@WIguy  Congratulations on your acheivement!  I hope to be there soon.

@vaultingdoc  Thanks!  I'll check them out.

Revgum:  Tonight I'll do W8D2.  I've taken every step of this C25K trip in Vibram Five Finger KSOs. My feet still sometimes go to sleep while I run but they "come to" quicker, sometimes even before I finish the training session.  I feel that the softer landing of midsole strides has made recovery between C25K training sessions a whole lot easier for this big girl.  I don't feel like I've been in total body jarring accident after each workout.

And, ladies, here's an added benefit that I'm contributing to the Vibrams--I feel that I can wear (high) heels more successfully.  I was often a wobbly mess in heels, but now I feel more sure footed when I pump up the altitude in some kicking heels.  I think Vibrams have really strengthened the structure of my feet and ankles.  I don't know if the company makes that claim, but that's what I'm attributing my ability to walk in heels without my ankles giving or my feet screaming.

I recommend Vibrams wholeheartedly.

As an aside, I just love this thread.  Yall have taught me so much, inspired me so much, made me feel like I'm not alone in this.  If I was a  hugger...

Hi guys and gals! First off, a warm welcome to those just joining the  group; this is an awesome bunch of people who will encourage AND nag  you if needed to get out and do it. Whether you're just starting C25K or  some other running program or are an experienced runner, you'll find  motivation and support here--I know I do! I'm not even going to try and comment on all the posts, there are just too many, but there are a couple I can't pass on.

@AFMR  - going back to to your post yesterday about getting started, AWESOME  post. It really should be required reading! Keep that info around and  re-post it periodically when someone new wants to know where to begin. I  had to read it to my hubby off my phone while we were in the car, it  was so good.

@Wideguy - you of all people should know  better than to go off running without some fuel in the tank! I know how  it is, though; feeling good and want to get out there, it just doesn't  occur to you sometimes. Glad you were able to recover so quickly and  hopefully learned a lesson.

I  did a 31 minute run yesterday on the treadmill, 2.25 miles. It is  definitely getting easier and easier to keep going that long once I hit  my stride, and the speed is gradually improving; I think the time was  13'49", slow for some but considering where I started, I'm pretty happy  with it. I may run again today if I can convince hubby to do it on the  trail with me; it's hard to map out a long enough run in our  neighborhood now that it's over 2 miles! I'm signing up for another race  at the end of September, the only question is whether to do the 5K or  dare go for the 10K by then. I'm going to move into the One Hour Runner  program next to extend the times and distances.

I'm looking forward to trying out my new Nike Free Run shoes when they come on Friday. I'm not quite ready to get the Vibram Five Fingers and definitely not going to try running barefoot on my neighborhood roads (way too many pinecones, branches, and rocks on our streets and no sidewalks), but I'm anxious to see if they help my stride and how my feet respond to the light support. Might have to get some of those huaraches if the Nike Free Runs work out well.

As much as I usually like running outdoors, I am SO glad that the A/C is working again at the gym.  With the heat & humidity up so high here in the southeast, if you don't go out for a run early, then it is almost too dangerous to go out later in the day.  And even early - it is still not cool.  Did a 5:30AM run today at my 5K course for the race next week, and it was 78deg /95%H.  Yek! It is forecast to stay hot from now till race day.

The race starts at 8AM, so it will be in the low 80's. This is the same course that I did one year ago (when I was starting C25K & was 55# heavier) and then it took me 62.7 mins to complete.  It's not flat, w several inclines and one hill, so with this heat, I'm not going to break my 5K PR from a flatter course.  But today I did it in 42.7 mins, and I don't think I'll be much faster next weekend. But still 31% improvement.

Anyway, my whole point is that even though treadmill (or indoor track) workouts can be long and boring, it does provide you the flexibility of doing your workout at any time during the day, instead of just early AM or late PM when it MIGHT be cooler.  And you can use it for very controlled speed interval (or hill) workouts.  And if you are smart & have time, get in some strength training while you are there.

Still, I can't wait for cooler days.  Maybe in Sept., 'eh?

gmadenise wrote:

 

@AFMR  - going back to to your post yesterday about getting started, AWESOME  post. It really should be required reading! Keep that info around and  re-post it periodically when someone new wants to know where to begin. I  had to read it to my hubby off my phone while we were in the car, it  was so good.

 

Thanks for the kind words (from you and all the others who liked my post).  Perhaps I need to add a line or two at the end next time:

"If you found this information helpful, PayPal $1 USD to..."

lol

! ! ! ! !

AFatManRunning:

You are right about the Newton shoes.  They are expensive but they do have a 30 day money back.  I will say they take a long time to adjust just like barefoot running.  It took me 3 months to no longer have soreness from them but know I won't go without them and everyone I have met who has them says the same thing. So really follow the directions on how to break them in.