Cantgetenough: I HATE running. and sweating... but 8 weeks in, I dont battle with it any more. I kinda like it....

got another 28 min run in the AM! WHOOP.

I can totally relate. I did the C25K and I HATE running. Kind of still do, though I've been doing it for about 6 months now and finished the program in July (which means it took me almost 4 months to complete a nine week program - went at MY pace). The stamina will come with time - you have keep on, keeping on and then, one day, like me - you realize you can run 3 miles without dying and all of sudden, this running thing might actually be, dare I say it, fun? The finish line is the best and my smaller butt, along with a smaller and fitter me, makes all that sweat worth it.

I started yesterday. By the end of it my calves were really burning but I made it through and felt great afterwards. I'll be doing day 2 tomorrow and am actually looking forward to it.

Oh thanks guys you've made me feel much better about starting it! I want something I can keep up. There's no point in my signing up to the gym because I know I won't put in the time. I need something quick cheap and dirty. :P I think I'll start when I get back to uni, there are plenty of places to jog there where I won't bump into anyone. :)

That's what I did. Though I try to get my run in around dawn or dusk. It helps my focus to jog somewhere semi-private. I just finished day two of week one. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I actually enjoyed myself and I have that wonderful post workout high.

I finished W2D1 this morning and shaved 6 minutes off my pace... I wasn't trying to and I am not concerned about time only finishing, but I was stoked!!! :)

Week 1 is done. The good news is slowing my pace up a bit and concentrating on my breathing got rid of the side stitch. The bad news is I didn't make the full 5K.

Okay, I did this once before.. started C25k around 190 pounds, and ended up 172. I ran my 5k, then I just stopped running. It was tragic, because I loved it, and I looked good and felt even better. This time there is a plan to continue on; bridge to 10k and never look back. I love running. I love it. Now I'm at 220...yeah...and so hopefully I'll achieve runner status again.

W1D1 Done
W1D2 Done

I finally bit the bullet and started today. I...didn't do well. I was doing okay, but then....my lungs felt like they were going to burst. I managed to get through three of the "run" periods (I think?) before I gave up. I'm really disappointed in myself, to be honest. The problem wasn't with my legs, it was my breathing/my lungs. They were *burning*. I don't know if I wasn't breathing "right", or what. (Any tips?)

I plan to keep on going (because honestly? I really love the idea of being able to run) but I don't know if I'll be able to follow the Couch to 5K as it stands. I might have to do a modified version.

I'm doing C25k and I don't really understand how, on week 5, we are supposed to go from running 8 minutes straight to 20 without a break. But I tried! I stopped in the middle so I ran 10 and 10 with a 3 min walking break. I'm so proud that I even did 10 straight! I'm going to do that for Monday and Wednesday too, and then try to do the 20 on Friday and then continue with the program thereafter.

Cantgetenoughchoc - I hate(d) running before I started C25k. Still don't like it, really. Its the worst part of my workout, but I tolerate it because I feel great after and it burns a ton of calories. Plus, I would like to eventually go from not liking it to loving it, and apparently C25k can do that for you. I've always wanted to be a runner, haha!

I will say this for C25k though - it makes it tolerable. The increments are manageable and you wont get too out of breath or anything in the first few weeks. By the time you have to run for awhile, your cardiovascular strength will be better and you won't get as out of breath even at the longer distances.

I am having exactly the same problem. I ran W4D1 yesterday and thought my lungs were going to explode. I wish there is a way to help with that. But I did it once, which means I can do it again. There is absolutely nothing wrong with modifying the plan. Lot's of people do it. Just run as much as you can and repeat as many times as necessary.

For those of you that feel like you lungs are going to explode - are you running on a treadmill or outside? My guess is that you are running way too fast. When I made my transition to running outside from the treadmill, I also felt like my lungs were going to explode, and I got this advice on Runnersworld - Slow down! And when you think you're going so slow you're barely moving, slow down even more!

You are far better running slowly so that you can keep going then running faster and burning out. The speed will come. In just a few short months, I've gone from running 1 mile in 15 minutes to being able to run 3 miles with an average of 11 minutes each.

Keep at it!

I don't know about anyone else, but yes, I am running outside. And I think you're right...I'm probably trying to run too fast. When I go out tomorrow (because I refuse to give up, regardless of how lousy I felt yesterday) I'll try to go slower. And if it takes me 18 weeks to get to 5K, instead of 9 weeks, so be it. Thanks for the advice/encouragement! :)

I actually run on the treadmill. I normally do 10 min miles. Is it too fast? I am not sure. I have always run 10 min miles because when I run slower it feels harder. I was able to complete W4D2. It was a little easier than day 1. The first 5 min run felt fine, but I was definitely winded by the 2nd 5 min run.

I guess you have to know yourself. For me, I still can't run a 10 minute mile! How about this? Start at a slower pace - say a 12 minute mile (5.0 MPH) and see how you feel going into your second and then third intervals. If you feel good, you can always increase the speed. However, if you burn out, it's hard to back off because you will be so tired.

doing W1D3 tonight!! YAAAY. The first time I did this program I got kind of obsessed. I ran almost every night! NOw reading BEn does life. Pretty good stuff. Trying to be more moderate about it this time around. We'll see..

Thanks for the advice, I will try it and let you know.

Week 1 done! I'll cross it off my list. Good night!

Went home for a long weekend, ate horribly, didn't run. So I went from being at W7D1 to W5D2 last night.

Time to get back on the horse.

W2D1 tonight. I'm a little nervous. The workout is never as bad as I think it will be and I always enjoy myself. Not sure why it makes me anxious. Perhaps I need to find a way to fit it in before work instead of after.

:Later: Workout done. It went worse than W1D3 but better than W1D1. At least I managed to jog a mile total.

W1D1 done! I felt really good to afterward. I'm glad I didn't push myself too hard because I felt woozy stepping down from the treadmill. Walking speed was 2.2 and running was 3.5 comfortably. I have short legs and any faster might have killed me at this point in the game :X

So I finished W2D2 day before yesterday... I ran on a trail which was extremely narrow and not flat... not hilly but ditchy and unstable... I finished and felt great about finishing (mostly because I was miserable) but I was sore and got a low grade temp that evening and yesterday. My body was achey and tired.... I'm not sure if it's because it was drizzling when I was running and I am getting sick or if it was just a bad run because it was a challenging terrain... I was going to go this morning but DBF is leaving for a week and I spent time with him this morning instead of going out. Should I run tonight if I think I am getting a little unwell? I am afraid to skip it. What is or is there a rule of thumb? I felt well enough to come to work, but would gladly have stayed in bed.

Hey kpenn, I just ran W1D2 with a sore throat and a mild temp. I couldn't let it stop me, and I thought it may even help me feel a little better after a shower. (it did) If you're feeling really ill obviously you shouldn't run, but if it isn't serious, don't skip!! one skip turns into two!!

I agree with aka. I ran W2D1 with a sore throat and slightly stuffy nose. I think it actually helped get me over the cold faster. Obviously I wasn't really that sick so if you are take it easy. I'd give it a shot though.

Hey guys,

I started C25K in early May and made excellent progress with the program. I lost 25 pounds, became much more fit and felt very empowered. Over this time I was very active in the 3FC C25K threads. The past 1-2 months my dedication level has dwindled. I've gone for a few 1-2 week periods without running and have barely been hanging on to my progress. I really need to get back into the habit of running almost every day. On 10/1 I'm doing a 5k and I hope to have a very solid week and a half of training leading up to it. Today I completed W5D2 which is a few steps back for me but a good place to start.

I made myself a little training schedule and plan to post here over the next few days to keep myself accountable. I can get over this hump. I'm lighter than ever, the course is VERY flat, and the weather should be cool. This is a great opportunity to post a personal best time. I can do it!!!

Wednesday 9/21 - W5D2 [X]
Thursday 9/22 - W5D2 [ ]
Friday 9/23 - W5D3 [ ]
Saturday 9/24 - W5D3 [ ]
Sunday 9/25 - W6D1 [ ]
Monday 9/26 - REST DAY [ ]
Tuesday 9/27 - W6D1 [ ]
Wednesday 9/28 - W6D2 [ ]
Thursday 9/29 - W6D2 [ ]
Friday 9/30 - REST DAY [ ]
Saturday 10/1 - RACE DAY!! [ ]

Scarlett!!! Yaaay! Good for you, way to catch yourself before you lose all your progress. I did that after my 5k the first time I did the program. Just stopped running, and gained that weight back! I like your training schedule, now all you have to do is DO IT

Love to join!

I just completed Week 1 last night. Boy this is just kicking my behind. I can ride my bicycle for 17 or 25 miles in one stretch, but this program is just pushing me. I love it!!!

Yup, thats about it....Thanks for the encouragement.

Tooses - welcome to the thread. This is a great program. Just stick with it no matter what and you'll be successful. It gets easier. I started at 215 pounds and REALLY out of shape. For the first 2-3 weeks I'd be a sore zombie for the rest of the day after completing a run. Now it's a lot easier. The progress you make early in the program is just so empowering.

Way to go Scarlett. Good luck on your training.

Just completed W2D2 today and managed to accumulate 1 mile in the 9 min total I ran. It was a really close call but I managed to push the last few feet out. Afterwards, of course, I died for about 30 min but a little rest and water made me all better. One day left of week 2!

W2D2 tonight! Temp and sore throat still but ya know...I want this fat off me. I'll keep you guys posted.

Do any of you feel kinda off if you don't run that day? I can't stick to 3 times a week, I have to run more than that. Am I alone?

Today I completed W5D2 and am on pace with my training schedule. The comeback is on!!! I felt really gassed at the end though and sweated like an animal. Tomorrow is the 2 mile jog. I'm going to have to be really focused, keep my pace slow and push myself though it. The pain will only last for 20 min right? I can do it!!

Posting this schedule here is making a huge difference in my mindset. It rained today and I probably would have used the weather as an excuse without this accountability. I'm getting myself back into the mindset that "canceling" a run is not an option.


5K Training Schedule

Wednesday 9/21 - W5D2 [X]
Thursday 9/22 - W5D2 [X]
Friday 9/23 - W5D3 [ ]
Saturday 9/24 - W5D3 [ ]
Sunday 9/25 - W6D1 [ ]
Monday 9/26 - REST DAY [ ]
Tuesday 9/27 - W6D1 [ ]
Wednesday 9/28 - W6D2 [ ]
Thursday 9/29 - W6D2 [ ]
Friday 9/30 - REST DAY [ ]
Saturday 10/1 - RACE DAY!! [ ]

Thinsole - great job!!! I almost always need a half hour of collapsing in a chair with some water after a run. I'm glad I'm not alone.

aka8941 - When I'm really rolling with diet and exercise I run 5-6 days a week. If I feel a little too sore I'll take a few days off to rest. I moved though most of the program at this pace. Just listen to your body and take a break if you need it.

Way to stay accountable Scarlett!! We're all rooting for you!
I did W2D2 tonight!! I went longer, about 40 minutes. The last 15 minutes I kinda did my own thing, just a random walk/jog combo. I love running by the guys lifting weights. It makes me run harder.

finish W1D2 here! I feel very proud of myself of taking the next step and wanting to do this. Here's to the next, and the next after that.

Hey everyone, thanks for the sick day advice... I did end up running and I felt ok... no biggie at all. :) I am going to repeat W2D3 tonight just because I kinda feel like I need to... I finished the last day fine without deviating from the run, but I just want that additional assurance that I can do it even better. Does that make sense? Looking forward to starting W3...I think... LOL

Today I completed W5D3. I ran despite the rainy weather. NO EXCUSES!!! I feel a bit like I did when I first started C25K where I really pushed myself and got excited about my progress. It's good to be re-energized about running. I mapped out a 2 mile course around the neighborhood via mapquest and timed myself with my I-pod timer. I ran 2 miles in 21 min and 20 seconds. I nearly collapsed at the end though.

Tomorrow is going to be tough. I signed up to do a 5 mile ovarian cancer walk-a-thon that I completely forgot about. It's basically an "old lady walk." I'm going to do the walk in the morning and hopefully get though the C25K run in the evening. I think that if I can make it through Tomorrow and Sunday, the rest of my schedule shouldn't be that bad. We'll see.


aka8941 - great job!!! Haha I did the same thing in college. The main campus gym had a loft type layout with the cardio machines overlooking the weight area. The daydreaming of muscular hotties always pushed me a bit more.

Justdazed - great job. I think getting over the beginning hump is one of the hardest things about the program. It just seems so intimidating at first. You can do it!!


5K Training Schedule

Wednesday 9/21 - W5D2 [X]
Thursday 9/22 - W5D2 [X]
Friday 9/23 - W5D3 [X]
Saturday 9/24 - W5D3 [ ]
Sunday 9/25 - W6D1 [ ]
Monday 9/26 - REST DAY [ ]
Tuesday 9/27 - W6D1 [ ]
Wednesday 9/28 - W6D2 [ ]
Thursday 9/29 - W6D2 [ ]
Friday 9/30 - REST DAY [ ]
Saturday 10/1 - RACE DAY!! [ ]

Scarlett- Way to go! Try to have fun on the "old lady walk" regardless. Think of it like a long warm-up, lol. Good luck with your next couple hard days and good job on still running despite the rain. It was my excuse to run on the track indoors. Wet shoes...uck.

Finished week 2 tonight and I've pretty much got it down to a decent pace. Still working on my breathing but doing loads better.

Scarlett! Get it!! All those handy tools enhance your runs! LEt us know how the full 5k goes please@
Kpenn-On to week 3 we go!! 90 sec. walk, 90 sec. run. 3 min. walk, 3 min run.

I'm pretty hung over but I'm still running tonight. but GUGHHGUGH