Hey big shot! Thanks for the response. I'm looking forward to doing a local 5K in October. and will finish C25K this Sunday. I've been running every other day because it works with my schedule and I've felt ok doing that. My primary focus is to CONTINUE... to avoid quitting after the C25K structure is gone. I enjoy running but don't feel like the habit has really settled in. Ya know what I mean? Health, weight maintenance, continued mobility and fun are my main goals with this. But I'll have none of that if I bale on the running. I ran for a couple of years in the late 80s; 20mins 3 times per week.  I'm doing 30 mins+, 3 or 4 times a week right now, so that's really great I think. But back then, I became sick with the flu for a week and never ran again until this C25K experience. I really want this to stick. I'm thinking that races will be a really nice addition to keep me motivated but I'm thinkin' I'll be the granny comin' up the rear and that's ok by me. So how do you stay with it? How do you get to the point where you can't IMAGINE going without your run??? How do you endure illness and/ or injury to come out the other side ready to go at it again? I love having a forum of seasoned folks to pose these questions to. Are there any of you who came back to running or came to running for the first time in your late 50s or older? It's that "use it or lose it" time of life! I'd like to opt for "using it." mickeefynn

Thanks for the welcome! Wow fred...I'm envious.  You started young, I'd guess... Any suggestions on how to hang on to the passion when starting later in life??? One run at a time... going for extending time a bit at a time? I'm really interested. Thanks!   BTW... I ran my first rain run yesterday! It was great! mickeefynn

Welcome Mickee. I'm with Ilene on the motivation part.  Joining a running club, entering races and trying to get better, hanging out with and running with other runners who are good, are all good motivators.  But in the end, it has to come from you.  There must be a reason why you are doing it.  Explore what that is and leverage it.

If you are in the Couch to fiveK plan, then use your fiveK as a benchmark time and get competitive about it.  Vow to break that time next race.  Slowly increase your mileage (there's a good goal), slowly build up your weekly long run (that's another one).  There are people here who are such veterans of running and racing, such as Fred, Ksrunr,  Raider and Jim24315, they don't need to examine their motivation. They have always wanted to succeed, and continue to run hard.  I don't think they are examining or questioning their motivation at any time.

5 miles walking for me today in 1:28.  I should do 25 or so this week.  Last week was 23.   Spareribs

Friday:  3 slow @ 18's.  Should have a 25-26 mile week after tomorrow.  Next steps, walk one day a week at brisker pace.   Spareribs

Those of us who are not sissies are up early to walk at the lake.  Don't let me come back home and find out you wimped out on your run again.  A little heat and humidity and a long run on tired legs is just what you need to toughen you up!   Spareribs

Sounds like you were the mayor of CC this morning!  Good work.

I have to settle for what I can do however, and today was a monster day.  6 miles @ 14:19 per mile, my best yet.   Spareribs

Mickeefynn, no "B.S."* advice available from this old lady. My only suggestion would be to add some flexibilty work and cross-training into your plan to keep you healthy.

I can only remember as far back as last Thursday and my time on a treadmill. I actually enjoyed it and did 4 miles. 9:30, 9:30, 9:30, 9:13 with a standard warm up and cool down. Off Friday, 30 miles on the bike yesterday and 50 miles today. I'm planning a trail run tomorrow.

Fred, it's time for a new month.

*Big Shot