Started 'Couch to 5k today' Anyone keen?

[deedadumble 1,033]

I did it! I just finished the c25k app. It is still very very challenging me to just run for the 30 minutes so i think i am going to stay at the 30 minutes for awhile - at least until it doesn't feel like i am going to die and then add a minute every week. Still can't believe it. While I am running I am saying to myself -you are a 48 year old overweight woman who has never run in her life- who are you kidding to run for 3 miles-- but I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Then its over and I am in the last minute and I get a SxxT-eating grin on my face.

That is awesome! That's exactly what I was telling myself 6 months ago! (I'm 48 as well!)

Are you running out of energy to run more than 30 minutes or is it lung power or legs? If you really want to run for longer, try decreasing your pace by about 20-30 sec per mile. What's your current running pace?

I went back and looked at my runs on MapMyRun and in August I was running 3 miles, Sept - 4 miles, Oct - 5 miles, Nov - 6 miles, Dec - 8 miles, Jan - 13 miles.

I also looked at my average 5K pace for each month (I am pretty slow, but improving): August - ~14:00, Sept ~13:45, Oct ~12:45, Nov ~12:00, Dec ~11:30. My pace was 12:35 for my first half marathon on 1/17/14. The biggest increase in my pace came when I started running with a running buddy I met through a RunDisney Facebook group. She was running faster than me and I was running further than her, so we really helped each other improve.

The longer the distance you run, the more adding a mile seems like not much more effort. The difference in how I felt running 9 and 13 miles was almost identical. I was tired and I wanted to quit, but it really was mostly mental.

[scarlet333 386]

I think it is more lung power than legs that causes me to tire after 30 minutes. I am not sure what my pace is but it is taking me 30 minutes to run 2.8 miles. I plan on increasing a minute every few times until I get to the full 3.2 miles (5k). I would like to work up to maybe 3.5 miles but I don't think I want to run much further than that as I am afraid of the toll it will eventually take on my joints. I enjoy running because of the pride I feel in being able to do something that I have admired so much in others. The ability to run for miles has always been so impressive to me plus I think it is the most efficient way to burn calories and loose weight for the time spent (most bang for the buck for 30-40 minutes of cardio). I don't aspire to run a 10K or half marathon although I have the upmost admiration for you and others that can.

As far as it being mental I totally agree. I think I can run further than the 30 minutes and will. I think I am one of those disciplined people that if I hear in my ear 1 more minute, or keep going I will keep doing it until I am told to stop.

I don't have pace or speed numbers because the app I used allows you to play music (which I definitely need) but I couldn't use another app at the same time to log distance. I only know distance because I did it with my car too.

[scarlet333 386]

Was finally able to get back outside today and did 30 minute run. Will try to add a minute next week.

[deedadumble 1,033]

Running the Best Damn Race 10K tomorrow. Hoping it's not going to rain!

Got my corral placement for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. There are 25,000 people in the race. They put everyone in a corral based on submitted times for previous races. Then they start the corrals every 10 minutes or so. I'm in corral I, which is about in the middle of the pack. Hoping the weather isn't going to be too hot or cold. You never know in Florida this time of year. It was 55 here yesterday and it's going 80 tomorrow.

[scarlet333 386]

Good luck. Know you will do great.

[deedadumble 1,033]

Good luck. Know you will do great.

Thanks so much! Weather was pretty good for the race. 60 with slight fog. I overdressed a little bit. Didn't need long sleeves, but I woke up so cold this morning. Still getting used to not having as much padding! Set a PR for the race. 1:12 and 11:27 pace. I was even in the 10:00s for the first mile! Felt really good. Good luck on everyone's runs this weekend! Outfit for today:

Edited February 1, 2014 by deedadumble

[deedadumble 1,033]

Thanks so much! Weather was pretty good for the race. 60 with slight fog. I overdressed a little bit. Didn't need long sleeves, but I woke up so cold this morning. Still getting used to not having as much padding! Set a PR for the race. 1:12 and 11:27 pace. I was even in the 10:00s for the first mile! Felt really good. Good luck on everyone's runs this weekend! Outfit for today:

Wouldn't attach. Trying it again!

[mistysj 1,939]

Your shape is amazing!

[deedadumble 1,033]

Your shape is amazing!

Thanks!

[deedadumble 1,033]

I may be doing the Ragnar Relay this weekend as a substitute for an injured runner. This race has been on my bucket list for a long time, but I never thought I would be able to do it. You race on a team with 12 people. This one is from Miami to Key West. OMG... I am so freakin excited!

[mistysj 1,939]

My husband has decided to train for a half marathon from 10k. I'm proud of him. He's working so hard!

[deedadumble 1,033]

Heading to Miami for the Ragnar Relay (200 mile run from Miami to Key West). I am so excited! My relay legs are 5.9, 3.5, and 2.7. I don't have to run in the middle of the night, thank goodness!

[deedadumble 1,033]

First leg done. 5.9 miles in the dark on a trail and beside the road. Next one is 3.5 miles around 7 am across one of the bridges. Body is aching and I am so sleepy.

[mvickyway 256]

Wouldn't attach. Trying it again!

That is such a cute outfit!

[deedadumble 1,033]

That is such a cute outfit!

Thanks! I like running in skirts because they seem more comfortable to me.