Couch to 5K check in

[jenikate]

I know there are a bunch of people that have either started the couch to 5k program, or are thinking about starting. How is it going for everyone? Have you noticed your endurance or speed improving?

Today I finished week 3, day 1 on the treadmill. My running speed is still embarrassing, but I'm keeping at it.

Let's keep each other motivated!

[Deleted]

I'm done with the program, but I just did it starting late spring (May I think?)

I was sick last week and then out of town, so I haven't run in almost 2 weeks. I'm really bummed out about this but I've had zero energy, to the point where I feel like I can barely stand up at the end of the day. I know taking time off was the right thing because of that, but I hope that I'm not losing my stamina. I have a 5k race on Sunday (the 2nd one I've ever done) and I'm kind of worried it is going to suck. I hope to run in the morning so hopefully I will feel better.

[jenikate]

I hope your run goes well tomorrow. I'm sure you will get right back into your running groove.

How long after you finished C25K did you run your first 5K? Were you able to run the whole thing?

[Deleted]

I didn't end up running today I slept really horribly last night. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll be back to normal. I'm getting really annoyed with feeling icky or exhausted all the time!

I ran my first 5k on - September 1st? So I think it was after a solid 3-4 months. However, I stopped doing the program as written somewhere around the "run for 25 minutes straight" mark and started going at my own pace to build up to a 5k. So it took a little longer than the program is supposed to take. Plus it was really hot this summer and I wasn't about to run my first 5k when it was 95 degrees, so I didn't sign up for any earlier!

I ended up walking for part of the 5k, but only because I felt nauseous somewhere during mile 2 (I think it was because I ate before the race, which I don't normally do before running). Since then, I've run a 5k distance a handful of times on my own, both with some walking in between and without. I still struggle to get past about 2.5 miles most days - but I think if I ran consistently 3+ times a week I'd be in better shape. For the last couple of months I've been averaging 2x a week.

[vtdiamond]

I finished C25k in August, and just did my first 5k this past Sunday.

It ended up raining so was not ideal conditions. My time ended up being 40:40 which I wasn't too happy about, but at least I finished.

My problem was during the race I ended up closer to the end with a lot of people that were running/walking so I decided to walk a few times, even though I know I can run the whole thing. I'm planning to do another race next weekend, so am hoping to run the whole thing next time.

[orangello]

I did W3D1 on Monday, running outside (with dogs!). It's going well - I actually thought this week was the easiest by far (I think I don't like stopping and starting too much), so I am hoping that means I've gotten a bit more fit.

I've done the program before, so I think that is helping this time - I know I can do the longer runs so the mental challenge of getting through those isn't there as much this time. I was shocked the first time that I was able to do them, so for those of you dreading those weeks, stay positive and SLOW DOWN! That's the best help of all.

Oh, and getting the app and running to music is SO MUCH BETTER. The last time I did this it was pre-iphone for me, so this is a totally new (and better) experience.

Good luck all!

[mbcdefg]

I finished Week 2, Day 1 yesterday. In pouring rain! I didn't notice it all that much when I was running, but when I got to the cool-down period I realized how soaked I was.

My running speed is still awful, but I was able to get through it which is the important thing.

Plus I've stopped drinking soda (I would often have 2+ cans of Pepsi a day), and between that and the running I just feel a little bit better in general. MH said he noticed a small difference in my body shape already ... he may have just been trying to make me feel better, but it was nice to hear anyway.

[Kore]

I love having the app, too! I start the app & music, then put my phone away so I'm not staring at the timer.

I'm doing W2D3 tonight. I was supposed to do it Sunday, but my dog darted out the door & ran away. I ended up running/walking in traffic for almost a half hour, trying to keep up with him til he let me catch him. Grr! I was sore from it yesterday. Got to put my c25k training to practical use, I guess

[orangello]

One more thing - I haven't tried any of these yet, but Sawyer on ML posted this site - www.doyogawithme.com/ There's a whole section of online yoga videos for runners/athletes. I definitely need to strengthen as well as up my cardio, so I am anxious to try some of these.