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13 Replies Last post: Nov 20, 2007 12:59 AM by Guest  
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Nov 16, 2007 1:36 PM

Another Newbie

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say hello since I'm new to the forum. I just started the C25K program today. I feel pretty good so far. I may not be saying that when I wake up tomorrow morning, but I'm sure I'll live.

I feel really good about starting this program. The first day wasn't as hard as I thought it might be. I thought for sure I'd be ready to quit 10 minutes into it, but I hung in there and made it thought. I downloaded some podcasts that tell you when to run and when to walk and that really helped a lot. That way I didn't have to focus on the clock on the treadmill. (I'm not ready to face the cold weather AND running all at once just yet, so I'll stick to the treadmill for now!)

My feet hurt a bit today though, and they hurt while I was running too. I was hoping that I could get through the first week or two before having to buy new shoes, but I can see I'm going to have to make it a priority. I have a case of plantar fascitis that I'm sure will be yelling at me tomorrow. Luckily there are 2 specialty running stores here in downtown Ann Arbor, so I'm planning to check them out on Monday. (Going anywhere in Ann Arbor will be a nightmare this weekend thanks to the Michigan/Ohio State game.) So I think I will wait to restart the program until early next week when I can get the proper shoes.

I really think I'm going to enjoy this program. I've never been a runner. Heck, I've never been any kind of athletic or exercise type person. But I need to get in shape, and I like that this plan gives me a clear goal and schedule (with some room for making it personalized too). I really want to be one of those people that enjoys exercise, and I think a plan like C25K will help me get there.

So anyway...I'll stop rambling now. I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I'll probably be lurking around the board.

Vanessa
Click to view NENE081's profile Amateur 33 posts since
Feb 22, 2001
1. Nov 16, 2007 1:38 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Welcome. Glad to hear you made it through Day #1. My mom has foot problems like yours - and besides buying special shoes, she has orthotics that have been made specifically for her foot. That'd be something to look into if your feet give you more problems. But, good luck with the beginning of a new program!
Guest
2. Nov 16, 2007 1:41 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hi Vanessa,
Welcome to the world of running, so to speak!
Good shoes will make or break your feet in this game, and if you are unhappy/uncomfortable, you will not be running long before you quit, so good shoes are a must! Just to throw something out there at ya, I have run both on treadmills, and outside and Outside running is FAR easier than them "dread"mills! They are so hard on my feet and ankles, I can tell a HUGE difference in running the two! So while running on a dreadmill is better than nothing, I think you should invest in some warm clothing, and hit the outdoors.. My guess is if you have never ran before, you will feel so much better about being outdoors that you will forget about being cold. good luck with the running!
Guest
3. Nov 16, 2007 1:51 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hi Lawman, I agree with you that running outdoors would probably be more ideal and more enjoyable. I live in an area that has lots of sidewalks that get very little use, so it would be a good place to run (even if it is concrete). At this point though, it's either good shoes OR warm running clothes. I can only afford one right now. I figure I can handle the "dreadmill" for a while until I get into the swing of things, then I can tackle the elements. Not to mention the fact that I'm not too keen about running in the dark, and I don't think my husband would be happy about it either. I'm ok with the treadmill for now though and I do intend to get outside as soon as it's feasible.

Vanessa
Guest
4. Nov 16, 2007 1:52 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hi there. I'm another newbie. I just finished week 1 day 2 last night.
I have never been a runner before, so this all new to me. I'm also doing this to get back in shape. I'm recovering from back surgery and so far my back is about the only thing that hasn't been hurting! My feet have been the worst,and the folks on the board have adviced me to go to a specialty shoe store to get the right fit. I'm going to try that this weekend when I finish week 1. Good luck and keep at it.
Guest
5. Nov 16, 2007 3:25 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hi Vanessa,
I know how that goes with the money! Everything cost more now it seems, and nothing involved with sports is cheap unless its useless,lol. Anyways You are probably right about running in the dark, probably not the safest bet if your going solo. anyway, becareful and have fun!
Guest
6. Nov 17, 2007 8:02 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hi, Vanessa! New myself here--c25K W1/D1 TODAY!!! No aches yet, we'll see about tomorrow.
Anyway, welcome and happy running!
Click to view Miss Giggles's profile Amateur 22 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
7. Dec 25, 2007 11:06 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hi, you can also go to the Tortoise and the Hare running store off plymouth road and 23 in Ann Arbor. Not as crowded as going downtown. I believe both stores in downtown Ann Arbor are Running Fit.



http://This message has been edited by Miss Giggles (edited Nov-17-2007).
Guest
8. Nov 17, 2007 8:37 PM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hi there, I am new to running as well. I had been able to work up to 3.25 miles on the treadmill, only stopping twice to walk for a minute. I decided to take it outdoors as I have a great bike path, 3 minutes walking distance away. Anyway, since taking it outdoors I feel like I have to start over again, my breathing is awful and I had to fall back to run 3-6 minutes and then walk for a minute, the most I have made it is 2 mi tops in the run/walk mode. There is definately a difference from the treadmill. Although I feel like I am failing off in my training I am not going to be hard on myself, since I am still doing something. Has anyone else had this experience, with having a hard time once you hit the streets, vs being on the treadmill?
Guest
9. Nov 18, 2007 12:38 AM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hey Vanessa!
I am a newcomer to this website and to the whole idea of running as well! I had a question about the podcast that you downloaded that helps you with timing yourself during your run/walk time, can you tell me which podcast you downloaded? I found one on itunes called "4 Feet Running", it is a free subscription and I just wonder how to incorporate this in with the C25K training guidelines. Any advice is much appreciated! I have not started my training yet as I am trying to get over a miserable cold, I hope to start on Monday 11/19. Thanks again!
Guest
11. Nov 19, 2007 12:16 AM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Thank you so much Vanessa! Yay! Having these instructions on my ipod just makes me feel even more prepared to accomplish the one goal that I have always wanted to reach, becoming and eventually calling myself a "runner". I am a little nervous as in the past I start out really strong with my work out regimen (at that specific time) but then fade out and flake out on my determination. I am hoping to find running to be the one exercise, while not easily accomplished at first, turns out to be the ideal exercise time for me both mentally and physically. I believe the most cherished things we hold in life are the things that we really had to work hard at getting, and I have this feeling that this is going to be true for me with becoming a runner. Wish me luck as I get on the treadmill at 6:05am tomorrow and start something that has long been a dream of mine. Thank you again for the link to the podcasts, I really appreciate it and your support!!!
Guest
12. Nov 19, 2007 8:24 AM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hey Gypsy Runner! How did your first run go? When I did day one, it was tough, but I made it through. I felt really accomplished when I was done.

Unfortunately I can't say the same for day 2 I went out yesterday to do my second day. I decided to walk to the fitness room for my 5 minute warm up since it was a decent day out. It was cold (around 35 or 40), but clear, and my first 5 minutes walking was pretty pleasant, expecially once I started to warm up. So I decided I'd give my run a try outside since everyone says running outside is so much better. Well, about halfway through I just couldn't run anymore. My feet were killing me, my lungs were freezing, I had a headache and I ended up running into the wind, which didn't help either. So I hobbled the rest of the way back home and called it a day. I felt so defeated. But tomorrow I'll be back on the treadmill in the fitness room where the temperature is more comfortable.

So I think I'll stick to the treadmill for a while. Probably through the winter because I'm a real wuss when it comes to the cold. But I'm not giving up. I really want this, and I'm willing to put the time and effort in. I guess I just need to take things one step at a time.

Thanks so much to everyone on here for the support and advice that you give. It's nice to hear from so many people who are going through the same thing, or have been there before and persevered and made running a habit, hobby, and a passion. I'll get there someday!

Vanessa
Guest
13. Nov 20, 2007 12:59 AM in response to: Guest
Re: Another Newbie
Hey Vanessa!
Don't you even feel bad about your little (and I mean tiny) setback you had yesterday. Just look at it as a little "test-run" on how you were as an outside runner, if you hadn't of tried then you would still be wondering if you were missing out on something with running outdoors, now you at least know what works, and when it comes down to it you are STILL running!! Keep it up girl, we are in this for the long haul!

I was going to start the program this morning but have been battling a very bad viral infection and was not in peak condition this morning, so I braved through the day at my desk and then came home a more motivated person and decided to start this evening. It was great! The podcasts that you directed me to are perfect and take all the guess work out of the program, I like the man's voice and he keeps you motivated. I think I am one of those people that are going to fare better in the evenings rather than in the mornings, I am a slow starter I think when it comes to the early morning alarm. I need to figure out when to eat dinner, before the work out or after? Any suggestions?

So here is to keeping our hearts and our heads up as we conquer this challenge to transform ourselves into "runners". I am here for the duration and I hope you will be here right along side me through the down days and the great days of triumph! I promise the good days will out weigh the bad and with the kind of support that comes through this website we "newbies" cannot lose! Find your center, find your strength and together we will find ourselves.