# 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:** 9
**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 23, 2008, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/161 "2008-09-23T01:17:21Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > Did the pushups too. (The weakling track, of course.) I didn’t know my carpet smells kinda funny. Wow, you’re on fire! Now go sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet and vacuum. 😃 ---
**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 23, 2008, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/162 "2008-09-23T01:19:51Z")
I just got back in from my first day! A series of unfortunate events left me neither at the indoor nor outdoor track, so I just ran about my neighborhood instead. I learned several important things, mainly: a) I need better workout pants (that don’t fall down when I run) b) I am really out of shape c) I live precariously close to a whole slew of chicken processing plants. Live upwind, might I add. Obliviously I ran into an area that was downwind, and _oh my sweet science_ did that ever give me an incentive to run faster. The smell, I can’t possibly do it justice. All in all, not too shabby! I look forward to the next few weeks when I can do more and not have my legs feel like spaghetti at the end. Keep going everyone! It’s great we’re all doing this! I’m really glad I found this. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/163 "2008-09-23T01:20:14Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Wow, you’re on fire! Now go sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet and vacuum. 😃 Oh, crap, did I sign up for the slob reform club too again? 🙂 I did real man pushups, but I could only do 3 as a “max” at the end. I don’t know how the hell I can do the next day, but I’m willing to try. Himself won’t run with me, but maybe he’ll do pushups, just to show me up. ---
**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:** [September 23, 2008, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/164 "2008-09-23T01:23:44Z")
Yay **Zsofia**! I knew you could do it. I slacked yesterday so I just got back. Week 2 is done! Something I have noticed on my runs: stink bugs leave little trails in the sand. I did not know that before. ---
**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 23, 2008, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/165 "2008-09-23T02:36:20Z")
My husband and I started tonight. I’ve never been a runner and he is a lapsed runner, so I’m a bit behind, but he is starting at week one with me. It’s a great help to have a second person along - hopefully we can encourage each other instead of talking each other out of it. It also helps that I work at a place with a great outdoor area to run, so as long as the good holds out, it should be no problem. We did okay today, with me getting wimpy on the second to last run portion, but we made it. Several people where I work were interested, but they are waiting to see how many weeks I get into it before trying, I think. I feel good about it - it actually seems doable, and I hope that I can finally drop some pounds, since dieting ain’t doing the trick. It would be fun to be able to actually run a 5K next spring, for the first time in my life. ---
**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 23, 2008, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/166 "2008-09-23T02:42:50Z")
Guess what I did tonight? W1D1 and I didn’t die! Woohoo! Go me! (It was actually the second time I did it, but the first time was a test run.) 🙂 The podcasts are great. I barely broke a sweat, but that’s because I don’t sweat much. The front of my shins are where I’m feeling the struggle. I got some new kicks and I’m not sure they are right. When I stick with the program for 2 or 3 weeks, I’ll go to the fancy running store and get fitted. I can’t afford to get another pair right now. Yay to everyone who got started! ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/167 "2008-09-23T03:21:18Z")
Today I did the first run of week 8. After having to repeat week 6 and doing week 7, it didn’t feel so bad. I think for me the first half of the program was easy, it wasn’t until towards the end of week 4 when it started to become more and more challenging. OTOH, since I’m already jogging 25 mins, what is an extra 3 (for week 8)? ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/168 "2008-09-23T03:31:25Z")
Today I did the first run of week 8. After having to repeat week 6 and doing week 7, it didn’t feel so bad. I think for me the first half of the program was easy, it wasn’t until towards the end of week 4 when it started to become more and more challenging. OTOH, since I’m already jogging 25 mins, what is an extra 3 (for week 8)? ---
**Author:** ![Hakuna\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/169 "2008-09-23T04:35:47Z")
> [@Hockey\_Monkey](#): > > I barely broke a sweat, but that’s because I don’t sweat much. Great that you started. The first couple of weeks are nice and easy and gives you plenty of time to adjust. But I want you to come in about halfway through this program and tell me you aren’t sweating 🙂 I did this program about 2-3 months ago and it was great. Now I am doing a variation on it for myself–interval training. Start out flat and a 11 minute mile, run a minute, then increase the incline and speed, rinse and repeat every minute up to a 9 minute mile on a 4 incline and then start over. Do this four times and tell me you aren’t sweating! But good on all of you people for jumping in and doing this program. I didn’t think I could do this either and here I am at age 49 running like a mad man. ---
**Author:** ![moi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@moi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moi)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/170 "2008-09-23T11:42:46Z")
Congrats to **Ginger** & everyone else who showed up for day one! Today is my “off” day ( **tdc** and I are running M-W-F), but he got up to do the pushups, so I did about 45 mins of yoga. Like **Mr & Mrs Cake** , I like to have a buddy to encourage me, even if we’re not doing the same activity. **tdc** has taken it up a notch, however. While I was out last night, he put up a whiteboard with our ten-week plan and has started the tradition of putting 50 cents each in anytime we exercise: it’s our sushi money fund, he says. 😃 Also, before I forget: Whoohooo! Go, **Priceguy**! I’ll be cheerin’ for you, at the same time as I’m hopin’ I never get so crazy. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/171 "2008-09-23T12:55:49Z")
**Hakuna Matata** , congrats on completing this. Now we have a grizzled veteran we can look to for advice. When we start to get to the end I’d love to hear what you did to stick with it and go beyond. I’m also hoping this helps me become a regular runner, not just a flash-in-the-pan thing. ---
**Author:** ![evilhomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/43a26b/32.png) [@evilhomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilhomer)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/172 "2008-09-23T13:04:55Z")
I started week 4 yesterday, but the five minute run killed me. I did the first 3 minute and 5 minute runs, but after that I could only get about 2 minutes in to the second 3 minute run. So I think I’ll repeat week 3 again and try to build some stamina. I’m still pleased with my progress though - 3 weeks ago there’s no way I could have run as much as I am now. ---
**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 23, 2008, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/173 "2008-09-23T13:12:33Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > **Hakuna Matata** , congrats on completing this. Now we have a grizzled veteran we can look to for advice. When we start to get to the end I’d love to hear what you did to stick with it and go beyond. I’m also hoping this helps me become a regular runner, not just a flash-in-the-pan thing. There are programs on the web to take you from C25K to 10K. Otherwise, you try a few different things. I did a 10K on Sunday at 9 minute miles. Today, I was out with my Forerunner set to 8:30s, and did 6km at that pace. My next goal is 10k at 8 minute miles within a couple of months. By the time you finish C25K, keeping it up will be easy. I had to force myself to take it easy leading up to the 10k, because now, I like to run/cycle/gym. It makes me feel good, and I lose weight. And it really is addictive. Si ---
**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 23, 2008, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/174 "2008-09-23T13:36:46Z")
[QUOTE=TimeStrager] A series of unfortunate events left me neither at the indoor nor outdoor track, so I just ran about my neighborhood instead. [/QUOTE] Unfortunate? I can’t stand jogging on tracks. The monotony makes me focus on how much I want to stop running and just lay down on the ground. I need distractions like scenery and funky podcasts to keep me going. Also, a lot of people are saying it was easy at first, and got harder later on. I felt the exact opposite. The first 5 minute run was killer for me, but subsequent runs were easier. ---
**Author:** ![jay-c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@jay-c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jay-c)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/175 "2008-09-23T13:40:39Z")
I did Week 1, Day 2 last night (Day 1 was Saturday). Overall, considering that I have a rotten headcold, and I’ve been on almost complete bed rest for all of August and a week into September I did pretty well. I may end up repeating Week 1 to get back into the swing of things, but I think from there it should be smooth sailing. I just need to keep posting here so I feel I’m being held accountable. A big thanks to whomever provided the podcast link - it is a great help. I have an iPhone, and I don’t even have to download the podcasts ahead of time - just go to the page and click the link, and it streams it right to me. Really a great idea. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/176 "2008-09-23T13:47:33Z")
I do have a question for the more experienced runners - it seems every time I try this running thing (and sometimes even on the elliptical trainer) my right ankle starts to hurt. I’ve got professionally fitted running shoes. I am, however, extremely duck footed, and when I was a kid I had a leg length discrepancy which I mostly grew out of. Anything I can do for that? ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/177 "2008-09-23T13:56:23Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > I am, however, extremely duck footed… [Duck footed](http://covers.lovereading4kids.co.uk/gardimg/00/000af201.jpg)? ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/178 "2008-09-23T14:17:55Z")
I started the program because of another SDMB thread, way back when. I achieved 5K within the eight-week terms of the program, but carried on. I’m now doing about 4.5 miles (7.25 km) every two days. Hooray! It rocks. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/179 "2008-09-23T14:37:34Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > I do have a question for the more experienced runners - it seems every time I try this running thing (and sometimes even on the elliptical trainer) my right ankle starts to hurt. I’ve got professionally fitted running shoes. I am, however, extremely duck footed, and when I was a kid I had a leg length discrepancy which I mostly grew out of. Anything I can do for that? I suggest checking it out with a podiatrist–one who has a rep for supporting athletes (I mean people who work out, not major league teams!). The last thing any of us wants is an injury. I am not sure what you mean by duck-footed. Here is a site that explains about pronation and how to correct for over and underpronation. [pronation](http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-7727-0,00.html) hope this helps. Looking forward to my 2 mile run tomorrow! Best of luck to everyone here. I may even try a pushup or two (maybe not…) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2008, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600/180 "2008-09-23T14:42:37Z")
I think **Zsofia** means pigeon-toed. [Coolrunning.com](http://Coolrunning.com) has a big section on “Aches and Pains”, under Training, Zsofia. Read up on what’s there. I bought expensive running shoes, too ($100!), but still had to put drug store orthotics in them to prevent shin splints. I also have to stretch before and after I run, and ice one of my knees. I was born pigeon-toed, though it was corrected. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/c25k-couch-to-5k-starting-week-of-9-21-whos-in/463600.md?page=10)