# 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:** 23
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/441 "2009-11-25T01:40:54Z")
**lunar elf** , that’s fabulous! For the first time you have ever run that distance, I personally think a 14-minute pace is fantastic. And it’s always excellent when you come in under your goal. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![lunar\_elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lunar\_elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lunar_elf)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/442 "2009-11-25T14:12:36Z")
Thanks all 🙂 I got to give some cred to MsWhatsit. If she hadn’t started this thread last summer I don’t think I’d be running now. I really enjoy what time I do get to go out, even if I only get go about 2 miles each time out. Been loving everyone’s tips, trials and tribulations along the way too. I’ll keep coming back here as long as the thread is bumped 🙂 Keep up the awesome work Juliana and Khadaji! ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/443 "2009-11-25T15:48:30Z")
Dude, I still can’t believe that I’m actually still running, much less that I managed to somehow inspire someone else. I blush. Running my Turkey Day 5-miler tomorrow! Eep. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/444 "2009-11-25T18:16:27Z")
No credit for _me?_ MsWhatsit announced starting \*this \*thread in _my_ jogging thread… [Proof](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=11221538&postcount=16) ::Slinks off to pout:: ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/445 "2009-11-25T18:16:51Z")
☹ ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/446 "2009-11-25T18:19:57Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > ☹ 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/447 "2009-11-25T18:23:08Z")
I need to figure out a new running schedule. It was great when I had no job all summer. I would run up to 4 miles (2.5 typically) and then hit the gym for an hour about every other day. Now that I’m working again though, I don’t have time to spend all morning on my fitness routine.☹ One of my friends ran in the NY marathon, but he was unemployed for like 18 months. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/448 "2009-11-25T18:25:30Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > I need to figure out a new running schedule. It was great when I had no job all summer. I would run up to 4 miles (2.5 typically) and then hit the gym for an hour about every other day. > > Now that I’m working again though, I don’t have time to spend all morning on my fitness routine.☹ > > One of my friends ran in the NY marathon, but he was unemployed for like 18 months. I’m working from home, which gives me an advantage, but I have found that I do better if I get up and get out at daybreak. Almost no one else on the trail, and then I’m done for the day. The down side is that as it gets colder, I am not as comfortable in the mornings. I am now wearing gloves and probably soon will have to wear some sort of jacket. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/449 "2009-11-25T18:27:54Z")
**msmith** , I’ve been running about 10-12 miles per week. Typically I will run 2 weeknights after my husband gets home, doing about 3-4 miles each time. (This takes me around 35-45 minutes cuz I’m slow.) Then Sunday morning I do a longer run, currently around 5-6 miles. I’m working up to a half-marathon in spring, so these times are going to get longer, but I think I’ll still be able to work it in. I would love to be able to run 4 days a week instead of 3, but right now it’s just not happening. I have had to come to terms with the fact that if I want to keep running in the winter, I’m going to have to do it after dark. I have a reflective vest that I wear, and am thinking about getting one of those blinky lights you can stick to your shirt. ---
**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:** [November 25, 2009, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/450 "2009-11-25T19:25:43Z")
**Khadaji** , wow! I just read your thread and where you started: you are doing fantastic! I am really impressed with you and what you’ve been able to do. I may be able to try to get past week 1 soon. I went for a walk yesterday with my camera and Alice Cooper. Before I had realized it, I’d gone almost half a mile. I briefly debated coming back to work and wondered if anyone would seriously miss me, but I did turn around and come back. I still wonder if that was the right decision. 😃 And I am now down 30 pounds from my starting weight. I got on the scale yesterday, jumped off backwards and squealed. My kids are working out with me: it won’t be long before my husband starts as well. ---
**Author:** ![Elysian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c77e96/32.png) [@Elysian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysian)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/451 "2009-11-25T20:26:21Z")
I’m on week three of a nine week program 😃 May I recommend Podrunner Intervals? [Training Programs - Podrunner](http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html) The music is par excellence. I’ve had a few twinges in my knees but mostly I’ve completed it all with ease. Wondering when the hard stuff is going to start. It’s funny because I wheezed all over the place one day when running to catch a train and I thought, damn, I got to do something about this. And now I am! I am really, really digging the podcasts, and I am wondering where do I go after this nine week program? Are there any podcasts post-2K? ---
**Author:** ![lunar\_elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lunar\_elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lunar_elf)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/452 "2009-11-25T20:48:59Z")
> [@Khadaji](#): > > No credit for _me?_ MsWhatsit announced starting \*this \*thread in _my_ jogging thread… > > [Proof](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=11221538&postcount=16) > > ::Slinks off to pout:: Oh no :smack: I’m sorry! But in my defense I saw Ms’ first 😉 - Southern PA? I’m originally from Pgh, now living in FL. @Elysian I LOVE the podrunner intervals. It was funny that’s what I used exclusively, but for my first 5k I picked totally different music. (trendy/electronic/alternative - mostly stuff with lyrics.) Maybe I should go back to it for my next one - or at least the same style of music. I liked the podcasts since it was timed and everything, and my mp3 at the time wasn’t that fancy for timing and such. @Ms - Yea, this dark thing is a pain. It’s really really dark out by the time 7p rolls around and I go through a lot of unlit areas. My hubby got me a [blinky light](http://www.duravisionpro.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=43601C) as an anniversary present (slightly cheaper at our local running store). I know…excuses excuses :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Elysian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c77e96/32.png) [@Elysian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysian)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/453 "2009-11-25T21:08:43Z")
😃 They are absolutely fabulous, I feel like I’m dancing half the time, like I used to do when I was taking this really great aerobics class back in undergrad. Do you have any recommendations on where to go next? ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/454 "2009-11-25T21:10:59Z")
**Juliana** \*\*, \*\*thanks for the encouragement. And congratulations! 30 lbs is fantastic! I guess I’ll brag just a little: 10 years ago I weighed over 330lbs. I now weigh less than 215. A lot of this has been due to many stomach operations, but a lot of it has been me and I’m pleased. I continue to lose and just 3 weeks ago put a \*new \*belt on - and am on the second notch of that belt. Holidays are coming though… Good luck to all who are running and/or losing! ---
**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:** [November 25, 2009, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/455 "2009-11-25T22:15:18Z")
> [@Elysian](#): > > I’m on week three of a nine week program 😃 May I recommend Podrunner Intervals? [Training Programs - Podrunner](http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html) The music is par excellence. Are there any podcasts post-2K? Very cool! I’ll have to hit this link later. I have seen podcasts on iTunes for 10k and beyond, but I don’t know where else they would be. > [@Khadaji](#): > > I guess I’ll brag just a little: 10 years ago I weighed over 330lbs. I now weigh less than 215. A lot of this has been due to many stomach operations, but a lot of it has been me and I’m pleased. I continue to lose and just 3 weeks ago put a \*new \*belt on - and am on the second notch of that belt. What a reason to brag! That’s 115 pounds, at least. Holidays are coming, but I’m ready: I have a new skill I didn’t have last year. Moderation. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/456 "2009-11-25T23:17:49Z")
Man, that’s terrific, **Khadaji**. I think about how tired I get just holding my 35-pound toddler after a while, and you lost more than three times that amount of weight! ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/457 "2009-11-26T17:39:25Z")
Back from the Turkey Trot! Five miles in 60:32 according to the official clock, but I know it took me more than 30 seconds to get to the start line at the beginning, so I am totally counting this as making my 60:00 goal! YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!! And, bonus, I beat the guy dressed in the giant turkey costume! (I got completely smoked by Ronald McDonald, though. ☹ ) I want to stress again at this point that in June I was gasping for breath and feeling like I was going to pass out, after running for 60 seconds. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/458 "2009-11-26T18:57:58Z")
🙂 Congratulations! I didn’t get up and run today, but I ran yesterday. I normally don’t run two days in a row, but I figured this one time was OK\> ---
**Author:** ![lunar\_elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lunar\_elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lunar_elf)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/459 "2009-11-26T19:47:28Z")
WTG MsWhatsit! 🙂 ---
**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:** [November 26, 2009, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/460 "2009-11-26T22:07:28Z")
God bless you, **MsWhatsit**. That is absolutely incredible! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=22) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=24)