks as needed.

I started with C25K last July. I had to repeat weeks and days sometimes. Last month, I finished a half marathon, and I'm doing a full marathon this December. If I could do it, then you can to.
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Old 03-22-2013, 12:14 PM   #8  
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I say go for it! I finished my Couch to 5K a few weeks ago and now I love to run. You can take your time with it and repeat weeks if you need to. Go at your own pace. I'm a runner but I'm actually jogging pretty slow but my pace is getting faster and faster.
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Old 03-23-2013, 10:39 AM   #9  
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yes, start!
go slow, repeat days and weeks as needed.
I started Jan of 2012 and I'm still working on getting better at my 5K.
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Old 03-24-2013, 06:32 PM   #10  
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You ladies have so inspired me (and my DH, I asked him to do it with me!) to try and run for the first time in my life.

I downloaded an app that will (I think) be the timer to guide me from walk to run etc.

Since it says 3 days a week with a break in between, what days do you all do?

I was thinking M/W/F but that seems too easy, plus it makes the weekend 2 days off. I will still be doing exercises every day as it helps me mentally. I was thinking I might start lifting light weights on the days I do C25K to try and tone up my arms.

Can I really do this?? I am so excited and nervous at the same time...

Edit to add---how fast do you all run? I am wheezing and dying if I try to walk on my treadmill more than 3.1mph!

Last edited by elvislover324; 03-24-2013 at 06:34 PM.
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Old 03-24-2013, 06:44 PM   #11  
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Running for me is about 4.5mph tbh. My first 5K was 43:37 (PR only about 38).
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Old 03-24-2013, 11:45 PM   #12  
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Eek, I'm starting it tomorrow. I'm a little nervous!
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Old 03-25-2013, 07:32 AM   #13  
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I'm pretty slow. I'm not sure what the mph conversion is (I'm an outdoor runner, not a treadmill runner), but for my short runs I'm around a 13 min mile and for long runs I'm around a 14:30 min.mile. I was around an 18 min mile when I started running 8 months ago. I haven't worked on speed at all yet. (I was just working on distance for my half marathon. I am going to take some time to work on speed before I statt marathon training this summer
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Old 03-25-2013, 07:36 AM   #14  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elvislover324 View Post
You ladies have so inspired me (and my DH, I asked him to do it with me!) to try and run for the first time in my life.

I downloaded an app that will (I think) be the timer to guide me from walk to run etc.

Since it says 3 days a week with a break in between, what days do you all do?

I was thinking M/W/F but that seems too easy, plus it makes the weekend 2 days off. I will still be doing exercises every day as it helps me mentally. I was thinking I might start lifting light weights on the days I do C25K to try and tone up my arms.

Can I really do this?? I am so excited and nervous at the same time...

Edit to add---how fast do you all run? I am wheezing and dying if I try to walk on my treadmill more than 3.1mph!
Do it every other day, even though it seems easy at first, take it slow. I got bad shin splints when I first ran, and doing it every day will increase the risk of those. Walk or bike or something on the other days.

And yes, lift weights! Get those arms strong.

I am very slow, there are times now when I walk because I can tell that I'd walk faster than I'm running (I can walk at 13 min mile, long legs!) Usually if I run a 5K my pace is about 12 min/mile, that's a combo of running and walking still.
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Old 03-25-2013, 08:28 AM   #15  
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In addition to working your arms, I highly recommend you take a day to work your core. Core strength is essential for good strong running and will prevent injury!

Don't worry about your times. Focus on running MORE, not faster. Speed will come as you run more.

Happy running!

Jen
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