C25K anyone?

[carissalynp]

Has anyone done C25K that can share their experience? Or anyone who's been thinking about it? I think I might actually try this for real. I'd probably need to at least start on a treadmill, because I live on a huge hill that's over a mile to the bottom, plus the sidewalks aren't always clear enough to run. I know treadmill running is different but I'm not really doing it with the intention to become a runner anyway, just to try a program that has some structure to it.

[caer]

I'm a huge fan of this program for people that are just starting out. My DH did it two years ago. He was 36, a long time smoker and a couch potato. At the end he was able to do a 5k with no problems. Since then, he's become a weekly runner and has completed two half marathons.

I was already a runner but I did it with him for support, if you have any questions. I think it would be fine on a treadmill since it's time instead of distance.

[carissalynp]

Thanks caer! My main thing is I want to improve my endurance, and just get some good cardio in. I'm sure I'll have questions. I've had knee pain on and off pretty much always especially when I wsa horseback riding a lot, so that concerns me a little. I don't know if I should look into preventative supportive wrapping? Or just see how it goes first. Hiking doesn't really bother them, but running might.

[jessasaurus]

That's how I got started running. It's a great program. I was really out of shape when I first started, so I even did repeat weeks the first few weeks and built up from there when I felt ready. I've done a few 5ks since then.

[djtippietoes]

DH has done it several times. It really works. He went from not being able to run for a minute to completing several 5Ks around an 11 minute mile pace.

[caer]

I don't have any experience with knee supports but I would say that I did have some knee issues at one point due to poor fitting shoes. I would probably be worth it to visit a running store and get some advice on the type of shoe that would work best for you.

Also, I'm a big fan of stretching and foam rolling to help/prevent knee pain.

[jessasaurus]

Jan 19, 2015 14:49:00 GMT -5 caer said:

I don't have any experience with knee supports but I would say that I did have some knee issues at one point due to poor fitting shoes. I would probably be worth it to visit a running store and get some advice on the type of shoe that would work best for you.

Also, I'm a big fan of stretching and foam rolling to help/prevent knee pain.

This. I went and got fitted for running shoes after I completed my first 5k. It makes all the difference in the world! I wondered how the hell I ran in anything else before. 

[djtippietoes]

DH uses a knee strap like this and says it's helpful.

[carissalynp]

Yay I knew you guys would have helpful advice. It's really encouraging to hear so many positive experience. I'll be saving up for some good shoes, that seems to be something everyone says is important, and I have pretty cheap sneakers at the moment.

caer I've never heard of foam rolling that looks cool! I'll definitely look into that.

djtippietoes do you know what that's called. Can't quite read the brand name.

I expect the hardest part about this to be making the time. Really exercising for me has worked best when I do it first thing in the morning, but the first 2 weeks or so of making myself get up are flipping hard. I've been going to be later in order to make my pumping 12 hours a part but once I only pump once that won't be an issue, so I can go to bed earlier and have no excuse not to get up! And worst case I can go on my lunch break. No excuses

[djtippietoes]

I just googled a random one, I'm not sure if that's the exact one he has, but runner's knee strap. He tried the kind that goes over the entire knee and the kind pictured and said the kind pictured helped a lot more.

I actually run at the gym a couple days a week on my lunch break and it really helps me get through the rest of the day. I'm lucky enough to belong to a gym that's close to my office.

[dgs7585]

I'm on the larger side, weight wise. I tried it and struggled with my sciatic nerve acting up and it really impacted my ability to continue the program. So I'm probably the only one who didn't complete it, but I really gave it a good try. I also ran on a treadmill so I don't know if running outside would have made a differece. I know several people who now run because of this program. My DH has completed it 3 times now. The first time he tried it, he had bad shoes and found he developed shin splints. He got good running shoes and they went away.

Good luck

[carissalynp]

Jan 19, 2015 15:29:39 GMT -5 dgs7585 said:

I'm on the larger side, weight wise. I tried it and struggled with my sciatic nerve acting up and it really impacted my ability to continue the program. So I'm probably the only one who didn't complete it, but I really gave it a good try. I also ran on a treadmill so I don't know if running outside would have made a differece. I know several people who now run because of this program. My DH has completed it 3 times now. The first time he tried it, he had bad shoes and found he developed shin splints. He got good running shoes and they went away.

Good luck

I figure I'm not in any hurry, and if I can't get to the end for a while, I'm ok with that. But I like the structure of it, I do well with things like that. This will be part of a longer term larger weight loss plan for me, so if I can't run longer distances or times til I can lose some weight then I won't push it. I definitely don't want injuries!

djtippietoes Ok cool I'll search for one of those. I WFH and will use the treadmill at our clubhouse, but I'm afraid if my plan is to always do it over lunch that if I have a crazy work day and can't get away then it's harder to make it up- I can do it at night but DH has LO all day so I don't like to commit to anything at night eitehr so I can spell him. But if my plan is the morning I can do lunch as a backup.

[monkey1980]

It's a great program. It starts you out running enough so you feel like you can actually run, but not so much that you dread doing it. Have fun with it!

[carissalynp]

Did you guys use the app? I thought it looked cool especially how it reminds you of the intervals but bookshelves makes a good point and I really work out better-not with music actually, but if I can watch something on my phone or listen to an audio book.

[bepandnick]

I have the app on my phone, but haven't used it. I really need to start it.

[jackiep1023]

I have downloaded the app, but haven't been able to commit to it. I am too self conscious to do it outside in our neighborhood, and don't have a treadmill (although I am pushing for one!). The closest gym is 20-30 minutes from home, and 15-20 from the office, so not convenient at all, plus $$.

[caer]

carissalynp - DH used the app and liked it. But we ran outside so just used the phone to run the app. You may still be able to listen to music.

jackiep1023 - I know it's hard but running outside is great! I'm in a running group and we have all sizes, shapes, ages and speeds. I know it sometimes feels like everyone is watching you but I promise they aren't - and if they are, 99% of the time, they are thinking "good for her, I need to get out there too."

[ivedonethisb4]

I suck at running so I've never tried it. Id love to though. I start a county wide weight loss challenge in my county of work think biggest loser next week..I need some kind of plan.

[jackiep1023]

I've never been much of a runner, either. Maybe stemming from the running required to play basketball. First things first, I need to find a 'good' sport bra. I have never had a 'good' one-even when playing basketball, I usually had to just double up on cheapo, ill-fitting ones.

[caer]

Jan 19, 2015 19:18:21 GMT -5 jackiep1023 said:

I've never been much of a runner, either. Maybe stemming from the running required to play basketball. First things first, I need to find a 'good' sport bra. I have never had a 'good' one-even when playing basketball, I usually had to just double up on cheapo, ill-fitting ones.

I like the Under Armour high impact bras. I was a large C/small D pre-pregnancy and I'm a DDD now and they have worked for me. But yes - a good sports bra is a must!

[jackiep1023]

Jan 19, 2015 19:24:07 GMT -5 caer said:

Jan 19, 2015 19:18:21 GMT -5 jackiep1023 said:

I've never been much of a runner, either. Maybe stemming from the running required to play basketball. First things first, I need to find a 'good' sport bra. I have never had a 'good' one-even when playing basketball, I usually had to just double up on cheapo, ill-fitting ones.

I like the Under Armour high impact bras. I was a large C/small D pre-pregnancy and I'm a DDD now and they have worked for me. But yes - a good sports bra is a must!

I was a C/D in high school, was a DDD after my first pregnancy, and am F (or bigger) now.

[caer]

jackiep1023 - then you need a good one for sure! There is tons of info out there on sports bras. I think Runners World does reviews. Might be worth googling!

[jackiep1023]

caer I will have to look into that, for sure!

[mosaicmoscato]

I also really liked it! I downloaded the app on my phone and went running with it. I was out of shape, and it made getting into running again much easier!

[carissalynp]

jackiep1023 A good sports bra made SUCH a difference for me, it's amazing. They apparently don't sell the exact one I have anymore, but it's basically this one. The crossed straps are really comfy, and no worries about them every slipping no matter what workout you're doing: www.lanebryant.com/molded-underwire-sport-bra/p127197/index.pro?selectedColor=None%20selected&selectedSize=None%20selected&fromZafu=true&zafusource=SR

[carissalynp]

I did day 1 today! It was hard, but not omg I'm gonna die hard like 30 day shred, either. Encouraging. I suspect I'll be repeating some weeks for a while but that's ok. The only thing was toward the end my hip started hurting a little- it does after long hikes too. I never had a formal SPD diagnosis but I had major hip pain when I was pregnant. I need a physical anyway so I'm going to talk to a doctor, see if there are things I can do to help- hopefully I on't need actual PT though because super high deductible. :/