Head for the hills...it's another newbie! :P (Read 1580 times)

I have never done nor am I familiar with the C25K program, but from what everyone says, it must be a really good program for a brand new beginner.......However, Anytime you start increasing you mileage or your times then you need to do it slowly. If you can run 5 minutes and the plan calls for 20 minutes, then you probably should modify the plan and do 7 minues....SO WHAT if it takes you a little longer to get there...that's not the point, the point is that you are doing it. So be careful not to increase to quickly.....but keep pushing yourself at the same time. I wish I knew more about the specific brooks that you mentioned but I don't. I do know that I used to run in Brooks a few years ago and really liked them........yoiu can probably look them up on line and learn a little about them....... The best way to increase your speed, mileage and time are to not get impatent and dont try to do it to quickly...SO WHAT if you are running 15 minute miles (all of a sudden they will start getting faster - it kind of works like magic if you keep going out).....the speed will come but it might take a while......ENJOY

I have a few questions: 1) Since I have pretty flat feet, I got fitted and chose Brooks Addiction 6's. Any opinions on them? 2) I know I'm thinking ahead, but the jump from 5-8 minutes ---> 25 minutes is SCARY. How did you guys do it?!

First off, I'm sorry I missed your first post hon - I'm so proud of you for tackling the C25K! You are gonna love running, especially the newfound energy it gives you - and the obsession that takes over that makes you crave that next run - I love that part As for your questions: 1) Did they do a "gait analysis" at the store? One where they watch you run? Maybe you mentioned that you were an over-pronator and I missed it, but be a bit careful about the Addictions. I was mis-led and "prescribed" them once - when I actually have a neutral gait and don't need a "motion control" shoe. I found they gave me knee pain, sought a second opinion and have been trouble-free ever since with a neutral shoe. Just my 2c. 2) You will be amazed how little by little (and verrrry sloooowly) you'll be able to increase your time. It seems like a LOT now, but you'll get there. The key is not worrying about speed. Don't try to beat a specific mile time at this point. I didn't do the C25K (although I did do the One Hour Runner after being out of the game for a long time and loved it.) but I do believe in running for time not distance when you're starting out. In other words, don't stress yourself out if you can't run a 5K in 30 min. kind of thing. HTHs - Take care and keep us posted - we're cheering you on!

1) Since I have pretty flat feet, I got fitted and chose Brooks Addiction 6's. Any opinions on them? 2) I know I'm thinking ahead, but the jump from 5-8 minutes ---> 25 minutes is SCARY. How did you guys do it?!

1. I run in these. They're okay. Kind of heavy, but they help my right knee issues, though sometimes make my left shin funny. Pretty heavy motion control. I think I'll try something else for my next pair. but hopefully they'll work for you. 2. You're thinking about it all wrong! Either think of it as running 16 minutes, then 20 minutes, or think of it as running two 8-minute chunks with a break, and then two 10-minute chunks without a break. Thinking of it as doing 8 mins, then 20 mins will not do you any favors.

Noteye, I intend to jog at a slug's pace for those 25 minutes, LOL. Teresadfp, thanks! If I find I can't do the full 20-25 minutes, I'm going to implement extra weeks with a few minutes tacked on at a time. Like Week 5.5 would be a 15 minute run or something. Good idea! John A, yet again I must thank you I'm not particularly proud of being slow, but I keep trying to remember that I have 40 pounds to lose, I will be much quicker once I shed some pounds, and this is helping me knock those exact pounds off. I will go slooooowly, but I will get it done. As for the shoes, I hear they're good for overpronators. Good luck on your endeavors! RacingSlug, wow! Congrats! I'll take your word for it...you'll be hearing from me about it in t-minus 4 weeks! Maybe earlier, since I think I got ahead of myself! Maplefly, I totally agree! I can't wait for the next time I'll get to run (which I think will be tomorrow bright and early) . 1) On the subject of the gait analysis, yes I did! I thought it was weird that he was going to watch me run, but it makes sense to me now, haha. He tried explaining my gait but I think we both got confused LOL. I tend to land on the outer side of my mid foot and roll in. He said it wasn't that common, but if I felt comfortable with it, I should keep doing it. When I got fitted, he said I had a little bit of an arch, but then I put my weight on my foot and it disappeared LOL. I am indeed an overpronator, so big clunky shoes it is! 2) I've decided from all of the wonderful advice (including yours) that I'm going to start jogging like a turtle. I don't care how I look while jogging outside! Thank you times a million! The support really helps me keep going. JennerVT, I wish I could go quicker than 4 MPH haha. And yes, it's a Polar F4. I do believe it counts calories burned. Squeaky, that sounds odd, but not really. My right knee got a little hollow sounding upon striking, so I'm hoping it's not the new shoe! They are quite clunky but they do help my non-existent arches. As for the timing, that's a good idea! SteveSwede, that's an interesting way of putting that. I think it's more of a running addiction than anything. :P I overheat very easily (even in overcast weather), and it's probably because I'm about 40 pounds away from a weight that my body is comfortable with. I bought a nifty handheld that velcros, and I'm trying not to drink so much so I can avoid it just sitting in my tummy.

Hey Goddess --- just an FYI... Today I decided to up my Wed run to 4 miles and so in order to completed the distance and have something left for tomorrow, I slowed down to about an 11 minute pace and walked a few times up a couple of hills just to make sure I made it and still feel good...........(now Ive been running for along time tho I am now recovering from a long layoff)....if you figure my walks and my slower pace today, I probably averaged around 12 minutes a mile (maybe a little slower).......but I wanted to complete the distance so I slowed down on purpose..... We all do it - we all slow down and sometimes walk...... SO don't think you are the only one.... JohnA

Goddess, I don't have any more advice to offer because everyone else has already offered you great advice. I did want to extend a pat on the back and tell you Great job! One thing that is always an encouragement to me is the "Before and Now Pictures" thread under the "Look What I Can Do!" forum. It is always fun to see people making great progress and posting pictures. So if you ever need an upper on a day when you just plain don't feel like running, head over there

I have a question about it: if I reach my recommended maximum heart rate, should I stop? Every time I jog more than 60 seconds, it freaks out on me...but I can't just stop, you know? I want to finish the interval but I'm afraid that if I do that too much it'll be bad for me. Advice?

Run even slower, so that you don't hit your upper limit on HR if you can help it. I know it doesn't seem possible, and it can be really really frustrating at first. I've been there. I started C25k without a HRM, running 10m/m for the intervals. Then I got an HRM about 4 or 5 weeks in. I had to run 14:30m/m to keep it down. That was a really painful blow to the ego. But, honestly, after I got over that, it made the running much more enjoyable. It was honestly EASY. Not easy in name, but EASY. I wasn't panting anymore, but breathing just a little harder than I did just sitting around. Now, after some time, I'm back up to 12:30m/m or so at the same HR, and it still feels great. It'll happen for you too, but you have to give it time.