Finished W3D2 today and actually enjoyed the whole run, I cant believe how good the whole thing felt, I didnt feel that will I, wont I feeling beforehand and actually woke up looking forward to running even though it was wet out.  I hit the trails today and enjoyed every second.  Did get achey stomach muscles half way through so ended up changing my route slightly which meant more down hill running than uphill (but I even feel my form is better going down hills now than before)  Does anyone else experience that at all (muscle ache in tum)? Also cant believe that we are all at least a third of the way through the programme on here, how good is that?!

Completed W4D2 today.  Urban, I also have to honestly say that I don't enjoy running yet, but I'm willing to keep at it until this 9 wk program is over.  I do love the way I feel afterwards.

I honestly don't think I could get through the running intervals without listening to the pocast....it really keeps me motivated and focused.

Does anyone listen to podrunner on their ipod?  I've dowloaded a few of his mixes and am going to try and find a bpm speed that keeps pace with my running speed.  Or should I say, that I can try to keep pace with!

On another note, i should say that since starting this 4 wks ago, I've lost 10 lbs, which is a bonus.  I'm also eating alot healthier - I find that running and healthy eating seem to help one another out.

Keep pressing on!!!

I think you will know your own body and so only you can make that decision but I am repeating week 3 this week and still have another session of week 3 to go before starting W4D1 (and Iv not just had a baby!).  There is no shame in repeating a week and letting your body adjust a little more before going onto week 4, I just knew that week 4 was going to be too much for me, however week 3 this week is a LOT better for having repeated it and although W4D1 will be a bit more of a struggle, Im actually looking forward to it this time, so for me, Im really pleased that I decided to repeat week 3 as its helped me a lot in the running and also on my general mental attitude towards the programme.  Instead of being filled with dread and panic at the thought of having to manage W4 Im actually feeling more ready for the challenge and like I am actually enjoying the process more.

oh, another thing that has helped a LOT is using the podcasts from www.runningintoshape.com they are free downloads and created by someone that has done the programme.  you may find it helpful to use music and just slow the running pace down a little.  The main thing is you dont feel like you are counting down the seconds as the podcast tells you when your 'recovery walk' is, so even if the music isnt to your likling you can focus on just getting through the run until you hear her voice.

There are more free podcasts here http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html

Message was edited by: gawd

Will any of you be wearing these in a few weeks?  http://www.zazzle.com/c25kcom/gifts

Jennifer,

     Welcome! Glad you dropped in. I also chose to repeat W3. Seems like it was quite a hurdle from W2. I repeated it & then it seemed like I flew thru W4, I have completed W5D2 last night & it was a bear toward the end. So just pace yourself & dont over do. Better to repeat and let your body adjust than to push too far, too soon & end up injuried. ( Just my thought, not a experianced runner or doctor or anything!1). But, I believe if I had moved on up to W4 before I was ready, I probably wouldnt have enjoyed it as much as I have. Be Well....TJ

Hey folks,

     Well, I did W5D2 last night. Wasn't as bad as I was thinking it would be. My breathing was good except for about the last 2 minutes of the last 8 minute jog. But, my legs were killing me from the start. Might have been because I had done a bunch of going & blowing at work during the day. Not sure about that.

     However, I felt great after I finished but this morning I felt like a truck had hit me. Very sore & stiff and knees were aching quite a bit. Don't know if that was because maybe I was tensed up while running or what, but it was not great. Stiffness & soreness has worked out as day went along with a little residue muscle ache. Didnt think 6 extra minutes of jogging would cause that kind of problems!! Anybody else ever had this??? Let's keep on chuggin!! Be Well...TJ

I started on 3/9 so I'm just a week behind you.  I'm loving it!  How is it going for you?

I started blogging about it - you should check it out!  I would love to be able to have someone to compare notes with about it!

http://missmor9an.blogspot.com/

Best of luck to you! 

Morgan

OK I couldn't do it!  W4D1 the second 5 minutes I had to walk halfway thru. The first part of the last 5 minutes I was trying everything to psych myself by envisioning the finish line, focusing on the podcast music, watching tv... you name it but I couldn't do it. Is there anyone else who had trouble with W4. W3 wasn't a problem.   OMG can't even imagine running a 5K at this point. uuuggghhh!!

Sedturtle,

     Oh yea, I had a BIG problem with W4 when I started it. The 2nd 5 minute run came & I didnt even attempt to jog it. My lungs were screaming & I sounded like a wounded elephant with asthma. So, I just walked it on out. I chose to repeat a couple days of W3 and that did the trick. THe second time I started W4, I buzzed right thru it.

     So, think about repeating a days or two if you need to. It gives your body a little more adjustment time. I've backed up a couple times & I'm chugging into W5D3 today. Curious to see how it goes because the extra 6 minutes of D2 about wrecked me. Keep on going and keeps us updated!!! Be Well....TJ