Hi All,

I noticed that there is a group of Couch to 5K'ers that started in June, and would love to start another one in August!

It's August 15th today - and I'd like to officially kick it of on Monday, Aug 18th - who's in?

Check out the program at Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

and slip on your running shoes and lets do it!!

Linds :thumbup:

Yeah Jen - way to go!!

I'm with you on the treadmill/feeling dizzy thing! I just jogged/walked on an indoor track at my gym, because I can feel a little dizzy on the treadmill and I get annoyed having to push the buttons faster and slower every few minutes!! BUT I do know that running on the treadmill is easier on the joints for begginners and those of us who are a little cushy around the edges! (And running on the pavement, while it tends to burn a bit more calories, is really really hard on the knees/ankles). I'm going to go onto the treadmill to try it for workout #2

2 tricks:

1) Put the incline up 1/2 a grade (terminology??) - that will account for any extra calories you want to burn instead of using the pavement

2) My hubby looks straight ahead and focuses on a point on the wall directly in front of him, higher than eye level to keep both his chin up and neck/back straight, but also to keep from getting dizzy and losing his balance!

Try it out and let me know how that works out for you - I'm hoping it will help ease a little pressure on my knees!

I gotta say....I hate the treadmill, but it's the easiest (timewise) that I have. It's right there and I can help with homework, etc...if needed. Outside it's hot...there are people that I really don't want seeing me all jiggly and sweaty. :thumbup: lol

But, as soon as I am more comfortable, and the weather gets nicer, I would like to take it to a trail nearby. I'm actually excited about that idea.

Also, the treadmill makes me very dizzy, too. I don't hold on to the rails for support, but I do touch them with a finger just to keep me from tilting over. On Biggest Loser couples, there was a guy that held on to the treadmill and the trainers kept yelling at him to let go. But, now I understand. I hear their voice in my head when I am on it, but I still have to have at least one hand touching it.

Mini-goal: To be able to let go and not get dizzy.

Ok, what was the speed you were using? I stayed at 4 and went really slow. I know I should increase probably to 4.5 but I'm afraid I'll fall off the back...........LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I totaly know what you mean with the dizzy thing - I hold onto the rails!! (Don't judge me..haha) You know, on the Biggest Loser, they are in a competition, and I figure I'm not trying to win a bunch of money, just get in shape, so I have no shame about holding on until I get more comfortable on the treadmill! haha

I'm off to the gym right now for a nice easy walk and weight session - so I'll talk to you all later - make it a great day!

Yeah for us for completing our first session yesturday!

Linds :thumbup:

PS - Kris - did you decide to join in? Let us know how it went! :thumbup:

I know I'm a little late, but can I join? I've been trying to find a running buddy with no luck and this is the next best thing. I REALLY need to start running again. It's the only thing thats ever worked for me.

Hi all! I'm doing the Couch to 5K. I started in July and am the other thread. I wanted to wish you all the best - I really found I love running. It really helped me to have a podcast to run along with.

Here's a couple links for different podcasts (I like the DJ Beatsmith one):

Podcasts

Podrunner: Intervals - Free Workout Music for 5K Training

Another thing that has helped me is signing up for an actualy 5K. I signed up for one in November. Although I'm a novice and am working towards running it - I'll be estatic to finish one. It give me a goal to work towards and I'm not running just to run. You can go to www.active.com and search for 5k's in your area.

Good luck ya'll and keep running!

Hey Jasmine,

Welcome - it is definatley not too late to join! We've all started with workout #1 from the link at the top of this thread - so come on in!

I'm glad to hear that running worked for you - I'm hoping it will jump start some serious weight loss for me as well!

Good Luck with your first workout - looking forward to hearing how you like it (or hate it!)

Linds :thumbup:

Another thing that has helped me is signing up for an actualy 5K. I signed up for one in November. Although I'm a novice and am working towards running it - I'll be estatic to finish one. It give me a goal to work towards and I'm not running just to run. You can go to www.active.com and search for 5k's in your area.

Good luck ya'll and keep running!

Thank you so much! I just checked on active.com (still am, actually) and I love this site! It really made me feel better about still being fat and trying to run. I think a part of my pea-brain is saying, "You're NOT a runner."

But, I CAN be!

I'm really getting more and more excited about this...the more and more I think about it. The real challenge is getting my butt out there and doing it.

I'm looking the 5k's around Houston and there is one that kids can do, too. I love that. I may try to motivate my DD into it.

Gloucester - I'm telling you girl, it is addictive! Running that is. I miss it on my off days. When you are done you are so proud of yourself. To me it is almost like a high. I'm tired, worn out, but feel absolutely wonderful! If you completed Week 1, Day 1 you are a runner!!! I'm proud of you!

Thanks for the encouragement Leslie - I'm looking forward to feeling that runners high too! I've always wanted to be a runner, and now I'm in the process of becoming one, wahoo!

Today is workout day #2 for me - I'm on my way after breaky in 20 minutes....I told myself if I can get through day two, then I know I'm serious...I'll be honest, I'm a little nervous that I may have a bit of a struggle today, :wub: some serious mental focus and prepping will be happening on the way to the gym!

Good Luck everyone on your second day this week - can't wait to hear how you all do!

Linds :smile2:

PS - My knees and ankles don't hurt at all, so I'm jazzed about that...

Hey everyone!!! Good luck on Workout #2...make sure and post telling us how it went!

I went to the gym today and did the Week 1 run. I did it on a treadmill and stayed at about 2.8 during the brisk walk times and 4 during the running parts. For the most part I enjoyed it. I am just a bit embarrassed and I am trying to get over it. The hard part is that I work out at the gym on the Air Force base and I am basically sorrounded by career military guys that are very much in shape.

I made a point of never looking around me to see if anyone was looking, but I am having a hard time getting over the idea of the guys laughing at me wiggle and jiggle.

The good part about using the base gym is that I was able to get an aquamassage right after my workout. I love it!

I am still pre-surgery. I got my authorization today and just waiting to schedule. (unfortunatley my doctor's office was closed today because of the hurricane) So, I might be quite behind everyone if I am able to get my surgery in the next few weeks.

Good luck everyone!

Kris

Just an update - in part to keep me motivated. :smile2:

Last night I walked a mile on the treadmill and the urge to run was strong. I was suprised...But, I really don't want to over do it, and I want to hold back.

Tonight is my second night of Week #1 and I'm really looking forward to it!

Well - I was up at 6:30am this morning and I did it!! I completed the second workout (whew - I was a bit nervous) And...it was sooo much easier! I couldn't believe how fast the time flew by - I used the treadmill instead of the track today (which probably helped) but what I loved is that I could keep my speeds consistant (4.4 jog, 2.8 walk) - where as when I used the track, a few of my 60sec jogs were more shuffle like! It was great - and felt sooo amazing to finish another round! Also - no back ache or shin splints, so double bonus there. I definatley think running on the treadmill makes a difference! (And I just kept visualizing myself running on the beaches in Thailand)

Kris - way to go on your first workout! And I'm doubly impressed that you did it in front of a bunch of fit military dudes - I don't know if I would have had the same confidance as you! But you know something - what do you think to yourself when you see an overweight person working out (and really going for it)? Do you laugh and snicker, or do you silently think "Yeah - way to go on making an effort to get healthy and in shape!"? If you're like me, I bet you are mentaly cheering for that person, as will be most people in your gym! Big pat on the back for you!

Also - Congrats on getting your approval, you must be so relieved! Let us know when you're surgery is booked!

Jen - thanks for the cheering on this morning - can't wait to hear how your workout went!

Gloucester - haha I totaly know what you mean about wanting to run! But good call on taking it easy - I have to keep holding myself back too, but I know I have a tendancy to over do it and hurt myself! Didn't you find the walking way easier, after the run you did earlier? I totaly did - I walked for 20 min yesterday and couldn't believe how fast it flew by, and so painless...gotta love it!

Well done everyone - keep the progress reports coming!

Lind :smile2:

What happened????!!!! I did the 2nd workout last night and to quote my daughter - OMG!!!

My legs were burning, I was gasping...it was hard! I felt so good afterwards just to have gotten through it, but I was slightly worried about the next one. I'm still committed, though - I WILL DO THIS.

:wink2: