Started 'Couch to 5k today' Anyone keen?

[Oliver's Mom 258]

Thank you Fiddle & Butter - I am going to the local running store tomorrow to get myself some socks!! I do love to shop so who knows I may also get some new running shoes. The place gives a discount for the clients (WLS) of the hospital I was sleeved at. Those boots are going in the trash!! OK, not the trash - I'll donate them. And pray there is NO MORE snow. Again, thanks for the words of encouragement. It means the world ....... you're both good guys. I can do this!!!

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Oh yes....here's a pic of my high tech running socks and my high tech running shoes. Never had a blister but last weekend I kicked a rock the size of a lemon with my big toe. That smarted.

Are those socks specifically for the vibrams or can they be used with more traditional running shoes?

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

My feet tend to pronate which cause hip problems so my orthopedic dr will not let me where the cool new shoes like BTB

I think they are so awesome looking

But he has me wearing New Balance as they offer the most support for my feet and help reduce my pain and help improve my hip and back alignment

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Are those socks specifically for the vibrams or can they be used with more traditional running shoes?

Those are Injinji toe socks and yes, you can wear them with any shoe. They are supremely comfortable. I also love Smartwool PHD socks. Those things make my feet feel like a new born babies bottom.

[NewKristen 356]

My feet tend to pronate which cause hip problems so my orthopedic dr will not let me where the cool new shoes like BTB

I think they are so awesome looking

But he has me wearing New Balance as they offer the most support for my feet and help reduce my pain and help improve my hip and back alignment

They are cool looking! I know a lady who wears them all the time...no matter what type of clothes. Pretty cool when I run into her shopping at the grocery store in a business suit and a pair of those> Not many people can pull that off...but she can.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

My feet tend to pronate which cause hip problems so my orthopedic dr will not let me where the cool new shoes like BTB

I think they are so awesome looking

But he has me wearing New Balance as they offer the most support for my feet and help reduce my pain and help improve my hip and back alignment

Do not get me started on motion control shoes.

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

Do not get me started on motion control shoes.

Definitely don't want to get you started

Was just sharing is all

I'll make sure not to do that again

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Definitely don't want to get you started

Was just sharing is all

I'll make sure not to do that again

You may as well overshare...I do. I already posted pictures of my feet with my dirty house in the background.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

My feet tend to pronate which cause hip problems so my orthopedic dr will not let me where the cool new shoes like BTB

I think they are so awesome looking

But he has me wearing New Balance as they offer the most support for my feet and help reduce my pain and help improve my hip and back alignment

What I say to people who think they have to be perfect to start running is don't wait, start now and do the best you can a little bit better each time. This response is not directed at you lessofmeismore, but your response prompted me to share.

I do not tell too many folks, but I was afraid of running due to a long term foot injury that will never be fully repaired. You see, I got in a terrible car accident 3 years ago (other driver t boned me at 60 MPH at an intersection- they ran light) and broke my arms, legs and crushed all the bones in my left foot. I was just arriving at the airport to return the rental car before getting on the plane. Rushed to the ER and ended up flying home coach 3 days later to see a foot surgeon near Seattle. That, my friends, was the longest and most painful flight ever. My left foot was absurdly destroyed and it took 8 months before I could even walk on it again and a year of PT after that. I was just getting to where I could walk 1 mile without bad foot inflammation when I had VSG surgery july 2012. To this day my wife and I joke about my franken foot, named that way because of 2 very long scars spanning the top of the foot.

The sad part is I just bought the treadmill before going on vacation. It was never used until 3 years later. Being disabled and off my feet for such a long time was the contributing factor to a large weight gain and mental depression.

For the first 5 months post op, I was afraid of my treadmill (sat for 3 years since accident) and running in general because of the inflammation pain in my foot. I get a lot of inflammation from arthritis, especially when the barometric pressure changes.

BTB finally motivated me indirectly with his c25k posts 3 months ago to put the fear aside and just do it. I am glad I did. Running has been not only beneficial to dropping weight, but also to really living life and mental health. VSG and running has made me into a completely new person; I enjoy life, food and people!

I started out running a 5 k and was not meaning to at all. I had just wanted to get on the treadmill and see what it was all about.

Needless to say, I have progressively worked on improving my 5k and 10 k times over the last couple months and feel pretty good about the progress. I am absolutely thrilled that some of the other runners have reached out to answer my questions about training, running shoes, clothes, what is best to eat before and after running, etc. I will definitely return the favor and help others who are just starting out their running. It is a great forum where we all help each other.

So, long story short: Do not let fear stop you from trying something out physically. You may actually be quite good at it over time. Start slow and you will get better at it as our bodies are truly miraculous in their potential.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

That's amazing Fiddleman. No trouble with the foot since you started running?

[Fiddleman 4,376]

That's amazing Fiddleman. No trouble with the foot since you started running?

No, none from running.

[LisaT678 225]

Wow! Everyone here is so motivating and encouraging. I love checking in and reading everyone's posts. Had a good weekend of biking with the hubs and this morning I started Week 4 Day 1. I was a little apprehensive about the 5 min run but I told myself that I was defeating myself before I even attempted. So, I told my innerself to SHUT UP and just get off my a$$ and DO IT! And I did do it!! I am super proud of myself for not quitting before I even started. That is more of a mental breakthrough then a physical for me.

Happy running everyone.

[Oliver's Mom 258]

Week 1 day 3. I'm going to do a Week 1 Day 4 either tomorrow or Wednesday - before my week 2 class on Thursday night. I confess that on two of the 'run' cycles I just walked super fast because my blisters were killing & (gross) bleeding. I may take tomorrow off of running - just do strength workout to let the toes heal a little. I got the Injinji socks and will likely get fitted for new shoes tomorrow.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Week 1 day 3. I'm going to do a Week 1 Day 4 either tomorrow or Wednesday - before my week 2 class on Thursday night. I confess that on two of the 'run' cycles I just walked super fast because my blisters were killing & (gross) bleeding. I may take tomorrow off of running - just do strength workout to let the toes heal a little. I got the Injinji socks and will likely get fitted for new shoes tomorrow.

That is really great to hear you have got the socks and are getting running shoes for running. Trust me, you will notice he difference! Let us know how it goes.

[hadouni 301]

My 22 minute run on Saturday kicked my booty! I was just exhausted yesterday and took a day off other than a little gardening! I'm just going to do some squats and inclined walking on the treadmill tonight because from here on out my c25k routines are almost all running! :/ yikes!