Anyone else starting C25k?

dolliemix

Thursday 4th Feb

I started Couch to 5k on Tuesday. Using the pretty cool Podrunner from itunes.

So far so good week one http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I stitched on Tuesday when running but wasn't bad enough to stop me from completing. I reckon I drank too much water beforehand.

No problems today. Knee joints a little sore but, again, not sore enough to stop me. I've had plantar faciltis before - and stayed away from road running for while now as a result, so that was my biggest worry. - Not a tinge! Long may this last.

Next outing Saturday.

I plan to bring in (light) weight - training on week 4, all going well.

dolliemix

Week 1 done.

Time to change my podcast to week 2.

I will resume on Tuesday.

Felt great tonight. No stitching, no breathing problems, no muscle problems.

Just a good easy 30 min workout

dolliemix

Yesterday I did Day 1 of week 2.

Week 1 was 3k

Week 2 almost 4k

Heading out for a 2-3kish walk now

Agent J

Hey congrats on your progress.

I started on Cto5k last year sometime and it worked well for me and ive been going forward ever since. Well apart from christmas.

One word of warning. You may get hooked on it. And you may run longer distances and get even fitter/healther. Which might drive you to seek further challenges.

Then someone might try to sell you something called "Races" or a "Run". They come in all forms such as 5k, 10k, half and even the dreaded full marathon.I know it sounds crazy and you think "It'll never happen to me". It just might.

Skuxx

I'm doing the c25k program aswell. I started on Saturday and I've already done the 3 workouts for week one (on saturday, sunday and monday) and I must say I'm loving it!
I can see what you mean by you may get hooked on it!!

dolliemix

Did Day 2 Week 2 yesterday and again no problems.

This program seems ideal for me because normally when I decide to get fit, I get impatient and push myself and end up injuring myself somewhere. As of yet - no twinges - it all feels very comfortable. I even feel like I could go some more, but I will stick to program. I'm not in any hurry anyway - if I could build up to 5k with no injury that would be cool.

Thanks Agent J and Alan for your comments. I wouldn't mind trying to do races eventually. I've played competitvely in other sports, so I reckon I probably will need another edge if I continue with this. But surprisingly, for me, I'm happy reaching my little goals at the moment.

Last Day of Week 2 tomorrow.

I'm away next week in New York, so I hope I can keep it up over there

dolliemix

Week 2 Day 3

Took a lot of motivation to get out there this evening. But once I got out I felt great again. Those endorphins are the best. Legs got heavy at the last 90 sec but I actually thought I had another 90 secs to do after that one an couldn't believe it when I heard the blip going on the podrunner podcast announcing I was finished!

Next week I will be running for 3 mins. But I'll only have to do it twice.

I have great faith in this program so I'm pretty sure I'll be ok

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
Jog or 90 seconds
Walk 90 seconds)
Jog 3 minutes)
Walk three minutes)

dolliemix

Unusually for me I decided to continue with the program even though I'm on holidays. Arrived in New York yesterday and within three hours had purchased a brand new pair of Kayanos.

This morning I headed up to Central Park to try them out with Week 3 Day 1.

There were hundreds of joggers everywhere jogging around CP so that motivated me even more.

Really enjoyed this, felt great, didn't even notice I was running for three mins instead of 90 secs.

However, I was so carried away with everything, I must have missed one of the beeps on my podrunner podcast, because I was power walking away, expecting to hear the beep to tell me to run again, when I heard the beep that signalled I was at the cooldown stage.. When I got back to hotel and checked order of program, I realised I had missed out on three mins running somewhere and somehow. So I reckon I'll just do Week Three 4 times to be on the safe side.

Hoping I'll find time to do this while I'm still here in NY. I also realised that I'll be doing double the distance in walking probably.....but thats all counteracted with my food intake!

Anyway until Tuesday hopefully

anniehoo

Hey All,
Im glad i seen this thread. Have been a longtime lurker and today i plan to start the C2K after work. Im apprehensive but strangely looking forward to it too. I dont have an ipod, the podcasts sound great. Wish me luck.

anniehoo

Ok did W1 D1 this evening. I didnt find it as easy as you Dolliemix-im seriously unfit though. I got through it though so walking tomorrow and will do W1D2 on wednesday all going well. I really want to do this programme. i know its not goin to be easy though.

dolliemix

Hey Anniehoo,

I'm really excited that you've decided to take this up. I'm sure it will get easier for you. I cycle and walk a bit anyway so that's probably why I didn't find it too difficult at first. I also gave up smoking on January so mentally I feel ten times fitter without even setting my foot outside the door! Hope today is more enjoyable for you.

I set out to to do Week 3 program yesterday but had to abandon ship when it started snowing really heavily and I got concerned about slipping so I turned back. I'll try and go out again today or tomorrow but I'm pretty busy doing the touristy stuff and I am walking the equivalent of two hours or more so my stamina certainly isn't suffering.

I may have to do Week 3 again next week when I get home

Ruthie_

Hey guys,

Im thinking about doing this too, I'm seriously unfit though. I've been doing Pilates classes the last few months but really wanna kick start my fitness and thought this sounded good! anniehoo I seen your thread on AH and was tempted so I'm gonna start it tomorrow night!

And wow dolliemix thats dedication! Working out on your holidays!!

dolliemix

Ruthie_ wrote: »

Hey guys,

Im thinking about doing this too, I'm seriously unfit though. I've been doing Pilates classes the last few months but really wanna kick start my fitness and thought this sounded good! anniehoo I seen your thread on AH and was tempted so I'm gonna start it tomorrow night!

And wow dolliemix thats dedication! Working out on your holidays!!

lol¡

it seems C25k does that to you! It only takes up 30 mins so it really is easy to just throw on the runners, tracksuit bottoms and all important i-pod. Thats what I'm loving about this program.

In fairness the people I'm with think I'm crazy. They know I'm not the 'must go for a run' type of person so they're pretty impressed. Believe me I don't have that 'I jog regularly' look! I feel like I'm more deserving of all the food I'm eating. I'm getting a facial today so I reckon it will be like my treat at the end of my work out.

Good look with Day 1 Ruthie. All that pilates will help. Core fitness just makes every other exercise easier and you're less likely to get injuries.

I'm off to Central Park now....hopefully all that snow from Tuesday has melted.

dolliemix

hi annie

Just read your AH thread. Are you actually 'running' the whole time?

anniehoo

dolliemix wrote: »

hi annie

Just read your AH thread. Are you actually 'running' the whole time?

Hi,
No im sticking to the programme i.e. jog 1 min, walk 90secs etc. The thing is ive terrible runners, if i can call them that so need to invest in a decent pair.
Did W1 D2 today instead of yesterday and to be honest it was tough. But...i did it and am glad. I hadnt eaten since lunchtime so running on an empty stomach with crap runners is not a good idea. Lesson learned.:p

I dont expect this to be all rosey in the garden..it is running and i havent exercised in years.Im sticking to it though...and am not giving up. I think the programme is great and glad i started it

Skuxx

How do you get the podcasts? What are they called in itunes?

dolliemix

alan1990 wrote: »

How do you get the podcasts? What are they called in itunes?

In the i-tunes store search for 'podrunner'.

I'm using the podrunner intervals one - First Day to 5k

So just back from New York and managed to complete Week 3 running around Central Park with hundreds of serious runners passing me out.

Not sure if anyone else is using the podrunner interval podcast from i-tunes, but the three times I used it, it didn't work out time wise for me. So, last two times I just ran the four minute recovery time at the end, and walked for another ten minutes or so after that.

I'm going to be super wrecked and mixed up sleep wise, for the next few days. I'll aim to start off week 4 on Tuesday.

5 min warm up
3 mins jog
90 secs walk
5 mins jog
2 mins 30 secs walk
3 mins jog
90 secs walk
5 mins jog
2 mins warm down

Well done Anniehoo - Keep it going. It will be worth it

anniehoo

Ok what is happening??? Im actually finding im looking forward to getting out and exercising!! WTF??:D This is great. Finished W1D3 today and found it grand. It was lovely and cool and didnt find myself as out of breath as the other 2 days.Still getting a bit light headed in the middle though (any ideas)

W2D1 tomorrow woooooo!!!

anniehoo

dolliemix wrote: »

Well done Anniehoo - Keep it going. It will be worth it

Well done to you too! Keep up the good work. Wish i had an ipod

anniehoo

Despite stretching adequately (i think) before each session im constantly sore after, specifically my right knee. It actually stopped me completing W2D1 today

I dont know whether to continue on through the pain or not? Any ideas? Im not sure if i need to lose weight first by walking so as to ease pressure on my knees or continue.

I went to a physio years (5+) regarding them grating when i walk and he said it was "just normal wear and tear". I hope this is not payback for not getting a second opinion. I went out in the rain tonight as i was eager to get going but had to walk for most of it.Im so disappointed.

dolliemix

anniehoo wrote: »

Despite stretching adequately (i think) before each session im constantly sore after, specifically my right knee. It actually stopped me completing W2D1 today

I dont know whether to continue on through the pain or not? Any ideas? Im not sure if i need to lose weight first by walking so as to ease pressure on my knees or continue.

I went to a physio years (5+) regarding them grating when i walk and he said it was "just normal wear and tear". I hope this is not payback for not getting a second opinion. I went out in the rain tonight as i was eager to get going but had to walk for most of it.Im so disappointed.

Hi Anniehoo. I guess if it's too sore to continue then your body may be telling you to stop. I also get pains in my knees, especially my left knee, but not enough for me to need to stop. I know that there's a lot of wear and tear on my knees from playing hockey for 20 years. Three years ago, I did the Inca trail and after I was thinking I could have got replacements!!! I went to physio over pains in my feet, and explained that I had knee pain as well. Advice I got:

-take glucosamine tablets (they are super, but take a few weeks to kick in)

- I was also told to take cod liver oil with the glucosamine

- Make sure you wear proper runners with adequate support. A few people told me about Asics Kayanos and they definitely help. They're not cheap though, but at this stage I don't mind spending money on good runners if they reduce the possibility of long term injury. I feel they're like an investment really.

- In my case I need to lose weight. I'm 2-3 stone over weight, so its really not fair on all my joints, and is probably the main reason why I generally have problems. I joined weight watchers tonight, I couldn't believe how much I've put on in the last two years. I'm hoping to lose two stone by the end of the summer.

I hope this reassures you, and that perhaps you can get back on track. It really helps to know there are other people out there following this program with me. But I would say if it is really sore go and see a physio. It's better to be safe than sorry

Initially I started this C25k program because I gave up smoking on 1st Jan, and I wanted this fitness thing to keep me motivated and off the cigarettes. It has definitely done this, and giving up smoking is far more important than anything else right now. However, I'm also determined now, to lose weight and just get myself back to being super fit and healthy.

Tonight was great at first because I managed Week 4 Day 1 of the program. My calves were quite stiff though, so I guess I should be stretching more. It was just so cold outside, I didn't want to stop for too long.

On impulse, I headed off to Weight Watchers. I'm the the heaviest I've ever been :mad:

It's crap but at least I know I've come this far with the C25k program and I haven't smoked for nearly two months, so I just need to use that determination and will power with my diet.

Day 1 of Weight Watchers starts tomorrow

Week 4 Day 2 of running program will be on Thursday.

I'm going to go back to the gym as well and do some weights maybe twice a week.

menoscemo

anniehoo wrote: »

Despite stretching adequately (i think) before each session im constantly sore after, specifically my right knee. It actually stopped me completing W2D1 today

I dont know whether to continue on through the pain or not? Any ideas? Im not sure if i need to lose weight first by walking so as to ease pressure on my knees or continue.

I went to a physio years (5+) regarding them grating when i walk and he said it was "just normal wear and tear". I hope this is not payback for not getting a second opinion. I went out in the rain tonight as i was eager to get going but had to walk for most of it.Im so disappointed.

Hey, you really need to get your runners sorted out. It is the first thing any runner does to avoid injury. It is not simply a matter of getting a good brand either- there are several types of 'gait' amongst runners and each trainer is specifically designed for a running style. You need to go to a specialised running shop and ask for a 'gait analysis', In Dublin, elverys in suffolk street, runways on Parnell street and Amphibian king in Bray do this analysis. Basically they measure the arch in your foot then analyse your running style in super slo-mo camera. Then they recommend 3 or 4 different pair of runner to try on and you choose the bmost comfortable for you.

For other areas in the country you can ask where you can get gait analysis over on the A/R/T forum. I reckon you should also post your log over there as you wil get much better advice/feedback/support from the runners amongst us

anniehoo

menoscemo wrote: »

Hey, you really need to get your runners sorted out.It is not simply a matter of getting a good brand either

I bought a pair of New Balance trainers on Monday ..on recommendation from a friend. I simply dont have the money to fork out loads on really expensive runners. So im doing more harm than good by the sounds of it.

menoscemo

anniehoo wrote: »

I bought a pair of New Balance trainers on Monday ..on recommendation from a friend. I simply dont have the money to fork out loads on really expensive runners. So im doing more harm than good by the sounds of it.

The runners you will get recommended to you by a running shop won't necessarily be any more expensive than what you bought. I got recommeded a pair of Nike Pegasus, which i can buy for €40 or €50 now if i shop around. As I say every runner is different and so are most shoes- the running shops will reccommend a shoe which gives you support in the area you need, once you know which Gait you have (neutral, over pronator or Under pronator) you will also be able to do your own research and shop around for a cheaper shoe. All the same, getting the gait analysis is worth it as you will only need to do it once; also it is free if you purchase a pair of shoes from the same shop (and they won't push the most expensive pair on you!!)

Orion

The gait analysis is free whether or not you purchase runners. In Elverys and Runways anyway.

As others said it's very useful. The right runner will really help you - but more importantly the wrong runner could actually cause injury.

New Balance are a grand runner. I've a pair myself as well as a pair of Asics Kuyanos. I prefer to use them when running off road but that's just a preference.

As for c25K - Week 6 Ex 1 yesterday. Ex 2 tomorrow - 10run,3walk,10run. It's a great program to get you started in running. I'm really enjoying it.

dolliemix

As a result of my awful weigh-in yesterday I've decided to step it up a bit and add weights to my routine. So I went back to the gym. Picked up my program card which I feared would be gone, as I haven't been to the gym since November! That means I have paying the gym for four whole months for sfa.

It was tough.....but here's what I did for the record

10 min warm up on cross-trainer. Level 7

3 x 15 crunch sit ups (grand, a bit shaky at the end)
3 x 15 reverse crunches (grand)
3 x 15 gym ball squats ( sore on left knee)
3 x 15 leg curls. Pin 5. ( grand )
Tricep cable pushdowns. 23kg. 3 x 15
Bicep cable curls. 14 kg. 1 x 15. 1 x 10. 1 x 8. (Barely got the last ones done!)
Seated Row. Pin 5. 3 x 15. (Tough at the end)
Chest Press. Pin 3. 1 x15. 1 x 10. 1 x 10? Cant actually remember but it was hard.

Ate 22 weight watcher points today so far. I'm dying for something sweet now. I might indulge and have one Nairn oatcake biscuit

Back to C25k tomorrow.....looking forward to it!

dolliemix

Final Day of Week 4 today. I found it tough during the middle but I was fine at the end.

Next weeks program changes from session to session. I'm going to post them all now, as I've loads on next week so I'll be really squeezing these in. Hoping to do them Monday, Thursday and Sat. Weights on Tues and Friday.

My upper body muscles have been tight as a result of the re-introduction of weights and sit ups. Couldn't cough properly for two days! Anyway back to normal now, so I'll get some weights done tomorrow.

Monday

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes


Thursday

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
Jog 8 minutes
Walk 5 minutes
Jog 8 minutes


Saturday/Sunday

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 20 minutes with no walking.

dolliemix

Off I went to the gym again today. Really wasn't looking forward to it. But I reminded myself that if I start making excuses now I will never have toned arms again.

As usual it wasn't so bad once I got there, but some of those weights are still a killer and it's all so boring.

Warm up at level 6 on the cross trainer was great. I think I should leave it at level six for the moment cos the idea is to just warm me up and not wear me out for the weights.

Cable push downs at pin 5. 3 x 15 non stop.
Cable pull ups at pin 3 - 2 x 15 non stop
1 x 10

squats with gym ball 3 x 15 non stop

Crunch 3 x 15 non stop ( although still a little wobbly at the end of round 3)

Reverse Crunch 3 x 15 non stop. ( my left knee was sore doing this after the squats because my leg was in the air???)

Machine Leg Curls Pin 5 - 3 x 15 non stop

Seated Row Pin 5 - 3 x 15 non stop

Chest Press pin 3 - 1 x 15 non stop
1 x 15 had to stop in order to continue
1 x 14 had to stop in order to continue

So weaknesses are chest muscles and biceps ( I think). I'll check my program card when I go back. Just goes to show how clueless I am!!:D

Next trip to gym is Tuesday evening after Weight Watchers


I'm busy next week so I'll have to be rigid with my plan. I'm posting it here to make things easier.

Monday - get straight out of work and do Week 5 Day 1 C25k.
Tuesday - Straight to gym after Weight Watchers
Wednesday - Tennis
Thursday - Week 5 Day 2 C25k
Friday - Weights
Saturday - Rest/Week 5 Day 3 C25k - this is the 20 minute run first time.
Sunday - Week 5 Day 3Rest/ Weights I'll see how I feel

dolliemix

I managed to squeeze Week 5 Day 1 into an otherwise mad schedule today. I don't know how I manage to have things on most nights of the week. It's crazy and probably one of the reason's why, up until a few weeks ago, I was an overweight smoker with a bad diet. I'll be prioritising exercise and diet over everything else from now on in. I guess it's time to get selfish!!! I'm no use to anyone anyway when I'm feeling crap about myself.

Today's run went well I suppose. I remember feeling great after but legs were heavy during the running. However, at the end I definitely could have run further. I've noticed that for the first two minutes when I'm running, it's tougher. Then my stride seems to kick in maybe. It happens each time I stop and start again during these interval runs.

I guess this will all be tested on Thursday when I head out to do two eight minute runs. I'm glad now I have that extra day off from the C25k, when I play tennis on Wednesday. I'll be playing doubles so it won't be too tiring so it's almost like a rest day and at this stage I could play tennis in my sleep.

I'll be getting weighed tomorrow night. I hope there's a noticeable loss. I went way over my points last Thursday but I've been very good otherwise. If I do well it will really motivate for my weights gym session after.

There's a granola bar in my handbag beside me and even though I'm not hungry, the emotional part of me is saying - eat it. But the sensible part of me is saying - don't eat it! This is so hard! I shouldn't have bought it in the first place

dolliemix

Just noticed

Two months - I haven't smoked
One month - successfully completing Couch to 5k program
One week - doing weight watchers
:):D:):D

cardio,shoot me

dolliemix wrote: »

Just noticed

Two months - I haven't smoked
One month - successfully completing Couch to 5k program
One week - doing weight watchers
:):D:):D

congrats on the no smoking