Haha. Yeah I felt the same way at first. I subscribed to Runner's World and have caught onto a lot of the lingo from that (if you care to know it). I really like Marc Parent, who writes their beginner column. You can read most articles online for free. I just subscribe because I like to have it handy in my purse for downtime (and it was only like $12/year).

Wow..6 5k's will be incredible. Will it be every other month? If so, that's an awesome way to stay fit all year...had never thought of it like that before.

Thank you so much for all the props. I ran again today--2.5 miles and then, rode my mountain bike 5 miles. My neighborhood has hills so I am actually sore tonight going even as far as I did. I am running again in the morning too.

Cold weather is going to be coming in but I absolutely 100% will train right on through this cold spell. It is just cold. I can deal!!!

Hey..have you ever used a product called Mole skin atop blisters. It really helps me. Basically it a 2nd adhesive skin you apply directly to wounded area. You may want to try it.

Thanks for the props on the plan. I can commit to several hours of training weekly. At the moment, I am doing 1 hour a day total--combined running, cycling and floor exercises...could easily step that up to 2 a days if need be....which is probably LIKELY at this point.

Ran my first full mile straight today, and I didn't even colapse at the end! :lol: I was really nervous that I wouldn't make it because I had a bad run yesterday that gave me some serious doubts. But it went really well and I felt good at the end!

ETA- I would just like to note that 9 days ago I had serious doubts that I'd be able to run a mile before the end of the month.

Thighs - Yes. It is one every other month. I figure that will give me time to get ready between. It also spreads them out throughout the year. I did 1.5 on Thursday, but feeling sick so nothing yesterday. I am determined To get a good workout in today!

A sad attempt at a long run today - 7 miles. I usually shoot for 8-10, but man I just wasn't feelin it today. That put me at 17 miles this week which is a little lower than I like, I prefer 20-25, but I kinda felt like I needed a little break. I guess it's better to have a slacker week then burn out and quit altogether. So I'm trying not to be too hard on myself about it.

I skipped a workout today - my knee was sore and I'm not going to push it when it hurts (heaven help me if I have to have a second surgery because I didn't rehab the first time properly). Tomorrow I plan on doing a walk/jog outside for a half hour, as the weather is supposed to be near-perfect for running (mid 50's, no wind) - and I need to get outside one more time before my job gets really crazy and I'll be lucky to get out once a week (my workouts will all be in the gym or pool).

Edited to add - I renewed my Runner's World subscription and the February issue has an interesting article on the contestants on "The Biggest Loser" and why they make them run when they're so heavy...

I did my 4km run today but was careful, black ice everywhere. I sure don't want to be hobbling around with a popped knee.

I'd use the treadmill but my 2 dogs need to run too. :)

My son/wife bought me a nike running counter to keep track of my distance and timing. It makes me want to run further.

Ran 2 miles today without stopping..my 9 year old went along with me on the bike..cold weather is coming tonight..VERY cold but I am determined to run again tomorrow...my run felt really good today..I remember now why I fell in love with it

jules..tell us about what the article said

ncuneo..way to go..you obviously know what works for you and THAT is what counts and will work in the long run..there are days I don't feel into the run either...for myself, sometimes I can think to what I ate the day before that made me feel sluggish (red meats and too many processed items in my case)...sometimes I can't trace it to anything...

Thighs - the article is online if you want to read the whole thing - http://www.runnersworld.com/article/...3816-0,00.html.

Basically the contestants run - mostly interval training - as it's considered by the trainers/health advisors to burn the most calories in the shortest amount of time. Plus, the confidence boost the contestants get from becoming runners seems pretty impressive.

Looks like everyone is doing great!!!

Question for all you runners: How much cross training do you do? My gym closed a few months ago, and I just kind of stopped all strength training. I'm trying to get back into that and into doing my yoga DVD, but it's tough! I know cross training is so beneficial, but there just aren't enough hours in the day. What do you guys do to cross train? I strength-trained twice and did yoga once this past week.

Also, weekly mileage PR: 43 miles!

Weekly mileage: 15-17

Cross-train: 2 days/week (weights, wii dance 2 - wut? it's a workout:p, and pull ups..up to 2 sets of 3 two difference ways):D

*EDIT* - Sometimes I slack too - and I have NO Excuse as I have full gym at home:p

hi everyone...can't believe it took me this long to hop on January thread...lol...starting week 7 today...its going to be a challenge, but hopefully I can do it in a week...if not I will until I can do the 3x12 minute runs. By the way, I am 57 and I just started running, for health, my inspiration is a 8something year old man here in New Orleans who runs marathons and he started running in his 60's....yeah!!!!

cincimom- I'm not the best about getting in my cross training but I do usually at least go to spin class once a week.

This week is the dreaded week 5 for me in c25k. I think this week is intimidating to everyone on the program because it seems so fast to go from 5 min intervals to a 20 min run in one week! But I think my mile run last Saturday did a lot to mentally prepare me for this week. I didn't time my mile, but I'm sure it took about 12 min (maybe longer) and I felt like I could have kept going for a little bit. I need to remind myself of that when I have that 20 min running looming over me Friday. Anyhow, it's very exciting for me to reach week 5 because I injured myself on week 4 last year and did not get to complete the program.

cinci- spinning, rowing and swimming are the best crosstraining compliments to running.... you dont want to do the elliptical or stair master because it just causes the same *kind* of stress on the lower body......
ive actually been running on the treadmill lately! Blah.... BUT i just ran my longest ever TREADMILL distance ~ 9 miles posted a decent time too
8 miles at 64 minutes

just cuz i got a new ipod nano with all sorts of new music on it, plus a radio (my old shuffle didnt have that) so i was able to keep myself amused on the treadmill for that long...... did the first half as a tempo run, building up to 10 K pace ~ approx 7:18 and then the second half i did a LA ru, where i worked DOWN from top speed, maininting threashold pace (10K) then stepping down to goal marathon pace (8:20) then repeated..... the time flew

also got in a couple 5 -6 milers on the tread at other times

anyway, theres no way i can run outside here for a while, but they are talking about it being in the 50s by this weekend......so im keeping my fiingers crosse


oh, and nothing like the fear of death in the morning to wake ya up! White-knuckled driving for an hour and a half the entire way in to work..... i never got above 20 mph

If I recall correctly my first mile ran without stopping took me about 15 mins. I ran really really slow...haha I didn't care...I was running and I didn't care how many little old ladies and walkers passed me up!:cool:

A HUGE :congrat: on running your 1st MILE! I remember what a feeling that was (actually...it wasn't that long ago...haha;)) I know you'll make 20 mins. It'll be a challenge, but never stop believing YOU CAN DO THIS...and BRING IT!:hug:

BTW, I started running end of September, and my longest run to date has been 4.7 miles!:carrot: I'm going for 5 today...Woot!

Hey-I'm new to the forum, but jumping right in.

I love running. I've been running for about 2-2.5 years. Started with C25k, did a bunch of 5ks, some 8ks, 15ks, a few half marathons and one marathon. I was helping a bunch of co-workers this year run their 1st 5k and now we are about to run out 6th one together.

I'm also training for a half in April and the husband is joining me! Yay.
I did about 10 miles last week.

For crosstraining--I know I don't do as much as I should. I used to swim. I have a bike for warmer weather. I do a light whole body strength routine T, TH--with lots of stretching afterward. I should do my yoga DVD more often too.

As for which moves, I use barbells and push ups for arms/chest. I have a medicine ball to help with some core and I usually go for plank moves. I usually do some lunges, squats but really try to hit smaller muscle groups running doesn't. Especially my hamstrings,hip flexors.

Long run/jog today, did 10 miles. Tuesdays normally aren’t my long run days, but we’re supposed to get 6-10 inches of snow here. I probably won’t be able to run outside until Friday or Saturday. Thursday I’ll run 3-4 miles on the treadmill...arg, and then 6-8 miles over the weekend.

I’m not sure if this is cross-training but I take Zumba, Yoga, Spinning and Step classes throughout the week, and usually Boot Camp on the weekends. I should take the strength training class my gym offers, but I haven’t yet.

Finally came out the other side of my fatigue! Awesome 4 miles this morning. 35 miles to 1000 :) Small scare this weekend, I thought I may have had my first injury. I had what felt like tendenitis in my foot, but after a few days it has gone away. Not sure what it was, but I'm being careful so as not to reagrevate it and make sure it's not really tendenitis. Hope everyone is doing well!

Blah - insane working hours mean it's challenging to get my butt out of bed at 5:10am to go to the gym. But - I am pleased to say today makes day 3 that I have done it (only got cleared to work out last Thursday so I started fresh this week). Did treadmill (yawn) intervals yesterday - 60/60 jog/walk. I felt like I could do longer on the jog intervals but I didn't want to risk doing too much too soon and ending up hurting. I am sore today but that good post-workout sore. Did my PT exercises today and will run again tomorrow - my poor legs are getting more of a workout than they've ever had before!

Hope everyone is getting in some god runs this week! I know snow is thwarting some of your plans. Luckly we didn't get quite as much snow here. And it's been cold enough that the snow we did get didn't do the whole thaw and re-freeze deal. So the roads are okay and the gym is open. Sidewalks are still a little rough, so I'm indoors this week. Did my two 8 min intervals for C25K W5D2 today. Friday is my 20 min run. I think it will be hard on the treadmill. I tend to think about my running too much on the treadmill, especially how much time i have left. It's so much easier to zone out when I run outdoors.

First run since the foot incident tonight!!!! After a month and a half I was pleased that I didn't lose that much endurance. I really like running in the cold, but I can feel my stomach fat flop around and it's horrible and distracting. I need some more Spanx-like running leggings. Foot is all better. Due to time constraints I only did 35 minutes of steady jog/a bit of hard running. I will go again tomorrow provided the weather cooperates.

Hey fellow runners!!!:D

I'm on some kinda natural high here...ran 5.4 Miles today...which is over my goal of being able to run 5 miles. I'm completely stoked!:carrot:

On to next goal...to sustain 5 miles/day 4 times a week for at least 2-3 weeks....after that, the dreaded...INCLINES!:o

I do NOT like being confined to a treadmill, though it does make doing intervals super easy. I just get so bored - outside, I find my rhythm pretty quickly and seem to get into a mentally relaxed zone that I just can't find in the gym. I did two miles of intervals this morning and while it went well, my knee is definitely a bit swollen this evening. I don't know if it's the running or sitting around so much during the workday. Either way, I popped an Aleve and slapped an ice pack on it to see if that helps - it usually does.

I can't wait til it's light before 6am and I can get outside and run again - I really miss it in the winter.

*waves* I'm a alive, going to make a point to come catch up with everyone sometime soon! Usually I get on and log my weight and thats it, life is busy!

Anyways, Doing my training, had 5 miles in brutally 12' degree winter here and it was horrid. Today is a treadmill 3.

Happy Running folks!

I had a really hard time getting myself into the gym tonight. I've been in a bad mood today and was tired after work. I knew I'd feel better after my run, but it's hard to convince yourself of that when you're not feeling into it. The first half of my run was a little rough because I was still feeling a bit negative. But I got my 20 min run done! And of course, felt better after

Great job getting your run in Ashley!! It is so hard to push yourself when your day is like that! But you were awesome.

The husband and I ran 4 miles last night and I felt so strong! I loved it. I haven't ran that long since Thanksgiving so it's nice to start running longer distances.

Today was almost a bust. It was the day before my period and I was CRANKY CRANKY CRANKY. I went on a terribly fruitless shopping trip and it was also the coldest day we've had so far this winter, with biting wind and ice on the ground.

On the train ride back from the city I decided to run, so I put on three pairs of socks, two pairs of tights, three shirts, and three layers of headgear (headband, hat, hood) and off I went. I managed about 45 minutes before my legs started to protest. I'm really not sure how fast I was going - not too fast - maybe I went 4 miles or thereabouts. It felt so great to run and my mood has been very level and good since, and I wore the perfect amount/combo of layers to stay warm without getting too hot or feeling like a marshmallow.

Well we got socked with snow here. I fell on the ice wed when heading out to a conference. Banged up my hip and elbow up pretty good. The upper thigh by my right hip is a mess with bruises. I ended up taking wed and Thur off. I did an easy 2 mile treadmill run at hotel Friday that actually seemed to help the leg. On Saturday I did 2 miles and the the last mile I alternated between 4 & 6 on the treadmill. I think I was exhausted from the late nights/eay morning partying at the conference.
Today I ran 5 miles. This is the furthest I have ever run. I was so scared that I wouldn't even come close to it. Yesterday made me feel inferior. Silly but true. I loaded lots of bad 80s music on my iPod and got through it.

They are predicting 2 more snow storms this week. I am beginning to wonder if I will actuAlly be able to run outside when all this snow is gone. I am concerned the only reason I am able to keep going is because the belt on the treadmill propels me onward!

Also even though I haven't had a chance to respond to your posts you all serve as great motivators to me thanks.

My calf muscles are SO sore from Friday's run. Worse today than they were Saturday. I don't really understand why Friday made me so sore when my mile run last week didn't. Both times it was a 1/2 mile increase from what I had done previously. Maybe I pushed myself faster this time because I was on the treadmill instead of outside? Or maybe my warm-up wasn't sufficient, as I said, I was really tired that day. Anyhow, I hope it feels better tomorrow so I can start week 6.

Ran 10 miles Tuesday, 4 Thursday and 8 today, a total of 22 miles this week. Today’s run was terrible though, cold and windy. I don’t mind the cold so much, but the wind just kills me. There was also about 4 inches of the snow on the ground, so it took me almost 2 hours to complete my run. I hope some of the snow is melted by Tuesday.

Aclai4067, Congrats on week 6! I don’t think I’ve ran consecutively for more than two weeks in a long time.

Still not running - but have pushed my walking time up to two hours. I plan to increase this from 2, to 3 or 4 times a week, then begin sprinking in bits of running within the walks.

I ran outside today for the first time in over four months - it felt really good. It was chilly (about 45 degrees at 6:30am) but compared to what some of you are dealing with, it was delightful! I walk/jogged for 40 minutes, including hills (there is no out and back run from my house that is totally flat!), then came home and iced my knee just to be cautious. My calves are a bit tight right now but my knee feels great - possibly I'm over-compensating for my knee by pushing my other muscles a tad too far.

The plan this week is to do intervals on the treadmill Tues/Thur and intervals outside Sat/Sun - and keep stretching every day, which is really helping.

By the way - the only way to watch awards shows is on DVR - if you fast forward through all the speeches and categories you don't care about, a three hour show takes 45 minutes.

Twinmomma, you just inspired me to go put my tights on and be brave and go run outside.... I can't tolerate the thought of another 5 miles on the treadmill. It's about 30F here today. I can do this, knowing others out there are dealing with it too.

Thank you!! :)

My shins are sore today which I think is in response to running outside and on hills yesterday. It's not shin splints, just muscle tenderness, thankfully. I really miss running outside - it's not the cold like many of you are suffering with (it's about 40-45 degrees here first thing in the morning) but it's dark at 5:30am which is when I would need to get out, and I just don't feel safe enough to run in the pitch dark. My husband said carry pepper spray, but that's got limited abilities. Our neighborhood is all residential and I think it's very safe, but common sense tells me not to run in the dark! Can't wait til it's light mornings again.

Question for those of you who run longer distances - at what point do you need to take in fuel? I far prefer running on an empty stomach, which is fine for 5k's but I hope to do a half marathon in December and I'm fairly sure I'll need to get some calories in during the race. At what point (time or distance) do you think fuel becomes necessary? Any suggestions - Gu or shot bloks seem to be the easiest choices to carry and eat on the run. And presumably whatever option I choose, make sure I train with it before race day! Any other suggestions or advice?

I don't. Although I'll say my longest run has only been a half marathon, I think if I did more I may reconsider. I almost always run on an empty stomach or at most one packet of GU before my run usually only because I run at 5:00 am and need a kick in the but. I too live in a residential area and I do carry pepper spray. I've been running early mornings for probably about 9 months and haven't had any issues. You just have to be smart. I don't have any recommendations on fuel during other than just pick some up and try them out. Everyone responds differently not everyone needs them. Good luck!

Got a good 10 miles in pre period Saturday and then she showed up last night and kicked my but. My 3 miler this morning was rough because of it, but I didn't use it as an excuse. I'm feeling so so bloated today and I just want to crawl in a hole and die, but such is life :) Happy running everyone!

Well, despite still feeling a bit sore from Friday, I still got in my run yesterday. I kept it slow and don't feel any worse from it! Tomorrow I'm donating blood and I don't think it's a good idea to run after. So that means I have to get up EARLY! ugh.

Yesterday was a total fail run. There were plenty of factors contributing to it, namely hunger, TOM, and the wrong socks. I got what feels like a muscle knot in my calf that is still there the morning after and couldn't maintain a pace or groove for more than a couple minutes at a time. What causes these bad ones, I wonder? Have you experienced the same?