I did W6D2 yesterday... my ipod stopped working halfway through but I made it through anyway. I'm kind of sad to be done with the intervals! Telling myself I'd be back to them by Monday was totally how I got myself through that 20 minute run last week! But I did it then and I'll do the 25 minute run tomorrow, it's just weird to think all I have left is the long runs...

I redid W1D2 today. I did run a couple of intervals for 90 seconds instead of 60, and felt pretty great when I was done.

lexie67, google One Hour Runner (running?). I think that's another interval program.

If not, check out coolrunning.com. On their running/training page they have a few different programs.

Ooh, thank you for the tip! I was thinking about going back and doing C25K again to increase my speed... I might have to think about this instead! I guess I'm jumping ahead of myself though, I've got another 3+ weeks of this left.

finished day 2 of week 4! I can't believe how fast its going!

Hey everyone! Congrats to everyone on their progress.

Tomorrow is W2D3. So I have a question, how much do you sweat initially? Because I feel like it's been a cake walk these first two weeks. I will break a sweat but I never end up out of breath. Maybe that's the point, because it's gradual. Should I increase my speeds? I tend to walk at 4mph and run at 5mph. Also when is the first day that has a big run placed into it?

I just want to make sure I'm not missing something. Thanks for the help!

KScrooge - Your beginning fitness level is going to affect how easy/difficult the program is for you. I'm guessing from what you said that you didn't just get up off the couch and start running!

Measuring your heart rate might be a good way to determine whether or not you're working hard enough. Sweat isn't a good indicator because a lot of things unrelated to your workout can affect that. If you're in an air conditioned gym, the cool air will evaporate the sweat from your skin before you even really notice it. If you run outside and it's wicked humid, you're gonna sweat buckets just standing still because there is so much moisture in the air.

If you really think the program is too easy, try going for distance instead of time.

Also, don't think that one long run is more difficult or a better workout than running intervals. In fact, I'm grateful for the days with longer runs because I find that they're easier. I don't understand the science behind it, but I know intervals are very important for building endurance and that marathoners incorporate them into their training routine.

@BacOs - Where did you learn about the One Hour Runner program? I'm just wondering if it's reliable and trustworthy as a training program? Anyone can make up a running routine and put it on the web, so I'm careful about what I accept as legit.

Congrats to everyone on the great running progress!

Hello everybody!

I ran W7D3 this morning with my mommy! She's basically just decided to jump forward a week at this point so we can run together this week that we're gone. She's in better shape than me, so she can get away with it! So we ran for 25 minutes today on this neat little bike trail about a 5 minute drive away from her Aunt's house where we're staying staying at, and that was all fine and wonderful, even though I really didn't feel like it because in an act of really annoying timing, I've managed to aquire a freaking cold! My nose is all stupid and I've been caughing. Hate! But made myself go run, because it isn't anything bad enough to be an excuse not to. Hopefully by Monday when I hop up to 28 minutes of running, my nose will stop being a jerk!!!

So that's me! Keep on running, everyone!

I love reading the updates from everyone, Thank you all for helping me get started.

I did W1D2 today, and the good news is that my calf muscles were not as painful today. I can not wait until W1D3 to see how they feel.

I didn't do W5 D3 today.

Pizza & wine + staying out until 3 a.m. + a weather heat advisory (temps feel like they're over 100!) = bad day to exercise outside.

I'm disappointed because I'm really looking forward to the challenge of a 2 mile run!

@Diana - How fun to be able to run with your mom! That's really groovy!

@envelope - It's amazing how the body adapts. After D1 I hurt so bad all day I didn't even want to walk! But I very quickly got to the point where I don't ache at all, even after a hard run.

Hello everyone,
I am finishing W1 today and so far so good. Dreading a little bit what's coming in a few weeks, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there, right?
It's nice to see that so many of you are doing well following the program, that gives me hope!!
I have a few questions for those of you with more experience than me:

1. Do you run in the morning or afternoon?
2. Do you eat before or after your run?
3. Do you drink water during your run?

Just curious to know what you do...

Thx,


Caribbean Girl

1. I'm very much a morning runner. Out of bed and on the road.

2. Yes. On run days, I divide my breakfast into thirds. Carbs before run (usually half a banana, but just about any fruit works great). Protein/carb combo immediately after run (cottage cheese & fruit; Greek yogurt & fruit; toast & pb). Protein-only about 2 hours later (usually eggs and breakfast meat). This works best for me because it gives me energy and endurance, and it keeps me from getting the hungries all day long. (This is a good article about what to eat when exercising.)

3. I don't drink during a run and really haven't found that I need it. Not even on the day I did a 5K race when it was ridiculously hot. I drink a glass before a run and a glass after. And I have a 2-quart container that I sip on over the next 2 hours or so until it's gone. (I suspect that drinking during runs will become necessary when I progress to longer distances, though.)

And don't dread the upcoming weeks. Diana and I started at about the same time, and if you go back and read the earliest posts in this thread, you'll find us expressing downright horror at the thought of running 3 minutes. Impossible!!! (we thought). But honestly, this program is phenomenal for building endurance and helping your body to adapt, and you'll be astonished at what you're able to do.

Hello Rochester, thx so very much for your wonderful advice!! You certainly provided some relevant feedback!!
I'll keep posting to let you know how I am doing!!

Regards,

Caribbean Girl

Rochester - Thanks for the advice. Yes I did not go straight from the couch, I admit it. I've always been an avid walker. But I've never had the stamina to run. I decided to increase my pace, which helped me feel better, and I'm pretty sure that as the program progresses, it will catch up with me and/or show me I had it in me all along.

Carribbeangirl - 2 of the 3 days I run in the afternoon/evening. On Fridays I like to run first thing in the morning. As such my meal times differs, but I can say I never run after eating a meal. On Friday mornings I'll have a banana first thing just for some energy before the run, but otherwise I don't feel comfortable. I won't drink water during a run either, but that's because I find it to be a hassle. I stay very well hydrated throughout my day.

I'm enjoying my weekend off. Gearing up for week 3 on Monday! Hope everyone is well.

W5D3. 2 miles with no walking!!!!! This is my Nike+ log of the run.

The way I feel right now is indescribable.

I ran at the state park and it was a beautiful run. And I went for a swim in the lake afterward. I just feel....ALIVE. I want to cry. It's that wonderful.

Completed W3D3 today! I have been running at the indoor track at my gym, but today I ran outside because it wasn't too hot! It wasn't too bad but definitely a little trickier. I think I might be ready for Week 4! I'm excited.