Started 'Couch to 5k today' Anyone keen?

[danyelleb 386]

You know' date=' I had that same mind set too. And when I did my half marathon, I told myself I was going to allow myself to take walk breaks "as needed." I didn't want it to be a death march to the finish line, but that's basically what happened. I felt so good and was quite caught up in the event, I hardly walked at all. The last 3 miles were very painful. My hamstrings and calves were extremely tight and sore. It was all I could do to keep my form together but I managed. Meanwhile, people are passing me left and right and I keep seeing them taking walk breaks quite often.

I could hear people's alarm go off and they'd start to run. It was then I knew they weren't just walking because they were out of shape. So I talked to one lady and she told me about Galloway's book. When I read the part about finishing less tired, well that was no surprise. But the part about actually finishing faster, that seemed like crazy talk. Today's run proved to me that it's certainly possible. I don't want to jump to any huge conclusions based on one run but if it continues to work I have no problem being a run/walker. Especially over longer distances.

You know me, speed isn't my main concern. Finishing....and not feeling like I got hit by a truck afterward....are my main drivers. But if it actually gets me there faster, isn't that the point of a race?

Suddenly I'm very excited about doing a full marathon.[/quote']

I downloaded a free interval timer and we ran our ten miler with a 4:1 ratio. My friend did amazingly!! Keep in mind that her longest run prior was 6.5 miles. I'm amazed that she was able to stick to the interval timing. She finished with a HUGE smile, she truly shocked herself! I felt like a million bucks. It could be from several reasons 1. Running slower 2. Walking 3. Hydration. I found that by walking, I was more apt to whip out my water bottle. No stars and dizziness for me! Yes, this occasionally happens if I run aggressively for anything over a 10k.

I think I could've definitely completed my marathon by using this method. I'm bummed that I didn't consider anything like this. Thank u, BTB for bringing up Galloway. U had great timing.

This could be something for runners to seriously consider if they are not at their desired race distance yet. Of course, people should use common sense and not overdo it. Yay Galloway and yay people achieving personal goals and surprising themselves with their own greatness and determination!!

Happy Running!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I downloaded a free interval timer and we ran our ten miler with a 4:1 ratio. My friend did amazingly!! Keep in mind that her longest run prior was 6.5 miles. I'm amazed that she was able to stick to the interval timing. She finished with a HUGE smile' date=' she truly shocked herself! I felt like a million bucks. It could be from several reasons 1. Running slower 2. Walking 3. Hydration. I found that by walking, I was more apt to whip out my Water bottle. No stars and dizziness for me! Yes, this occasionally happens if I run aggressively for anything over a 10k.

I think I could've definitely completed my marathon by using this method. I'm bummed that I didn't consider anything like this. Thank u, BTB for bringing up Galloway. U had great timing.

This could be something for runners to seriously consider if they are not at their desired race distance yet. Of course, people should use common sense and not overdo it. Yay Galloway and yay people achieving personal goals and surprising themselves with their own greatness and determination!!

Happy Running![/quote']

I'm going to do another half in June with this method and see how it goes. I ran another 5 miles today using 2 minutes/30 seconds ratio...dragging along the missus and 2 dogs and still beat my usual 5 mile pace. And that was with both dogs and the missus taking bathroom breaks.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

I'm going to do another half in June with this method and see how it goes. I ran another 5 miles today using 2 minutes/30 seconds ratio...dragging along the missus and 2 dogs and still beat my usual 5 mile pace. And that was with both dogs and the missus taking bathroom breaks.

That is really good to hear bean.

[doreen70 268]

I started it, but quit at week 7. I really want to run, just don't know how to psych myself up for it!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I started it' date=' but quit at week 7. I really want to run, just don't know how to psych myself up for it![/quote']

Sign up for a 5k and have some friends sign up with you. Or better yet someone you know who is a seasoned runner. Committing yourself to a race will help motivate you. And actually finishing it will give you a feeling of accomplishment that's hard to match.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

That is really good to hear bean.

I'm calling you out Fiddleman. When is your 10K race? There's no question you could do it tomorrow so what's holding you back? You're going to love it. No training run can match that high of finishing the real deal with hundreds or thousands of people hanging out cheering for you.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

I'm calling you out Fiddleman. When is your 10K race? There's no question you could do it tomorrow so what's holding you back? You're going to love it. No training run can match that high of finishing the real deal with hundreds or thousands of people hanging out cheering for you.

I haven't signed up for one yet.

[danyelleb 386]

I haven't signed up for one yet.

If u don't mind me asking, why not? It's a great experience. U think u get a runners high now? There's nothing more exciting and fulfilling than crossing the finish line with people clapping and the announcer calling out ur name and hometown. Couple that with the satisfaction of kicking a course's ass!! It's quite an addicting experience!

No pressure tho, just friendly encouragement.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I haven't signed up for one yet.

I know. That's my point. Do it man. You're going to do great. You just think you love running now....wait till you cross that finish line.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Damn.....Danyelleb beat me to it.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Wow' date=' it's only 115 bucks until May 25th!! I was also surprised to see that they don't cap entrants. Hmmm. The race is affordable and that would be a SUPREME first marathon!! Now, I just got to figure out to get the dh on board with finances - airfare, hotel, etc. I've never been and it's always been on our list of places...

I'll definitely keep you posted. You doin it?[/quote']

I kinda broached the subject with the missus and it didn't go over too well. Mainly because of the proximity to Xmas and the money involved. It's not like doing a marathon is Kansas....where you can just do the marathon and come home. I need to find one that is inspiring, yet not too difficult for the first one. I love Oregon and I read the Portland marathon is very good. And the last 8 miles are downhill....I need that.

[heytherespunky 13]

I am on post op day 3. I have downloaded the couch to 5 k app also. That is my goal. The way I feel now' date=' I won't be able to run for a while, when did you start? How many weeks/months out???[/quote']

My doctor released me to start training for a 5k at 2 weeks out. I'm 9 weeks out now and doing fine. Good luck!

[danyelleb 386]

Damn.....Danyelleb beat me to it.

Muwhahaha!

[danyelleb 386]

I kinda broached the subject with the missus and it didn't go over too well. Mainly because of the proximity to Xmas and the money involved. It's not like doing a marathon is Kansas....where you can just do the marathon and come home. I need to find one that is inspiring' date=' yet not too difficult for the first one. I love Oregon and I read the Portland marathon is very good. And the last 8 miles are downhill....I need that.[/quote']

Yeah, it went over like a lead balloon at my house as well. Same thing close to Xmas and my oldest is in college. Damn higher education. Jk! Guess its gonna probably be Vegas for me.

I thought I'd like downhill too, damn that kicks my butt. I actually get the side cramp when I do that. For me, that's the hardest part of trail runs. Besides, ur a beast! I seriously doubt u need downhill.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Damn.....Danyelleb beat me to it.

I signed up for local races in June, July, Aug and Sept. Basically one a month starting in June. Giving myself a little over 1 month from today to get used to training outside. These are all local 10k races with the exception of October run which is across the state and a 1/2. I think a summer of racing 10 k will train me for 1/2. I can always do the Galloway method of run/walk if I find myself bonking too much when training for 1/2. What do you think ?