Thought I would go ahead and start the thread. Especially as I completed my first 5K on Feb 1.
It was a lot of fun. And although via the program I never ran the 40 minutes it took me to and never actually ran 5K, I had no problem completing it after getting up to 30 minute runs. And I actually felt stronger the second half. I sprinted the last 0.1 miles.
Somebody mentioned goals when you finished. I think it is good to think about goals but running is going to be different for you at the end of completing the program then at the beginning and the middle.
It is an entirely different thing for me to run now. Much easier, more enjoyable, more a part of my life.
I think I am going to probably settle on something like 35 to 40 min runs 3 times a week. And possibly train for a 10K later this year. But I was not tired at the end, I was not gasping for air. Your body when you run regularly changes....radically.
Your capillary system gets better, you get more mitochondria, you get better at delivering oxygen to your muscles. And yes researchers have measured all that. So you might think I'd never do a 10K or whatever now. But running isn't going to be the same thing it is now. It will be easier and hopefully more enjoyable. And if I could do it anyone can. I couldn't even run the 30 seconds in August.