Couch to 5K?!! Where's COMA to 5K...

because evidently that's what I need!

For three weeks now, I've been walking 7-10 miles/week. I'm not ambling down the country lane, KWIM, I'm really moving it...working up a sweat, etc! My DH and I signed up for a 5K race in late September, so I thought I would start the Couch to 5K this morning.

I thought, "jogging for 60 sec. intervals...pffft...no problem." I think I was about to die. I even had to skip the 4th run. I could barely breathe! But I pushed on and completed the workout...all the while thinking, "What the hell is the point of this?"

Can you please tell me your experience when you FIRST began running? When can I expect to gain some stamina? I am far from giving up, but need some success stories!

Re: Couch to 5K?!! Where's COMA to 5K...

It's rough at first. I would totally get winded after the 60 second intervals. I'm now at week 3 where I run 3 minutes straight. It's gotten better. It just takes time. I'm nervous about the 5 minute run, especially since I've taken 2 weeks off.

Keep with it! It definitely gets easier. Also don't forget to pace yourself.

Re: Couch to 5K?!! Where's COMA to 5K...

I felt exactly like you did in the beginning and as the weeks go by you build stamina. Trust me just stick with it. I never thought I was be able to run 3 miles and now I can even run 4 miles plus! Don't give up you can do it and it will get a bit easier!

Good luck!

Re: Couch to 5K?!! Where's COMA to 5K...

Just keep at it, be patient.. you can do it! Don't give up. Do what your body can handle at the moment & push yourself a little harder & further each week. You'll build up the endurance slowly but it'll happen. I remember not that long ago when running 3 min. without stopping felt impossible & now I do a 50-min. run several times a week. Good luck!!!