glitterlicious - If you did 20 min, surely you can do 25! Best not to think about it too much, just run.

Got up and ran in the rainy gloom this morning. It was nice to be out when it was cool for a change, but still so muggy! Felt really good, think I'm getting back in my stride. After two restaurnat meals yesterday I'm sure glad I got up and ran even though I was really tired and didn't want to get out of bed. Still kind of groggy, but I've got a fun evening planned so I need to reserve my energy.

Happy running this weekend everyone. I'm gonna try to get out for a long-ish one on Sunday.

Gah. Today I had one of those "just can't run" days. I got up early hoping to do a long run before work, got to 3 miles and just couldn't carry on. I did a walk/run approach for another 4.5 (mainly walking at first, but towards the end my running legs came back a bit), but it was still pretty disappointing. I'm going to take tomorrow off rather than trying again too soon, then I'll see how I feel on Sunday before deciding how far I want to run then.

2.36 miles today and week 4 completed. I took yesterday off because it was my son's birthday and it was mayhem all day long and boy did my body let me know this morning that it didn't appreciate that! I won't be skipping out anymore especially with the longer segments of running ahead of me. I am now officially an every day exerciser, and I will just make sure to walk on the non-running days or find a pool to swim at.

I haven't lost an ounce yet, but of course in the last month I haven't been eating well either. I am, however, noticing a shift in my shape, especially my legs. I have been keeping measurements and the numbers are going down slowly. I feel stronger aside from the soreness I have. I am going to try to get back on my eating plan after payday when I can stock up better, and just make better food choices until payday with what I have. I am sick of running with all this extra weight on me. It would be so much easier if I was lighter, so I am going to focus on that aspect as well. I don't want to freak out over it, because I am enjoying the running. What is a good amount of calroies to eat when exercising every day? Currently I am burning around 350 on my run days and 200-250 on my walking days. I just don't want to fatigue myself.

literally ran errands today. Was supposed to run 7 this morning but kids didnt cooperate. mom is here so at nap time in 85 degree full sunshine I was waffling on whether or not to go and I remembered I HAD to get to the pharmacy today and one other errand so I used the camelbak bag as a backpack (didnt bring the water) and off I went. Ended up doing 4.5, would have gone farther (maybe) but the pharmacy took FOREVER. Did end up swinging by a little shop about a mile from home, buying a cold drink and walking the rest of the way.

Well done everyone! And Lisa, you rock - 13 miles!!!! I am so proud of you, and can't wait to hear your half marathon race report. Ennay, you are quite the multi-tasker - guess being a mom makes that mandatory behavior!

A quick 6.2 for me today, hoping to do 16 tomorrow, but I'm a little concerned about the humidity factor, so I'll just see how things go.

Seems like everyone is doing well even though the heat is really getting up there (at least here in TN it is!).

I graduated from C25K today! I did run a complete 5K rather than running for time. I was pretty slow...it ended up taking me about 43 minutes. However, I did it! Came home and signed up for my first race. It's a women only 5K on September 8. That gives me 6 weeks to train for running in a competition. I'm not kidding myself about placing, or anything, I just really want to finish strong! I'm very excited and proud of myself.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Happy Graduation Tricia!

I "ran" a very sad two miles today. Mostly I'm just proud I got out there, because I've been dealing with post-surgical pain for the last week. Anyway, I was pushing the stroller, and it was so massively hot and humid I drank almost an entire half liter bottle while I was out there. DD was mad at me, because I didn't let her run too, well until we were just almost home.

Anne

Morning all! I've been so busy with camp that I've hardly had time to think, let alone post, but now I have a week off... before the next one starts!

YAY, Tricia!!! You go, girl! Congrats - it's a programme that is changing my life, almost every day! I'm thinking of signing up for a local 5K in October, but a women's only would have had me signed up already!! Good for you!!

Glitter - how'd it go? Did you do 25, or break it up? Makes no difference, so long as you're moving!

Anne - I'm so proud of you, not letting the surgery stop you - I don't know if that wouldn't just be an excuse for me to stop altogether - you are so inspiring! Feel better soon - !

Ennay, Rachel, Lisa - I can't even imagine running the distances you guys do,... but then again - six weeks ago, I couldn't imagine running three miles... so - wow!

Today is Day 2 of week 8, so another 2.75 miles for me coming up... I don't even feel scared about it now - I just seem to CRAVE it - how bizarre. I have NEVER been athletic - EVER! even doing track and field in school, I hated it - and now it seems the more I challenge my body, the more it responds... isn't it amazing, that we can do so much damage gaining weight, and sitting around being lazy, but our bodies can miraculously rise to the challenge and lose it and get fit? Okay, I know I am waxing philosophical, but it is amazing to me - for SO many years I thought "Well, I'm fat, this is the way it is"... I'm STILL fat, but I'm getting slimmer, and a WHOLE lot fitter - seriously, you guys should have seen me hefting sets at the theatre yesterday with the big boys!! You would have been proud, too!

Anyway - enough rambling - I'd rather be running! Shall I get that as a bumper sticker??

Have a great day -
Heather

Ouchie, my running seems to be heading for freefall at the moment. Friday's run was horrible so I took Saturday off and intended to do a bit of walking, then run again today. I'm not sure what I did wrong with the walk (OK, it was a long walk - about 14 miles - in the hills, but not that bad), but mid way my achilles started giving me pain, and today my hamstrings (both of them) have just gone and I can barely stand up let alone think about running.

I hope I get my running mojo back soon!

Helen I hope you feel better soon.

i had a pretty hard day too. Meant to run 8 wound up running 4 walking 2 but it is so hot so I do what I can.

Congrats to all you brand new runners. It is so exciting to go from not running to running. Yay for that.

Tricia - woo hoo- Congrats on graduating from C25k!

Helen, rest up, and I hope you get back on track soon.

Me, I did my 16 miler today, and felt pretty good throughout. Tried Gu for the first time today (I had been using Clif Shot Bloks for my longer runs), and I gotta say, I did not care for it at all - way too sweet and, well, gooey! Think I'll go back to the Shot Bloks.

Tricia---I am flooded with envy! I am still stuck at that 20 minute thing.

Helen--So sorry that things have hit a snag. On the other hand, I had idealized you to the point that I thought 'sloggy' days were only me and never happened to you. Hope you are feeling tip top again soon.

I know I should just do the 20 consecutive minutes and shut up about it already. But it is a head thing, and I just cannot get past it.

Do I move onto the next week of Cool Runnings and skip the long run?

Do I call in my neighbor whom I don't know well but is a running goddess marathoner? I am sure if I act pathetic enough she would run 20 minutes with me to help me see that I could do it. Seasoned runners...how would you react to someone asking you to spot them through a tough time?

Do I adjust my expectation and decide that for every 12 minutes, I need to walk a few, then run, then walk?

I feel like such a freakin' weeny!

I think asking the neighbor is a great idea. She'd probably take it for the compliment that it is. I've found that seasoned runners are the MOST helpful and encouraging of people. It seems like they're very excited when someone wants to love what they love.

Depends how many is "a few." If you can't run 20 without stopping, just continue to increase the minutes that you CAN run without stopping. There's no magic in reaching 20 minutes by a certain week, and C25K progesses a lot faster than many other programs.