# 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:** 27
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/521 "2008-10-07T12:19:22Z")
> [@Fugazi](#): > > What is this, “should be able to speak while running”? Is this some sort of sick joke? My goal is to not pass out. Being able to hold a conversation will have to wait until later. Same here, and I’m on my second week 9. 😉 But I am surprised, I never thought I would be jogging/running/a step above walking for 30 mins when I started back in July. Someday I won’t be passed by my peers. ---
**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/522 "2008-10-07T12:37:31Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > Also, I’m still fatter than when I started, which is discouraging. I measured myself today, and my waist has stayed the same but my butt has gotten an inch bigger. My pants are tight. Ugh. Me too. My pants are tighter in the thighs and butt, however my waist is the same. My belly fat has seemed to redistribute itself and it’s jigglier (sorry), like it’s trying desperately to leave, but just keeps moving around. On the plus side, someone at work told me that my face looks slimmer and since that’s where I usually notice any weight loss first, I guess that means I’m on my way. I’m much more resistant to losing weight since my gastric bypass 5 years ago. I had a baby 2 1/2 years ago and I’m still trying to lose the weight and get back to 130 pounds (25 to go ☹ ). In other news, my sciatica is kicking me in the ass (pun intended) and I’m limping today. I iced it last night, but forgot to bring the icepack to work today. I’m going to see if I can get an appointment with my chiropractor today and hopefully I won’t have to miss more than two days between runs this week. ---
**Author:** ![Hrududu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Hrududu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hrududu)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/523 "2008-10-07T13:34:23Z")
I did the first run of week 2 last night. I must figure out how to stretch because I’ve noticed a couple of times that during the walking part (after I’ve run) my left calf feels strange like there is something loose jiggling about in there. Which can’t be good. During the runs I find my legs get tired after the minute but there is no pain so its so far so good for me. I find that I am in a terrific mood towards the end of the run and for a while after. I don’t know if its just me being pleased with myself or if its endorphins. ---
**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:** [October 7, 2008, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/524 "2008-10-07T17:54:10Z")
> [@Nutty\_Bunny](#): > > On the plus side, someone at work told me that my face looks slimmer and since that’s where I usually notice any weight loss first, I guess that means I’m on my way. The same thing is happening to me; I haven’t lost a pound (I’m only allowing to weigh myself on Fridays though), but someone at work said my face looked thinner! I am clinging to this to make myself feel better. In a lack-of-caffeine induced haze yesterday morning, I managed to trip down my front stairs on the way to work in a spectacular display of grace. I hurt both my knees, but ran anyway after work. I am sort of paying for it now. I don’t know if I should let them rest a few days or trudge through tomorrow - they mainly just feel stiff/weird, not really sharp pain or anything. We’ll see. But yeah, the three minutes wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. Keep it up everyone! ---
**Author:** ![that\_darn\_cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/59ef9b/32.png) [@that\_darn\_cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/that_darn_cat)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/525 "2008-10-07T18:09:26Z")
We had a false start on Monday, so today was wk3d1. The jump to three minute runs was noticeable, but doable. I think this is the most consistent I’ve ever been on an exercise program. yay us! ---
**Author:** ![evilhomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/43a26b/32.png) [@evilhomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilhomer)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/526 "2008-10-07T18:24:00Z")
Hey all. I’ve been pretty busy, so I haven’t kept up with this thread over the last little while. I’m doing what I call week 3.5. I found week 4 was too much , so I repeated week 3, and now I’m doing it again, but I’ve bumped up to 2 minutes from 90 seconds, and 4 minutes instead of 3 minutes. So hopefully next week, I can do the real week 4. Baby steps, baby steps. Congrats to everyone who’s joined in. ---
**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:** [October 7, 2008, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/527 "2008-10-07T19:03:51Z")
I don’t know if it’s coincidence, but I’m starting to feel like that salt monster on Star Trek. Salt! Salt! Salt! I wants it! ---
**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:** [October 7, 2008, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/528 "2008-10-07T19:16:52Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I don’t know if it’s coincidence, but I’m starting to feel like that salt monster on Star Trek. Salt! Salt! Salt! I wants it! Someone commented pointedly on the empty crisp packet on my desk, asking what the nutritional value of it was. _Salt_ was my reply. I get cramps all the time - cramped foot arches are a real problem. Si ---
**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:** [October 7, 2008, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/529 "2008-10-07T19:25:10Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I don’t know if it’s coincidence, but I’m starting to feel like that salt monster on Star Trek. Salt! Salt! Salt! I wants it! > [@si\_blakely](#): > > Someone commented pointedly on the empty crisp packet on my desk, asking what the nutritional value of it was. > > _Salt_ was my reply. I get cramps all the time - cramped foot arches are a real problem. > > Si I always crave salt in warmer weather. ---
**Author:** ![shantih](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@shantih](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shantih)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/530 "2008-10-07T23:18:21Z")
_deep breath_ Well, I did my very first run today, in my spiffy new Asics that I got specifically for my fit new running self, and I was pleasantly surprised, I must say. The running minutes seemed to fly by, and while I got more out of breath as it went along, I was never in bad shape. So, go me! Today was something of a test, as I want to do this with my son after he gets back from his trip and wanted to know what to expect. It went well, as I say, and what’s nice is that there’s a park about a brisk 10-minute walk away that has a nice level track about 1 kilometer around. So, well begun is half done, right? ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2008, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/531 "2008-10-07T23:20:17Z")
> [@shantih](#): > > So, well begun is half done, right? Well done! I’m also glad to see someone else including their progeny. I must warn you, depending on the age and fitness of your son, it’s rewarding but also a bit frustrating when it’s relatively effortless for them. ---
**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:** [October 7, 2008, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/532 "2008-10-07T23:58:50Z")
> [@shantih](#): > > _deep breath_ > > Well, I did my very first run today, in my spiffy new Asics that I got specifically for my fit new running self, and I was pleasantly surprised, I must say. The running minutes seemed to fly by, and while I got more out of breath as it went along, I was never in bad shape. So, go me! Well done! I did Week 3 day 2 today. A little harder than day 1, which fits my pattern so far, but very doable. Go us! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2008, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/533 "2008-10-08T20:05:48Z")
Did week 3 day 2 today. That second day really is always harder. It was pretty tough, honestly - I made it, but there were some times my legs just did not want to go on. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2008, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/534 "2008-10-08T20:48:16Z")
I did Week 2, Day 1 today. Easier than I thought, thankfully. Still not dead. ---
**Author:** ![Contrary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/db5fbb/32.png) [@Contrary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrary)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2008, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/535 "2008-10-08T20:55:58Z")
This morning I should have brought five kleenex but had just three with me. The last half of my run was very sniffly. I still can’t bring myself to blow a snot rocket, sorry runner pat. ---
**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:** [October 8, 2008, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/536 "2008-10-08T21:58:28Z")
I just got settled on the sofa with an ice pack on my knee after my day 2 of week 3 workout. I forgot to take an Advil before hand. It was a little harder today than on day 1, but I kept going. My knee didn’t hurt till I stopped and started walking home from the fitness center. Friday has to be a morning run because I have work all day then a hockey game. I won’t be home till late. Good job everybody! I’m so proud of every one of you. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2008, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/537 "2008-10-08T22:44:55Z")
I went to work today and it was very light and nice. So, when I got home, I didn’t give myself time to balk; I put on my stuff and went out there. I did 1.4. 6:1; 4:2; and then the last 4. Actually, by the last of the last 4, I think it was starting to get easier and I probably could have gone farther, but I didn’t. I’ll save that for Sunday. Two things: 1. felt like I was going to vomit all through the run. I do not run in the afternoon well at all. I still feel like one good burp will bring it all up. But I have felt full all day. 2. I am SO glad I did it. I feel so much better now than I did on the way home. I was tired and kinda blah and was thinking about chocolate (except for the full feeling). I was afraid I’d hurt and my foot would ache the rest of the night (that still may happen). BUT I feel so good now. I’m off to take a shower and get in my jammies and just relax. I earned it! woot! 🙂 ---
**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:** [October 9, 2008, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/538 "2008-10-09T00:30:30Z")
> [@Contrary](#): > > This morning I should have brought five kleenex but had just three with me. The last half of my run was very sniffly. I still can’t bring myself to blow a snot rocket, sorry runner pat. You must become one with the mucus. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Bruin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2008, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/539 "2008-10-09T02:11:12Z")
After screwing around, I finally moved on to Week 4 today. If you told me at any point in my past that I’d be running for five minutes straight, I’d laugh in your face. But I did it today! OK, granted, it was more of a shuffle than a run, but it’s progress. I pushed myself a bit on the last set, and yet again my legs are hurting waaaay before my lungs are ready to throw in the towel. I asked my husband if I could go to a running store and get my gait checked out and get shoes fitted properly after I finish the program, but I think I’ll be checking into a bit more quickly. Like, this weekend. 'Cause I am ready to _ **kick ass** _, if only my legs wouldn’t hold me up. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2008, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/540 "2008-10-09T02:17:37Z")
I think the legs-hurting is probably a sign of better fitness. Because now, my legs tire out and say “STOP, BITCH!” and earlier it was my lungs. I honestly think I just improved my cardovascular fitness a bit to the point where my lungs can now take more than my legs. (I still huffle and puffle, but my lungs don’t scream at me to stop anymore.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=26) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=28)