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?
.

I am definately going to try this! Sounds completely do-able

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.

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.

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

Thanks!!
.

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!

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!


.

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.

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!

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 ;-)

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.