*kayleeb*

bluekid

Did you do Couch to 5K when you began running, by any chance? I'm doing it now, except I'm taking two weeks for every week, because I am too big of a pansy to increase as quickly as the program does. Anyway, I was just curious.

kayleeb

Yep, I did! I went through the end of week 6 and then ran my first 5k. I didn't finish the last 3 weeks. After my first 5k I started going by distance instead of time, so I would just run 2-3 miles a few times a week.

I had to repeat a lot of weeks/days, also. I never, ever imagined I would be able to run. I always used my asthma as an excuse to not do physical activity (which, ironically, my asthma has drastically improved since I started running.) Good luck with the program!! What week are you on?

WendyToo

I'll butt in to say that's what I did as well. I used the get running app for the iPhone. It prompts you when to walk/run and let's you listen to music between prompts. It also keeps track of where you are in the program and lets you repeat runs if needed. A year ago I also would never have guessed I could be a 'runner' but since then I've run 4 half marathons. My soon to be sister in law just ran her first 5k after following the program too. Good luck!

bluekid

Thanks, you guys! That's encouraging to know. I'm on week 4 day 1 (the first time of week 4...it'll be repeated next week) and some days are easier than others. I almost broke myself yesterday with the 5 minute run...I can't IMAGINE running something like 20 minutes in a row. I'm much better than I was when I started, but boy do I have a way to go.

How long was it before you guys saw any poundage dropping? I keep thinking I ought to see SOMETHING by now, but so far...nada. 

 

kayleeb

You might be surprised with how easy the 20 minute run is in week 5. I thought there was no way I would be able to do it, but I did and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be (not that it was easy, just not as horrible as I expected.)

I haven't really noticed a huge difference in weight, maybe 4 or 5 pounds at the most. I have noticed things getting a little more toned though and clothes fitting a little bit better. Maybe you're gaining muscle which is why the scale isn't moving?  

WendyToo

I'm sure it's not what you want to hear, but I didn't lose any weight from just running. When I also restrict calories, off it comes. I generally use the my net diary app for tracking foods (I feel like I should be getting a stipend from apple here).

Also, I'll agree that I thought there was no way I could go from 5 minutes to 8 to 20(!!), but I did it and I was damn proud (and it really wasn't that hard afterall!). I remember how hard the 5 minutes seemed, but I promise you can do it.

bluekid

Yay! Thanks for all of the words of encouragement. It's weird how some days are easier than others. One day I felt so bloody fantastic after one of my "runs" that I felt like I could have flown away. Other days I kind of wanted to throw up and die. Still others are in between. I'm looking forward to seeing what my body can do, though. It definitely helps hearing from people that have transformed themselves into runners.

kayleeb

Running is definitely a mind game. Your body can do so much more than your mind thinks it can. When it starts feeling really hard or you're having a bad run day, you just have to think to yourself, do I really need to stop running or do I just want to stop running. You have to learn to kinda get used to being uncomfortable. At the beginning, I always felt like walking once I started getting sweaty, tired, and uncomfortable. I think that's why a lot of people don't try running, because they don't like that discomfort. And don't get discouraged on bad run days! They happen to everyone! I've had some days where it made me question whether or not I could become a 'runner' and thought about quitting, I'm glad I didn't though! And that first 20 minute run you'll finish will feel like the biggest accomplishment ever! It was such an awesome feeling! And I agree with Wendy, losing weight has so much more to do with diet. I try to track my calories, too. I usually use the MyFitnessPal app (they also have a website).

WendyToo

I most definitely have good days and bad days too. I think sometimes that has to do with diet choices, illness, pms, etc. Oh and I have thrown up after a run, but eh, still worth it. At least I know I didn't hold back that day. .