# C25k (Couch-to-5K) starting week of 9/21--who's in? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 14, 2008, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600 "2008-09-14T21:16:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/281 "2008-09-26T21:07:44Z")
> [@Fugazi](#): > > Just letting you know I’m still with y’all. Just finished week 1 day 3. Cool. Did it go well? ShibbOleth, those pushups are daunting as hell, but I’m trying to take it one day at a time and try not to get too panicked. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/282 "2008-09-26T21:14:26Z")
Well, I’m posting from Pittsburgh, since I decided that if I took my trip off i’d quit trying. I thought I had week 1 all set up and ready but all I could get on the Shuffle was 2, and my mom wasn’t picking me up from the trail for half an hour… It was hard, but I did it! Also, Yankees do NOT do the smile and wave. The men don’t make eye contact at all and the women give that panic “oh god I’m supposed to know her?” weak smile when you smile at them. Weird and unfriendly-seeming. Nice trail, though. ---
**Author:** ![TroubleAgain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e480ec/32.png) [@TroubleAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroubleAgain)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/283 "2008-09-26T22:45:39Z")
> [@Fugazi](#): > > What kind of shoes? I went shoe shopping the other day only to discover I know absolutely nothing about running shoes. Nike. And I know nothing, either. I only found out later that there actually is an actual store where the associates know something about fitting, on the other side of town. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/284 "2008-09-26T23:11:12Z")
I just found myself singing a song and couldn’t figure out what the song was or where I heard it. Aha! The first week podcast by Robert Ullrey. I went back to the site to see if he says what songs are on there and find other people stuck on the same song. So, running plus finding new music. It’s all good. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/285 "2008-09-26T23:22:51Z")
Week 1 Day 3 did not happen today as I feel as though my left ovary has exploded. I will try it tomorrow. If not, we will begin week one again when said explody ow is gone. I’ve been to Bikram yoga twice this week, however. That whole laying-on-your-back thing in between heart pounding exercises really appeals to me. ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2008, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/286 "2008-09-26T23:53:07Z")
I completed run 3 of week 1 about an hour ago. It was my first run in proper shoes and boy does it make a difference! My shins didn’t hurt at all. I pushed myself a little bit more and finally got a stitch in my side on the 5th interval. I pushed through though and I finished the last leg going uphill. I really like the Champion athletic pants I got at Target. The shorts I was wearing kept riding up in the middle in a most unattractive and uncomfortable manner. I felt like a runner today in my sports bra, running pants, and proper shoes. 🙂 I’m going to try starting week 2 on Monday, but I won’t feel bad if I have to do some more week 1 runs. I need some encouraging words. The dipshits at work ask me every day in a very condencendning manner if I’m still running. Proving them wrong is going to be such a sweet victory, but I’m doing this for myself. Everyone who is doing this with me has given me such inspiration. Without jsgoddess, I wouldn’t be doing this, and I want to thank you so much for starting this thread and motivating me to get up off my fat ass and get moving. I’m looking forward to collapsing in a sobbing heap at the finish line of my first 5K because I will have accomplished something I never thought I would have been able to do. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/287 "2008-09-27T00:27:49Z")
> [@Hockey\_Monkey](#): > > I’m going to try starting week 2 on Monday, but I won’t feel bad if I have to do some more week 1 runs. I need some encouraging words. The dipshits at work ask me every day in a very condencendning manner if I’m still running. Proving them wrong is going to be such a sweet victory, but I’m doing this for myself. Everyone who is doing this with me has given me such inspiration. Without jsgoddess, I wouldn’t be doing this, and I want to thank you so much for starting this thread and motivating me to get up off my fat ass and get moving. I’m looking forward to collapsing in a sobbing heap at the finish line of my first 5K because I will have accomplished something I never thought I would have been able to do. I think it sounds like you’re ready to move on to week 2, and I’m just delighted if this thread has helped anyone! ---
**Author:** ![Kerrigan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@Kerrigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kerrigan)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/288 "2008-09-27T02:02:43Z")
Confession: I haven’t started yet. I forgot to work it into my workout on Monday, Tuesday I came home and was exhausted after a 12-hour shift and didn’t do _anything_, so I planned on starting it Wednesday. Well, Wednesday I got a second-degree sunburn and I’ve been avoiding sunlight and excessive movement. So next week it is, then. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do after having lost 40 pounds and building my cardio endurance for a year. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/289 "2008-09-27T02:56:34Z")
**goddess** , **olives** , you rock! And **Fungz** i, too! I actually stayed late at work tonight so that I could have tomorrow free. I will either get up early (not likely) and run or run after #2 son’s soccer game. I hope it’s cool out tomorrow… Another 2 miler tomorrow, with perhaps alternating faster pace with slower. ---
**Author:** ![Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d9b06d/32.png) [@Ichini\_Sanshigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ichini_Sanshigo)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/290 "2008-09-27T06:21:45Z")
[QUOTE=TroubleAgain] I bought shoes today. [/QUOTE] I think I need some new shoes. I’ve had my trusty Asics for… um, a few years now. And I use them for more than just running. I think they’re well past there shoe expiration date (500 miles, isn’t it?). I’m such a cheapskate when it comes to shoes, though. > [@Kerrigan](#): > > Confession: I haven’t started yet. > > I forgot to work it into my workout on Monday, Tuesday I came home and was exhausted after a 12-hour shift and didn’t do _anything_, so I planned on starting it Wednesday. Oh man, I hear that. I know Wednesday’s are usually the late day at the office (this week I didn’t get home until after 9pm), so I planned to run Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. I ended up putting off Thursday’s run until today because I had [TMI]awful cramps[/TMI] on Thursday and really didn’t feel like hitting the pavement when I got home from work. I had even laid out my running clothes that morning so I wouldn’t back out when I got home. I’m doing Week 5, day 3 tomorrow morning. Twenty minutes ya’ll! ---
**Author:** ![TroubleAgain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e480ec/32.png) [@TroubleAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroubleAgain)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/291 "2008-09-27T13:53:57Z")
I just got back from week 1, day 1. It was at the same time both harder and easier than I thought it would be. And surprisingly? My \*arms \*are tired. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/292 "2008-09-27T14:11:15Z")
> [@TroubleAgain](#): > > I just got back from week 1, day 1. It was at the same time both harder and easier than I thought it would be. And surprisingly? My \*arms \*are tired. HA! The first time I ran my arms were killing me. The damnedest thing. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/293 "2008-09-27T14:49:51Z")
I had to give up and get one of those industrial sports bras - the times I’ve tried this before I wasn’t a c cup and it’s really a big difference. To think that my high school prayers have been answered and now it’s so annoying! I hate having to struggle into a bra over my head like that - one day I won’t be able to get it off and I’ll have to call for help and itwill be the humiliation of a lifetime. I must admit, though - everything stays put! ---
**Author:** ![moi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@moi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moi)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/294 "2008-09-27T15:12:51Z")
**tdc** and I finished out week one with a surprising level of happiness. He’s doing push-ups on off days, and I’m doing yoga. Monday-Wednesday I felt like there was considerable soreness throughout the day, but from Thursday on I feel looser and not nearly so achey. On Friday’s run, I lost track of run cycles for the first time ever (we’re timing things with a playlist **tdc** makes up), and it was a pleasant surprise to hear the “We’re dooooone!” audio track. I thought I still had one or two run cycles to go! I’m a little awed at my level of commitment to this and how much I enjoy getting up and spending the early morning with the husband. Plus, it’s great to come here and read everyone else’s success stories and the encouraging things that have been posted. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/295 "2008-09-27T15:24:28Z")
Going out now to run. Tis hot out and late (about 1030 am here). Don’t want to run. Would like a late morning nap. Must push self. Must have huge Id inside me and a Barny Fife Superego. Will whine through whole thing. Going now. Really. Will post when through. Will also bring pronouns then, too. Bleh. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/296 "2008-09-27T16:01:48Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > I had to give up and get one of those industrial sports bras - the times I’ve tried this before I wasn’t a c cup and it’s really a big difference. To think that my high school prayers have been answered and now it’s so annoying! I hate having to struggle into a bra over my head like that - one day I won’t be able to get it off and I’ll have to call for help and itwill be the humiliation of a lifetime. I must admit, though - everything stays put! Okay, not to get too personal, but are you an um… big girl? I’m a big girl (38 DDD), and I found a sports bra, that, while pricey, impressed me so much that I bought three more and wear them every day (even under blouses and to work and stuff, though I recommend you get every day wear bras a size larger than your sports ones.) My girls aren’t going anywhere with this sucker. Behold: [www.enell.com](http://www.enell.com) ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/297 "2008-09-27T16:13:11Z")
I pretty much only wear sports bras. I’ve never had that so called feminine urge to have sexy undies, but I digress. I am back and of course, I feel much better. I really need to convince myself that when I go all Oscar the Grouch (or inner bitch) that means I need to run, not I need break. Couple of things: It was freaking hard. Very hard. Amazingly hard for the first 8 minutes. I went down to 1:1s and 2:1s. I felt bad for about 30 seconds and then I said to myself you’re out here. Who cares if it’s a shit day? Just do it. (my life is now an ad). I think it was hard because 1. I ran “late” (I like to run around 7). 2. I had eaten breakfast at 8. 3. I know this is TMI, but my gut was very uncomfortable. IOW, I need to poop prior to my runs. and 4. I need to talk to a trainer or someone–the faster I go, the happier I am. Thing is, I cannot stay fast. So, do I work on distance (which I will need to increase regardless. I barely do 2 miles now. I’d like to be able to 4 per session) OR do I work on speed? IOW, do I train to RUN 2 miles or do I train to run/jog 4? Anyone know of any sources for me to look into that? Either way, I need to be in better shape (waaaaay better) than I am now. Also, my HR is not (I think) where it should be: it’s 148 when I’m running. I forgot (again!) to check it afterwards. :smack: Thank you for putting up with my whining. ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Stranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Time\_Stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Stranger)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/298 "2008-09-27T16:29:08Z")
Well, I finished my first week this morning! I ran around my neighborhood again - it was so humid I had a really hard time breathing. Almost didn’t think I was going to make it. There were tons of other runners out though, and they all looked as waterlogged as I did, so I didn’t feel too bad. I am slowly getting over my too-embarrassed-to-go-run-outside issue. I don’t cross the street or change course when I see other people now, heh. Plus the really cute guy that I always see running in blue shorts said “Good Morning!” to me when he passed. If that’s not a reason to keep this up, I don’t know what is. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/299 "2008-09-27T16:32:02Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > I need to talk to a trainer or someone–the faster I go, the happier I am. Thing is, I cannot stay fast. So, do I work on distance (which I will need to increase regardless. I barely do 2 miles now. I’d like to be able to 4 per session) OR do I work on speed? IOW, do I train to RUN 2 miles or do I train to run/jog 4? > > Anyone know of any sources for me to look into that? Either way, I need to be in better shape (waaaaay better) than I am now. Also, my HR is not (I think) where it should be: it’s 148 when I’m running. I forgot (again!) to check it afterwards. > :smack: > > Thank you for putting up with my whining. Work on distance, you will not improve general endurance by running a short distance faster. You could do both by jogging the first mile easy, run fairly hard for two then the last mile easy again. Be very sure you’re up to doing the full distance first, it can lead to injury or overtraining if you’re not ready. Your heart rate sounds a bit high, depending on your age. Taking your pulse by hand lets your heart rate drop 10-15 beats in the time it takes. I have used a heart rate monitor for years, it’s far more accurate. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/300 "2008-09-27T18:11:27Z")
> [@Time\_Stranger](#): > > Plus the really cute guy that I always see running in blue shorts said “Good Morning!” to me when he passed. If that’s not a reason to keep this up, I don’t know what is. 😃 \ The only men I get on my runs are either very, very old ones or my creepy as hell neighbor who watches me go by. He stares at me. Creep. And then there is Marathon Woman, who must be a size 00, canters along, not winded in the least. Her husband rides his bike next to her and yells out times and shit. Yeah, I like seeing her. Ok, enough bad attitude! We’re here; we’re doing it, and we’re gonna be great! ETA: many thanks, **runnerpat**. I figured it would involve harder work. (rats!). I will persevere. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=16)