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Sheila S.
Sheila S. Sendmail

New here, excited about c25k! Need starting advice

posted about 2 years ago | Report

Hi! I'm a 30something stay at home mom to 5 kiddos (11, 9, 5, 3, 1.5) and it shows! Way to sedentary of a lifestyle after the last kiddo (went for a year of my life getting at most 3 hours a sleep/night due to undiagnosed acid reflux in the little guy) ... getting regular sleep again and have been trying to get back into shape and hopefully lose 30 lbs (the goal is more to be in shape than the actual number on the weight loss)... Started working out at the Y a year ago, then kept breaking toes every few months (I've sworn off flip flops!) Started back up about a month ago and just recently started doing a run/walk thing on the treadmill... SO my question is, should I start with week 1?

Right now I'm going to the Y 3 days a week and doing about 1.5miles on the treadmill and then 5-10 laps on the track with my walking buddy. Today I did a 4 minute brisk walk warm up, 7 minute run (ok, jog, lol), 2 minute walk, 4 minute run, 1 minute walk, 2 minute run, then 2 minute walk... then we moved over to the walking track and walked 10 laps.

Love the c25k idea, have a 5k in mind first week of May so plenty of time to accomplish the c25k program.

Thoughts? should I start off with week 1? I was thinking of starting with week 3, but didn't want to jump too far ahead...

Thanks!

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11 posts

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  • Jules C.
    Jules C. Sendmail

    My advice would be to start with week one. Do it slow and steady. Focus on proper running technique rather than speed. Consistency is the key.

    You make a great point about getting back into shape instead of focusing on weight lost. People make such a huge mistake when they make weight loss their goal. I always tell people that diets don't work because it focuses on instant gratuity. You either live/eat healthy or you don't. The change in lifestyle is a choice that we accept and it's something we cannot simply 'quit' doing. Your choice to get back into shape after having five children is an admirable goal. You seem like a motivated individual so I'm sure you'll succeed.

    posted about 2 years ago | edited about 2 years ago

  • Lenny G.
    Lenny G. Sendmail

    You're definitely best to start on week on and follow Jules' advice. Form over function right now, and easy rather than hard. This is important because you'll need about a month to get your cardiovascular system adapted to to demands of running.

    Edit:
    I should also add that if you stick to the c25k program, you'll find you'll make surprsing progress. I was able to complete the program after being 60 lbs overweight (so don't be discuoraged if you repeat a week here or there to build your endurance). I was once fit but when I got around to running (virtually the first time in my life for recreation) I could barely jog for 1 minute at a time.

    Good luck with your new passion for fitness. =)

    posted about 2 years ago | edited about 2 years ago

  • Brian H.
    Brian H. Sendmail

    I agree with the advice above to start at the beginning. I'm on week 5 of the program, and I think one of the great things about it is that it really challenges me to consistently run 3 days a week, besides being a good way of progressively improving my running ability. I also try to walk five days a week, usually about 30 minute walks. It hasn't interfered with my c25k training as far as I can tell.
    Anyway, good luck with the c25k program, and feel free to send me a friend request if you would like to stay in touch with a fellow c25k'er!

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Ginalyn B.
    Ginalyn B. Sendmail

    Patience. And just keep running. Goodluck!

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Karen L.
    Karen L. Sendmail

    Hi Sheila, I am new too but have been on here for 3-4 weeks now. I like to track my efforts as it keeps me enthusiastic. I started the C25K too and so far so good. Start off low and work your way up, it is much easier than going at it full noise. I'm 53 and have always done some sort of fitness. Good luck, where do you live? I am in Aussie.

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Sheila S.
    Sheila S. Sendmail

    I took everybody's advice and started with week 1... found some great podcasts to use to go along with it so I'm not looking at my watch constantly. Took my 9 year old with me (mr. sports) and he loved it also... This was my first walk/run outdoors (all the other workouts thus far have been on a treadmill at the Y) Ended up doing 2.3 miles in 35 minutes (the extra 5 minutes were to get us back home since we were still a number of blocks away when the podcast said we were done, lol. Felt great, like we could have kept going for awhile, but had to get showered and out the door for church. Only thing that was difficult was not having water handy... at the Y I have my water on the treadmill and drink alot during the workout...

    My inspiration is my father... when he was about my age, he was diagnosed with diabetes and was over 300 lbs... he started walking, which turned into running, and about 1 year after being diagnosed, he ran/walked his first marathon ( I believe he finished in about 4.5 hours) Years later he progressed into 24 and 48 hour ultra marathons and then some trail running. I figure if he can do it I sure as heck can!

    I'm in Kansas - USA :)

    Thanks for all the advice and encouraging words!

    posted about 2 years ago | edited about 2 years ago

  • Wari W.
    Wari W. Sendmail

    I've done week 5, but after a few months out of it, I started week 1 back just yesterday, and it's easy to go up from there again.

    Take your time, there's no need to hurry.

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Shelley
    Shelley Sendmail

    Good luck with it Sheila! I'm about to start week 3 of C25K and I am a yo year old total "non-runner!" leading a VERY sedentary life! It sounds like you are well on your way to being able to do a 5K in May. Even as out of shape and overweight as I am (about 60 pounds) I feel like I could do more or skip ahead, but I think it's probably about keeping a pace that builds endurance and keeps you from over-doing it so that you can stay on a regular schedule. And whew! Peops to you for taking it on with 5 kids, that is awesome! Good luck in May!

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Sheila S.
    Sheila S. Sendmail

    Thanks everyone! I just finished week 1 today! I started having shin pain during the walking part today... anyone experience that? no shin pain when running but it picks up during the walking portions... which makes me want to run more and walk less, but just kept telling myself, stick with the program, don't do extra, etc....

    I know my running form could use some help, I feel it will get better with some practice and weight loss...

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Steve W.
    Steve W. Sendmail

    Ice your shin after exercise and shorten your stride (shin splints are often caused by an overly long stride.

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Sheila S.
    Sheila S. Sendmail

    I think I've deduced the shin problem... it's the new shoes... they are seriously lacking in arch support, my foot is rolling inward each time I step down... i don't know why I didn't notice it when I tried them on... back in the old shoes today and the shins feel much better... will be visiting the running store this week to get some proper arch supports or new shoes

    posted about 2 years ago

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