Started 'Couch to 5k today' Anyone keen?

[deedadumble 1,033]

Had to have a honest moment with myself today and will be going back to week 6 and redoing the last few weeks of the program. Trying to run a full 30 min every "run day" now that I graduated is quickly zapping my moral, and I feel like I need to make this a program I can stay on. I am excited I was able to make it to the full 30... But am really struggling to stay at that level. Think backing up and working my way back to this point will help me get excited again, with some attainable wins... and at the same time continue to prep my body for the next step... Any of you vets ever do something like that??? Does it help???

I would recommend running 30 minutes at least once a week and run shorter runs twice a week. In my current training plan, I run two short runs every week (right now my short runs are 3-4 miles) and one long run every week of at least 6 miles. I think you could do something similar and run 20-25 minutes twice a week and push to run longer once a week.

What exactly are you having problems with when you run for 30? Energy? Leg pain? Breathing? Are you running outside or inside?

If it's energy, you might not be fueling correctly before your run, especially if you are still trying to lose. I try to eat a small snack about 30 minutes before running.

If it's leg pain, you need to make sure you are cross training on days that you don't run. Your running form may also need adjusted. Google "Chi running" for some good tips. Reduce the length of your stride and increase your cadence (number of steps per minute).

If it's your breathing, slow your pace down. Don't worry about how fast you're running until you've been running for a year.

If you're running inside, boredom can set in on longer runs. Try changing the incline during your run or watch a movie. If you're running outside it helps to vary your route.

[LisaT678 225]

I am so behind on catching up on my message threads! I have seriously fallen off the rails in the last week. My last run was on Thanksgiving on board a cruise ship. I ran a 10K twice on the ship's jogging track (23 laps if you're interested!). Since I got home I have been swamped with work. I've worked 75 hours since Monday, pulled one all nighter and two nights until 3am. I am seriously beat!

For running, staying on a regular program, getting plenty of rest and fluids, and keeping good form to prevent injuries are key to reaching your goals. For weight loss, I have only three things that I must do... get over 60g of Protein, drink over 60ou of Water, and get over 60 min of exercise. I call it my 60/60/60 plan. Since surgery in January I have stuck with it and it's worked for me. My goal for weight loss has been 175lbs (I'm 5'11"). I'm almost there (around 183 right now) and may adjust my goal once I get there.

TAPS provides direct support to families who have been impacted by a death in the military regardless of geography or circumstance. The funds I raise will flow directly into TAPS programming which supports these families through an amazing network of resources, seminars and publications. If you're interested in donating for my run, send me a PM. !

Wow! I am very interested in the TAPS program. You are doing so awesome. It would be fun to run with my fellow WLS friends. I also like your 60/60/60 plan. Might have to give that a try since I have hit a plateau for the last 3 mos! I know my being in a flare right now has a lot to do with it but I'm still getting discouraged some. Not giving up just scared that this is where I'll stall.

Loved your post. Thanks for sharing.

[LisaT678 225]

Had to have a honest moment with myself today and will be going back to week 6 and redoing the last few weeks of the program. Trying to run a full 30 min every "run day" now that I graduated is quickly zapping my moral, and I feel like I need to make this a program I can stay on. I am excited I was able to make it to the full 30... But am really struggling to stay at that level. Think backing up and working my way back to this point will help me get excited again, with some attainable wins... and at the same time continue to prep my body for the next step... Any of you vets ever do something like that??? Does it help???

This is my 3rd time. Worth every effort you make. Your still a runner!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Had to have a honest moment with myself today and will be going back to week 6 and redoing the last few weeks of the program. Trying to run a full 30 min every "run day" now that I graduated is quickly zapping my moral, and I feel like I need to make this a program I can stay on. I am excited I was able to make it to the full 30... But am really struggling to stay at that level. Think backing up and working my way back to this point will help me get excited again, with some attainable wins... and at the same time continue to prep my body for the next step... Any of you vets ever do something like that??? Does it help???

I've been running 14 months and I still have days where I feel like my fitness just slipped back 6 months. It happens. Lots of things cause it for me. Too hot....not enough rest....improper nutrition or hydration....over training/chronic fatigue....not enough sleep...or the biggest one of all.....running too fast. Do not hesitate to take a step back if you need it and also....don't think you always have to run continuously from here on out. You don't. Don't be afraid to take walk breaks as needed. Somedays you just will not feel as strong. Somedays I can run forever and other days I'm ready to walk after 2 miles. I just go with what my body is giving me. But if I do feel the need to walk I always do a systems check...ask myself what's going wrong? Alot of the time simply slowing down a tad makes a huge difference.

Best thing I ever did was read the book Slow Burn by Stu Mittleton. The guy ran 1000 miles in 12 days. He shows you how to run in the fat burning zone rather than the glycogen burning zone. With that you can run forever without bonking.

[LisaT678 225]

I woke up this morning at 4 am and can't go back to sleep! I know it's because of the prednisone but ugh! I have to keep up with a 3 yr old today and even though grandma is in the best shape of her life I'm sure he's going to be putting my endurance to the test. Lol. I have also decided not to run my 5k outside with him in tow this morning. The temp is supposed to be 3 degrees with a windchill of -10. I am going to run on the treadmill with the little man entertaining me on uncles drum set. I'll take the iPad into the studio as well. That way he can play his curious George game. Everyone pray he doesn't climb on and trip us both up.

I've decided I'm going to sign up for a half marathon next September. I was waiting to sign up till after I lost my 100 lbs but decided that having a goal like a half would just get me to that 100 quicker. Of course I'll be doing some 5 & 10k's along the way.

Happy running everyone! Stay warm.

[DroppinStones 46]

Thank you LisaT678, Butterbean, and deedadumble. Your advice is incredible!!! I am reading up on Chi running and am about to order Slow Burn. Thanks for the suggestions. It turns out I was getting sick which is why I was struggling... Deedadumble I am 3 months out so still heavy on Proteins and I try to have a cheese stick about an hour before.. Too close to workout and I get horrible stomach cramps when I run.. What kind of fuel do you do before a run??

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Slow Burn will give you a great idea on how to fuel your body including pre run Snacks. Everyone's body is different but I actually do better on high fat foods like almonds. It sounds counter to the traditional "carb loading" philosophy that has been so prevelant. But if you run in the fat burning zone, fat is what you need, not carbs.

[DroppinStones 46]

Got it for my Kindle like it so far!!! TY

[deedadumble 1,033]

Thank you LisaT678, Butterbean, and deedadumble. Your advice is incredible!!! I am reading up on Chi running and am about to order Slow Burn. Thanks for the suggestions. It turns out I was getting sick which is why I was struggling... Deedadumble I am 3 months out so still heavy on Proteins and I try to have a cheese stick about an hour before.. Too close to workout and I get horrible stomach cramps when I run.. What kind of fuel do you do before a run??

I eat cheese and a couple of crackers, cottage cheese or pistachios. Maybe 100-150 calories. Make sure you're also getting enough Water to compensate for Fluid loss. Weigh yourself before and after. For every pound loss, drink an extra 16-24 ounces of water.

[erp 2,016]

Ran my first 5k today! Walked a little bit. Did it in 43 minutes.

[crowsnestmama 240]

Ran my first 5k today! Walked a little bit. Did it in 43 minutes.

Awesomesauce!!!! Great job!!!

[scarlet333 386]

Got in my day 1 of week 4 this morning. See photo for the weather this morning. I'm not allowing myself any excuses.

[mistysj 1,940]

Nicely done! I ran 6km on the treadmill this morning. I think it helped cure my jetlag!

[LisaT678 225]

Started my marathon trainer app on Monday. Also registered for my first half marathon in September 2014. I'm super excited and it looks like I also have four other friends who have registered with me.

On a sidenote I've hit a stall with the weight-loss again. In the last four months I have only lost 5 pounds total. It's been up-and-down, up-and-down. I have my one year post op check up next Monday and I'm also meeting with the nutritionist. I'm hoping she can give me some tips and pointers and some helps. I do know that the prednisone has something to do with it too but ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! Sorry for the yelling. Getting frustrated here.

Happy Hump Day everyone.

[LisaT678 225]

Wow, really quiet here. Feeling very fatigued the last few days so just walked today and will rest up good this weekend (I hope). Everyone have a blessed weekend!!