*New* – Weekly pages for C25K progress reports:

Each week’s progress posts are going to be on a separate page for as long as neatness allows. You can check the top of the main page or the right sidebar to see the list of pages available.

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Couch to 5K – Logging my progress – Week One

Here is where I will log the beginnings of my C25K (Couch to 5K) program and my progress as I complete the workouts. I had my first workout on Sept. 1, 2008. This means I will complete – or “graduate” – just after my 33rd birthday. Hopefully, I’ll also be several pounds lighter as well, as I am also on a program to lose weight. That is going great so far.

(Note: For the benefit of anyone who would like to know more about the Couch to 5K program, here is the site that offers tons of information and links to even more info… http://c25k.com.)

Shannan   (Scroll down to read the entries in chronological order)

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Week One, Day One…Done!

This morning at 9am I started the first day of the C25K (Couch to 5K). It lasted 29 minutes. I used a podcast that let me know when to walk and when to run. It wasn’t bad. Around the 5th of 8 intervals I started to feel too winded, and the guy telling me when to stop and start said that you shouldn’t be winded, so I slowed my pace a little, which helped. I think I just needed to get used to doing the running because by the 8th run I sped up a little and ended well, not feeling totally out of breath. The whole thing felt like it took only half the time.

I’m looking forward to the next one on Wednesday, and hopefully it will be a little easier. I’m still waiting for the shipment of my running shoes, so I’m using some older comfortable shoes with an insole for extra support. I really can’t wait for the running shoes to come.

Between running days I’m going to try to fit in the 3-mile walking workout I’ve come to love doing. I use the 5-lb. weights with it, so I can get in my arm work, too.

Shannan

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Between Days 1 and 2

Yesterday was my first day on the C25K program, and tomorrow is Day 2. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not too sore from yesterday. Just a little on the front of my thighs and my upper abs, of all places. Just got home a little while ago, so I’m not sure I can get in my 48-minute, 3-mile DVD today, with dinnertime just around the corner. That’ll have to wait until Thursday, unfortunately. I did get in a lot of lifting and carrying bringing in the groceries, so that has to count for something.  🙂

Shannan

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Just finished Day 2!

I tried a different podcast this time, and I think I prefer the Ullrey one, because the timing is consistent throughout, and I enjoy having someone talk to me once in a while to let me know where we are in the session. The music on the Podrunner podcast is good, but the timing seemed to be off by a few seconds here and there, and it was hard to tell when the running would begin each interval. Personally, I like having the voice there with me to keep my focus on the workout. Here’s where I found both podcast links:

http://c25k.com

I ended up with 40 extra seconds (20:40 this time) using the Podrunner podcast, and got in 1.7 miles, which is the same distance as Monday’s session. I did lower my speed a little, since I seemed to be too winded on Monday. This was a lot easier to manage, walking at 3.5 mph and running at 3.7, with the last run interval done at 3.9mph. Someone said that as long as you’ve got both feet off the ground, it’s running, so I’m not too concerned with my speed right now. I just don’t want to slow down any further. I might aim for a little more distance next time, though (meaning I’d have to speed up a bit, since the time will be the same).

Whether that’s all correct, as long as I’m doing the sessions – or workouts, or whatever they’re called – I’m progressing.   🙂

Shannan

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I’m so excited! Week One…Done!

I just finished W1D3 (week one, day three – of three) of the C25K. I used the Ullrey podcast again. I prefer the music and the fact that he talks to you. I sped up a little bit today because I felt like I could. I was walking about 3.6-3.8mph on the walking segments and running at about 4.0-4.2. It doesn’t seem too fast, but speed is not the issue here. I’m aiming to get in my minute without getting too out of breath, while maintaining good form and being able to recover during the 90-second walking segments. Week two begins on Monday for me. I’m still waiting for my shoes, and the company shipping them has messed up my (very late) shipment royally. Fortunately, I have some thick-soled gym shoes I acquired from the in-laws that were too big to wear daily, but with the insoles fit nicely for the running, for the time being. They support my feet in just the right places without squishing them.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Shannan