Question of the day:  My first mile is always killer.  About half way into the program, I realized what a slow starter I am, so instead of doing my 5 minte walk warm-up, I do a 3 minute light jog followed by a 2 minute walk...then start my run!  I still have issues with the first mile, though...but it's noticebly better. 

I am going out in about 45 minutes for my W9D3 jog...I am so nervous and am having anxiety about it.  I really dont want to be done the program...I want to be done, but have apprehension about moving on...any thoughts?

I'm male, 59  years old - 6-0, 195 lbs.  I don't consider myself that out of shape.  I'm a letter carrier but my route is not a walking route - mainly sitting in the truck driving from house to house.  I started the C25K program nearly 2 weeks ago.  Week 1 went well.  I was feeling great and excited about continuing to Week 2.  "This is do-able." I said.  During the 1st workout of Week 2 my knees felt a little stiff and sore.  I rested for 3 days and then went out for the 2nd work-out.  My knees were really stiff and hurting.  I made the 1st 90 second jog but had to stop mid-way thru the 2nd 90 second jog.  I turned around and limped home.

I knew at my age that I couldn't finish the program in 8 weeks but to be knocked out in Week 2 is disappointing.  Any suggestions on what to do?  My plan is to start a strictly walking routine to build up strength in my knees and then gradually start inserting some jogging into the schedule.

My goal is to be able to complete a 5K comfortably.  I have no ambition beyond being a fitness runner.  I don't think I've set the bar too high.  I used to run in the early 80's and I was at the point where I could jog 5 miles without too much sweat (8:00 to 8:30 per mile pace).  Now i would be satified during a 5K at a 10:00 mph pace.

Finished week 9 day 1!!!!Felt good but long....

Well, I have to give a hats off to those of you who run when it's hotter than hades outside.  It was about 80 or so here today and I NEVER thought we'd finish today.  Oh my gosh!!  We finished W1D2 today, and we were both exhausted at the end--had to be the heat because it wasn't as though we ran HARD!  But, we did it!!  We've agreed to start running earlier in the day once summer school is over with on Friday, so that'll help I think   It was still an accomplishment!

W6D3 didn't go so well for me yesterday. I think morning runs just aren't for me. The first 3 mintues or so of the run, my legs felt heavy, but I knew I could run through that. My breathing was ok, but my head got the best of me. I let myself take a short walk break and it was downhill from there. Anytime I started feeling tired, I'd take a break. I think for me the secret is going to be to keep pushing and not let myself break at all. It seems like once I do, I feel like the run is shot & just let myself take more breaks. I probably walked for 5 minutes over the course of the 25 minutes but not all at once. Didn't feel very succesful. Oh well, I'll get it tomorrow night. I always seem to do better on my evening runs after work.

It is ok to have a bad run, it is not ok to let it stop me from moving forward. I will keep going.

Happy running!

Erin

Congratulations Chr1svee and Klasmom!!! Great job and great accomplishment! Let us hear about your race Klasmom.

FrancesRe--glad you're hanging in there and it sounds like you're moving right along. Good for you!!

Atfromtx--maybe you should get your knees checked out? The walking plan sounds good too if your knees don't mind. I am about your age and can appreciate the challenges. Good luck and good for you!

Mariamou--you're almost a graduate! Good luck with this final week.

AllyDuran--let me know how you like the compression shorts. My daughter uses them. What is the advantage supposed to be?

Flyshopgirl--know what you mean about the heat! We're getting a little break today thank goodness. Stay cool!

Erniedee--hang in there. It's good you recognize when your best running time is. Hope you have a good run tonight!

Did W7D1 today on the beach and struggled a bit. That was my own fault for running when the tide was coming in and claiming too much of the nice hard pack I usually run on. Had to laugh at my inner monologue"I'm feeling tired. This is so hard today.... Why am I running in loose sandoh duh!" Once I got back on the pavement the rest of the run went well.

Hope all of your runs go well today. Happy running!

Ann

Question: I'm getting ready for W5, D1 (sometime later tonight), so I'm probably worrying about something that won't matter for a while. Anyway, I've never participated in a 5K (that's the obvious goal here... planned for October)... My question is for those of you who have run 5Ks after doing nothing but run alone for 9 (or more) weeks... how much of a factor does adrenaline play in a 5K (especially your first)? I was a decent high school athlete, etc., and I'm wondering how much the running with other people around, competitiveness factor, etc will play in a 5K...

Did Week 8 Day 1 today, I can't even believe I am saying week 8. When i had to repeat week 1 couldn't imagine running for 2.75 miles non stop. Well I did week 8 day 1 it was a little rough but I made it through. I ran at about 7:15 this am and it was already 80 degress outside. But so glad I switched to morning b/c it was 100 this afternoon at the time that I was running can't even begin to think about getting out in that.

Hope everyone has a great week. Keep up the good/hard work