Anyone else start the C25k (April ...

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

Search Cool Running Community

Browse Cool Running

CoolRunning.com > Cool Running Community > Newbie Cafe >

Up to Threads in Newbie Cafe

386 Replies Last post: Jul 1, 2008 6:21 AM by jcshirke 1 2 3 ... 26 Previous Next

amylp

40 posts since
Apr 22, 2008

Jun 16, 2008 2:42 PM

Anyone else start the C25k (April 21-27)? ((WE'VE MADE IT TO WEEK 9!))

Hi there,

I'm looking to see if anyone else has just started week 1 of the C25k.

Yesterday was W1D1 for me, and I think it went pretty well. I will complete D2 tomorrow, and D3 on Sunday. I'm pretty active already - go to the gym about 5 days a week on average, but I've never gotten into running outdoors, and it's been about a year since I stopped running on the treadmill. I don't really know how to pace myself, and I've always been kind of intimidated doing it outdoors (wind, rain, heat/cold, hills, change in ground surface - eeek!). I'm trying to get over it though, and so far.. so good.

Anyway, I'm looking for others to keep in touch with on here about progressing through the program.

Cheers,

Amy

Epona

36 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

1. Apr 24, 2008 12:32 PM

in response to: amylp

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hello Amy. I've just been for my first run. That is, my first run ever (not counting enforced running at school)! so a bit of an event. It wasn't so bad really.. I don't think I can dignify it with 'week one day one' because I wasn't timing myself properly.. didn't really want to demoralise myself before I even start (I think 60 seconds running is quite a lot for this couch potato at the moment). I haven't even got the shoes or the shorts yet. But I feel inspired now. I could never face a gym so being outside in this weather is much better for me. It's nice to see other people on here at the start of their Journey, it's quite encouraging. You must feel like it's achievable if you've already done a bit of training before? I think I can do it too if I just have the mental determination to stick at it. Also it's a bit worrying reading about all these people with aches pains and injuries.. but it seems like the up sides outweigh the down sides.

Athos08

20 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

2. Apr 24, 2008 2:16 PM

in response to: amylp

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi Amy,

I've been wanting to start running for years. I've always walked a lot just don't the cardio for the running though... And when I tried the last time, I pushed too hard and went too fast and gave up.

I started the C25k this week. My first run was on Tuesday. Went rather well. I had found this website that allowed to map a route and calculate the distance and estimate how long it would take depending on speed (www.walkjobrun.net - basically google maps). And I made sure to stretch like crazy afterwards.

Now I'm preparing for my second run tonight and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll go just as well as last time.

Since the hardest part is starting something new, I'm hoping that my determination will stick and that I'll be able to complete the program. Hopefully, by the end, we'll all be great outdoor runners

Best of luck to all

amylp

40 posts since
Apr 22, 2008

3. Apr 24, 2008 4:40 PM

in response to: Epona

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi Epona,

Good job on starting! If you're having trouble with the timing and have an ipod (or some sort of mp3 player), you can download podcasts that go with the c25k program here: http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/files/category-7.html. The man who made it tells you when to run and walk, and also encourages you along the way, without being obnoxious. I can't say I'm really into the music on it, but the podcast is helpful, and means no messing around with keeping track of time on a stopwatch. I think that the goal of completing the program is achievable, and hopefully speaking with others at the same place in the program will help keep up the mental determination. I think one of the hardest things with any fitness program is actually starting and making a routine of it.

amylp

40 posts since
Apr 22, 2008

4. Apr 24, 2008 4:49 PM

in response to: Athos08

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi Athos,

I've been wanting to be a runner for a long time as well, and even though I did some on the treadmill in the past, I just don't think it's the same as being outside. I too have pushed myself too hard and I think the c25k will help with that.

The website you mention sounds useful. I need to look at maps beforehand anyway since I just moved to a new country and don't know my way around well.

How did you feel after your first run? I thought I could do a few more 60 second intervals at the end, but stopped myself because I don't want to overdo it. I'm about to do my second run in a couple of hours.

Good luck!

Athos08

20 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

5. Apr 24, 2008 5:09 PM

in response to: amylp

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi Amy,

Before doing my first run, I looked at the program again and thought "This is going to be too easy"... I was wrong It was just hard enough... I have some old injuries (right knee and left ankle) that I have to keep an eye on. At the last quarter of the plan, I started to feel tension in my ankle and knee. By the end, my shins were also starting to feel. It wasn't painful, just tense.

Got back from my second run and real happy about it. Knee and ankle held up nicely. Only the shins are a bit tight. And I think I was holding up pretty nicely cardio-wise. Overall nice experience and I look forward to the third which will either be Saturday or Sunday depending on the weather.

I moved to this area 3 years ago. But I go the same place through the same roads. I just started a new job which forced me to discover a new part of the city and now with running, I plan on discoverin what else this city has to offer. A little while ago, I bought a book on different "walks" around the city. Some of them are pretty long but depending on the length and when, I might be able to run some of those by the end of the summer .

Have fun on your run

Athos08

20 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

6. Apr 24, 2008 5:11 PM

in response to: Epona

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Way to go Epona!! Congratulations on your "first run ever"

Best of luck on your next run and look forward to hearing how it went

amylp

40 posts since
Apr 22, 2008

7. Apr 24, 2008 7:51 PM

in response to: Athos08

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Good to hear that the second run went well. I had some tightness too, but in my calves. I'm not sure if it's from the running, or if it's to do with increasing weights at the gym. Or maybe a bit of both. I just came back from my second run - went well, except that my ipod crapped out on me about 30 seconds into the final run. I also forgot to wear my heart rate monitor which would have been handy for timing the last bit. Next time I'll be prepared.

I'm finding the hard part for me isn't having water on me while I'm out running. I probably drink enough water for a few people and since I normally do cardio at the gym, it's something that I have within reach. I guess I'll get used to it.

Epona

36 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

8. Apr 25, 2008 4:38 AM

in response to: amylp

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Thanks Athos and Amy for the encouragement! The ipod idea sounds like a good one. Anything that keeps you going has got to be helpful. Also, I am looking forward to getting out my map and planning some routes. I'm very lucky because I live on the edge of a village and there are quite a few paths round here. I've read that running on pavements isn't that good for you (at my current speed I probably won't fall over on any uneven paths!), and anyway it's quite nice to get away from the road. I know it's pointless being paranoid about people looking at you but I was still quite relieved yesterday when no one could see me.

From what I've read on these forums, it seems like lots of people have to cope with problems from previous injuries - I guess that's also quite encouraging that they don't let that put them off. I had a pretty serious back problem last year and that's what's finally tipped the scales for me.. my physio was nagging me to go to the gym in February, and since my treatment finished I think my subconscious has been nagging me about exercise instead. I'm going to get back on my stretching exercises which have fallen by the wayside lately.

By the way, what stretching exercises would you recommend for afterwards? I tried some last night and one just wasn't the right thing, I could feel it giving me the sciatica pains of old. I guess this is the point isn't it, you've got to take things slowly and not do things you know are hurting you.

keep up the good work, E.

Athos08

20 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

9. Apr 25, 2008 4:45 AM

in response to: amylp

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

LOL The joys of the technological world

I'm not as "equipped" but for the time being that's fine by me. I'm just focusing on the program at the moment and I don't even bring my MP3 player. Although now that I've seen the website you wrote with the podcast, I might change my mind

I admire your discipline for training in a gym and running. See, that's the most difficult part for me: staying disciplined and pushing myself when it's get hard. I used to be a swimmer, so the coach would tell me what to do and I'd do it. When I went to swim on my own and I would try doing some drills and speed exercises, I would stop and I ask myself "Why am I doing this? I don't like feeling out of breath?". Same goes for when I tried training in a gym... I just wouldn't push myself, I didn't have that extra "umph" of discipline. But I'm getting better at pushing myself... I do martial arts 2 to 3 times a week and when I go, I try to get partners that will be more of a challenge (recently, my boyfriend accepted to be my partner when he comes and he's one heck of a challenge for me since he's much stronger and faster then I am - we make jokes about him "beating up his girlfriend" 'cause technically, he does, just in a proper environment ;)).

So far, I'm happy that I started the program and look forward to the third run...

Athos08

20 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

10. Apr 25, 2008 4:59 AM

in response to: Epona

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi Epona,

I hear you about have others looking at you... When I moved here, I was amazed to see the amount of people out biking, running and rollerblading all over the city. Since I'm just starting out, I just too focus on my own thing and not have to think about the others around me, so I planned out my route where less people are likely to be. Once I'm more comfortable, I'll try the more "scenic", hence more popular, routes.

Congrats on sticking to your physio for treating your back. That's the best thing, to take care of ourselves. My old injuries weren't properly treated originally so I'm sort of paying for them now (knee injury dates back from about 14 years ago, shoulder injury from about 7 years ago and ankle from last summer - the ankle was properly treated it's just the rest of my body is still trying to recover so it has become a weak spot).

Must be nice to be on the edge of a village... I lived for a short while in a very big city but now I'm still in the city but it's a bit smaller and has very nice paths and walkways throughout it.

Pavement is not the best surface to run but it also depends on the composition (asphalt is relatively ok, concrete is to be aoivded as much as possible).

I find that I'll some classic legs stretches just like those back in school, focusing on areas are more likely to ache later. But I also do some yoga exercises afterwards. I have a DVD set of yoga routines that are just 20 minutes long each. It gives me a nice cool down, good stretches and makes a nice transition to relax for the evening.

Read you later and, most importantly, have fun

lizsmith217217

26 posts since
Apr 22, 2008

11. Apr 25, 2008 11:10 AM

in response to: Athos08

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

_{Hi - so glad that there are a few people starting this program this week too! My main reasons for starting are to lose some weight (post baby) and challenge myself. I've never stuck with a running program before as I usually push myself too hard and lose motivation shortly thereafter. I'm 20 pounds down from just changing my eating habits and gentle excercise so far - thought I would try to avoid hitting a plateau and start the C25k and see if it would work. I have a real problem with endurance, I get winded pretty easily with running and other high impact aerobics. This program seems to be for me. My first workout was on Wednesday - surprisingly I made it through. Felt good afterwards, definitely felt the effects, but was not "exhausted". Will do days 2 & 3 on Sat and Sun.}

Would love to keep this thread going throughout the whole progam to help keep us all encouraged!

Athos08

20 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

12. Apr 25, 2008 1:41 PM

in response to: lizsmith217217

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi Liz

Wow! Congrats on already doing a great job at getting back in shape...

Since you won't be taking a break between your 2 next runs, make sure to pace yourself and stretch well before and after so as to not feel the "effects" too harshly

Best of luck this weekend and keep us posted

weelittleme

55 posts since
Apr 26, 2008

13. Apr 26, 2008 2:00 AM

in response to: amylp

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi there,

I did Run 1 Week 1 on Monday, 21 April. I just finished the 3rd run of the week. I've never really run before in any sort of organized way but so far I'm really enjoying C25K. I've posted details about my runs on my fitness and weight loss blog. http://weelittleme.wordpress.com

I'm really blown away by just how many people are out there doing the program. It is so supportive to have such a community of people.

Wee Little Me

amylp

40 posts since
Apr 22, 2008

14. Apr 26, 2008 2:31 AM

in response to: Epona

Re: Anyone else start the C25k this week (April 21-27)?

Hi Epona,

I like to stretch everything, but you'll definitely want to at least stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps and calves. I found some photos of the stretches I do, since I don't know the names of them.

Quads:
http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/ss/QuadStretches_2.htm

Hamstrings:
http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/hamstingstretch.htm
http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/hamstingstretch_2.htm

Calves:
http://jsalvage.brinkster.net/Stretching/CalfStretches01.asp

Go to original post 1 2 3 ... 26 Previous Next

Go to original post

Jun 16, 2008 2:42 PM

Anyone else start the C25k (April 21-27)? ((WE'VE MADE IT TO WEEK 9!))

Actions

More Like This

New Runners

Training

Competition

Age Groups

Fitness

The Lighter Side

Feedback

Related Links