Comments on: I’m almost a real runner

By: Slow & steady

Slow & steady — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:04:36 +0000

[…] 18, 2010 Yesterday, I started week 6 of the Couch to 5K running program. I have to be honest: it’s still really hard. I don’t love running. In fact, I hate it more days than not. I’m bored and tired and […]

By: kim

kim — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:34:10 +0000

Just make sure that the race you are running allows you to wear ear plugs/listen to music. Many don’t, primarily for safety reasons.

Kim

By: Haley

Haley — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:36:54 +0000

Good for you, Karen! At some point, and it doesn’t have to be before this 5K, I’d encourage you to try doing some intervals on an incline. You can set the treadmill for this or find an outdoor spot with a good slope. You don’t have to run up very steep slopes, but even just a slight increase in incline will help you improve your endurance. Plus, it makes running on the flat feel easy! Good luck, and keep us posted.

By: ctreit

ctreit — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:46:59 +0000

Welcome to the world of running! Running will become easier and more enjoyable as time goes on. Check out dailymile.com where you can log your training progress.

By: Fifi

Fifi — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:51:19 +0000

Also, keep signing up for 5ks around town. It helps to keep you motivated and you’ll get to track your progress and improvement. Good luck!

By: Fifi

Fifi — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:49:29 +0000

About 2 yeas ago I started the c25k and powered through it. I was never a runner but really wanted to be. I agree the program is challenging but stick with it and I promise it will get easier. Even if you eat right, you will still have days that your runs aren’t the best but take note of how you felt. I agree with wearing the right clothes. It makes a huge difference. Also, I would mix it up and not just run on a treadmill. Although it can sometimes be more challenging to run outside, your body gets conditioned to the variations in the landscape which will ultimately help you when running your 5ks and half marathon outisde…it’s also a lot prettier and makes the time go by without checking at the clock!

By: Kacie

Kacie — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:18:34 +0000

Oh and wait a sec -- are you running on a treadmill? That's so boring! Only do that if the weather is gross. Running outside past interesting scenery or neighborhoods is way more interesting. Unless you like listening to your music or watching TV while you run, I guess. Treadmills just weren't for me. .-= Kacie´s last blog ..Getting back on track =-.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:16:55 +0000

Did you know that I ran track and cross-country in high school? I was in fantastic shape then. I kinda wish I didn’t let that all sort of melt away, but whatever. I have no interest in running again anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Shane is training for his first race — a marathon. What a crazy head! It’s in May.

The longest race I’ve ever done was a 5k. I preferred shorter distances because I enjoyed speed over distance.

I kind of miss running in a vague way. K you’re welcome for reading this rambling comment.
.-= Kacie´s last blog ..Getting back on track =-.

By: Brittany

Brittany — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:03:14 +0000

The best motivation: Lady Gaga. Ha!
I actually read when I run but I think most people seem to say they would have a hard time doing that. I dunno, somehow I can still do it. Nothing makes 45 minutes fly by like a single New Yorker story!
I think the best way I keep motivated running is just by setting goals… if I say I have to run xxx miles today/this week, then I just hop on the treadmill and go and dont stop till I make it, even if I have to take little breaks.
Also, your weather is still nice and your air is clean (I’m jealous). Have you tried running outside any? It’s always good to break up the monotony of running inside on the boring treadmill.
GOOD LUCK! You’re going to do great, dont’ worry :)
.-= Brittany´s last blog ..Eeeeeep! =-.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:14:10 +0000

A few things. After your 5k, try signing up and paying for a longer race. If you’ve paid for it, then you’ll be motivated to train for it. That said, you should try to boost your confidence by running longer than required for your c25k program. If the program is the bare minimum, then anything you run over that will give you an “edge” and mean you are a little more hardcore than the rest.

I never ran more than 3-5 miles in my runs until one day, my running partner and I just kept going. When we got home, we checked the Google pedometer hack website, and saw we had run 7 miles. We were so amazed that we had done it (and at this point in our fitness, it had been easy), that we eventually were motivated to train for a half marathon! (13 miles). You can approach this with a proportional situation- run for a long time, then check how far you went. See if you can amaze yourself!