OhMyDogs: I sent you a PM about it.

@Envelope- Glad to know its not just me. What stretches do you do and do they seem to help?

I finished week 1 today and found it odd that day 1 was the easiest and day 3 the hardest. I'm going to take off at least two days before I do the next one since I think I'm asking a lot of my body and I'm sore all over today. I'm debating redoing week but since I did make it through I think I'm just going to go on. If I'm not able to finish a day I'll redo that one until I can. I also go pretty slow (3.0-3.2 for walking and 4.0-4.2 for running) so do you guys think it would be better to repeat weeks trying to increase speed or finish the program and then work on speed then?

This is a link to cool running and their suggested stretches.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/126.shtml

I do 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, and 12

I drink a bottle (500ml) of water every time I do a C25k run. My throat gets parched quickly. I don't think anything wrong with drinking!

So, after a week with no workout, running or anything my legs feels like new. I am glad I did take a break, although strangely enough I MISSED running. Huh? I can't believe it myself!
Anyways, I did W4D1 today and I barely finished it. It was sooooo hard. I blame the week without workout and especially the 30C in the room. It was just hot, hot, hot. However, I made it!!! I am so proud of myself. That kind of determination is totally new to me. I am not competitive at all and usually have zero determination with physical tasks like workouts.
Now I am sitting on the couch grinning like an idiot because I did it again :-)

Have a great run everybody!

I did W1D3 today and ended my set with a run of 2.5 minutes. I'm thinking of doubling up my weeks (2 weeks of week 1 training, 2 weeks of week 2, etc). I'm aiming to run a 5k on Thanksgiving - more than 18 weeks away- so it'll give me plenty of prep time. I didn't struggle with week 1, but I don't want to move forward too quickly and put myself at risk of feeling defeated if I can't get through a certain week.

I'm doing the program with my oldest son, age 13, who already can run, but is doing it together with me to encourage me along.

I wouldn't repeat weeks to increase speed. When I began the C25K program, I had a race in mind that was 8 weeks away. So, I knew I had no time for repeats. I finished the program running a 12 minute mile. That first race I ran 11 minute miles, then two months later I raced and averaged 9.28 minute miles. I NEVER worked on or worried about my speed. Getting faster just comes naturally as your heart and lungs get more efficient. Speed has never been important to me. My pace is slow, but I don't care as long as I get it done!

Hello all!!! Starting tonight. Eek!

Nice work sticking with it! For what it's worth, the jump from W3 to W4 was HARD for me. I tried W4D1 and then went back and redid W3. Felt a lot better starting W4 the second time.

Definitely taking a few days off can renew your legs if you've been cranking out jogs every other day. It really does help.

Definitely finish the program before worrying about speed. Speed will come. This is on advice from both the program and from my marathoning best friend. C25K is set up for either achieving distance or time goals. Speed follows.

I'm starting W8 tonight (ACK!). I "wog" at about 4.5 to 4.7 at this point and walk at 3.3 to 3.5. In two weeks when I'm done (hopefully), I hope to start to work on speed a little. Right now, I'm just trying to get through each jog without having to take a break.

Good luck!

Did day 1 of week 1 today. So hard.

Thanks! I was wondering what transition of weeks was the hardest. So far it was a breeze until W3 to W4. Ugh! I will try W4D2 tomorrow and see how that one goes. In my experience D2 is the hardest of the week.

Well, I did the most important part today :) I did w1d1 this evening. Felt really good. Tiring for sure but did feel good.

I'm taking a day off from c25k today. My knees are hurting me and my aunt's house is on a huge hill. I don't think my knees are up for that kind of challenge. Tomorrow, I hope to find a flat road to run along.

I wanted to say that I think this thread is pure gold. I carefully went though it post by post and made myself a "running inspiration cheat sheet" based on some of the replies here. I put it into a pretty font and color, and then printed it out. It is posted on my wall right next to my 6/18 5K countdown workout schedule. I now look at it all the time. This is what it says. The cheat sheet is so inspiring. Thank you all so much.




_____________________________________________

*~* Running Inspiration *~*

*Distance running is 99% mental, much, much more than physical.

*It's about constantly talking to yourself and saying things that will push you to keep going.

* "Are you bleeding?" "Have you passed out?" "Are you puking?".....NO....So KEEP going.

*Concentrate on breathing, your body can run on its own!

*At times it feels hard to push through and finish the run, but you can do it!!!

*Relax your legs

*Follow the program, trust the progression, don't let your mind say you can't do it and you'll be successful!

*While you are running, tell yourself positive words and phrases.

"I can keep going"
"I am an athlete"
"I am a runner"
"I am strong and capable"
"I can run like the wind"
"I love to run"
"I am going to do great"
"I can finish strong"
"I believe in myself"