Started 'Couch to 5k today' Anyone keen?

[gamergirl 4,609]

Another 7.3 km in 70 minutes! Is there another thread for graduates of couch to 5k or do you guys want me to stay?

O course we want you to stay! It's so inspiring to see people who have succeeded following the same program we hope will work for us. Would love to hear your advice and watch your progress.

[gamergirl 4,609]

Thanks Butter! Sounds like a trip to REI is in my future. Oh darn!

Me too! My husband loves that store. You Washingtonians! All alike.

Come in, do it with us. My husband just started yesterday. Let's struggle through it together. Trust me, no one would look at me and think, there goes a future runner. For one, I hate sweating But the first week has given me hope and I think you might surprise yourself.

Also, I took pressure off myself by saying it was okay to repeat weeks. That I didn't care about finishing in 8 weeks, I just wanted to finish. So what if it takes me 16 weeks to finish because I have to do each week twice? Still lapping everyone on the couch.

[deedadumble 1,033]

Another 7.3 km in 70 minutes! Is there another thread for graduates of couch to 5k or do you guys want me to stay?

There's not another thread that I know of and it was encouraging when I first started to see people that had started with C25K go on to achieve longer distances and/or faster times.

I ran 4 miles this morning in 52 minutes. Pace was 12:58. Looking forward to the Disney Haunted Trails 5K on Saturday. I'm looking for a 10K race for November.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Thanks Butter! Sounds like a trip to REI is in my future. Oh darn!

I love REI. But I think I've heard there's a minimalist shoe store in Seattle called Born To Run.

[Sleeved in Seattle 280]

I love REI. But I think I've heard there's a minimalist shoe store in Seattle called Born To Run.

So there is, and right near where my husband works. Oh darn, must go shopping. Thanks for the tip!

[melissapaige84 38]

I just finished week 2 day 1 (for the second day in a row). Will my lungs catch on as I progress? Right now, it's all I can do to make it the 90 seconds because my lungs don't want to cooperate and I get so out of breath. Any advice for that one?

[deedadumble 1,033]

I just finished week 2 day 1 (for the second day in a row). Will my lungs catch on as I progress? Right now' date=' it's all I can do to make it the 90 seconds because my lungs don't want to cooperate and I get so out of breath. Any advice for that one? [/quote']

How fast are you running?

[mistysj 1,939]

I just finished week 2 day 1 (for the second day in a row). Will my lungs catch on as I progress? Right now' date=' it's all I can do to make it the 90 seconds because my lungs don't want to cooperate and I get so out of breath. Any advice for that one? [/quote']

Slow down! Running doesn't have to be fast. Just faster than walking.

[Meliss000 283]

Just finished w6d2, I ran three miles in new balance minimus shoes. I feel great no knee pain..atleast not yet. Also tonight I ran around the block a couple times with my girls while they scootered. My ten year old said "Mom it is nice to not have to stop while you catch up" a great NSV! Thanks for your help butter, I worked on my form and keeping bent knees...

[melissapaige84 38]

How fast are you running?

Walking at 3.5. Jogging at 5. Incline at 1. I didn't really think that was too fast. I guess I should just tone it down a little until my body gets used to the exercise. I'm bad at being all or nothing.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Walking at 3.5. Jogging at 5. Incline at 1. I didn't really think that was too fast. I guess I should just tone it down a little until my body gets used to the exercise. I'm bad at being all or nothing.

If you can't breathe, it's too fast. Ease back just a bit. Your lungs will improve very rapidly.

[mistysj 1,939]

It can help if you find a rhythm for your breathing based on your steps. I start at 4 steps in, 3 steps out. About halfway through I switch to 3/2. You need longer to breathe in than out.

[deedadumble 1,033]

Walking at 3.5. Jogging at 5. Incline at 1. I didn't really think that was too fast. I guess I should just tone it down a little until my body gets used to the exercise. I'm bad at being all or nothing.

Definitely too fast for a beginner. You want to run at a speed where you can still have a conversation.

A 5mph pace at 1% is equivalent to an 11:44 mile. When I first started running I was around a 14:00 mile. I am slow, but I ran for 50 minutes this morning without stopping. My pace was in the high 12:00s and I was thrilled with that. Work on distance and endurance before you worry about how fast you run.

[melissapaige84 38]

Thanks. I'll try scaling back and see how that works. I want to build my endurance and make it through the program (and hopefully beyond) so I appreciate the advice.

[PdxMan 4,292]

I would definitely suggest baby steps with starting any exercise routine. A lot of people, including myself, have the same mentality when they commit to something, they feel they have to be awesome and over the top from the first day. While the commitment is admirable, do know that exercising above where your fitness level is can result in injury, and then you can't exercise at all.

Your endurance will increase as you lightly progress. Take it easy. It will happen.