Intro and C25k questions

silvurturtle

Hello!  It has been such a long time since I have posted on any board but I am a long time lurker of both the nest and the bump.  First things first....a little about me:

I'm 32 years old, 5'0 tall, and 205 lbs (BMI 40.0).  I am a mother to one beautiful four year old little girl, wife to a wonderful and supportive husband, and have a job that I love.  With all that I have going for me I am tired of being overweight.  Two years ago, I tried WW's with no success beyond 10 lbs (and I was very committed to the diet plan).  Due to the nature of my job at the time, I was unable/unwilling to increase exercise beyond my activity at work.  After 1 yr of WW I gave up on the program.  I began having symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism and was screened for hypothyroidism, diabetes, and cushings disease.  Thankfully, all of my tests came back within normal limits.  Since I have continued to log my calories with MyFitnessPal and do not have a medical reason to be as big as I am -- I have committed to exercise as I have committed to food.

I have begun the C25k program and is going well thus far (wk 1 day 3). I was hoping to be able to find support and words of encouragement here as I embark on this journey (this time I WILL succeed!) as chatting with others that are traveling their own similar journey I'm sure will be helpful to keep my C25k motivation up.

 My first question is: how many of you doing the C25k program want to actually run a 5k?  How did you pick one?

RecoveringActor

Check your local radio station for 5Ks.  I work for a radio station in Delaware, and one of my jobs is updating the Community Calendar.  There are always a ton of 5Ks, 10Ks, etc that I post on the website.  It's usually listed under "Events" or "Community Events" or "Community Calendar."  

cbonnett617

Hello I have been slowly but surely achieving weight loss on my own with no supplements and no gimmicks. I do use the C25K program. I am NOT a runner, I never was...I loathed it. C25k is a great program and nothing burns the fat away like running. My advice for the program is DO NOT run more than 3 days a week and make sure they are not consecutive days in a row. Your body needs a day of rest in between especially because running is so hard on your joints. Also, do NOT take a break from C25K. I had times where I would go a week, or two, or three without doing the program and thought I could pick up where I left off and boy was I wrong. I am now in week 6 and it is a killer, only because I took a break...I need to listen to my own advice. But running does a number on my joints and I am under 30. I still have no desire to participate in a 5K. I was going to try to do a 2 mile race for this past 4th of july and realized running on the road is a completely different game than running on a treadmill which is what I grew accustomed to. I had a melt down after, until I finally realized you don't need to be a runner to be a healthy person. Not everyone is meant to be a runner. Couch 2 5k is a great program for weight loss and building stamina but just know that it isn't meant to make everybody a marathon runner. Do what you can and take it easy. Do not advance to the next week until you can do the previous week without stopping or cheating on the running times. There is no shame in that, do what your body can handle or it can end up with serious injury which will be a major setback. Hope this helps!

silvurturtle

Thanks ladies!  I will definitely check out the calendar on my favorite radio station. Hreat idea!   

Cb-  Thank you for sharing your experience and tips for success. Week 6 is so far away: an inspiration. 

I do want to run a 5k because I think it will keep me honest. I am a goal driven gal and must have something in the calendar to keep this a priority. Thanks for the heads up on the treadmill vs outdoors. I will likely start to alternate training once the weather begins to cool down to 95 instead of 105.  

TheExPatBride

I did C25K last year, I found the first week really hard but was running a 5k in aboyt 10 weeks! I did a 5K that I found online, usually a google search can turn up ones in your area.

 My biggest regret is not keeping up with it. I do yoga, cycling, and swimming now but I can't run a 5k anymore. I live in England now, and maybe it's that I use the cold wet weather as an excuse not to get out. The runs were hard work, but everytime I successfully completed the next level was so rewarding!

Boston2Bermuda

I did C25K last March and I am now hooked on running. Prior to the program, I could not run around the block and I now run about 30 miles a week. Stick with it...it works!  I have convinced 6 family members to do it as well and we now all love running. As far as which 5k, I would pick a smaller race with a flat course. Check out cool runnings and you can search for races in your area. For your first race, don't even think about time...just run and be proud. You go, girl!!!! 

JenniferJaneC

First of all - good for you for getting started!  That's excellent!

I started C25K because I wanted to try it.  Before I started - almost two years ago - I couldn't run to the end of my short driveway without being winded.  Now I have done three half marathons and am looking at an ultramarathon (50K) in spring.  Running has become a part of my life.

As for a race, I decided on my first one by finding something that was local and convenient to me and that supported a cause that I liked.  My first 5k was a trail run benefiting a local park.  It was the perfect first race.  I took my time (I'm still slow) and enjoyed every minute of it.  Having a goal like that kept me honest - no "oh, I'll just skip this week and make it up later" and no quitting.

Good luck.  Come back and keep us updated on how C25K is going for you! 

twokidsmom

www.runningintheusa.com

 You can search for your state on this site and it lists ALL the races.  It is fabulous!!!