Those that started with C25K

How bad of a runner before you started? Running is difficult for me and I'm trying to get this going so I can run a 5k or just even on the boardwalk in the summer. Being able to run for 3 miles just seems impossible. I feel like I can do week 1 and 2 no problem and then after that I get the stitch on my right side. I drink a lot of water before I run but I still get it. It's aggravating and I want to do this. Was this how it was for you?

Re: Those that started with C25K

I am not a runner at all. At ALL.
But I'm currently on Week 4 of the C25K and I can do it. It's tough, I won't lie. But I can do it.....and I am NOT athletic!!
(I told my trainer that I was doing it and he almost fell over...)

Re: Those that started with C25K

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but stitches have to do with breathing erratically. My neighbor is a serious runner and he told me that stitches are because your lungs aren't fully empty. He told me to really blow out the air when I feel that pain in my side. Whether he's right or wrong, his advice works every time I try it.

I'm doing C25k for the 2nd time, (I just had a baby) but the first time I did it with a group and the most important thing I learned was that the run part doesn't mean sprint. It means run at an easy pace. For me, when I started I was running the intervals at 5.0mph or 12 minute mile pace....I'll worry about speed once my endurance is better.

I hope this helps

Re: Those that started with C25K

I'm on Week 4 of Couch to 5K. I am def not a runner in any way shape or form. I'm actually still about 50lbs overweight after losing 40+lbs on WW so far.

I really had no problem with Weeks 1-3. I had a big fear about moving on to Week 4 because I felt like it was so much more running than the previous weeks. Well I did Week 4 Day 1 last night and I actually made it through.

There was a part on the program I listen to that says stitches are common as you get further in the weeks and it has to do with breathing. The woman on the podcast I listen to said when you get one, slow down a little and try to take deep breaths to help them go away.

Re: Those that started with C25K

When I first started out I could barely run the 60 seconds! But it definitely gets a lot easier as the weeks go on. And if you feel you need to repeat a week, that's fine too. I agree with trying to blow all the air out when you get a stitch, empty your lungs. I used to get them a lot, but now its really rare. Sometimes I lift both my arms over my head when I get a stitch and that helps too. Just stick with it and you'll be running 3 miles in no time!

Re: Those that started with C25K

Re: Those that started with C25K

I started running last March (2010) using the C25K program and I got stitches too. I would raise my arm up over my head (my right arm cause stitch was always on that side) and blow out of my mouth and it would go away. Once it was gone, it rarely came back again. I ran my first 5K at the end of May and just completed my first marathon a year later! I had not run in over 20 years and when I ran back when I was 20, it was only short stints, never was I a big runner. Stick with the program--it really does work!

Re: Those that started with C25K

When I started I would get winded running to get the phone I started teh c25k last July. I now run for 45 minutes pushing a double jogger and enjoy every minute of it. If I could get the kids to sit for longer I could run for longer. And I always hated running but I thinks it's because I didn't know how to run. C25k has changed my whole outlook and my body. I am the same size I was in high school thanks to it. and I'm in my 30's so that's great news for me lol

What when and how you are drinking. DOn't drink too much right before or during a run. I find I get stitches in my side if I gulp my water when running. If I sit it I am fine.

Re: Those that started with C25K

Re: Those that started with C25K

I never ran. Never. I started C25K and had a really hard time running 60 seconds in the beginning. Last night I did day 1 of Week 3 and I actually ran 3 minutes straight! I know it's not a big deal in comparison to others but to me it's huge! Now the 90 second runs are easy.

Re: Those that started with C25K

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely make note of my breathing when I'm running. My trainer had said to breathe in through my nose and exhale out my mouth so I try to do that. Of course when my breathing gets harder when I'm running for longer so breathing in through my nose is harder. I actually ran (outside) for more than 7 minutes then a 2 minute break then more running. I impressed myself.

Re: Those that started with C25K

I'm on week 4 of c25k. I'm not a runner at all - in fact, I've tried c25k before, pushed too hard, and failed, but I'm doing pretty well so far. Week 3 was hard for me but I realized I was running too fast so I slowed down a bit and did my week 4 day 1 workout tonight and while it wasn't easy, it felt more do-able. Check your pace, don't drink too much right before or during, and slow down if you're breathing too hard - you'll get there!