# 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:** 17
**Author:** ![Contrary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/db5fbb/32.png) [@Contrary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrary)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2008, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/321 "2008-09-28T17:27:54Z")
> [@lorene](#): > > Stress Fracture 2: Electric Suckaloo. Um, STOP that right now. How about you listen and follow what your doctor says? I bet you’d hit any of us with a dead fish if we did what you did, you silly woman. ---
**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 28, 2008, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/322 "2008-09-28T17:44:31Z")
Yay me! I just finished week 1 day 3 this morning. It’s nice knowing that since I’ve done 20 minutes non-stop, when I go back to intervals tomorrow it’s gonna seem so easy. My shins do hurt though, but the furniture lifts from the Cool Running website help to alleviate a lot of that pain. ---
**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 28, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/323 "2008-09-28T17:50:48Z")
> [@KarlGrenze](#): > > Olive, I had trouble finding this, but do you know if they accept American Express? Title Nine has that bra (same price, too), but unfortunately they don’t accept it. I’m willing to buy it, but I have to use my credit card. Also, I think I saw that in another website… The sizes are different than on Ennell’s… The prices are around the same (at least for the cheapest models), and the shipping is way less in the other one (or so it seems). These guys take Amex. > **[NameBright - Coming Soon](http://www.ladiesonlysports.com/enwhenyouare.html)** ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2008, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/324 "2008-09-28T19:46:32Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > > [@Priceguy](#): > > > > As long as we’re talking running, I’ll take the opportunity to request some well-wishes for myself. I’m doing a thirty-kilometer race this Saturday, with the last twelve over some serious damn hills. Goal time: 2:45. Confidence level: High. > > Please let us know how this goes for you. I’m sure you’ll do great.] I got off to what you might call an inauspicious start. I felt off my A-game the morning of, the line to the toilets was juuuust long enough that I didn’t actually get to go before the race, I forgot to bandage my nipples and - crowning moment of glory - about 1½ kilometer in I tripped, rolled around on the ground and hit a sharp rock with my knee, losing almost all my carbohydrate gel in the process. Only one thing to do: swear as loud as I could, get up and keep going, bleeding or not. I knew I might have to quit the race if the knee got too bad, but at least I’d tried. In the end, I finished the race. As I entered the last kilometer I knew I was under three hours (I had promised myself to be content with anything under three, which given the difficulty of the course is a respectable time) but was also sure I had failed to hit my goal time of 2:45. That’s why, when I crossed the finish line, stopped the clock and saw that the first two numbers were 2 44, I let out a roar of triumph. So I made it. My knee still hurts and is swollen, but I fucking did it. Trivia: Swedish hockey legend and underwear salesman Börje Salming also ran the race. I kicked his ass. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2008, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/325 "2008-09-28T19:51:41Z")
YOU beat a Swedish legend!?! Way to go! You should be very proud of yourself. I hope the knee gets better soon. How long was the race, again? 30 km is like 15 miles, no? Well done! All these stories-the good and the bad–really help. Thanks to all of you. 🙂 ---
**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 28, 2008, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/326 "2008-09-28T20:24:43Z")
Way to go, **Priceguy**!!!Good on you for toughing it out and still reaching your goal. Is the knee just cut or did it take an impact? ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2008, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/327 "2008-09-28T20:30:29Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > 30 km is like 15 miles, no? Just over 18.5, actually. But you know, it’s only the last 17 that are tough. > [@runner pat](#): > > Is the knee just cut or did it take an impact? I’m afraid my foreignness shines through here. I don’t understand the question. There was some light bleeding, I have a black bruise and there is a fair amount of swelling, but I think (or, possibly, hope) that it’s starting to go down. ---
**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 28, 2008, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/328 "2008-09-28T20:54:23Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > I’m afraid my foreignness shines through here. I don’t understand the question. There was some light bleeding, I have a black bruise and there is a fair amount of swelling, but I think (or, possibly, hope) that it’s starting to go down. Not to worry, sounds like you both hit your knee and cut it. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2008, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/329 "2008-09-28T22:27:44Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > Just over 18.5, actually. But you know, it’s only the last 17 that are tough.I’m afraid my foreignness shines through here. I don’t understand the question. There was some light bleeding, I have a black bruise and there is a fair amount of swelling, but I think (or, possibly, hope) that it’s starting to go down. Sorry–my metric brain died on me. Really all I know is that 62 miles is 100 kms. I only know this because that is the distance of Champaign IL to my house (and there’s a highway sign that tells me this). I think you’re being too hard on yourself–surely it’s the last 16 that are tough. 😉 Impact=bruise. Cut=bleeding. But you figured it out just fine. The bleeding could have been from an abrasion (think falling down on gravel). Glad to know you’re going to be ok. ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2008, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/330 "2008-09-28T23:05:50Z")
> [@Contrary](#): > > Um, STOP that right now. How about you listen and follow what your doctor says? I bet you’d hit any of us with a dead fish if we did what you did, you silly woman. You’re right, I would. Maybe even a live fish. Or an eel. Anyhow, yes, now that I know what it is, I am not running. But do NOT expect me to be happy about that. Congrats, **Priceguy**. That’s fantastic. ---
**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 28, 2008, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/331 "2008-09-28T23:06:42Z")
> [@lorene](#): > > You’re right, I would. Maybe even a live fish. Or an eel. I promise I will never run on an injury if you’ll promise never to approach me with a live eel. Eek. ---
**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 28, 2008, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/332 "2008-09-28T23:55:35Z")
Yay **Priceguy**! I start week 2 tomorrow. Going to try to drag myself out of bed and do it in the morning. ---
**Author:** ![Kerrigan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@Kerrigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kerrigan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/333 "2008-09-29T00:42:25Z")
I started today. On a treadmill at the comfy, air-conditioned gym. I went 3.5 mph for my walking and 6.0 mph for the jogging - does that sound about right to you guys? I was pretty winded and I had a massive stitch in my upper abdomen during the jogging minutes, but a few minutes into my elliptical workout after I finished, I was feeling wonderful. I think I tried the C25K last year for a total of two workouts, and I don’t think I felt so good. Endurance is building! ---
**Author:** ![Mrs.Cake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2acd7d/32.png) [@Mrs.Cake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrs.Cake)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/334 "2008-09-29T00:45:37Z")
Week 1 (actually Cycle 1) completed! Instead of weeks, I’m taking it slightly easier than the 9-week course and doing the first few weeks in 8 days - 4 days on/4 days off. I’m way more out of shape than I’ve ever been, and even when I was in shpae it was by hiking, not running, so it’s slow and gradual for me. The goal is to be at the 30 minute run by Christmas. It’s great having my husband run with me - it’s keeps us both honest, and at least one of us will always feel like going and making the other come along. I feel good, although I will not make the mistake of eating an hour before jogging again. Tuna tastes like crap the second time around. Hoping the ice & snow hold off for a while longer. We have a treadmill, but being outdoors with another person is much preferred. Yay for everyone doing this, and keep writing the encouraging posts. It’s nice to know that people are actually getting there from here. ---
**Author:** ![rues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@rues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rues)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/335 "2008-09-29T01:35:20Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > quick question-- is anybody doing this on a treadmill? We have a nice one where it is easy to quickly switch speeds. > > Any experience or thoughts or advice? I tried all this once before, not on a treadmill, and achieved EPIC FAIL. I’m doing it this time on a treadmill and finding it much easier to make sure I’m not accidentally going too fast; in other words, I tend to sprint when not constrained by the setting on the treadmill, which tires me out way to fast. **Kerrigan** I’m doing 3.5 for walking and 5.0 for running, if you’re not in really bad shape 6.0 should be fine:) ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/336 "2008-09-29T02:40:17Z")
Congratulations, **Priceguy** , that’s fantastic! I did the first day of the second week this morning. My left calf is still bothering me, and I had to take a break about half way to stretch it out again, but did finish. Lungs were burning a bit more this time, but my legs feel fine, except for the calf. I have no idea how to work out the mph (or kph) for the times when I’m running and walking. I guess I could figure it out on average, more or less, by working out the distance covered and times involved. ---
**Author:** ![svrider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@svrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/svrider)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/337 "2008-09-29T04:03:31Z")
> [@Kerrigan](#): > > I started today. On a treadmill at the comfy, air-conditioned gym. I went 3.5 mph for my walking and 6.0 mph for the jogging - does that sound about right to you guys? The pace should be so that you can talk while you run, else it’s too fast. Speed will come naturally later on. ---
**Author:** ![Fugazi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f08c70/32.png) [@Fugazi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fugazi)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/338 "2008-09-29T04:44:06Z")
> [@Kerrigan](#): > > I went 3.5 mph for my walking and 6.0 mph for the jogging - does that sound about right to you guys? I’ve been doing 3.8 walking and 6.2 jogging. I think this week though, I’m going to drop to 6.0 jogging. The last 10 seconds of the 60 second run was kinda rough. I got new shoes today. Now I’m really commited (or should be 😃 ) ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/339 "2008-09-29T06:48:40Z")
Well done **priceguy**. Last weekend I did a 10km in 54 minutes. This weekend, my stepson and his girlfriend did their 10km (they were going to run the one I did, but got dates wrong). My stepson did his run in 49 minutes (the girlfriend did it in 46). So I have a challenge - get my pace to under 50 minutes for the 10 km. I am already up to 8:30 minute miles for 6km - got to get down to 8 minute miles. To be fair, though, it might have been somewhat closer if we had been running the same race - I was pacing off my Garmin rather than trying to keep up with anyone. Si ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2008, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/340 "2008-09-29T14:14:36Z")
**Priceguy** , congrats! And I hope your knee is feeling better today! **svrider** , I run more than the recommended 3 times per week (3-5 times per week). Today is my first run of week 9. Yesterday I almost did it, because I was not paying much attention to the clock and miscalculated how long I had to go. I stopped, though. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=18)