Well, I've been bad. I did not run all of last week - I've just been so busy at work etc. I did go to the gym 1 day, was on elepitical and did some toning with nautical equipment. I am planning to go tonight for a run, hope I doesn't kill me! On with week 4, again.

GWE, what did you think of Metaquick? I hated it personally b/c it did nothing for me, not 1 lb after an entire week, was frustrating to me.

Karen,

I completely understand life getting in the way! I too had to adjust my normal running days last week and the week before because of being pulled in so many directions...Both weeks I had 4 days between day 1 and day 2, however I still managed to get three runs in for each week. Cross training is a good by going on the elliptical, it is great that you are keeping at it regardless if you repeat a week this is highly recommended (as I have read on the C25K websites). Today I completed Week 6 day 3 - 25 mins of running. From here on out no more walking its all running :stars: It isn't too bad, after I get past the mile mark, I did slow down my pace a bit today just to get through it. As for the Meta-Quick YUCK!!!! I did it for 5 days...and about died of hunger and boredom. I got to sign the 40lb board, however I do not know how much I lost doing Meta-QUick because I refused to WI the Saturday after my week off program... My program ends on June 8th and I went ahead and signed on for another 17 weeks...I am only 15 pounds away from stabilization....so I know I can do it...My goal for the month of June is to stay 100% on program without trying a little of this and that for the full month and hoping to get to stabilization in July. I hope your run goes well today:carrot:

I'm finally back at it!
 

Hey GWE,
You are really rockin' this running program, that is awesome! Congrats on the 40 lb board... whooo hoooo!! Can't wait to join you, only 4 lbs to go and I'll be there too, YES!! As for running, I can finally say I'm back... after a 2 week hiatus I finally (thanks to the begging and bugging of 2 dogs and my 12 yo) got back on the road in my running shoes and started week 4 again last night. It wasn't that bad, surprisingly. I was sure It would be but we did pretty good and had a great time. I would prefer more upbeat music with singing or something, I never thought I would say this but I actually love the music my 12 yo listens to, it really makes me want to move and would love to run with this but I am just too lazy to try to time my runs... I prefer to just go with his voice prompts too so I keep using the podcasts instead. This gives me more motivation to get to the weeks where it's just straight running so I can change the music up. If (I mean when) I make it to week 9, the Lord willing, I want to get the Nike chip to work with my Ipod. That would be fun to play with. Hope all is well. Here's to making it a 3 day run week!! Keep up the great work lady :carrot:

Karen,

Thank you for the encouragement...I am still going along...completed Week 7 day 3 today...and it is SO much easier now...I am almost finished with the program...YEAH!!! and then on to the next challenge...running 5 days a week and my first 5K. Getting past week 4 will be a real boost for you...great to have you back running! It was a struggle getting to the 40lb board ... now I am pretty much staying at a plateau...I hope you get to sign the board this week - I thought I would change the podcast to music after I was running a full 30 mins...but I haven't yet...the beat keeps me going...I will buy a new pair of running shoes when I complete the C25K...and am interested in the Nike with the chip, technology is great!!! I am afraid to change my shoes until I complete my first 5K...good luck measure :) I only wish I was as discipline with MRC as I have been on the C25K...I still have the occasional off plan meals...margaritas this weekend celebrating my mothers 65th birthday! Just could not refuse...cake too. Keep in touch and wish you luck as you complete the C25K program... After W6 I decreased my speed just to get through the full running time...don't be surprised if you need to reduce your speed...finally I am running at a faster pace and can EVEN talk while running...the huffing and puffing is gone...:carrot:

Hey GWE,
my repeat of week 4 is almost completed. I ran most of last night, was caught by a thunder & lightening storm and had to cut it short but we ran more than half of it so I was ok with that. Will complete the week tomorrow and finally move on to week 5. NSV today - stopped in a clothing shop tonight that offers both plus and misses sizes and was pleasantly surprised when I was able to fit into some clothes on the non-plus size! First time in many years. I purchased a pair of khaki pants in size 16 and a pair of khaki walking shorts in 16!! That just blows my mind! I never wear khaki b/c I can see my dimples and was amazed when they fit smoothly and w/o dimples. Not only that, they were on the clearance rack - $10.00!! I never buy off clearance b/c it never fits so this was great fun for me. The running is seriously paying off and feels great. I'm looking for a 5k to enter this fall. Unfortunately, the heat and mugginess here in Savannah, GA is so incredibly overwhelming that I'm afraid a day time run here in the summer would be just miserable. Last night's air quality was terrible for the run, it was so thick with humidity, likely 100%, worsened by the pending storm and someone burning brush or wood nearby. This combined w/ the fact that it was likely in the 90's at 7:30 pm was really suffocating. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I'm thinking of trying an early am run, before the sun starts to sizzle us. As I'm sure you've read here and there, I have had my less dedicated MRC moments as well... darn cashews seem to get me but I've got that under control now... I can also say that I've been to 2 weddings in the last mo. and have had a bite of wedding cake (I swear only 1) at each wedding - for pete's sake, we still have to live some. I know it doesn't help the cause but it's not every day. Anyways, I am completely remotivated to complete the program and run a 5k by the end of the year and reading your posts have really helped keep me there. Thanks as always for your encouragement.

Karen,
It must FEEL great finding such a surprise when out shopping...Congrats on the shorts...I have not ventured out in shorts as of yet :) I have stuck to running indoors on the treadmill because of all the uncertainty with the "outdoors" - rain, smoke, traffic, etc...you are brave...I know I will need to begin running outdoors for a couple of weeks before my first 5K...just to become assimilated to the different conditions of road running. Have you moved into week 5? I know it is tough going past week 5 - just take it slow and you will feel great. I am beginning my final week today, W9D1, I just can not believe I have nearly done it! I will extend running for a month using another program that will have me running up to 6 miles on the last run for the week...3 days running, 3 days cross training...this is when I will start working with weights. I am going on a long trip - 6 weeks - overseas and will be taking all my supplements and 2 HNS a day...my center is terrific they extended my program for 6 weeks for FREE because I will not be here to WI - it will be hard keeping OP but I am going to try my best and definitely keep running...I know you can do it....keep up the great work! I look forward in sharing our first 5K race experience...I have delayed my June 27th planned 5K because I am traveling...so I will run my first 5K in September once the weather is cooler...You might try www.runningintheusa.com to search for 5K races in your area - I have also search for races on www.ArkansasRunner.com your state might have its own designated site. Have a great week!

I've Done It !!!
 

Just wanted to share with all that I have finally completed the C25K program...ran my last run today!!! Now I will begin running 5 days a week on the OHR program...I feel great and wish you all the best who are following the program. I am off for a 6 week overseas vacation with my family and will be off plan (MRC) for the duration...I will continue to run and eat as close to the MRC diet as I can...I will check back with you all in August. Good luck to all !

I will miss you GWE! Congrats on completing the program, it must feel absolutely wonderful to have made this great accomplishment! Good luck on your trip and keep up the great work. Take great pics to share with us when you get back. Have a great time.;):D;)

OK... I'm on week 6 of C25K, having a hard time getting past the 5/8 minute intervals so I've decided to hold out there until I feel more comfortable with moving on to the longer runs... Anyone else out there with me here??? Miss ya GWE :0)

I started over yesterday. Did the C25K From Jan - March then jumped right to the half marathon and injured my knee. Now that I'm through physical therapy, they're letting me start at the beginning. My knees were sore this morning, but no pain!

Noticed this link today and was wondering what it was. What a wonderful surprise. I quickly downloaded Week 1 and just completed Week 1, Day 1. It was very enjoyable. Can't wait til tomorrow

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/purpvi...2/178/244/.png

Started MRC 5/9/09

YAY!! So Happy to have others here... I was starting to think I lurked here alone lately :0)

[QUOTE=rip;2819020]Noticed this link today and was wondering what it was. What a wonderful surprise. I quickly downloaded Week 1 and just completed Week 1, Day 1. It was very enjoyable. Can't wait til tomorrow

Welcome rip!! This can be challenging but certainly rewarding. Can't wait to hear your progress :0)

Hey ShineOn,
So glad to see you here and getting back to running. Sounds like the MD and PT believe slow and steady wins the race here. Welcome back :0)

Moving on up!
 

Finally,
Broke through the 10 minute intervals last Saturday and ran my 1st 25 minute run, 1.8 miles! Not exactly lightening speed but i did it none the less and It was great... I had to tell myself a few times towards the end "you can do this, don't stop now, keep going" etc etc but I did it. It was kinda strange afterwards b/c I almost could hardly believe I had done it and was so excited.. I carry my cell phone w/me and called my hubby immediately to tell him, I just couldn't wait until I got home to tell someone, LOL, LOL... Anyways, somehow the week 6 and 7 podcasts disappeared off my IPOD so rather than take the time to download those I just went with week 8 and ran the 28 minute run. I like to walk about 6 min for warmup so that took 1 min. off the run but still ran 27 minutes, 2 miles!! I really am proud of my accomplishment, never thought I would be doing this that's for sure. Anyone else out there running still? Rip, Shineon, Keepinon? Any newcomers?

Great job Karen!!!! I got the gut renching call last week from my Dr. The reason I'm having so much pain in my knees is because the x-rays showed arthritis - in both knees:( I was really upset for a few days. Then this week I decided to get over it and get on with something else. There are a lot worse calls you can get from a Dr's office. Unfortunately, my dreams of running a marathon are completely crushed. I'm warming up to the idea of walking, but it looks like the ecliptic and a bicycle will be the best forms of exercise for me. Just finished an ecliptic work out (luckily, I have one in my basement) and we're going bicycle riding with friends on Sunday. I haven't ridden in years!!!! The friends husband keeps saying . . . Gina knows we aren't out to break any land speed records doesn't she? She knows this is a leisurely ride, right? Geeze, what does he think - that I'm competitive or something :D :lol:

Hey ShineOn,
I'm sorry to hear about you knees... I know it must be hard to give up the idea of the marathon but I'm sure there will be other great things on the horizon for you... I work for a Surgeon that used to do Triathalons but his knees have gotten so bad he had to give up the running ... now he competes in biking and does several races throughout the year so there are certainly opportunities in biking in the event you decide to consider that :0) I'm a very goal oriented person as well so I understand your eagerness/ competitiveness/call it what they may LOL :0). Have a great ride!