Cantgetenough: I HATE running. and sweating... but 8 weeks in, I dont battle with it any more. I kinda like it....

got another 28 min run in the AM! WHOOP.

I can totally relate. I did the C25K and I HATE running. Kind of still do, though I've been doing it for about 6 months now and finished the program in July (which means it took me almost 4 months to complete a nine week program - went at MY pace). The stamina will come with time - you have keep on, keeping on and then, one day, like me - you realize you can run 3 miles without dying and all of sudden, this running thing might actually be, dare I say it, fun? The finish line is the best and my smaller butt, along with a smaller and fitter me, makes all that sweat worth it.

I started yesterday. By the end of it my calves were really burning but I made it through and felt great afterwards. I'll be doing day 2 tomorrow and am actually looking forward to it.

Oh thanks guys you've made me feel much better about starting it! I want something I can keep up. There's no point in my signing up to the gym because I know I won't put in the time. I need something quick cheap and dirty. :P I think I'll start when I get back to uni, there are plenty of places to jog there where I won't bump into anyone.

That's what I did. Though I try to get my run in around dawn or dusk. It helps my focus to jog somewhere semi-private. I just finished day two of week one. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I actually enjoyed myself and I have that wonderful post workout high.

I finished W2D1 this morning and shaved 6 minutes off my pace... I wasn't trying to and I am not concerned about time only finishing, but I was stoked!!!

Week 1 is done. The good news is slowing my pace up a bit and concentrating on my breathing got rid of the side stitch. The bad news is I didn't make the full 5K.

Okay, I did this once before.. started C25k around 190 pounds, and ended up 172. I ran my 5k, then I just stopped running. It was tragic, because I loved it, and I looked good and felt even better. This time there is a plan to continue on; bridge to 10k and never look back. I love running. I love it. Now I'm at 220...yeah...and so hopefully I'll achieve runner status again.

W1D1 Done
W1D2 Done

I finally bit the bullet and started today. I...didn't do well. I was doing okay, but then....my lungs felt like they were going to burst. I managed to get through three of the "run" periods (I think?) before I gave up. I'm really disappointed in myself, to be honest. The problem wasn't with my legs, it was my breathing/my lungs. They were *burning*. I don't know if I wasn't breathing "right", or what. (Any tips?)

I plan to keep on going (because honestly? I really love the idea of being able to run) but I don't know if I'll be able to follow the Couch to 5K as it stands. I might have to do a modified version.

I'm doing C25k and I don't really understand how, on week 5, we are supposed to go from running 8 minutes straight to 20 without a break. But I tried! I stopped in the middle so I ran 10 and 10 with a 3 min walking break. I'm so proud that I even did 10 straight! I'm going to do that for Monday and Wednesday too, and then try to do the 20 on Friday and then continue with the program thereafter.

Cantgetenoughchoc - I hate(d) running before I started C25k. Still don't like it, really. Its the worst part of my workout, but I tolerate it because I feel great after and it burns a ton of calories. Plus, I would like to eventually go from not liking it to loving it, and apparently C25k can do that for you. I've always wanted to be a runner, haha!

I will say this for C25k though - it makes it tolerable. The increments are manageable and you wont get too out of breath or anything in the first few weeks. By the time you have to run for awhile, your cardiovascular strength will be better and you won't get as out of breath even at the longer distances.

I am having exactly the same problem. I ran W4D1 yesterday and thought my lungs were going to explode. I wish there is a way to help with that. But I did it once, which means I can do it again. There is absolutely nothing wrong with modifying the plan. Lot's of people do it. Just run as much as you can and repeat as many times as necessary.

For those of you that feel like you lungs are going to explode - are you running on a treadmill or outside? My guess is that you are running way too fast. When I made my transition to running outside from the treadmill, I also felt like my lungs were going to explode, and I got this advice on Runnersworld - Slow down! And when you think you're going so slow you're barely moving, slow down even more!

You are far better running slowly so that you can keep going then running faster and burning out. The speed will come. In just a few short months, I've gone from running 1 mile in 15 minutes to being able to run 3 miles with an average of 11 minutes each.

Keep at it!

I don't know about anyone else, but yes, I am running outside. And I think you're right...I'm probably trying to run too fast. When I go out tomorrow (because I refuse to give up, regardless of how lousy I felt yesterday) I'll try to go slower. And if it takes me 18 weeks to get to 5K, instead of 9 weeks, so be it. Thanks for the advice/encouragement!

I actually run on the treadmill. I normally do 10 min miles. Is it too fast? I am not sure. I have always run 10 min miles because when I run slower it feels harder. I was able to complete W4D2. It was a little easier than day 1. The first 5 min run felt fine, but I was definitely winded by the 2nd 5 min run.

I guess you have to know yourself. For me, I still can't run a 10 minute mile! How about this? Start at a slower pace - say a 12 minute mile (5.0 MPH) and see how you feel going into your second and then third intervals. If you feel good, you can always increase the speed. However, if you burn out, it's hard to back off because you will be so tired.