# Couch-to-5K: Anyone with me? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 8, 2009, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089 "2009-06-08T13:58:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2009, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/281 "2009-07-24T15:11:19Z")
Happy Birthday, Meatros\*! You should do your run in the morning so that you can just chill in the evening. \*I can’t be the only one who always read his name as “Former UN Secretary General Meatros-Meatros Balley”, can I? ---
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2009, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/282 "2009-07-24T16:08:02Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > Happy Birthday, Meatros\*! > > You should do your run in the morning so that you can just chill in the evening. > \*I can’t be the only one who always read his name as “Former UN Secretary General Meatros-Meatros Balley”, can I? I wish I could - I can’t though because of my daughter. I don’t feel comfortable leaving her at home (I run/wog with my wife) and I don’t want to wake her up. Thanks for the b-day wishes! As to the ‘meatros-meatros balley’, no you aren’t the only one. In a thread eons ago about ‘usernames’, someone said the same thing. 😃 ---
**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:** [July 24, 2009, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/283 "2009-07-24T16:14:35Z")
Happy B-day, **Meatros**. Good luck on the run. ---
**Author:** ![silk1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@silk1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silk1976)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2009, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/284 "2009-07-24T18:23:41Z")
> [@Meatros](#): > > W5D3 - the big 20 minute run… > > It’s also my birthday. I’ve said to myself that my present will be accomplishing this run… July 24th is the best day of the WHOLE year to have a birthday. I know from personal experience 🙂 Happy b-day! ---
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/285 "2009-07-25T16:55:13Z")
> [@silk1976](#): > > July 24th is the best day of the WHOLE year to have a birthday. I know from personal experience 🙂 > > Happy b-day! Ha! Thanks! My twin brother shares the birthday too. I have to report W5D3, is complete. My wife and I are so proud of each other. After my first lap, I thought I wasn’t going to make it, and then by my second I had gotten fully warmed up (I guess) and found my grove. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/286 "2009-07-25T21:04:53Z")
> [@Meatros](#): > > I have to report W5D3, is complete. My wife and I are so proud of each other. After my first lap, I thought I wasn’t going to make it, and then by my second I had gotten fully warmed up (I guess) and found my grove. Congratulations to both of you! And happy birthday! ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2009, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/287 "2009-07-26T18:04:19Z")
Congrats, **Meatros**! I felt so amazing after that first 20-minute run. Finished week 8 this morning! Only one left. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2009, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/288 "2009-07-27T13:08:15Z")
I’m a bit bummed today. Been doing the program religiously on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, even on unexpected trips out of town. I spent last week in my home town, and cranked right through Week 6, completing the 25 minute run on Friday. For the last 2 runs, my left calf was really aching when I would first get stated, then again when I finished. I spent a lot of time stretching it out, which seemed to help. After the Friday run though, the pain seemed to move around the leg to the shin, and I had considerable pain there throughout the weekend. I guess this is a shin splint. Regardless, it feels wrong to even attempt running on it, so I’m deviating from the program for the first time. I think I’ll be out at least a week, and I’m pretty bummed about postponing Week 7. ---
**Author:** ![Judith\_Prietht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b19c9b/32.png) [@Judith\_Prietht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Judith_Prietht)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2009, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/289 "2009-07-27T14:16:49Z")
I ran my second 5K on Sunday – my race goals were to beat my previous time (and try to run in under 39 minutes), run without stopping, and finish/survive. Times aren’t posted on the race site yet, but I timed myself at 39:35, beating my previous time of 39:57. The course was pretty tough – there were actual hills (in Chicago!) and while most of it ran along the lakefront (gorgeous!) that meant there was little to no shade on a very hot day. About 2 miles in I got some cramping in my right shin and had to stop several times to stretch and walk it out. The shin resolved and I got back to running – slowly, but I felt good. My husband met me at the base of the big hill and ran with me to the finish. I’m happy with my time and my run – for the difficulty of the course and the temperatures I did pretty well. My legs were a bit sore yesterday, but feel good today. ---
**Author:** ![silk1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@silk1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silk1976)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2009, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/290 "2009-07-27T14:39:31Z")
> [@Judith\_Prietht](#): > > The course was pretty tough – there were actual hills (in Chicago!) and while most of it ran along the lakefront (gorgeous!) that meant there was little to no shade on a very hot day. Heat not only makes things more uncomfortable - but it kills performance. Blood gets diverted from the muscles to the skin to aide in sweating and cooling. Less blood to the muscles means they don’t get replenished with energy as quickly and there is less ability to flush away metabolites and toxins. The loss of liquids to sweat just exacerbates the situation. I realize that performance isn’t necessarily the top goal for the C25K program (nor should it be) - but I mention this to highlight the importance of staying hydrated (regardless of goal), especially now that it is getting to be mid summer and hot out there! So if you are comparing current and past results, don’t be alarmed (or too concerned) if you find there is little to no improvement. ---
**Author:** ![Judith\_Prietht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b19c9b/32.png) [@Judith\_Prietht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Judith_Prietht)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2009, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/291 "2009-07-27T15:09:01Z")
> [@silk1976](#): > > Heat not only makes things more uncomfortable - but it kills performance. Blood gets diverted from the muscles to the skin to aide in sweating and cooling. Less blood to the muscles means they don’t get replenished with energy as quickly and there is less ability to flush away metabolites and toxins. The loss of liquids to sweat just exacerbates the situation. > > I realize that performance isn’t necessarily the top goal for the C25K program (nor should it be) - but I mention this to highlight the importance of staying hydrated (regardless of goal), especially now that it is getting to be mid summer and hot out there! So if you are comparing current and past results, don’t be alarmed (or too concerned) if you find there is little to no improvement. Great advice! I’m going to do my best to commit to getting up early and doing my runs in the morning before work so I can take advantage of the cooler temps (and empty sidewalks). A visor or hat really helps too. I’m not so much concerned about my performance – the overarching goal for me is to run the distances I’m supposed to and not get hurt. ---
**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:** [July 27, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/292 "2009-07-27T15:10:00Z")
Along with what **silk1976** said, hills also slow you down. You never regain on the downhill the time you lost going up. Combined with the cramps and time lost there, I’d say you had a very good run. If you ran under the same conditions that you ran your first 5K, I’m certain you would have been well under 39:00. Even with all the adverse conditions you still beat your previous time. 🙂 ETA: You should plan some of your runs in the heat, if you want to run better when it’s warm, you need to acclimate. Take it slow, start with just one or two runs in the heat and keep them short, build from there. Keep aware of how you feel and find routes with some shade. ---
**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:** [July 27, 2009, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/293 "2009-07-27T15:15:33Z")
To add some more: running in direct sun will add to the heat stress, if you can, run when the sun is low in the sky. You’ll still get the heat adaptation without cooking yourself. Direct sun can feel 15-20 degrees hotter. ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2009, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/294 "2009-07-27T21:28:31Z")
Finished W5D3 yesterday, and it wasn’t too bad. I will admit, at the end there I was looking at my MP3 player (I use the podcasts), swearing, all “when the hell is this over?!!” only to discover that I had about 30 seconds left. So, successful W5 for **Snicks**! ---
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2009, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/295 "2009-07-28T12:41:22Z")
> [@Snickers](#): > > Finished W5D3 yesterday, and it wasn’t too bad. I will admit, at the end there I was looking at my MP3 player (I use the podcasts), swearing, all “when the hell is this over?!!” only to discover that I had about 30 seconds left. So, successful W5 for **Snicks**! Congrats! ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2009, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/296 "2009-07-28T13:59:47Z")
I’m calling myself done with the program in that I’ve successfully run 30 minutes several times now. Once I reached week 6, it became less about following the program, and more about getting out and running - extending the time (or not - since I’m in this for fitness - running 20 - 30 minutes 3 times a week is the success point - not running a 5k). I’ll keep running - at least until it gets cold and dark in Minnesota - haven’t decided what I’ll do about Winter, but bye-bye Robert and the program - I’ll remember you fondly. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2009, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/297 "2009-07-28T14:17:51Z")
Congrats, **Dangerosa**! Yeah, since the whole point of the program is to get you to the point where you can run 30 minutes at a go, I’d say there’s no point in continuing for you. Which is awesome! And congrats, **Snickers** , on making it through the dreaded 20-minute run! I’m starting week 9 tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![lisacurl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/41988e/32.png) [@lisacurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisacurl)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/298 "2009-07-28T16:23:27Z")
Week 2 completed for me. ---
**Author:** ![Necros](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/necros/32/11086_2.png) [@Necros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Necros)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/299 "2009-07-30T16:32:34Z")
Tonight is W6D3 - 25 minute run. We’ve been running with the dogs, so we also get an upper-body workout as they meander all over. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/300 "2009-07-30T23:02:47Z")
Week 5 completed, and it feels so good to be running again! I know W5D3 is a killer, but once you finish it, you’ve got it made. The rest of the program is in the bag, so to speak, after that one. Good job everyone! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=16)