I'm up to W2D3 of C210K (2 min jog, 2 min walk x 7) and I'm anxious to go for a run. Like, I can't wait til tomorrow so I may even go today. I think I'm starting to actually enjoy this thing. **** has indeed frozen over.

And even though I'd only done 4 other runs, yesterday's W2D2 was absolutely amazing! It was only a 1' J 2' W but I did so much better than the first time I tried that workout a week before. Then, I was huffing and puffing past the first two intervals, but yesterday I felt so fast! My pace even improved by 2 minutes a mile for the runs. I think this program really works.

The 10-mile race is January 29th, which is 85 days away (yes, I'm counting). It's a mud run/obstacle course so maybe the obstacles will give me time to recuperate to keep running. And yeah, my roommate and I have been training together and are going to do the race together, so it's super nice to have her around, mostly for the days I REALLY don't want to go and she's there to nag/guilt trip me out the door. That, and she's faster than me, so she pushes me to run faster.

Jojo381972 - Welcome! Let us know how the program is working out for you. And any tips from a veteran?

Marniadec - How did your run go yesterday? And how's the knee feeling?

mette - Is Mette your first name? I was in Norway for work two summers ago and met a few girls named Mette. I can't remember if they were Norwegian, since it was such an international group, but I figure since I was in Norway at the time, that was a safe bet. Anywhos, good to hear you're running pain-free. And in the cold.

jesslaso - When I used to run long distances (oh, the bygone days), whenever I'd get super bored or super tired and just couldn't make it through a whole workout, I would walk until the next lamp-post, or the next block, or something like that. And I would finish with a stronger/faster time. Weird. But, I've heard that from a couple people as well, so it's not just me. Some days and sometimes, you just can't go straight through and need that walking time to reboot. So don't stress too much about it, sometimes it's just necessary. And props to you for even being able to run that long. That's an accomplishment!

Slim CB - What are your cardio gym classes like? It may not be strictly running, but since you're doing cardio, you're probably getting the same benefits of running without the constant pounding on your joints. Alternatively, you can incorporate weight training into a running program, especially with all the rest intervals that are a part of the first few weeks of C25K. Maybe do a rep or two or arm curls in between running intervals or something. But that may not give you enough rest. I don't know, it's a suggestion. Or lastly, take a day off the gym and do three gym days and two running days (even though C25K calls for three running days a week, that can totally be amended).

tinycities - I totally understand your feeling of euphoria during that last minute near-sprint. Although I'm not even close to running for 25 minutes, I try to push myself as hard as I can during my measly one minute intervals which are followed by 2 minutes of walking, but details, and when I get enough speed and will-power to go all out, the feeling is absolutely amazing. So, props to you for being able to do that after 25 minutes of straight running.

pinksparkle - 45 minutes?! Wowsers! Looks like the videos did the trick. Wow.

Hey all!

I did W9D1 yesterday, and will be doing W9D2 tomorrow morning. W9D1 was an absolute nightmare! For some reason, about 15 minutes into my 30-minute run, I got the most appallingly painful stitch in my side. At times it was so uncomfortable I felt like I was going to be sick, but I was absolutely determined that I would not stop. So even though I was jogging at a ridiculously slow pace, I didn't stop and begin to walk until I had completed the full half-hour.

Afterwards I felt so satisfied with what I had done, that I'd basically continued running for 15 minutes depsite feeling intensely uncomfortbale and not enjoying it at all. It's not something I'd normally do (push myself like that), but I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, and that I could overcome the mental urges to stop and give up for the day. If I had been worried it was something more serious, I would have stopped for sure, but I knew it was just a bad stitch and I would have felt so annoyed with myself to stop when there was nothing really "wrong".

I'm not really sure why it happened - some days I get a very mild stitch in my side which goes away after a minute or two, but yesterday it was incredibly uncomfortable. Just one of those things, I reckon! Fingers crossed it doesn't happen again tomorrow, although I've had a quick Google search and picked up some tips to prevent it happening again, and deal with it better if it does! Can't believe there are only two runs left until I finish C25K...!

Slim CB - Hmm, that's a tricky one. I'm not totally sure what to suggest as I think a large part of it is down to your own priorities (i.e., which things you would rather do now, and which things you'd rather do later). As has already been said, it's perfectly okay to do C25K at a different schedule other than just the three runs a week, every week. I wouldn't change it up too dramatically (i.e., just one run a week), but perhaps you could try to just fit in two runs per week rather than the three, and that way you can do the programme whilst also keeping up with your other fitness activities.

pink sparkle - Wow, that is absolutely brilliant, 45 minutes?! Amazing! I understand what you're saying about boredom, when I'm in certain moods, I can find it quite repetitive. I'm pleased you've found something that makes it more interesting I want to try and make my own running podcasts for when I finish C25K, as I think I'll enjoy it more with my own music!

augeremt - Haha, I totally know what you mean, the feeling of surprise at actually enjoying a programme like this! I feel the same much of the time! As I run really early in the mornings, it makes me feel energised the whole day, and often on my late evening walk with my boyfriend, I feel so energised that I want to actually break into a run again. Madness! Also, it really is brilliant the way you are able to really notice differences in your performance and fitness level in this programme. I've found exactly that. I'm doing the programme according to time, rather than distance, and it's really satisfying to see on weeks where it's the same length of running, how as I improve, I run a further distance (obviously my speed is going up without me really noticing it!). Your race sounds really fun! I think it actually seems more fun than a traditional running race! It's great to have something to aim for

Thanks tinycities and augeremt. I think I have it figured out though. I love going to the gym but I also want to be a runner....so I am going to run in the mornings (at least twice a week) and go to the gym in the evenings!

I did W2D3 on Wednesday morning and was amazed at how much better it was. The road was quiet, the air was cool and I did not have to be using my semi-conscious to be aware of my surroundings (the roads are a bit narrow and I worry sometimes that I will be knocked down by a car). So I am going to try doing the morning runs and hopefully it will all come together.

tinycities - Great job! Seems you are officially a runner

augeremt - Good going on the 10K. Maybe one day I will get to that point but for right now I am going to focus on the 5K.

marniadec and pinksparkel - the end is so close! You are almost there! Keep going!

jesslaso - you just have to persevere and push through. Just try it again and before you know it, you will be at Week 9!

jojo - Welcome!

Hey everyone! The thread is seeming a little quieter than usual - how are you all doing? I really hope everyone is coming along okay, whether you've just started or whether you're quite a way through! Keep it up guys!

I did W9D2 this morning, which means... one run left until I complete C25K! Ahh! I think I will be doing that on Monday. As I mentioned in my last post, I had a really uncomfortable stitch when I did W9D1, and I slightly had that again today, but I have a feeling that was because I was really focusing on it, thinking "oh gosh, hope I don't get a bad stitch again"... it came for about 5 minutes of my run, but not too painfully, and then when I focused on other things in my environment it went away again. So when I got to the 29th minute of my run, I felt comfortable and energised enough to really run fast for the last minute... yay!

Slim CB - great idea! I'm a morning running evangelist - I absolutely love it, and for me, it's definitely the easiest and most enjoyable time of day to run. When I run in the mornings, by the evenings, I definitely feel like I have enough energy left so that (if I wanted to) I could easily exercise again. On mornings when I run, I also find that I feel significantly more energised and lively for the rest of the day, so it's a good way of perking yourself up! Where do you live? I'm not sure what the climate is like where you are, but for me, early morning is definitely the nicest, most refreshing time to run. Today I went out at about 7.30am and it was great - almost no-one around, and the sun was very low in the sky so it wasn't too warm or bright. Perfect running conditions! Glad you have got a schedule sorted for all of the exercises you want to do!

Hey all,

I did the morning run again....and I am hooked. No more evening runs for me. Its soooooo much better. I did W3D1 today and I had to be pushing through the second 3min run set...but I completed it. Going to take a break until Monday...prob do some weights tomorrow morning and take Sunday as a rest day.

tiny - I am so jealous of u! One more run....thats awesome! I actually live in the Caribbean and at this time of the year we have a lot of cool weather coming in. This morning was a bit windy but it was perfect for me. I felt great after my run and yeah, you are right, I am feeling energized!

I've been very sick for the past few days, so I haven't ran at all. I was supposed to be graduating today... Instead, I tried W8D2 and I felt like I was going to pass out from lack of oxygen. My lungs are too pooped, I guess. Oh, well. I'll get back to it pretty soon. My knees have also been way too bad. Like, if I bend them for a couple of minutes, I walk with a limp afterwards. I'm hoping it's just that the fever is making my joints hurt. I really hate my knees. The doctor said that I'll be fine as long as I don't climb any stairs, walk uphill, keep them bent for more than a few minutes, keep them straight for more than a few minutes, carry heavy things, wear hills and so many more things that I don't even remember. He also prescribed painkillers and -of course- weight loss. That is just ridiculous.

Pink Sparkle, you graduated! Congrats! What are you going to do now? And 45 minutes, wow!

Tinycities, you are *so* close! I'm sorry to hear about the stitch. I hope you can finish C25K without getting one that day! Also, I'm jealous!

I did W9D3 this morning, which means... I have completed C25K!

This morning's run was totally trouble free, with regards to how I felt both physically and mentally, but it was the first time I was almost totally unable to even get to the sea wall where I normally run. There had been some really severe storms and the area was flooded with enormous waves crashing everywhere. So I had to wing it, and just ran around my town and through some parkland, which was great fun! I definitely could have run for longer than the thirty minutes. As usual, I did the last minute running almost as fast as I could, which was great, and the main reason I didn't continue on is that my little improvised "circuit" had taken me practically back to my front door!

It feels absolutely terrific to finally be a C25K "graduate". This is the first time in my life that I've really stuck to any sort of exercise programme and seen it through, right to the end. Whatever I go onto do now, whether I keep up with the running in the long term or not, I have the personal satisfaction of knowing I saw this through and stuck with it, which gives me much more confidence. If anyone is reading this who is working through this programme, and feeling like their willpower and motivation to stick with it is fading, the reward of sticking with it and just getting through to the end is totally worth it. It's just 27 runs, but if you're someone like me, who is overweight, and didn't ever class yourself as "sporty" or "fit" or "athletic", trust me... the sense of personal achievement you will feel by completing this programme is really wonderful. And it's entirely worth powering through those "ugh" moments, when you it feels like a huge effort to get your running shoes on and get out of the door.

Towards the end, I admit, my motivation wasn't as great as it was during much of the programme. I think this is because I had to keep changing up my schedule and altering my running days, and also because it's getting cold and wintery here, it's harder to get out of bed early to do the run! For me, a really big part of what kept me motivated and on track was coming to post on this thread, and feeling encouraged by what you guys were all saying. I don't have a running buddy, and there isn't really anyone in my life who I'd want to bore with by talking about this sort of stuff, so being able to come on here and celebrate the good runs and share frustrations about the less good runs... it's made a real difference. Again, I'd encourage anyone who's motivation is fading to get posting on this thread, or talking to people in your life about what you're doing, because just being able to share your feelings, and give and receive support, can be really encouraging.

So what now? I would really like to keep up with the running, because I know if I don't, I'll just not really be doing any sort of physical exercise and it seems a shame to have built my fitness up to this point, only to then allow myself to get unfit again. I'm sure I will struggle with motiviation again, particularly as the days get darker and colder, but I want to tell myself that it's better to do "something" than "nothing"... and if that means some weeks I only run once or twice, rather than three times, then that's much, much better than where I was before, with my sedentary lifestyle. So first up, I think I am going to try doing what I mentioned a few posts ago, which is basically repeating C25K, only doing my slow jogging pace during the "walk" sections, and my faster running pace during the "run" sections. I've not attempted this at all, so it may not go to plan, but I think I shall try that out! I think I'll also be doing a few longer runs here and there to keep the endurance up. In order to keep a structure going, I think I'll put together some sort of training document/plan for me to follow, to help keep me on track!

Finally, I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been posting on this thread, for your kindness, support and encouragement throughout - I really think it's made such a big difference and I'm not sure I would have got to this point if it hadn't been for you guys.

Slim CB - wow, the Caribbean? Amazing! I would love to go there one day, it looks absolutely beautiful and the climate seems really wonderful. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the morning runs!

Marniadec - Ahhh, I am so sorry to hear that the knee problems are still persisting... that must be incredibly frustrating. And I'm very sorry to hear you are unwell! It must be so irritating, being so very close to the end of the programme, with all of these barriers and problems cropping up making it so difficult for you. It must be so annoying to be told all of that advice, in a way - makes you think, what can I do then?! I really hope that a good, decent rest period will get you back to being in good health and help resolve the problems with your knees. Thinking of you, and I will be checking back in this thread lots to see how you are getting along!

Congrats tinycities....that's awesome! Thanks for the encouraging words.....it really helped to boost my spirits this morning.

tinycities - Congrats!!! Sounds like your graduation run was enjoyable and FUN! Your post is very inspirational and I am so glad you shared your feelings with us. Good luck with whatever you end up doing and keep us in the loop.

Your words are giving me the kick in the butt needed to get me out the door in the morning tomorrow. It's my first attempt at a morning run, since we have a nasty, slushy and sleety storm coming in the evening. And running in the dark and in sleet is not my happy place. Neither is running in the morning, but I can't keep making excuses and morning is better than darkness and snow.

So 7:03 is the dreaded hour tomorrow. I am not waking up in the 6s to go running. It's against everything I stand for. Not really, but getting up at 7 to be out the door at 7:03 sounds so much better than waking up at 6:57, doesn't it?

Slim CB - Thanks! I found that the C210K plan seemed less scary than the C25K since it starts out pretty slow and stays that way for a while. I won't be running for 5 minutes straight until week 6, while it's week 4 for C25K. Granted, I'm probably running a bit more in the meantime and after week 6 it really picks up, but until then, it seems less scary.

And your change of schedule sounds like it's going to give you a good balance of everything you want to do.

Did W3D2 today and it was good! Can't complain at all. Seems I am getting the hang of this running thing after all!

So I completed C25K last week but, for some reason, didn't feel too excited about it. I'm proud of myself but at the same time I didn't get that feeling of exhilaration that I expected. Anyhow, I'm going to continue to run. Today I did a 50 minute run.

tinycities, congrats on also completing the program! Your last run sounded great! Hope you continue to post here to motivate others C25Kers. I know I will try.

augeremt, how was your morning run?

Marniadec, sorry to hear you've been sick and are still having problems with your knees. That's quite a list of "do not do this" that your doctor gave you. Hope you feel better soon.

Slim CB, wtg with W3D2! Isn't it amazing how fast your running improves in such a short amount of time? Your new schedule sounds good to me too. Those extra workouts (on the days you run in the morning and go to the gym in the evening) are sure to give you a good fitness boost!

tinycities, thank you so much, that means a lot to me. It is very frustrating. It's been that way for years and I'm used to it, although it was never that bad, I was just *****ing because I'm so anxious to complete C25K and the knees are stalling me.

I joined a gym again so I can use the elliptical and they can show me how to strengthen the muscles on my thigs, which will help the knees. I'm also rapidly losing weight. They should get better soon. I decided to give W8D2 a try on the treadmil yesterday and I did it! The stupid instructor had me use the stationery bike in the end, though. I told him several times that I shouldn't, but he wouldn't listen, so I just said the **** with it and did it. Yeah, it's gonna be a couple of days before I move on to W8D3.

I had to stop the program for two weeks bc of shin splints and taking anti-inflammatories. So here I am..back on track. 2 weeks ago I finished week 1 and thought I would start back from the beginning bc I'm overweight and put of shape. I redid W1D1 on tue and I will be doing W1D2 today. The post that was written up above about completing the program was awesome. I can't wait to finish & tell everyone about it. What an accomplishment