Hi Everyone,

W8D1 is done, all 28 minutes. I'm sure some of my neighbors probably think I'm nuts. When I finished my loop I stll had 2 minutes more to run so ended up running back and forth along a short stretch of street for the remaining time. What is that crazy woman doing.... :^0. Any way, the knees felt fine and sometimes I still can't believe I'm running and liking it, looking forward to it actually.

Which brings up a question, at what point do you think I can start running more often than 3 times a week? On the 2 days off, I really miss the running, wouldn't mind adding an additional day.

Witnesses have great runs

Hey everyone, sorry I've been MIA, still no Internet at home Its supposed to be fixed today but we'll see if that actually happens! I'm a little bit behind due to my constant abdominal pain (I found out today I have gall stones) but today I finished W6D3. It definitely wasn't easy, but I finished the whole 25 minutes. My belly hurt through most it and I was going pretty slow for the last minute or so, but I did it.

Danica - Happy Birthday, sorry I missed it yesterday. Enjoy the new shoes!

Obxgrl - I'm also thinking about getting a Garmin. Once I have Internet again I plan on looking at all the models and seeing which one I want and can afford. Let me know what you're thinking of getting!

W6D1 is done!  We ran around a nearby lake again yesterday evening, and the weather had finally cooled down enough that we could really enjoy running outside without pouring sweat.  The run went well, and we tacked on an extra 5 minute run at the end to get us all the way around the lake.  All in all, it was a very pleasant run.  The sun was sparkling on the lake, there was a nice breeze, and stretching and relaxing on the grass after felt great.  I'm looking forward to the day when we can run around the lake (about 2.75 miles) without stopping, and I know that day is just around the corner!

Best of luck to everyone who has registered for their first 5K!  My roommate and I are planning to run a 5K on July 22.  I think you'll really enjoy racing - even if you're not 'competing' (I just aim to finish, no matter the pace), it's exhilerating.  I'm very excited to hear how everyone does.

Regarding running more than 3 days a week, I say just listen to your body.  If you feel like you can handle running 4 days, then give it a try, but start slow - don't try to do 4 full 5Ks a week just yet.  Another option would be to do some sort of cross-training once or twice a week.  I've been looking into some options myself, and may start taking a core fitness class offered a local gym soon.  Swimming would be another good option - it will increase your endurance without putting the strain on your joints.

Completed W7D1 last night.    I ran too slow, as I am just getting over food poisoning or something of that sort.  I held back too much, and my run wasn't as exhilirating as normal.  I think I am going to do D2 tonight.  Thought about running a 5K Friday night, but I have changed my mind since being sick.  I agree with all of you who write that you love running, shocked to be at this point.  I remember when 3 minute runs seem like a life time, and I find 25 minutes is nothing to run now.  Nothing has ever made me feel the way  I do when I am finished running.  I find my whole lifestyle becoming healthier, and I feel healthy inside and out.

I decided to treat myself to good running shoes.  I went to a local running store where my feet and gait were assessed.  I found the whole experience awesome!  Eventhough I'm just on the beginning trail of running, I was treated with respect and encouragement.  (Owner lifetime runner with high school, college and olympic success.  All employees are seasoned runners.)  Found the perfect shoes, ran in them last night.  Amazing difference between these shoes and the previous pair.  I read different reviews of shoes prior to deciding to go to this shop.  I found it all a little overwhelming trying to decide on my own.  If you can find one of these shops in your area, then it is definitely worth your time.  The cost was fairly inexpensive as compared to other shoe stores.  I had no idea what my shoes were going to cost because I never looked nor asked about the price as  I was trying on shoes.  When I chose the pair I bought, I was expecting anything from 100 to 130 dollars.  The truth is they were on sale, and it only cost 75.00.  Shoes have great reviews, i.e. Muzino. 

Hi WTF'ers! I did Week 7 Day 2 today- running for distance now. I did 2.5 miles in 33mins which I was really happy about- shaved a few minutes off of my monday time, and made it through almost the whole thing without walking (just did 2 one min walks). Really proud of myself!

Hope you are all having great runs. I'm finally starting to feel like a runner

Tchrmomto2--Mizunos are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.  All the reviews stated they did not need to be broke in......definitely true!  Felt like I had been wearing them for weeks, when I ran in them for the first time last night.  Worth every penny....

mistyinsalem--You are running the same pace that I run.  I, too, plan to work toward running a faster pace.  Truthfully, I planned from the beginning to just be able to run 3 miles under 45 minutes.  I am pleased with the pace at this point, but I would like to be under a 10 minute mile.

Hi Everyone!

I too have been MIA, but sticking to the program.

W6D3 I did on a treadmill and although I found it easier physically, I was BORED on that treadmill and the time seemed to pass so much more slowly!  Didn't "enjoy" the run at all.

Did W7D1 yesterday after the nice cool rain had ended and really enjoyed that.  Was about 10 minutes into my run before breathing got elevated at all, which for me was very exciting considering the 90 second runs had me winded back in W2!  I too am not anywhere near the 5K mark - maybe 2.3 miles when I run 25 mins - distance INCLUDES the warm up and cool down.  But I am really committed to run slower than I think I should, I am still making progress and what is more important to me, enjoying the runs.

I think at the end of week 9, if I'm still not up to the 5K distance (I doubt I will be) I will then work the Hour running program until I get to the 5K distance, stick there until I can get my times down a little, with a longer run on the weekend.

Started my new job this week - very exciting and quite busy.  So I've switched to a T, TH, Sat schedule, weather permitting.  May have to double up days to get the three runs in.  I also find that I enjoy running in the evenings much better than running in the mornings - I am much stronger.

Congrats to everyone sticking with it!

GOOD AFTERNOON ALL

I just had to tell someone anyone who would understand.

I Ran 5K ,,i say ran i mean jog

and i did include some downhill

a mix of trail and road

in and heres the flippin fantastic bit 34.25 mins  according to my garmin(xxx)

i,m so proud of me ,,hubby seem un impressed  and it helped that i had lazed about in the hair dressers most of the day lol

but i did it

i,m going on sorry

still gonna keep to the c25k   because it works

big group hugs

Fitterbit