FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K) ...

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84 Replies Last post: Feb 4, 2008 8:12 AM by Fitby31 Go to original post 1 2 3 4 ... 6 Previous Next

irish_hoodlum

36 posts since
Jan 7, 2008

15. Jan 28, 2008 8:01 AM

in response to: audsmom

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

W4D1 complete...but not easily. I have to admit...I had a hard time this morning. I'm not quite sure what the problem was...but I really had to push myself to keep going. I don't think it was a physical thing as much as a mental one. Now that I have done it, I feel more confident about the rest of the week. It really is helpful knowing I have people here holding me accountable. Thanks everyone!

Beachbum ...I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't take your daughters advice on the breathing. If your lungs are screaming for more oxygen...give it to them! They know what they need. As you continue to run....your lung capacity will increase and you will find you won't be breathing as hard, but right now your body is working hard and requiring more from you. So don't hold back! Air is free. Use as much as you need!

alcesalces

150 posts since
Jan 4, 2008

16. Jan 28, 2008 9:13 AM

in response to: alcesalces

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

OK Team... Really quickly, week 5 podcast is for all three days. What Mr. Ullrey did was just make his announcments throught the podcast for all three days. When you hit week 5 just listen and it will make better sense, it all works out nicely. As for week 4, wow! I just got back from my run, and boy was it interesting!! First of all some freakish thing happened in Minnesota today, it's almost 50 degrees!!!! Yesterday 10, tomorrow 10, today 50!!!! Of course I dressed for 10 degrees, so I got a great sweat out of my workout. I also decided to ditch the running path and try the neighborhoods around my house. Well, they apparently are very hilly, and I only seemed to hit the hills halfway through my 5 minute runs, that was a tough push! Everything worked out well though. The last 5 minute run of course up the big hill was a fight, chest heaving, lungs closed, almost wanted to walk, but the Finishers popped in my head telling me I can make it to the peak of the hill then the rest is easy peasy! I Finished it, and now need to stretch like crazy, but it was a great push!! We are comeing along, and now are running at 5 minutes at a time!!! We were struggling at 60 seconds a little while ago!!! It's changing, our bodies are changing, and that's proof!! Keep it up team, kick some butt!!!

Drew

SlogOn

144 posts since
Jan 13, 2008

17. Jan 28, 2008 10:11 AM

in response to: alcesalces

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Ugh - brain was there but the body did NOT want to engage today. Usually I find the first stint of running a slog, then partway through the second, everything seems to 'come good' & the engine hums along... working hard but at least fairly smoothly. Today I felt like a toddler lurching from couch to chair, desperately trying to figure out this moving on only 2 limbs thing. Legs were heavy yet wobbly & for the first time, at the end of the session I felt a little niggle behind my right knee - tendon I think. Like Drew, it didn't help that I seemed to hit an incline right at the start of my first five minute stint. Well, I'm simply going to have to learn to live with that - inclines & downward slopes are part of running & part of life.

I Think the extreme sluggishness is my body's way of telling me I've really been pushing it these past few weeks. I knew I'd done a lot of walking/shuffling along/jogging but I was shocked when I added it up. The week before last, I did 55 kilometers & last week, 34. WOAH! No wonder I felt like I was dragging a rock around with me today! This week had best be a light week other than C25K sessions with a few k of STROLLING between sessions. I need a 'recovery week' when I look at what's coming next week.

laura4184

5 posts since
Jan 11, 2008

18. Jan 28, 2008 11:51 AM

in response to: alcesalces

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

well guys, i still a little behind. i start wk 4 tomorrow. wk 3 was hard for me so i repeated day 3 today. it was alot easier that i thought it was gonna be. maybe i was ready to move onto wk 4 but i'll be ready for sure tomorrow. i can't wait for week five when we jog for two miles with no walking. i'm so proud of us all. the weeks to come will be so much fun!!

go_mama

7 posts since
Jan 28, 2008

19. Jan 28, 2008 12:34 PM

in response to: alcesalces

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Hi all,

can i join you?

i'm new and will begin wk 4 day 1 tomorrow. i've been reading the threads and think the support you give each other is fabulous. i''m back to jogging after a major burnout last summer...i jog/walked a 10k and then a 4mile race. after which i jammed the running shoes into the closet and ignored the treadmill. i don't want to do things that way again.

i had trouble with week 3, partly because i have been feeling discouraged about my speed, comparing myself to others, etc. also, i have really muscular calves which tighten up terribly during the first running interval. any suggestions? i try to walk on the days i'm not on the treadmill, but it's usually kind of slow as i have my kids with me. still, it feels good to be off the couch and moving, even if a bit slowly!

SlogOn

144 posts since
Jan 13, 2008

20. Jan 28, 2008 12:40 PM

in response to: go_mama

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Welcome from another ultraslowpoke. I don't worry about speed anymore. I know I'm faster than those still stuck on the couch & those young rabbits that pass me have, I figure been doing it a lot longer than my 3 weeks. I don't know what to suggest about the calves. Mine tend to tighten up on rest days so I haven't been resting enough. I think the trick is to take a short, brisk walk or a longer/slower one - depending on what your personal circumstances permits.

I did D1 today & would recommend a good series of calf stretches. I didn't & my part way through my first 5 minute stint, knew it was not going to be a great day. My calves tightened, then the tendons behind my knees. It was a timely eminder of the need to warm up & lightly but properly stretch out before a session.

joggerlegs

55 posts since
Jan 16, 2008

21. Jan 28, 2008 1:14 PM

in response to: SlogOn

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

OH YA, I DID IT, OH YA, I'M AN ATHLETE, OH YA I'M A FINISHER!!

Oh sorry....Hi everyone! Can you tell I"m just a tiny bit happy that I was able to do W4D1!!! WHOOOO HOOOO!! And you know what I noticed??? I even had a smile on my face while I was doing it. It was kind of like a perma-grin...it wouldn't go away and it felt so good! I kept thinking of all of you this morning. I dropped my son off at school. It was 40 degrees and the sun was shining. I usually wait until my husband gets up (he works swing shift) to stay with our baby girl, but today I thought let's get this run started! So I bundled her up and put her in the jogger stroller and off we went. But before that I was feeling SUPER NERVOUS!! I kept saying to my daughter do you want a bottle before we go.....trying to delay the run. And she simply answered "No"....so that was my cue to just get my bootie out the door and put one foot in front of the other. The last 5 min run I was sucking air BIG TIME!! I was actually on a main road while I was doing this and I was so embarassed that I was breathing so heavy I made a quick turn off into a park so nobody could see me.....PATHETIC....??? Oh well. Doesn't really matter because I did it!! I always start with the 5 min brisk walk and then I turn the podcast off and stretch my warmed up muscles. I stretched my calves big time hoping to help the ol' shins. And afterwards I did a ton of stretching and then I ice'd my shins eventhough they didn't feel even close to as horrible as they did last week!! Progress!! I was extremely happy about that.

Well, it's great to hear from all of you and WELCOME to go_mama!! I'm glad you joined us. Oh by the way, I'm a slow runner. But I figure, like SlogOn said, I'm going faster than those people sitting on their couches!!

W4D2 on Wednesday.....I'll keep checking on all of you!

Angel

dimpelz

39 posts since
Jan 8, 2008

22. Jan 28, 2008 1:17 PM

in response to: laura4184

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Hey Guys,

I'm kind of jealous. I almost wish that tue, th, and sat were not my run days becasue I feel kind of left behind. It's o.k though, at least you guys can give me a heads up on what to expect. I must admit that I wasn't too worried about tomorrows run but after peaking at week 5, I'm kind of scared. I agree with whoever said that we should do some type of activity on rest days because after just one rest day it seems like I'm starting over from scratch. I have my spinning class tonight so hopefully that'll loosen up some muscles for tomorrow morning.

I also would like to tell you all that I've joined weight watchers online. This should help with my poor eating habits. As a matter of fact it will help because I am so determined to be the picture of health by the time 2009 rolls in:D .

FYI, I am a 34 year old single mother of 2. I live in Ohio, work full time, and look forward to having time to relax, watch lifetime, while eating one of my favorite comfort foods. I never have time to do that because the kids keep me busy so I am usually overeating something that really leaves me feeling empty,while trying to manage the short time between leaving work and getting ready for the next day. I definitely never have time for exercise. For a while I was going to the gym on my lunch hour, which worked out great until I started thinking of how I could be spending my lunch break eating a delicious lunch and not sweating and rushing to shower so that I can get back to my work day.

Enough of that, Thanks to this wonderful group with all of your support, I have managed to make exercise a part of my regular routine (this week starts week 4). In such a short period of time my body craves it already. I have found a group of people that are in many ways like me. I appreciate the support and encouragment and let's just keep going until we reach the finish line, then we'll have to change our name.

Lane Meyers

76 posts since
Jan 8, 2008

23. Jan 28, 2008 1:38 PM

in response to: dimpelz

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Wow Joggerlegs! You ran with a stroller! I am so impressed! Go you! How's everyone feeling about week 4 so far? I did ok. I was surprised to have done it considering I have a nasty chest cold. I'm scared that if I miss even one session I'll just up and quit, so rain, shine, sleet or snow-out there I go... I'm incredibly grateful to be able to follow everyone's progress, especially those who like me are struggling. It helps me get going! I have Wk 4 Day 2 tomorrow. I'm going home tonight and doing all I can to wipe out this nasty cold so I can feel comfortable about doing the run tomorrow. Welcome to our new poster.

Sending good thoughts to all.

Jess413

21 posts since
Jan 11, 2008

24. Jan 28, 2008 4:51 PM

in response to: alcesalces

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Wow! What a workout! I can't believe I just ran for 16 minutes! Before this program I think that was my cummulative life total! But it was hard. I definitely struggled and twice I reached for the handles on the treadmill. But after a few seconds I talked myself back in it without holding on. I think it was mostly a mental battle as usual, but once again I have set a bar to strive for with the remainder of this weeks workout.

Now that I have completed w4d1 I can congratulate all of you on this acheivement, because now I know its a big one! And its starting to not feel like that big of a stretch to graduate to 8 min and 10 min and 20 min.

Yay to all of us Finishers!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!

beachbum46

123 posts since
Jan 2, 2008

25. Jan 28, 2008 5:38 PM

in response to: alcesalces

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Go_Mama welcome to the FINISHERS! We'll help you finish this program along with us. I'm reading all the W4 comments and am going to assume my next run on Friday is going to be easier than the last two runs for me. I thought I was done sucking air, but I'll keep doin it till I get it right! I'm still having no leg issues, they feel great, and I don't do anything on rest days but stretch. I stretch my calves every day, as they do get tight. Morning and night helps a ton every day. Especially right before and after a run, hold each stretch a good long 30 seconds. The first two weeks I'd have to stop and stretch when they "knotted up" during a run but now they don't do it anymore. I run on a soft track at the high school or my treadmill. I figure with my extra pounds I need to start out kind to my joints and ligaments.

My advise is take your time and S-T-R-E-T-C-H before, during (if needed) and after. No skipping. I take a hot shower after and that also helps to loosen up my calves.

I lost two pounds last week cutting calories, so I'm happy about that.

Everyone- congratualtions on doing so well in week 4- y'all are awesome- keep it up, I'm looking for your posts every day! (I still get about 75 delivered in my mailbox due to CoolRunning issues) I skim through for the FINISHERS and always look for you all. Keep it up!!

Jess413

21 posts since
Jan 11, 2008

26. Jan 28, 2008 7:07 PM

in response to: beachbum46

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

BeachBum- about your breathing issue. it may be that you are taking in too much carbon dioxide. I don't know much about this, but I know that when you take too many breaths in a short period, the excess carbon dioxide can make you feel like you are out of breath and when you take additional breaths, it just adds more carbon dioxide. So maybe if every so often you exhale very deeply really empty your lungs, you will have a little more success. Its a little like what happens when people hyperventialte. So when I am running and start to feel out of breath I make an effort to have a few forceful exhales with some nice and easy inhales. I don't remember where I heard or read about this, but it works for me. I hope this helps! (and makes sense!) Good luck!

audsmom

16 posts since
Jan 23, 2008

27. Jan 28, 2008 7:11 PM

in response to: beachbum46

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Hey there FINISHERS!! I wanted to check in before bed. I'll be doing W4D2 bright and early tomorrow morning at 5am. I'm looking forward to it.

Whether you are just getting ready to start day one, or moving onto day two, remember, we are all in this together. You all keep me going!! I'm so glad to have found such a wonderful, supportive and inspirational group!!

I look forward to hearing about everyone's progress tomorrow. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Lisa

audsmom

16 posts since
Jan 23, 2008

28. Jan 28, 2008 7:14 PM

in response to: beachbum46

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

Beachbum-

One thing that has really helped me with my breathing (which can get ugly since I recently quit smoking) is to breath in slowly through my nose, and blow out through my mouth with pursed lips. I used to always get side stitches when I tried to jog, but since I've been practicing this (similar to Pilates breathing), I haven't experienced a single episode of side stitches.

Hope this helps!!

Lisa

audsmom

16 posts since
Jan 23, 2008

29. Jan 29, 2008 5:18 AM

in response to: audsmom

Re: FINISHERS... Week 4 (C25K)

W4D2 is FINISHED!! Woohoo!! Today was a really tough day for me. I had trouble sleeping last night, and I woke up before my alarm went off, but I was just so darned tired. I didn't feel like getting out of bed. It was a real push to get through my runs, and the sweat was pouring off of me like a river. I kept repeating to myself over and over again, "This is a piece of cake, you can do this." And I really didn't want to come back and tell all of you that I couldn't finish.

I am NOT a morning person at all, but I've been going to the gym at
5am. If I get it out of the way, I know I won't put it off.

It's almost 50 degrees here today already, but we will have snow tonight and a high of 12 degrees tomorrow. This crazy Indiana weather is the reason I stay on the treadmill.

Which brings me to my next question... I've only been running on the treadmill because of the weather. As spring creeps up and the weather changes, I'd like to do some of my running outside. Is it going to be a challenge for me to move from the treadmill to running outdoors?

Also, I just read in a fitness magazine that you should do strength training before cardio. In doing so, the article said that your arteries experience increased elasticity. Does anyone know anything about this? I can't imagine trying to do my run after strength training. I would be too wiped out...

Look forward to everyone checking in! Have a great day all! We are doing GREAT!!!

Lisa

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