Want to start running...need encouragement

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Hi Bill and fellow Runners / Woggers / Walkers / Joggers (think I got everyone!) :eek:

Still on track for my 5k this weekend...ran this morning and am feeling strong. Very few aches and pains now...just the occasional twinge in my left knee.

It's been chilly out - 36 -38 degrees when I go out in the morning. Normally that would be enough to keep me from going, but I'm a RUNNER now, and I've got the race on Saturday, so my training is important to me. I never thought when I started this about 11 weeks ago that I'd be looking at doing a race!

Thanks for all the encouragement - I know I've said it before, but I don't think you can thank people too much. :thumbup:

Bill - the C25K folks do have a program to ramp up to an 8k (strange number) but not to a 10k. I may use their program to get me started and then just continue from there.

Do you know of any conversion-type programs that will translate time on an elliptical trainer into similar time running? I know the impact will be different, because the elliptical takes the bodyweight off my feet more than street work does, but I'm hoping to continue building aerobic capacity and strength once it gets nasty underfoot. With my current work schedule, getting to a gym is next to impossible, hence my acquisition of an elliptical trainer.

Suggestions?

[BillOh 15]

Well folks, my running continues to exceed my own expectations. I'm a warm weather runner, always have been. Today I ran my first half marathon. I kind of thought 2 hours would be a good target time. But with a temp of 31 degrees this morning I didn't know how well I could do. I'm happy to say despite 2 slow miles at the start thanks to walkers, I ended up running my first 1/2 in 1:54:54.

Ebony, how did the 5k go?

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Hi Bill!

WTG on the half marathon! That's fantastic...you continue to inspire...:confused:

Well folks, my running continues to exceed my own expectations. I'm a warm weather runner, always have been. Today I ran my first half marathon. I kind of thought 2 hours would be a good target time. But with a temp of 31 degrees this morning I didn't know how well I could do. I'm happy to say despite 2 slow miles at the start thanks to walkers, I ended up running my first 1/2 in 1:54:54.

Ebony, how did the 5k go?

I did okay on my first 5k - came in second-to-last, but I finished it! Took me just over 45 min. Why? Because it was a combination course (At least I think that was why...LOL). We started on asphalt, then into a field, then through the woods and up a hill (dodging tree roots and soft soil from the previous day's rains), then back onto asphalt, up a hill that rivals the "killer hill" that I walk during my work week, then into a cul-de-sac where we turned around. Then reverse all that stuff...I was tired by the end, but very happy. :thumbup:

I only walked about 50 steps at the top of the "killer hill" - I ran most of it, but just couldn't make those final few steps. I'm proud of myself for finishing!

Edited October 19, 2009 by EbonyRose

[tapshoes 2]

I did okay on my first 5k - came in second-to-last, but I finished it! I was tired by the end, but very happy. :w00t:

I'm proud of myself for finishing! :thumbup:

Ebony - that is FABULOUS!! And you rightly should feel proud of yourself for finishing - who cares whether you are first or last, you ran a 5K - CONGRATULATIONS!

[BillOh 15]

Took me just over 45 min.:

Now you have a time established and have something to try and beat. My wife has a headband and it says something like Its not that I had the courage to finish, but the courage to start". She wore that on her 14th 5k Sunday. I was able to better my 5k time 6 or 7 times, but its been the same for a while. My next one is Halloween evening, I'm hoping after a 10k and the 1/2 marathon that I can improve it again, but I don't know about this cold running.

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Hi Bill!

Now you have a time established and have something to try and beat.

Yep - definately...I kinda felt bad for a while that my time was so far off what I do on my 'home' course, but then, I don't have rocks, trees, and hills to run over...maybe I should change my training LOL

My wife has a headband and it says something like Its not that I had the courage to finish, but the courage to start". She wore that on her 14th 5k Sunday.

I like that...it was definately scary my first time out, but I did it!

I was able to better my 5k time 6 or 7 times, but its been the same for a while. My next one is Halloween evening, I'm hoping after a 10k and the 1/2 marathon that I can improve it again, but I don't know about this cold running.

I definately FEEL you on the cold running thing...I know I need to keep going...since I run at 5 am, it's been getting colder and colder, and I want to go out there less. This is a weird week - my DH is working midnights, so he's not able to go with me until later this week. I plan to run tomorrow, as long as it stays dry.

Going to invest in some winter gear, though - I do miss it when I don't get out there...hopefully that will carry me through the winter! :thumbup:

[BethL 0]

You guys have really inspired me. I just started the c25k this week. I've been walking 2 miles every day but decided on M, W and Fri I'd do the c25k program and then walk 2 miles on my off days. Monday was my first attempt at running...I can't even remember running as a kid. I made it through the 1st day but was sore on my walk today. I also ordered some new Brooks Adrenaline which will be here for my Friday run. I'm walking a 5k on November 7th and hope to run my first one Dec 5th.

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Welcome, BethL!

You guys have really inspired me. I just started the c25k this week. I've been walking 2 miles every day but decided on M, W and Fri I'd do the c25k program and then walk 2 miles on my off days. Monday was my first attempt at running...I can't even remember running as a kid. I made it through the 1st day but was sore on my walk today. I also ordered some new Brooks Adrenaline which will be here for my Friday run. I'm walking a 5k on November 7th and hope to run my first one Dec 5th.

That's the way I started - I was a pretty regular walker and felt I needed to step up my training to burn more calories. Doing the c25k has definately helped in that area - and also with toning. My legs are getting stronger and leaner as I continue, and I know my tummy is smaller and flatter than before I started running.

While I haven't dropped a LOT of weight in the past 2 weeks, I have dropped another clothing size - and I attribute that to the running I've been doing.

Congrats on starting the c25k, and on scheduling your first 5k! I just did my first - and I'm very happy I did.

Keep up the good work! :thumbup:

[BillOh 15]

Next challenge, Halloween night 5K Fright night, after dark, through a graveyard and golf course. Not sure if its just a race, or if they will have anything jumping out at us or not.

[BillOh 15]

That headband about the courage to start, is available at a site called One More Mile Running Apparel - OneMoreMileRunning.com They had a booth at the Columbus Marathon, they had a lot of interesting items, but their apparel seemed oriented to women.

[confused 4]

I love running. I want to run the chicago marathon, but I thought I would sign up for the Chicago Rock and Roll half marathon. The run is August 1, 2010 and I was just wondering if anyone here who has had band surgery ever ran a half marathon or a full marathon. My husband is worried about me running that kind of distance with the lap band plus not being able to comsume all the calories that are required for a distance runner.

[BillOh 15]

I love running. I want to run the chicago marathon, but I thought I would sign up for the Chicago Rock and Roll half marathon. The run is August 1, 2010 and I was just wondering if anyone here who has had band surgery ever ran a half marathon or a full marathon. My husband is worried about me running that kind of distance with the lap band plus not being able to comsume all the calories that are required for a distance runner.

I just did the Columbus 1/2 marathon 3 weeks ago and had a wonderful time. The band presents no issues for long distance running, trust me, I've logged several hundred miles this summer. You don't have to consume all the calories you need for the run in one meal right before hand.

Maybe I'll join you at Chicago next year. We have family in Chicago and with a wedding to pay for, will not be taking any elaborate vacations this year. My next 1/2 marathon will be May 1st here in Columbus and then the Air Force one in Dayton Ohio.

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Hello Road Warriors!

Fully recovered from my 5k (had a little hip discomfort) and am back to running. Still loving it - even with the cold mornings we've had lately in New England.

Still walking a lot, running 3 days a week. Starting to plan for longer runs on the weekend so I can build additional endurance. Once I have to go inside, I'll have to make time to go to the gym after work to get increased mileage in. I want to run another 3 - 5 5k races before trying a 10k.

Weight loss is slow, but at least it's moving in the right direction. Working more on building muscle than losing weight right now - I figure if I put on a few pounds of muscle, the additional calorie burn at rest will help with getting rid of the last 20 or so pounds. Plus, I plan to be more active and eating even better while this is going on. I'm determined NOT to add any 'winter padding' like I used to do every year before this. Last year was an exception - I was banded in November.

Coming to my 1 year bandiversary - really wanted to be down 100 lbs by now, but I'll be happy with 80. I'm a few pounds away. I should be able to Celebrate my next birthday (in February) at or very near my goal weight if I stay focused November - January.

Still highly recommend the Couch-to-5k plan - downloaded the 10k plan, but haven't tried it yet. There are some comments on the download page that lead me to believe it doesn't have the mid-run warning, which could be an annoyance. I like not having to watch the clock when I run...if it's true, I'll send the author an email and ask them to add it in the next version.

Hope everyone is doing well! :sad:

[BillOh 15]

Ended October with a new personal record for the 5k!

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Ended October with a new personal record for the 5k!

Go Bill!

Ran my "long course" over the weekend - just over 3 miles. Completed it in about 35 minutes. Yeah, that's a big change from my previous 5K, but I attribute it partly to it all being pretty flat (gentle swells, not really hills per se) and the fact that I'm familiar with the course and have made it over the mental hurdle of doing the distance.

Next I'm going to map out a course that includes some hills near my home (we have NO SHORTAGE of those) and run those. I'm still a little apprehensive about the onset of winter (especially since it was SO COLD this morning) but I'm determined to keep going.

Have a great afternoon, Everyone!