Ok, I tried this once before and got way to eager. I started moving quicker than designed. This time I will follow the guidelines.

If you are not familiar with a Couch to 5K, it is a plan to go from not running at all to running 5k (3.2 miles) in only 2 months. It is very doable and such a great feeling of accomplishment. I ran/walked a 5k in May and it was one of the most rewarding things I have done in many years.

Here is the link to the info.. If anyone is interested in training together just join in.

Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

We will start on Monday, June 29.

Let's get ready to MOVE!!!!!!:tt2:

count me in!!!

I have been thinking about starting this program for a long time. I kind of promised myself I would start when I got below 200 pounds. Hmmm... I guess I am pretty much there. Not sure why I am so hesitant to start. I can't even picture myself having the ability to run! It just doesn't seem possible. Anyways, I will give it a shot. I'm super afraid that I wont be able to do it!

Do you plan on doing this on a treadmill or outside? If you are walking or jogging on a treadmill, what is considered a brisk walk and a jog number wise? I know I probably sound dumb asking this stuff... lol but I truly am exercise stupid! Would a brisk walk be like 3.0 and a jog be 4.0 or is that entirely too slow?

those are my thoughts exactly...at 248 pounds I don't think my body is any shape to run...but then again, I have seen people my size on The Biggest Loser do it. I already walk on the treadmill at a speed of 3-3.5 with random hills for 30 minutes everyday and only get 1.5 miles in, and my sister is a runner and I have always wished I was more like her in that way. I figure I can do my best to try to hit those numbers but I would like it broke down into speed on a treadmill. I guess I could try to figure it out myself before Monday and if I do, I will let you know!

Edited June 28, 200818 yr by BonnieMcC

I just restarted- I was having problems with my left foot- thought I had a fracture or something wonky going on- turns out I was wearing shoes that were totally wrong for me- I supinate (foot rolls outward) instead of pronate (like most people- foot rolls in) and was wearing shoes that pushed me out even more causing strain.

just finished week one; starting week 2 on tuesday; "jogging" at 5 mph on a treadmill

Here are my thoughts on the speed. Go at a pace that pushes you, but not to the point of injury. Personally, I walk at 3.5 and run at 5. If I am fatigued for some reason I iwll bump it down if I need to.

YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Even if your pace is very slow, as long as you are moving then you are making positive changes in your exercise regimen. With time you will increase your speed (and your amount of weight loss :thumbup:)

Can't wait to get started on Monday!

I have never been able to run. As a child I had severe childhood (exercise induced asthma), as well as being very overweight. As an adult, I am so big, and my boobs hurt so bad when trying. However, I now go to the gym 6-7 days a week and have mastered the elliptical! So, maybe I am ready to run.

I think I will try this. Do you add it to your regular workout or replace your workout with this? For example, I do 33 minutes on the elliptical everyday and do weights every other day and throw in the treadmill and bike occasionally to spice things up. Do I not do any of this the days I TRY to run? Or run and do my regular routine?

I sooooooo want to join even though I was banded June 24th.... I've got the green light to walk, but I know I"m supposed to take it easy. My surgeon said by week 2 I should be okay to exercise but no weight lifting or anything too hard until week 6...but like I said I'm itching to get started. I've been fairly active so this shouldn't be a huge stretch for me.

If its okay, I'm going to make my goal to finish a 5k whether that be walking most of the way or combination of walking jogging.

Thanks for starting this challenge!

Don't think I made myself clear, I won't be jogging until Dr. okay's, most likely not until at least 3 weeks out. Still I hope its okay if I join you ladies.

Certainly you can join us!! I am ready to get going!!

So I wanted to get started a day early on our 5k plan so I went to the gym at 9am and when I got there, they werent even open yet---Sunday hours are different I guess! So, I went home and mowed my lawn..felt good that I got that done early because I was supposed to do it in the afternoon. So after church and lunch I took the kids back to the gym and was planning on checking them into daycare while I worked out and then go swimming in the gym pool. Plan foiled again...the daycare didnt open until 4pm...it was 2:30. I just played with the kids in the pool for awhile and when there was no other adults around I tried swimming my FIRST lap. I have never tried it before and it was WAY harder than I thought. I was seriously breathing hard at the end. I turned around and walked back and caught my breath. I did 2 more laps. That was it...just 3 and I was wiped out. I sooo want to keep this up and get better. I never realized how intense it was...but refreshing to be in the pool at the same time! I think I will try to swim laps 2 days a week and hopefully get better and better!

Looking forward to tomorrows challenge!

Good luck to everyone starting tomorrow.

If you have an ipod, here are a couple of sites where you can download music mixes made to fit with the 5k training program:

Podcasts

I started with this one. Problem for me was that the guy who created the music mix talks to let you know when it's time to run or walk. I would be running my heart out, praying he would hurry up and tell me to start walking. Finally I would hear is voice and start walking, and it turns out he's just trying to be helpful ... "ok, you just have 30 more seconds to run" or whatever.

Podrunner: Intervals - Free Workout Music for 5K Training

This is what I'm using now. I'm starting week 4 tomorrow. I like the music a little better, and he uses a special tone sound to let you know when to run or jog. I don't think this one follows the couch-to-5k times exactly, but it's still a 9-week program based on walking/jogging to get you to running 5k at the end of the program.

Thanks Crikkit!! I am downloading them as I type. I am going to do the second one. Very cool. Thanks

I downloaded this tonight too! Thanks! This is so cool. I love my iPod even more---and I didn't think that was possible!

Are we all doing this on our schedule or are we trying to complete this at the same time. I am thinking I might need some repeat weeks. We will see!

I am going to do my best to do one week at each level, but you kow, I think we can support each other regardless of what week we are on. Everyone needs to do what works best for them. No pressure, just support!!

For anyone just starting or continuing the c25k all I have to say is to keep moving and it will work! I can't remember when I actually started, maybe end of March or April. I remember back to that first week and thinking I was going to die just running for 60 seconds. I prefer running outside much better to the treadmil. Some days I just ran when I felt comfortable and walked when I had to without following the exact time or distance. I just kept plugging away and now it is almost July and I can run 3.2 miles in averaging 32-35 minutes!

Not only that, but I was searching for some 5k races and came across a sprint triathlon on Sept. 6th. That looked like a fun challenge for me, so in June I signed up to start lap swimming and I also began riding my bike on a regular basis. So now I am either running, biking or swimming, sometimes two in one day! I have always been active, but it's to the point I can't go a day without exercising or I will go crazy.

Just the other day my dd was riding her bike while I was running and I asked her if she can remember when I had to walk most of the route, and she reminded me of last summer when I wasn't even moving! Having lap band surgery for me has truly saved my life, as well as changed me into an exercise nut!

This couch to 5K really does work. I'm living proof of it. BTW I'm not even under 200lbs. yet. (I'm hoping to get there soon!) So don't let that stop you!