Ok. W6D1. No problem at all. Just that yesterday I tried some core exercises for the abdominals and today I feel demolished as if someone kicked my shrinking beer belly. Tomorrow will be a very happy resting day.

Congratulations, Jen! Nice job! I'll be running tonight, it will be W1D3. I won't be able to go again until Thursday (MIA husband, too many child care activities & I already get up at 5:15 for work.. I am NOT getting up any earlier!!) so I'll make that the start of Week 2. It's going really well - my back hasn't bothered me in a couple of days!

Ivan, I've been there. Last week in my yoga class, we did back bends and boy, my abs were feeling it for a couple of days, but in a good way sore. Core strength is really important with running. You'll figure out what works for crosstraining with running. Jenn, nice work in your race. Fitting in runs is definitely a challenge sometimes and you sure aren't alone in that; I think I'm doing to pick up a fourth run a week and run both Saturday and Sunday if I can make it work time wise. There's just no other way to fit one in during the week. Hickerchick, no back pain is great! Rdmsgirl, everyone has turtle days. Just remember, it's better to be a moving turtle than a stationary couch potato. You have to start somewhere. You'll get faster; just keep getting out there to run.

Today I ran the last run of the last week of Start2Run...

orange- it's interesting how much having music or if you're on a treadmill- tv- can help you get through the running program. it certainly kept me from listening to that part of me that was screaming "you're no athlete what the hell do you think you're doing out here?" funny thing happened a week ago though... my ipod died halfway through my run and that last mile and a half were the best ones yet. i wasn't bored or thinking about stopping. i was actually finally able to listen to the rhythm of my body and focus on my breathing and form. at the race last saturday we ran it without ipods and i think we did better because of it. once you're past the motivation hurdle and are eager to get out there each run day, consider trying it without the tunes. you may be surprised at the result!

wk3 d1 down. ran decent and if i can keep that pace up for two miles i'll be in business. i ran 200 m in 59-1:02 and 400m in 1:51- 2:00..

I never tried running with music... I like running in nature, and it feels kind of artificial to have music with me. I like hearing the sounds around me... The dry autumnal leaves in the wind, the ducks diving into the water, birds searching for food in the bushes... And yes, I think I'm more aware of the messages of my body (slow down, girl, you're running way too fast!) when I don't have an Ipod with me...