Just started Couch to 5K

[Crankin]

C25K is a great program. You should feel free to modify it up or down (like repeat or skip a week).
It's better to go too slow than too fast.

[amb]

I just started C25K last week. Tonight I did W2/D1. I am a very active person who HATES running so I thought trying the program might ease me into it in a manner where I'd hate it less. So far, I am not loving it. My HR gets so high when I'm running that I find it hard to breathe. Running just does not feel good. I'm hoping it will get better. I did go to a running store to get fitted for shoes. They're definitely way better than my shoes for Zumba. I'm planning to sign up for a New Years Day 5k. I think that's shaving a week off the program so we'll see how it goes. If I do the program, run the 5k, and never run again, I'll be fine with that. At least I tried....

On a side note, the free C25K app on the iPhone is awesome - it does all the work for you (except for the running! )

[OakLeaf]

Breathing while running is very different from breathing while cycling. Give yourself some time to figure out the breathing. What rhythm are you using? I typically prefer to inhale three steps, exhale two when I'm running at a moderately hard pace. It can vary all the way from 5/4 at a very easy jog to 2/2 at a sprint - I really can't breathe any faster than that, but maybe that's because of my mild asthma?

Plus, anyone's maximum HR for running is always 5-10 bpm higher than for cycling - last I read a couple of years ago, exercise physiologists weren't 100% sure why, but they theorize it's a combination of weight-bearing and the cooling effect of air flow at the higher speeds of cycling.

Hope you start liking it better. But if you don't, you know, no one HAS to run. It's good to do some weight bearing, moderate to high impact activity to protect your bones, but it doesn't have to be running.

[indysteel]

I just started C25K last week. Tonight I did W2/D1. I am a very active person who HATES running so I thought trying the program might ease me into it in a manner where I'd hate it less. So far, I am not loving it. My HR gets so high when I'm running that I find it hard to breathe. Running just does not feel good. I'm hoping it will get better. I did go to a running store to get fitted for shoes. They're definitely way better than my shoes for Zumba. I'm planning to sign up for a New Years Day 5k. I think that's shaving a week off the program so we'll see how it goes. If I do the program, run the 5k, and never run again, I'll be fine with that. At least I tried....

On a side note, the free C25K app on the iPhone is awesome - it does all the work for you (except for the running! )

I'm no expert on running, but I pick it up nearly every fall when I stop riding as much. It took me a few rounds of this to finally figure out that running doesn't suck nearly as much if I content myself with running at a slower, sustainable pace. While I'd theoretically love to be faster--and maybe I'll get there eventually if I stop stopping/starting the running thing--it's just counterproductive for me to press on with a pace my lungs and legs aren't happy with. So, one suggestion I have for you in terms of your breathing and heart rate is to slow down. Your body may not be ready for the pace you're trying to maintain.

[amb]

I graduate C25K today! Well, I technically graduated yesterday (finishing the last workout) but today is my "Resolution Run 5k". I just wish the weather was going to be more than 18 degrees! At least the sun in CO helps, or so I'm convincing myself.

I think the program was a success. I don't hate running anymore which was my main goal. I don't know that I love it.....maybe I luke warm like it now. I've had problems with an under-performing glut causing hamstring tightness since Mar '12 and the running seems to have flared it up a little. I think I need a week or two off after my 5k and I need to resurrect my PT glut exercises. I'm happy that my plantar fasciitis from '08 never resurfaced though.

The C25k app is great. I highly recommend. Happy New Year!

[skhill]

Good luck on the 5k! And the good thing about the cold is that it's really hard to overheat. Easy to run faster to get to a warm beverage too!

[yellow]

You must feel great about your success! Have a great run today and make sure you let us know how it goes!

[OakLeaf]

Yay! Enjoy your run today.