I only buy online when I'm buying something I've worn before and liked. I wouldn't buy new shoes without trying them out first (unless they were ridiculously cheap and it didn't matter if they got relegated to being non-running trainers).

I can't really imagine buying new running shoes online either -- I'd be too afraid they'd feel wrong. I bought some new ones the other day, but they were exactly the same as the ones I've been wearing. Haven't broken them in yet, exactly, so my run yesterday felt a bit weird. Today I wore my old ones and ran 2 easy miles. I don't plan on doing any more runs over 4 miles until my 10k a week from Saturday.

By the way, thanks for the advice about eating, ennay and Helen. I'll work all that stuff out, I suppose. I love the fact that I'm so into running now, though, because it feels like that will make it so much easier to maintain my weight loss once I finally do hit my goal. I'm 30 pounds away!

OMG, yay!

I know that you guys are probably sick of hearing me freak out about such relatively short runs, but I did it! I did W5w2! that is running 8 minutes at a time! I think that I may just maybe be ready to run my 2 miles without stopping on Thursday! I hope so anyway!

This is exciting. I cant believe that I am halfway through a program that gets you to run a 5K. I never ever ever thought that was possible, much less my favorite part of the day!

Yay, futurepixie!

I'm so happy for you!! I never thought I'd be doing it -- and LOVING it -- either!!

awesome!

Thanks all for the feedback on shoes. I think the nearest running shoe store is about a 2 hour drive. I suppose I will just need to make the trip.

I never ever get sick of hearing about new addicts to the running world!!!!

Speaking of relatively new addicts, as I mentioned I did my usual 5k on the treadmill yesterday but I'm itching to get outside. Yesterday the forecast looked great for the weekend, now...not really! I'm not confident enough yet to run in any weather so I'm a bit bummed. Oh well, one of these days, it's bound to be a bit better. Spring is here officially today...yay!!

I love hearing about new runners! Feels like the club is growing. It sounds like you all are doing so well. I am impressed. It seemed to take forever for me to work up to 5K, and I've had to start over from zero a couple of times.

Anne

I love hearing about new runners too, because I am one! I love sharing the joy of running with other people (even though it's not always exactly joyful). My husband was saying just the other day that he never imagined I would do this. I said, "What? Run more than two feet?" And he said, "No, I never imagined you would love it. It's a lifestyle, and you're into it now like I am." Yay! I hope I keep this enthusiasm. Honestly, the time I spend running is like meditation for me -- it's a stress relief thing now more than anything else.

I have this crazy notion that I should sign up for the Virginia Beach Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon, which is the first Sunday in September. I planned to try for it in 2008, but now I feel like I may be able to do it this year. My husband did it for the first time last year and plans to do it again. The last mile or two are on the boardwalk right next to the ocean, which should be nice (though maybe a bit hot with the sun reflecting off the water). Am I crazy for thinking I can train for it and run it with some walk breaks? I guess I just want to have a specific goal to train for besides the few 5Ks that I'm signing up for. Something bigger that will make me keep up a schedule of weekly long runs.

Lisa - you are up to 6 miles now? you could do a half by september.

5.2 miles this am

Ok ok I've just been lurking for some reason, but seeing all these "I love new runners!" just made me feel all warm and fuzzy .

Today is my off day, because the weather is icky out. Tomorrow I do a last day of W2, then on to W3! Woooo. Wait, I'm excited? I WANT to be able to run farther? Someone tell me who has transplanted my brain, please!

Lisa - I'm in Virginia Beach, but I know that there is no way I would be able to run a half this year. Next year maybe, but not now.... but at least I'm really good at cheering people on!

hiker - I went to a running store to get my shoes, and felt quite silly when they kept making me jog back and forth - first to see how I ran, then to try each pair of shoes they brought out for me. But it was worth it. I love my shoes!

pixie - yay! Glad that you're liking it so much.. I can't wait to get where you are now!

OK, that's about all the catching-up I have time for right now.. I want to try to get some cardio in before work!

ennay - I have run 6 miles once and 6.5 miles once. I've run 5 miles a few times. I know I can run 6 at a slow pace, so I feel like I could build up by September, especially as I'm hoping to be at or very close to goal weight by then.

fae - You never know -- you might be ready for the half in September too! I never imagined I'd be ready for a 10k this quickly, but your body can surprise you.

I am going to join a casual running group tonight I'm quite freaked out, but I'm dragging DH.

Lisa, I've committed to a half in late June. I know that I'll have to walk most of it (in fact that's what I've signed up to do) but I plan to keep on with C25K and run as much as possible. Fae, you could certainly be ready by Sept! I know (from having done it before) that there comes a point at which your running improves exponentially instead of linearly (if that makes sense?) I just need to get to that point. Of course, my 62 year old body is taking much longer than my 54 year old one did to get there.

I would love to find an event to train for and a friend to train with!

What are some good ways to find runners in my area?