[delmarva]

I thought I'd start a thread for newbies or restarters to C25K (Couch to 5K) running program, for the Winter 2013 season. Particularly for those just starting out on it.

I am adding C25K because I am largely near my weight goal, and do other cardio training (HIIT and swimming TI and strength), but my weight has plateaued. Maybe C25K will help get another 10 lbs off. Is that too much to ask?

My personal difficulty is that my hips/glutes/hamstrings are weak. Jogging hurts. It is the new part I'm working on with my physical therapist since fully rehabbing my shoulders and knees. At age 51, I thought I was falling apart for a while, it was pretty scary and depressing. It's weird, because I have always been very active, but to keep hip strength at menopause particularly, you've got to give them their own workout I think.

I did a walk/jog time test for 1 mile, on a treadmill, incline level 2. It was 15 minutes 25 seconds, really REALLY bad , given that I can really freestyle swim and cycle with endurance.

So, if anyone wants to join me, I am pretty sure that you'll do better than me(!), but I can use the inspiration of others. I know if I can strengthen my hips, I can jog for much longer.

Slowpokes like me gratefully welcomed. Let's support each other and swap newbie running experiences. I am starting today with week ONE.

Cheryl

[delmarva]

OK - did the first workout.
Oddly enough, my pace (at 3.8 mph) was better than my pathetic 'all out' one mile test averaging only 34 mph.

We'll see if my hamstring and glutes hurt tomorrow or not. But, I did it. My legs felt pretty leaden.

[fadedbluejeans]

Delmarva - I'm starting my c25k today. Ive been wanting to do it for awhile, but have been afraid of reinjuring my Achilles ( complete rupture 9/2012). But right now, I really want to do this, so I'm going to start before the motivation passes :-)

[fadedbluejeans]

W1d1 down. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be!

[Rated]

I have been trying to start C25K for a month now and just haven't had the drive to do it. I think it is time to stop making excuses though and just do it!

[delmarva]

Second time up, I went through it exactly the same pace. I am, at least though, only have really tired hips, not burning glutes! It is a great cardio workout. Legs felt like light lead this time, not heavy lead, haha. Will perservere. No doubt tho, I have to repeat week one.

[Rated]

I followed through and did W1D1 yesterday. I plan on running on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays so tomorrow is day 2. I didn't find day 1 too bad but I need to look into buying new shoes. Even though my runners are brand new they pinch my heels and hurt.

[fadedbluejeans]

Good for you, Rated! I'm actually looking forward to w1d2 tonight. i wonder how Delmarva is doing...

[delmarva]

Oh, I'm hanging in. I'll report tomorrow. I just don't understand how I can do so great on the elliptical, rower, cycles, and swimming. And, then be truly pathetic on this treadmill. Something about running is just foreign to me, I guess. But, I'll persevere! I have hope.

Cheryl

[fadedbluejeans]

Oh, I hear you :-). I feel like I am the slowest runner on earth! For w1d2 I did a 20 min mile, Lol. I felt good, and I feel fine today, so I probably could handle a faster pace, but I don't seem to be able to get my legs to move faster. My gait is still off due to my tendon surgery, so that doesn't help, but I was never a good runner. The zombies will definitely catch me, Lol.

[mnicole22]

I did c25k once and it was great! I actually did a couple 5k races and finished within the time I wanted! That was in the spring...of course I didn't keep up with it which was my mistake.

I'm going to commit to starting over! Tomorrow after work I will do w1d1.

[Rated]

Nicole - That is great that you finished is and it worked! I would love to be able to run a reasonable distance without stopping. Right now it is a little pathetic, I can run maybe 100 m without stopping.

I just finished W1D2 and for some reason I found it way harder than day 1. But I stuck it through. I am really hoping this will jump start my weight loss again and allow me to have some healthy habits started before Christmas gets too close.

[envelope]

I am up for restarting! I really do not know why I let life get in the way and stop. I feel so good when I am jogging.

[fadedbluejeans]

Finished w1d3 yesterday. I made my best mile time so far (still way slow, Lol), it didn't feel as easy as the first 2 days and my butt is a little sore this morning, so I think I have found the right walking/running pace. Looking forward to seeing how I do with the 90 second runs in w2.

[fadedbluejeans]

I felt good today so I did w2d1. I took a slower pace but completed all of the running segments with little trouble. I'm kinda surprised :-).