5k training update

[lilypi]

First off: running totally sucks, but in an addictive way. I'm in a lot of pain and kind of want to die, but i keep going back. Today I actually did 5k at the gym for the first time, and finished it in 46 minutes. Not great, but certainly not bad for being early in training and just wanting to get a baseline number. At this point I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to finish the 5k, and moderately confident that I'll be able to do it without walking. SLOOOOOOOW jogging does not count as walking, right?

[Sams Mom]

Good job. You actually inspired me to follow the couch to 5 K training listed on this page.

Cool Running | The Couch-to-5K ® Running Plan

So far, I've only managed 2 sessions, spaced too far apart to count, but the last one was yesterday, so I'm hoping to go again tomorrow.

[lilypi]

yay! good for you! i've found that the music i listen to is a HUGE factor in my ability to get through the workout.

[Paddysmom]

Nick is doing the couch to 5K training right now, too.

[lilypi]

the couch to 5k program really seems well designed. every time i start thinking "ohgodjustshootme" and feel like i can't do it any longer, it chimes in with "walk". the app is SUPER helpful, because it's all audio cues and i don't have to pay attention to the time. i can go to my happy place mentally and chug along until i'm told to change my pace.

[zoesmom]

Do you stretch before and after running/jogging? I find that it really helps w/the pain.

[eastcoastmom]

Just a side note, Running outside is *completely* different from running on a treadmill.

Good for you! You will do great =) also, pain is not good. What kind of pain? You don't want to do damage to yourself.

[lilypi]

i do stretch before and after, and it definitely makes a difference.

i know that running outside will be a whole different beast, which is why i'm pushing myself inside for right now...i need to get semi-ok with the "ease" of inside running before i move on to the outdoor stuff. the pain is just general soreness...nothing suggestive of real damage. i have weak knees which i am paying attention to, and plan to use supports for them when i run outside.

[BauersMom]

Running outside is different than on a treadmill, but changing the incline, etc. will help with that transition. I do a lot of 5K races, and one thing that helps me is knowing the race's route ahead of time. Sometimes they are posted on the race website, sometimes not. If it is a race that has around for a while, the route is probably posted on mapmyrun.com (search the location and it will show routes that other runners have posted). I run a race every May that ends with a pretty steep hill climb. Every year I hear people mutter, "Are you f-ing kidding me?" as we approach the end. I don't want that kind of surprise, I like to be prepared.

Good luck and congrats on finishing your first practice run. Don't worry about the time right now, that will come naturally as your stamina increases.

[bibber]

Good for you! I did the C25K years ago, and want to start up again. When I did it before, I was amazed at how quickly I could go from not running a block to actually jogging a few miles. The program really works. And slow jogging is NOT walking. What app do you use?