I think C25k assumes some things about a beginner that might not apply to everyone.
Like a ten-minute mile? Agreed, that's a ridiculous assumption for most beginning runners especially new runners who are female and/or overweight and/or not already really active.
I don't really care if I'm not making 3 miles yet on the last run, I'll be pumped that I'm running for 30 min! And if I can run for 30 min, I don't think it will be too long before I can run the extra time to get to 3.1 miles
I did my own version c25k...it's called listening to my body! I started out running as far as I could go before I dropped (170 hr), then I'd walk until my heart rate went down to normal aerobic range (135-140) then I'd start back running and repeat. I'd keep trying to add 30 secs to my run part.
Once I was able to run 1 mile straight, my mileage increases went alot faster.
I agree that unless you are training for the olympics...time really doesn't matter. You are your only competition. Just try to keep pushing yourself so that your stamina will increase.
Thanks everyone, I feel much better reading what everyone posted here. It seems that I am not doing anything wrong, just that I'm not going to be able to move on at the pace that some websites recommend.
I have seen a lot of people on here doing the C25K, but I had found this: http: // running.about.com /od / getstartedwithrunning/ ht/ getstarted and it seemed less complicated. But the step after the 5 minute walk/2 minute run is 3 minute walk/4 min run. That is a big jump IMO.
While I feel like I'm dying while doing it, afterwards I feel good. Not "wonderful" twinmommaplusone , but good mentally for accomplishing it and physically good. My thighs ache, but it's a good ache if you know what I mean. Luckily, despite my weight I have no problems at all with my knees. It's my thighs and my heart that hate me while running.
So it seems like everyone here is saying to increase the time spent running, first, and worry about the speed later? I'm 5'1" so I don't have a long stride - does 3MPH and 4.5 MPH seem reasonable? I think my next step is going to be to try walking 4 mins 30 second and running 2 mins 30 seconds. So I am slightly decreasing my time spent walking and slightly increasing the running time, and see if I can do that at least 2 of the 4 intervals.
I have another perspective. If you don't enjoy running, why do it?
You can walk on your treadmill, or continue your Zumba dvds.
Exercise has to be something you enjoy, or you won't do it.
I don't enjoy running, so I don't do it. Simple.
The important part is that you do something that gets your heart rate up and you break a sweat.
Good luck
Agreed.
Runnig is hard, its never really comfortable till you are stronger, then it's so good. It took me MONTHS to enjoy it. I promised myself to try it and see if after I could easily run a simple 3 miles, I didnt like it then I would find a different activity. Thankfully I did that and fell in love with Running.
I always tell newbie runners to stick with a goal and reach it before the quit the sport.
I didn't start running until I was at/near goal. And then, it was only because my body was screaming "RUN!!!" I don't know what it was, but my body just really wanted to go for it and all I had to do was turn it loose. I lost all of my weight walking, lifting weights, working my core, hiking, zumba, etc. I never thought I would run. But, for example yesterday, I had a busy day. Around 3:30, my body was screaming "RUN!" and I just popped in my ipod, opened the door, and took off until it shut up! It's a great feeling if your body is ready for it, not so much if it isn't. So, if you WANT to run, do it. If not, you don't have to! It's not a magic bullet and you may end up injuring yourself if you overdo it.
I think I was one of the WORST beginner runners of all time!!!
You are doing awesome!!! And it WILL get better, but it definitely takes time, although I think most people are much quicker than me.
I also did C25k and it was really and truly unbearable. I counted down the seconds and I sometimes felt like I was going to pass out and/or puke. It was sheer WILL that made me keep going. I had to repeat almost every week, and some weeks I had to repeat two or three times. I was totally pathetic.
But I can also tell you that I am so incredibly proud of myself every single time I run, even now, a year after I started, and I still sometimes look at myself in the gym room mirror and think, "Wow, that's me! Running!"
Stick with it and before you know it you'll be able to run and run and run and you will be so proud of yourself!
Running is like a sport in itself in my opinion, and not everyone is good at it. With time your stamina will definitely improve, but that doesn't mean that you'll ever actually enjoy running. I used to be in the Army and had to run every other day and it was horrible, I felt like I just wanted to die every time I had to go for a run. The first time I tried running I ran for like 30 seconds and I thought I was going to pass out, and I wasn't even overweight then. Now I can run pretty long distances, but I'm still not very fast. My whole time in the Army, even at the best shape of my life, my fastest time on a physical fitness test was 17 min 50 sec on the two mile. Running on a treadmill is torture for me, with that timer in my face, it doesn't let you daze out. The trick is finding a rhythm when you're running and letting your mind roam, if you're always looking at that timer you're going to discourage yourself. Goodluck!
Remember this thread? Hope no one minds my little self-indulgence by bringing it back up! While I am still running slow - 4 MPH - today I was able to do walk 3 minutes and run 4 for 4 intervals! I am really excited since less then a month ago running 2 was kicking my butt. Today I noticed my body really wanted to go faster, too. But I kept it slow taking everyone's advice of time running being more important then speed.
Cardio wise, I feel good - I'm breathing quickly, but not gasping at all - I think I actually breath harder at the end when I'm walking 3 MPH with a 10 incline.
But, my thighs are what really aches and says "quit now" to me. We are almost done building our workout room, and then we can assemble the Bowflex home gym that I bought. If I start building muscle in my thighs, do you think that will make them stronger for running?
Congats CherryPie on your progress!! I also started running during my weight loss journey and you are doing FANTASTIC! Before I started running a year ago, I couldn't run for more than one minute, and with enough training, I'll have you know I did my first half marathon in November, am currently training to improve my time for my second, and Sunday did a 10 mile run at a 9 minute mile pace..... I don't tell you this to brag or show off, but to show you you can do it - I think before i started training to run, even in high school when i was fairly active, my mile time for PE class around 15 minutes and I remember thinking I wanted to pass out. It's been a long time since something has made me feel as proud and accomplished than running. I always wanted to be a runner, my entire life (I'm 25) and now I am - and SO ARE YOU! You're a runner!
And as far as building muscle goes - I think it will help, but be careful not to go overboard. The training plan for my next race has me doing some weights twice a week, but stress not to overdo it on the legs. Running already does so much for your legs already, but I always try to incorporate weights for my arms and abs and glutes into my regular routine.
Two more tips - when weather allows, try running outside - I promise you'll love it! I started off as a treadmill girl myself after hearing it was easier than running outside, and now I have to tell you it's the opposite - I now call it the dreadmill b/c all I do is stare at the timer on the machine and I feel like going 6.0 mph is sprinting, but when I'm outside and distracted, 6.0 mph seems slow and the time flies by.
final tip - do you ever go to runnersworld.com? It's the website for RunnersWorld Magazine, and it's awesome. So many helpful tips, articles, etc. I HIGHLY recommend it - it's great for motivation too!
I suspect that what's happening, though, is you're going too fast for your current level of cardiovascular fitness. Slow down your run intervals and see what happens.
That's what I was going to say! The slower you go, the longer you'll last.
Congats CherryPie on your progress!! I also started running during my weight loss journey and you are doing FANTASTIC! Before I started running a year ago, I couldn't run for more than one minute, and with enough training, I'll have you know I did my first half marathon in November, am currently training to improve my time for my second, and Sunday did a 10 mile run at a 9 minute mile pace..... I don't tell you this to brag or show off, but to show you you can do it - I think before i started training to run, even in high school when i was fairly active, my mile time for PE class around 15 minutes and I remember thinking I wanted to pass out. It's been a long time since something has made me feel as proud and accomplished than running. I always wanted to be a runner, my entire life (I'm 25) and now I am - and SO ARE YOU! You're a runner!
And as far as building muscle goes - I think it will help, but be careful not to go overboard. The training plan for my next race has me doing some weights twice a week, but stress not to overdo it on the legs. Running already does so much for your legs already, but I always try to incorporate weights for my arms and abs and glutes into my regular routine.
Two more tips - when weather allows, try running outside - I promise you'll love it! I started off as a treadmill girl myself after hearing it was easier than running outside, and now I have to tell you it's the opposite - I now call it the dreadmill b/c all I do is stare at the timer on the machine and I feel like going 6.0 mph is sprinting, but when I'm outside and distracted, 6.0 mph seems slow and the time flies by.
final tip - do you ever go to runnersworld.com? It's the website for RunnersWorld Magazine, and it's awesome. So many helpful tips, articles, etc. I HIGHLY recommend it - it's great for motivation too!
You are inspiring, alexandra! I cannot even imagine running a 5K let alone a 1/2 marathon! But, I'm at least thinking that maybe, someday, I can run a mile without stopping. 6 months ago I wouldn't be able to even fathom that!
For some reason I'm really scared to try running outside. It's not an issue right now as there's a ton of snow on the ground and it's COLD. But it gives me anxiety to even think about running outside when it gets warmer. I think part of it is fear of people seeing me running. Maybe when spring gets here I won't be so phobic...
I have never been to runnersworld - never even occurred to me, because I suppose I don't consider lumbering along for 4 minutes at a time running. But I'll check it out today.
No problem cherrypie! If you have any questions, feel free to message me.
And one thing I want to leave you with - sometimes I still struggle as seeing myself as a runner, as if i'm faking it, and sometimes I'm scared that I'll head out for a run and just not be able to do it, but I always do. I read this book from one of the editors of Runners World magazine, and he said this about so called "runners" - "If you run, even a little bit, even at all, even if it takes you 12 minutes to jog a mile, you are a runner." Don't forget it!
And I can understand where you're coming from about the phobia of running outside - don't do anything you're not comfortable with, and I feel you on the cold and snow - ugh! at the same time, when it comes to people judging you, I say screw em! I think you'll find runners are a bit of a community, and a very supportive one at that, so don't worry about them, and as far as other passersby who are driving or walking by - they're either not paying attention or are thinking they should be doing the same - i know before i started running i always thought that! Even today, when i see someone who is technically considered overweight or even obese, I always think to myself "Good for them!!"
I started out running as far as I could go before I dropped (170 hr), then I'd walk until my heart rate went down to normal aerobic range (135-140) then I'd start back running and repeat.
I'd keep trying to add 30 secs to my run part. 
, but good mentally for accomplishing it and physically good. My thighs ache, but it's a good ache if you know what I mean. Luckily, despite my weight I have no problems at all with my knees. It's my thighs and my heart that hate me while running. 
I am really excited since less then a month ago running 2 was kicking my butt. Today I noticed my body really wanted to go faster, too. But I kept it slow taking everyone's advice of time running being more important then speed.
