I'll do it with you both.

My name is Lindsay, and I'm 31 years old. I've been staying at home since my son was born, and he's turning 3 soon. Like Aubrey, I'm very limited in terms of money right now, being a SAHM and all, but I was lucky to receive my Christmas present early yesterday, curtesy of my mom: new running shoes, and a good sports bra. I am amazed at how good the shoes feel and know that I definitely had on ill-fitting shoes before.

I am starting the Couch to 5k program Monday morning (I think a M-W-F schedule will work best for me). Is this what you're both following? There's a 5k on 1/9/10 which I'm shooting for, but right now the thought of even running for extended distances scares me, so I'm just taking each workout as it comes and not looking too far ahead.

Good luck tomorrow, Tanya!

Aubrey, your work schedule sounds difficult: I don't envy you! Did you mean you wanted your 4 year old to run alongside of you as you run, or that you would be running with her in a stroller that you would be pushing? I don't have any kids other than my (soon-to-be) 3 year old, but I would think she wouldn't be able to do most runs. Maybe this first week and the second, but beyond that I sort of doubt she could keep up. I have a friend who just completed her first marathon, and her kids (7 and 5) "competed" in a kids' fun run, but it was only a 1k event. I'm going to try and go for workouts in the morning before my husband and son are up (ugh), so I do understand that it's hard to fit a workout in. I bet your FIL will be a great resource - lucky you!

Tanya, I don't think you really have to get the very best shoes or anything, but I do know that I had been fitted by a "specialist" before at Sports Chalet, and never felt really comfortable in the pair, but just kept thinking that that's how they were supposed to fit, and every time I worked out with them on (we have an elliptical machine) my feet would hurt. These new ones I'll start running in tomorrow, but they already felt much better than my old ones. I think if you've got a pair of comfortable ones you might be able to get *better* ones, but you'll probaby do all right at the beginning in what you've got.

*

I'm about as ready as I can be to start tomorrow with the running. My marathoner friend sent me a message that said:

You'll want to get some running socks - doesn't have to be fancy, but you want to get away from wearing cotton when you run. That goes for shirts, shorts/pants, bras and undies! Cotton holds sweat, it chafes (ugh, chafing is the worst!), and gets heavier the longer you run. Target's C9 line is pretty inexpensive and works well - I love their long sleeved shirts and pants (fav fit pants are the ones I use). TJ Maxx is a great place to pick up name brand stuff cheap. I also go to JoesNewBalanceOutlet online and Running Warehouse online.

I think I've got everything covered, since I'd picked up some of the stuff over the last couple of years, as it turns out. I downloaded the Robert Ullrey podcasts that correspond with the C25K program, and I think I'm mentally ready to start running. My biggest concern for tomorrow is actually getting up early in the morning and getting myself out the door! I'll post again tomorrow once I've completed my first run. Hope your days are going well!

I would love to join you in the New Years day run. I'm a 345lbs male that's in need of a partner. My long term goal is the chicago triathlon in august. Missed last year by a bruised rotator cuff and gain 60 lbs since february of 09. WOW right!!! People that know me think that I'm 270-280lbs but I'm tipping the freakin' scale. Tanya, lead the way; If you want a male partner.

okay, so tell me where you found these podcasts? for a young person, i am terribly behind with technology, don't even own an mp3 player, but have thought of getting one. i think my palm phone functions as one of these, maybe i can download these to my phone? are they music or what?

also, waiting for husband to come back home so i can go try to run for the first time. talked with FIL a long time at lunch today, and he gave me lots of advice, mainly start slow, don't try to go fast, and get some new shoes!!   plan to run early in the morning, and have MIL come watch my kids or take them over there while i run, she lives nearby and can do this. i think it will be much easier this way, so i can actually do my times right. my 4 y/o says she wants to do this with me, but not sure she can keep up as the weeks progress and know she would slow me down when switching from walk to jog and back, etc.

look forward to getting the right clothes, will try today in my old New balance sneakers which are about a year old but are rarely worn (wear my danskos most of the time).

will let you know how it goes.

also, wondered, do you who are  planning to do this in the morning plan to eat before going? i eat first thing when i get up in the AM, and usually eat juice and a bagel or oatmeal or toast, not sure i can run or do anything on an empty stomach?!

aubrey

Can I join too????  This sounds like a great group to train with.  I'm 41, married, no kids (I think I'm allergic to them because everytime one's around I break out in hives) and I'm FAT --- 262#.  I've been eating healthy and walking a lot for a couple months now and the weight is coming off, but I have a long ways to go. 

I'm currently part of a group of overweight friends who have decided to participate in a group triathalon in August 2010, but I want to run several 5K's before then.  I'm actually aiming for my first 5K on Feb 7, 2010 at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Syracuse, NY.  That's where I used to jog many, many years ago before I got so heavy, so it's important to me that I do my first 5K there.

I started my Couch to 5K today.  I wanted to die.  But I finished it and I'm proud of myself for that.  It's important to take pride in every step along the way no matter how small because each one leads you to the end of a bigger journey.  (Aaaah.  That was kinda sappy.  But true!)

As far as shoes go, please invest in something good!  Your feet will be taking on a big burden (especially in my case).  It's important to take care of them.  I went to Fleet Feet this past weekend and they fitted me with a great pair of shoes.  I think there's Fleet Feet stores around the country.  They took their time with me and never made me feel embarrassed about being there.

MP3's.  I actually made my own.  I'm a total geek.  I like to watch TV while I'm on the treadmill, but sometimes I get too involved and forget when to walk and run.  So I created a simple MP3 that just has verbal cues at the right spots and silence in between.  "Run now....Walk now...Ok, you're done.  Good job!"  But it worked!!!  I watched my movie and got a great workout!

I hope everyone has a great start to their workout!!!!

Me too. Can I join? I'm hoping this will hold me accountable, so that I will get up in the morning to do my runs. I'm going to follow the same 5K in 9 weeks but will be doing Tues, Thur, Sat instead. I'm gonna be starting REAL slow because I'm carrying heaps of extra weight but we'll see. I'll let y'all know how it goes on Tues..... Looking forward to hearing how all your first days went.