C25K: I'm doing it, who else?
 

So, I know there was a very active C25K thread a while back, but I can't seem to find it.

I just started the C25K today. Day 1, Week 1. I thought I was going to die. I am already wondering if I will have to repeat Week 1, but I made it. I made every run all the way through. I did have to pause my podcast, part way through one of the 'recovery' periods because I needed longer to catch my breath, BUT I completed it.

I hadn't anticipated trying to run until I was around 210lbs, but I have always been my own best motivator. As soon as I tried to convince myself that I COULDN'T do it yet, the drive to try became stronger. So I thought I would give it a try and see how things go.

Who else is doing the C25K? Where are you in the program? Did you happen to feel like the whole thing was impossible when you started?

I`m doing a modified c25k, but being on IP i`ve kind of slacked off. I`m going to start again around the 5 week mark of IP. I had made it thru week one of c25k, and it was very difficult - at times I thought i was going to puke... but the exhilaration of doing it kept me going and wanting to do more. Every day I was challenging myself to go a little farther and push to the limit - I can`t wait to start again!
You can do it - don`t let your mind talk you out of it - it`s amazing what the human body is capable of!

I started C25K at the end of January, and YES I thought it was impossible, but today, just four months later, I ran 5.29 miles. Originally, I said I was going to get through the program, run in a 5K race, never a step further, then hang up my running shoes after putting a check mark on the bucket list. Turns out, I love it.

I keep on meaning to do c25k, so I think this thread is great! I just did my workout for the day, not c25k, and the weather doesn't look so great outside, so I'll start it tomorrow, even if it's on the elliptical at home.

I have also started a running program the beginning of March. I had been doing the eliptical since about Jan so I had a head start, not that it helped any. Jogging/running is a different animal. I started with walk/jog intervals until I could run 1/4 miles straight (3min), then 1/2 mile (6 min), 3/4 mile (9 min) and finally the mile on April 26 (yes I recorded the date, lol). Now I ran my first 2 mile run this past Monday, but very slowly. I would like to train well enough to do a 5k this fall with a time under 40 minutes. We'll see. I don't love running, in fact, I am not sure I even like it, but it makes me feel strong and proud to know that I can run 2 miles. Good luck and don't think you HAVE to do it within 9 weeks. Some of us are taking our sweet time :)

I did c25k a few years ago. I didn't know if I could it, as I am not a runner at ALL. I pushed myself hard and made it through! I ran a 5K a few times and was so proud of myself. I would love to do it again some day!

I've researched it online and love the idea. I already do interval walking/running in my workouts, but I can't seem to push myself into longer run intervals. I think I am going to start this program in a couple of weeks after I return from my vacation! I can't wait to hear everyone's stories!
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I started earlier this year and then somehow my whole plan in keeping on sort of fizzled out. I took it from the beginning today- Week 1, Day 1, and.. goodness, it got me equally as bad as the first Week 1 Day 1 did earlier this year!

I feel like it shouldn't kick me in the behind as much as it does since I am in a normal weight range and I can walk with my dogs for hours :?: but it's all the more reason why I want to get through it.

I am honestly already planning on repeating Week 1 before going to Week 2, though.

Originally Posted by Horo:
I started earlier this year and then somehow my whole plan in keeping on sort of fizzled out. I took it from the beginning today- Week 1, Day 1, and.. goodness, it got me equally as bad as the first Week 1 Day 1 did earlier this year!

I feel like it shouldn't kick me in the behind as much as it does since I am in a normal weight range and I can walk with my dogs for hours :?: but it's all the more reason why I want to get through it.

I am honestly already planning on repeating Week 1 before going to Week 2, though.

That's how I feel, but I am hoping that by Day 3 I won't feel as though I need to redo Week 1....if so, then I'll redo it, but I hope I don't have to! LOL

I love it!!! I just finished week 3 last night. It is tough but not impossible. I have the iPhone app which I find totally motivating. I should also mention that I am doing it at home on the treadmill for now.
I didn't rest on my rest days now but repeat week 1 or 2 days between my week 3 days. It is kind of addictive.
I am always scared I can't do the next week but somehow it works just fine! We will see if that is true for week 4 on Sunday. 5 minutes running sounds impossible now but who knows?!

Originally Posted by josey:
I love it!!! I just finished week 3 last night. It is tough but not impossible. I have the iPhone app which I find totally motivating. I should also mention that I am doing it at home on the treadmill for now.
I didn't rest on my rest days now but repeat week 1 or 2 days between my week 3 days. It is kind of addictive.
I am always scared I can't do the next week but somehow it works just fine! We will see if that is true for week 4 on Sunday. 5 minutes running sounds impossible now but who knows?!

FIVE MINUTES??? Carp!!! I'm at 1 minute and I start thinking "ummm hurry up...a minute must be over by now...." LMAO

C25K is great!

It's the program that got me running way back almost 100 lbs. ago and now I'm soon to be training to run a full marathon. Distance running is about 99% mental. Much, much more than physical. For me, it's all about constantly talking to myself and saying things that will push me to keep going. I remember watching the Biggest Loser and one of the trainers saying "are you bleeding?" "have you passed out?" "are you puking?".....NO....So KEEP going. May not work for everyone, but it worked for me.

Best wishes to all of you with C25K. I am so glad that I was told about the program.

I'm doing it! But I'm finding it hard to know how fast I should be doing it. The treadmills at the gym seem to go at different speeds! On one of them 4kph is an amble, while on the other it's a run. Still, I'm in the second Week One, which is to say I did the first week at a run of 7, and the second at a run of 8. I'm wondering whether to progress to Week Two, or try an incline or speed 9 for another Week One.

I'm really pleased that even in this short time, I can feel the difference! It's - well, it's not easy now, but the first time I thought I'd fall over. I haven't run in years.

Originally Posted by milmin2043:
C25K is great!

It's the program that got me running way back almost 100 lbs. ago and now I'm soon to be training to run a full marathon. Distance running is about 99% mental. Much, much more than physical. For me, it's all about constantly talking to myself and saying things that will push me to keep going. I remember watching the Biggest Loser and one of the trainers saying "are you bleeding?" "have you passed out?" "are you puking?".....NO....So KEEP going. May not work for everyone, but it worked for me.

Best wishes to all of you with C25K. I am so glad that I was told about the program.

That sounds promising. I am not into races (crowds freak me out) but i would love to get into a routine and run an hour everyday. Indoors or outdoors.
I am not sure if i would do it until i puke or bleed. So far i wasnt even close. One thing i heard recently on a Canadian weight loss show (x-weighted) was an amazing tip: "concentrate on breathing, your body can run on its own!"
It totally works or me. Concentrating on steady slow breathing makes me relax and time goes by faster. I try not to look at the time for as long as i can. And then -most of the time- i am totally surprised how long i am running already.
I am not running very fast but try to increase the speed on my "rest" days when i do week 1 or 2. Speed is not important for me right now though. I want to be able to run for 30 min. straight first and then i can always work on the speed. However, i am already oggling the "bridge to 10k" iphone app. Well, a little early I know but I am so excited aboutthis program.

Originally Posted by josey:
I am not sure if i would do it until i puke or bleed. So far i wasnt even close. One thing i heard recently on a Canadian weight loss show (x-weighted) was an amazing tip: "concentrate on breathing, your body can run on its own!"
It totally works or me. Concentrating on steady slow breathing makes me relax and time goes by faster.

This is actually my problem...while my legs are a bit sore and tired, it's the breathing that is hard for me. That's why I had to have a longer "rest" between running minutes, because I was STILL trying to catch my breath. I didn't need to stop running early, but I needed a little more recovery time. Even in my fit teen days, I had a hard time catching my breath. I hope I can figure out how to get past that.

Originally Posted by OhMyDogs:
This is actually my problem...while my legs are a bit sore and tired, it's the breathing that is hard for me. That's why I had to have a longer "rest" between running minutes, because I was STILL trying to catch my breath. I didn't need to stop running early, but I needed a little more recovery time. Even in my fit teen days, I had a hard time catching my breath. I hope I can figure out how to get past that.

I know what you mean! I used to have that problem too. But now since I really concentrate I am barely out of breath when I get to the walking part. Now it is more about relaxing my legs. It took a bit of practice to focus on breathing since it is so natural to forget about it. Try making some noise at least when you breathe out. I find that helps to find a good rhythm.

Originally Posted by josey:
I know what you mean! I used to have that problem too. But now since I really concentrate I am barely out of breath when I get to the walking part. Now it is more about relaxing my legs. It took a bit of practice to focus on breathing since it is so natural to forget about it. Try making some noise at least when you breathe out. I find that helps to find a good rhythm.

Josey, that's a really good idea, I will for sure try that. I totally want this to work...I keep hearing that running is awesome for fat burning, so I have my measurements, done just the day before yesterday, and I have my weigh in from yesterday, and I look forward to seeing if/how things change.

I'm doing it, I need to do run 3 of week 3 today. I'm signed up to run my first 5K in July. So far, the training has been going well!

I didn't know they had an iPhone app - totally downloading it!

About the breathing - that is a huge problem for me, too. I used to be a smoker, so that probably has something to do with it. Does the program give you any tips on how you should be breathing? Like, is there a certain amount of seconds in and seconds out you should be aiming for?
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I am definately going to try this! Sounds completely do-able

Originally Posted by Emmy1979:
I didn't know they had an iPhone app - totally downloading it!

I have this one: http://www.c25kapp.com/ There are others but I liked this one best and it also has a follow up app I mentioned above to bridge to 10k.

Originally Posted by Emmy1979:
About the breathing - that is a huge problem for me, too. I used to be a smoker, so that probably has something to do with it. Does the program give you any tips on how you should be breathing? Like, is there a certain amount of seconds in and seconds out you should be aiming for?
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Nope, didn't see anything online or on the app. I wouldn't worry too much about the speed. Whatever feels comfortable. Have you tried pilates yet? They are big on breathing. Yoga too I think. I picked up a pilates DVD at Walmart a few weeks ago for $5 and it is quite interesting too. Very slow stretching etc. They also want you to focus on breathing but I find it harder there because you also have to concentrate on the exercises. Running is an easy movement that doesn't need more than 1/2 a brain cell ;-)

PS: I used to be a smoker too.

I downloaded the iphone app last night, loaded up my playlist, and am planning on doing w1d1 today, even if it is going to be raining out. :club:

I'll let you all know how it goes if I manage it.

Originally Posted by josey:
I have this one: http://www.c25kapp.com/ There are others but I liked this one best and it also has a follow up app I mentioned above to bridge to 10k.



Nope, didn't see anything online or on the app. I wouldn't worry too much about the speed. Whatever feels comfortable. Have you tried pilates yet? They are big on breathing. Yoga too I think. I picked up a pilates DVD at Walmart a few weeks ago for $5 and it is quite interesting too. Very slow stretching etc. They also want you to focus on breathing but I find it harder there because you also have to concentrate on the exercises. Running is an easy movement that doesn't need more than 1/2 a brain cell ;-)

PS: I used to be a smoker too.

Thanks!! :carrot:
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I found the C25K today! I was jogging (my running is so slow still that it can hardly be described as running!) and since I find it really annoying to check my watch every minute or so, I jogged for 5 min and 10 min and really really wished someone would just tell me when to run and when not. But now that I've found this I'll start using it tomorrow! :running:

I was really happy when I accidentally found the C25K afterwards and I was still so happy when I downloaded the podcasts. Now I'm green with envy for all iPhone owners for being able to use the program with their favorite music as my nano is soooo old (1st generation) that I can't use that application. Oh well, will have to wait for the 6+ weeks when I don't need the cues.

I just downloaded the app - awesome!!!! I can't wait to use it! :D

:running: :running: :running: :running: :running: :running:
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Well, I did it. Got rained on for part of the time, but it kinda felt nice. Cooled me off. I'm tired now, but it felt good while doing it. Managed to jog during the run times without too many problems, even if there was a fair amount of panting.

I feel good about this.

Anyone have any advice about staving off joint injuries? That's the one thing I'm really concerned about in terms of taking up running.

Originally Posted by valo:
Now I'm green with envy for all iPhone owners for being able to use the program with their favorite music as my nano is soooo old (1st generation) that I can't use that application. Oh well, will have to wait for the 6+ weeks when I don't need the cues.

You probably won't believe it when I tell you I am green with envy that you have a Nano 1st gen. I used to have one and loved it! (I am a big Apple fan!) It got stolen end of last year and while I like my new Nano (can wear it as a watch) I truly, truly miss my first generation one. :-((

As for C25k, check the podcast section in iTunes. There are some C25k that have music and give you audio cues for the run/walk intervals!

Originally Posted by Emmy1979:
I just downloaded the app - awesome!!!! I can't wait to use it! :D

:running: :running: :running: :running: :running: :running:
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Let us know how it went! I found that the app is a huge motivator. Such a feeling of accomplishment! And you can keep a journal.

Josey, I really love it too! It has the best design out of nanos and since it still works OK and the battery is in bearable condition I've never really even thought about buying a new one. I tried to find if they have the application for Nokia but no luck. Will bear with the podcast (already downloaded them and the first one is in nano!) for the time being!

I actually started training for running in the beginning of January by walking. Walking, walking and walking keeping it in my mind that I want to be able to run 5 km at the end of the summer. I was able to run a few 2 min periods already back then, but with the snow in the ground, didn't push it back then. When the snow melted I bought new running shoes and little by little started to run a few minutes at the time. Then I had a break from exercise (way too busy with school) and now that I'm back to it I quite often run few minutes while walking the dogs. I was so happy today when I run the 5 and 10 minutes, I really felt I accomplished something. The Uprising by Muse was a good song for both fast walking and running ;-)

Originally Posted by valo:
The Uprising by Muse was a good song for both fast walking and running ;-)

Ahh, excellent taste in music too! ;-) Great! What else is on your iPod?

I agree the first generation was great. I never really lusted after the other versions until this latest one. The possibility to wear it as a watch was just such an extra geek factor I had to have it :-)

5 and 10 minutes is pretty good! I am sure you can skip a few weeks on C25k if you want to.

Josey, that is a good question! I have listened audiobooks with my ipod for a past couple of years. We live out of town and the bus ride takes almost an hour so they are great! When I work at computer (I study architecture so I'm at computer A LOT), I listen music from Spotify and I've been addicted to Muse lately, but I quite often listen to movie soundtracks or 80's rock. Or pop. Or heavy metal. Almost everything depending on the mood!

I just finished the program and I'm running my first 5K race tomorrow. It's a wonderful conditioning program! Follow the program, trust the progression, don't let your mind tell you you can't do it and you'll be successful!

Originally Posted by peanutt:
I just finished the program and I'm running my first 5K race tomorrow. It's a wonderful conditioning program! Follow the program, trust the progression, don't let your mind tell you you can't do it and you'll be successful!

I agree with this 100%. All while you are running, talk to yourself with 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"

These may sound corny, but they work. In all of the half marathons I have run they have mile marker signs with positive thoughts about running and keeping on. Seriously, those signs were the greatest. They helped me to finish strong.

Also, to the person who asked about joint injuries-there are tons of tips on how to avoid them on runnersworld.com. They suggest always stretching after a run (when your muscles are already warmed up) and they show you which stretches are most beneficial. Also, don't push yourself to go faster or farther than the program suggests.

Good luck again to you all. :)

Oh, and peanutt----good luck on your 5k tomorrow!!!! You're going to do great!!! You're an athlete, you're a runner, you can finish strong, I believe in YOU!!!

Good morning everybody!

I just finished my D1 W1 and I LOVED it!!! I really enjoyed that I could concentrate to run just the 60 seconds and I think it improved my running technique a lot already, because I didn't have to save my energy for subsequent minutes of running. 90 secs was more than enough for me to catch my breath. I will do this from week one, because I think I'll benefit a lot from the interval training rather than jumping to longer runs. However, I think the 5 min walk is too short for warm-up and so I did walk a bit before starting the program and it took me totally 40 min to complete.

My body has remembered how to sweat again!!!! I love it!!! :carrot::carrot::carrot:

I just want to add something, in my opinion, if you really start from the couch, have not exercised at all and are in a bad shape, then I would start from just walking. With any speed and length that feels good in the beginning. And then gradually walking longer and faster and trying to run with very very slow speed for a minute or so. And when that feels good and you start craving more, then I would start this. And stretch enough. And if your muscles don't feel warm enough after 5 min (especially if the weather is cool), walk more until your body feels like running. Then it feels so good!!!

OK, I have a really really dumb question. I am in week umm, four and a half. That is, I am trying to work my way up from running 5 min at a stretch to 20min in a stretch that you do in week 5. Earlier in the year I ran outside some, but now I am doing it on the treadmill because it's really hot here (114 today).

Anyway, on the treadmill, there is an indicator that says "Speed." Is this in minutes to finish a km, or is it km per hour? (metric system here so wouldn't be miles... I assume). Right now I have it set at 5.5 for walk, 8.7 for run which is maybe a bit slower than I run outside but I don't want to fly off the treadmill when my neighbor starts a conversation about the Oprah episode she's watching on the TV.

I read this article in the NYT last week that gives a way to estimate fitness by how fast someone can run a mile (basically faster or slower than 10min/mile), so I'm kind of curious to see what I can do.

Well, I just got in from D2W1. I could have baled today, it's pissing down rain and I woke up with a super sore back, for some reason. But, I persevered. I went out and ran in the rain. It wasn't wonderful, but at the end, it felt nice and helped keep me cooler. My back feels 100x better now that I have been out and moving, and Day 2 was MUCH easier than Day1 (when I thought I was going to have to repeat Week 1). I feel more hopeful that maybe I DIDN'T bite off more than I can chew.

I did Week 1 for the second time today, and will probably do it a third time, getting my speed up a little bit. I used a podcast for the first time, and it really helped not having to keep track of the times!

I had to work my way up to W1. At first I could only do a couple of the intervals, and not even close to a minute, so I worked on walking and elliptical until I got my cardiovascular system in better shape. Then I did W1 but with 30 second intervals (I called it Week 0) instead of a minute before actually starting W1. Yesterday I completed W2D1! I am using the treadmill and that works for me - being able to see how much time is LEFT in each interval can be a lifesaver.

I NEVER thought I could run.

Me! I start today!!

I just made a post in the orginial c25k thread saying I need a workout buddy.
This thread is genious.
I'm going to start tomorrow as I've already done my workout for the day.

Just to be clear: are you guys doing the NHS programme?