Today I ran week 6 day 2! It called for a 10 minute run, a 3 minute walk, and a final 10 minute run. It was still difficult, but I think it was mostly that my mind was not in to it. I usually try to visualize myself running (as one of those thin girls I see running around campus ). Today I was thinking about things I needed to get done this weekend, about a new spanish language learning computer set I want to get started on, etc, etc. Also my left hip has been been bothering me a little bit ever since last Saturday's 20 minute run. I don't notice the dull ache when I am running, only when standing up to walk. I've been taking ibuprofen once or twice a day. It seems to help. I haven't decided yet if I am going to run the scheduled 25 minutes on Sunday or if I will repeat week 6 day 2. Take care everyone and have a good weekend!

Just a quick post by will catch up with proper responses on Monday when I have some more time. Count me in for 2 miles today...was sweating like a pig when I got through but felt like a mega workout rockstar when I was done.

Hello Gang,

Thank you for all of the support!! You guys are great!! Today I did Wk 9 D2 and it was even a little faster than the other day. I ran 3.1 miles in 33:56 minutes. Like Stephie, I felt like a "mega workout rockstar" afterwards! Isn't that the best?

Softballmom - After the last program run I'm going to use the suggestions in The Complete Book of Running for Women. Hopefully each week will include a long run, a speed session and probably two relaxed runs which I hope to get in outside. I would like to keep increasing my distance on the long runs. I'll start out this way and see how it goes. My short term plan is to get comfortable running outside. I have a little over two months before my race so I feel like I have a little room to figure out what will work for me.

Pachy - Sorry to hear that you are not running yet. I'm sending healing thoughts your way. South America for 7-8 months. WOW!!! That sounds pretty great.

HadEnough - Welcome!! I stuck with the 20 minutes of running but right from the start I always included a 10 minute warmup walk and then continued to walk after the run to equal 45 minutes. As I ran more the walks got shorter and sometimes now I just keep walking after the 45 minutes if I feel like I need more of a cooldown.

Webweevil - Is the hip any better? I hope the discomfort has passed by now and you rocked the 25 minute run.

Finn - My big tip is to keep going and not let to many off days pass between runs. I think those are the days that mess with your head. Also read about all of the wonderful things that running does for your body. It's pretty amazing!!

Where are the other regulars? We miss you!! Check in.

Hi everyone!

I'm not a runner yet, but it's one of my goals. Right now, I'm just walking fast (for me) for about 25-30 minutes every morning. I plan to work up to running, and will probably try the Couch to 5K plan as soon as I feel like I'm capable.

Here's my question: when did you guys start running? How heavy were you? Do you recommend waiting until I'm in better shape?

Shrinking Mama, I notice you're my height and your starting weight was around what I am now. When did you start running?

My husband is a hardcore runner (he's even a track and cross country coach), and I really want to run a 5K with him (well, behind him...lol) next fall. He got up this morning and ran 10 miles! He's getting ready for a 1/2 marathon in a few weeks. I don't expect to ever be THAT hardcore, but my 5K goal is soooo important to me.

Any advice? Should I stick with walking for a while?

Hello everyone. I ran 3.1 miles in 33.34 minutes yesterday afternoon and then carried on until I got the bottom of the steep hill home (36.48)

I am really pleased. My heals were fine while running, but on the walk home they got more sore, and by 9pm last night they were really very painful. They don't seem too bad today though. So, now that I know I can run the distance, I am not going to run until the race day in two weeks time (unless by some miracle my heels spontaneously get better in the meantime), but will concentrate on keeping fit through other non-impact sports such as cycling and rowing.

LisaMarie I think that you can run at whatever weight you want to. One of the ladies who posts on the coolrunners board called Kykaree started off running when she was in the 200+ weight range and she ran a 10k earlier this summer. There is a slightly greater risk of injury when you are at a higher weight because you are obviously putting more force through your joints, but if you take it slow and run on nice forgiving surfaces (no concrete or even asphalt/tarmac would be a good idea) and have good running shoes then you should be fine. Good luck with the running.

HadEnough Week 2, I remember it well. When I first started I found it difficult to run for 60 seconds, but now I can run for over 30, minutes (if my heels allow!). You will get there, but if you are finding it difficult you can always take extra weeks - or just not go over the suggested programme! Remember to stretch well afterwards to reduce the risk of wobbly legs the next day

Webweevil well done on Week 6, you must have completed it by now (?) Hope your hip is feeling better

Stephie well done on completing your mega workout How is 2 miles now, is it easier after taking yourself back in the programme?

Keep on running everyone

Tried to do another 25 minute run Friday night, but the humidity was like running in soup. I did very well the first 15 minutes running a little over a mile, but had to stop and walk for one minute before running again. I ended up running more for distance than time with a few more minute walks thrown in. I did get a total of 2 miles for the complete run.

Tonight I will run at the Community Center to get away from the forecasted humidity. My plan is to try for a complete 25 minutes, trying for a better time than 12 min/mile.

Congratulations Pachy!!!! Well done!! Hope the heels are better in no time.

Lisa Marie - Welcome!! I was down to 200 pounds when I started running. That wasn't planned, it just worked out that way. I don't see why you couldn't start now as long as you start slow (C25k program) and listen to your body. I'm not sure if there is an official stance on the topic. I've been reading The Complete Book of Running for Women and it did not mention a recommended starting weight at all. Of course they also base everything on a 130 pound woman, which I find kind of amusing since that will never be my reality. What is nice about the c25k program is that you can feel your fitness level improving. Before c25k I had been walking and doing different tapes but running is what pushed my fitness level up.

Softballmom - Good luck on the 25 minutes!

Good morning all! It's nice to see so many people posting. You are all doing so great!

I took an extra day off Sunday but ran this morning. I was going to wimp out and do another w6d2. With you guys asking about the 25 minute run, I just had to give it a try. Peer-pressure! LOL I am proud to report week 6 day 3's 25 minute run completed. It was so darn hard, especially the last six minutes, but I held on.

I am so slow compared to you guys. Your talk of a 12 minute pace - that's 5 miles an hour! That's practically flying.

Congrats Webweevil on your 25 minute run! Def a head game, but you won by hanging on. , it doesn't feel like flying! I tend to be a fast walker that even my dh says I need to slow down and wait for him, so it's probably just my genetics that allows me to run this "fast". My goal is to get my speed up to a 10 minute / mile, but I don't foresee that challenge coming up quickly - baby steps. I'm still working on Wk 7 to run 3 complete days of 25 minutes without interval walking before moving on. I feel like I cheat myself if I move on before grasping what the week calls for. Perfectionist personality can be brutal .

Lisa Marie! Glad you have joined us. I thought that running would aggravate my knees when I first started because my weight was still in the overweight range for my height. But it really didn't. I agree with Pachy and ShrinkingMama to start a program that slowly gets your fitness up and won't burn you out, like the C25K program from CoolRunning.com. I feel so much better and am amazed at what I can do now. It might appease you to get your doctor's permission AND/BUT definitely get a good pair of running shoes!!

Hey all... i retried week 5 day 1 today and SAILED through it. I took it slower (at 4.8 or 4.9) instead of the 5.0 i had been trying it at before. I also gained back every lb i lost last week so i need to work extra hard to get back on track this week (weekend in NYC, i wasn't on program, and im probably retaining water from all the junk i ate). Tommorow i will lift, and then Weds, im game for the two 8 minute intervals! BOOO YAH!

I'm signing up for my first (to run) 5K since beginning a running program. The date is September 9th, so I still have few more weeks to work my endurance.

I did several 5Ks many years ago, but never ran them. I'm looking forward to this one and it benefits kids, so it can't go wrong!

I tried w4 d1 today and just had to quit near the end...I did 3mins less running than the program called for :-(
I know that I had late nights over the weekend and am a bit dehydrated so was really tired - so shouldn't be surprised, but am really disappointed and had to tell someone!

It's okay Finn. You did what you could; and next time is, well, next time. There were some days that I could push through with difficulty, some that came "easy" in comparison, and a few that I had to shorten or even modify. The main thing is that you have a program that you are adapting to; work through it, but don't give up! You can do it.

Right now i'm running indoors. Once I can run a respectable distance i will do some outside running! My oldest son has said he'd run with me when i'm ready!