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Progress Reports
Started by usafvet at 02-08-2010 10:59 PM. Topic has 19 replies.
  
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 02-08-2010, 10:59 PM
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usafvet
 
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Hello everyone. First and foremost, let me express to everyone how motivational and inspiring it is to find other individuals who are currently committing themselves to training in the C25K program.
My brief story, I am a recent disabled veteran. Since my medical exit from the military, I have not possessed the level of fitness I once had, mainly because of complications due to my health. Instead, I gained nearly 30 lbs and have not been physically active enough to warrant the weight loss.
I was motivated by some scripture I read in the bible regarding Paul's thorn. When reading it, I realized that, though I may never escape from my current disabilites, I no longer want my health to be held hostage the way it has been for the past few years. So, I've challenged myself to train for a 5K in April. I'll admit, it is painful and daunting, but I heavily feel that my experience could be a testimony to others.
Prior to training with the C25K method, I just went out and ran a mile. At first I could barely run a half of a mile, but after a couple of days, I finally tackled it. After being able to run that mile, I ran a mile 1/2 the next time, followed by 2 miles thereafter. Unfortunately, I injured my knee in the process (runner's knee...felt like a horrible bruise) and was out of commission for awhile.
When I stumbled on to the C25K method, I thought the structure was far more beneficial than just going out and running/adding a half of a mile each time. So, in late Jan, I began my first week. Since I was running a little prior to starting the C25K program, week 1 felt pretty easy to tackle. Week 2 was a little more challenging, but I got through it without any difficulties. It wasn't until this week that I felt a significant challenge when completing W3D1.
After completing W3D1, I noticed tonight that my time was a lot slower than it has been in the past two weeks. I believed that since I would be running in more time that I'd finish with better timing than the two previous weeks. During W1 & W2, I was able to finish running/walking 3 miles under 40 minutes (my fastest time being 37 minutes). Tonight, after completing W3D1, I had a slower time, finishing just barely at 42 minutes.
I don't know if it was because I was tired (only 4 hours of sleep the night before), consumed a poor diet at McDonalds today, or the fact that I actually ran uphill rather than walking it (in the past weeks, everytime I went up one particular steep hill, it was during my walking times. This time, I ran up it in my 3:00 interval). Perhaps it was all of the above, but whatever the reason, W3D1 surely wasn't easy.
I know I've read on here from others that speed shouldn't be as important as completing the training day, but I was really disappointed in my time this evening and how slow I ran it. I hope that W3D2 is better. I guess we'll see. I'll have to strive for a better night sleep and better eating habits. Maybe that will help a tad, if at all.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-09-2010, 8:14 AM
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Amy
Joined on 01-21-2010
Lakewood OH
Posts 77
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i would say that the combination of factors you mentioned probably contributed to the slower pace. and some runs are just not good runs. but really, the thing about taking it slow, not worrying about speed - it really is good advice. you can always work on time at the end of the program. for now, just focus on moving through the program, helping ease your body into running bit by bit. your joints (especially that knee!!!!!) will thank you.
congrats on your epiphany - those moments are really life-changing, aren't they? i'm glad that you've made the choice to work with what you've got, and am sure that you will be successful in your endeavor. its hard not to continue to hold ourselves to old standards, especially when it is in regard to our bodies. but bodies change, sometimes gradually and sometimes abruptly - but they always change. while the body you have now is different than the one you had before, this one has its own set of capabilities - i'm glad you are open to discovering them.
don't be discouraged, care for your body (yes - good nourishment is important, but no need for total deprivation!!!! ), and welcome your next run as the opportunity that it is! wishing you the best!
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02-09-2010, 10:58 AM
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usafvet
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Thank you very much for your encouraging words, Amy. It shall continue to inspire me to push through this endeavor and strive to obtain the goal I'm seeking. I know the road won't be easy, but I have faith that my body and mind can get it accomplished.
I will update again tomorrow evening.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-10-2010, 10:39 PM
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usafvet
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Hey everyone. Completed W3D2 tonight. At first, I didn't believe I was going to have a good run. I haven't felt motivated during this week as I have during W1 and W2. I think my mind tries to make justifications for things and it uninspires me. For example, I know stretching is extremely important, but it demoralizes me when I think about how time consuming it is before and after every run. I need to possess a more positive attitude or else the negatives will get the best of me.
I usually run outside around my neighborhood, and since beginning C25k, the times that I have run, the weather hasn't been bad. Tonight was a little different. There is a cold front moving in with the possibility of some snow, so the cold air didn't feel too well at first going into the lungs. The first half of the run I was just going through the motions. My mind was urging me to quit, but instead of doing so, I kept going, praying that the cold air wouldn't be so bothersome.
The second half of the run I began feeling refreshed and gained my second wind. The cold was no longer bothersome; infact, it felt pretty good after the fact. I pushed for a faster stride and finished three miles in about 35 minutes. A lot better than Monday's run. I think it helped that I was refreshed and gained the motivation to press on.
Friday I will run W3D3. I will document my progress on this forum.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-11-2010, 7:25 AM
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Amy
Joined on 01-21-2010
Lakewood OH
Posts 77
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you found your zone, sounds like. nice. :-)
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02-12-2010, 9:01 PM
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usafvet
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Ran W3D3 this evening. The first part of the run I felt tired, but as previously, the second part of the run I somehow found the motivation to keep on tracking and pick up the speed.
There was one point during the minute and a half walk where I looked down to see how much time had past. I had about 30 seconds left, so instead of walking those extra 30 seconds, I went ahead and began jogging. That followed with a 3 minute run, and even when that ended, I set a goal to run to the corner, which was probably another 20-30 seconds away.
When it came to the final cool down, I continued to run for about another 2 minutes because my walk back to the house was beyond the 5 minute cooldown. I felt accomplished after that, but I'm not going to lie and say that it was easy. It's a matter of convincing the mind that you can push through the extra time, despite arguing with yourself to walk when allowed to do so.
In essense, I finished 3 miles in about 36 minutes. That is about a minute or so faster than my previous run. However, if I didn't run that extra amount tonight, I probably would have had a slower time than day 2. Regardless, I'm encouraged that I'm going to get faster as I still have weeks 4-9 to go. I'm certainly not going to kid myself and believe it is going to be easy, and I'm sure I'll battle with myself before all is said and done.
I hope I can look back at this point and see how much I've progressed.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-12-2010, 9:48 PM
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Amy
Joined on 01-21-2010
Lakewood OH
Posts 77
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excellent!
its great to challenge yourself to those extra bits of running. way to go. :-)
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02-13-2010, 3:46 AM
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dogged
Joined on 01-20-2009
Melbourne
Posts 142
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Well done usafvet!
Sounds like you are going great, I look forward to following your progress through the rest of C25K.
Good work.
C25K Graduate - 8th March 2010
Run for the Kids - 14/03/2010 5.2km goal set
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02-15-2010, 11:14 PM
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usafvet
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Hey guys, thanks for the encouragement.
Just completed W4D1. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I never felt winded or tired, but to be fair I did take it slow.
If there is anything to complain about, it would be my sore knees. I felt a bit of soreness each time I began a run interval, but they'd ease up in the process. I've been doing a little extra stretching to counter it, but I think I'm also going to have to go with ice/heat. Maybe take a bath with some epsom salt.
I was doing some research on Chirunning. I haven't used the technique to straighten myself, but I do try to run with good posture and push off with the back of my leg. To me, when doing that, running seems easier. I'm not nessessarily hopping, but it seems like my feet are lighter. Ever been to a playground that has that rubbery type of material that makes you feel like you're bouncing? That's what I equate it to. I guess that is from pushing off the back leg.
If anyone has some advice on treating sore knees aside from stretching, I'd appreciate some advice.
Again, thanks for the encouragement. It means more to me than you'll know.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-18-2010, 2:45 PM
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usafvet
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Completed W4D2 last night. Seemed more difficult to complete this time around in comparison to W4D1. I feel I had a better run with W4D1 than W4D2. However, I finished with a better time on W4D2.
I'll admit that my diet the past two days hasn't been as great as it should be. Perhaps that can attribute to the reason why it was more difficult. Knees have also been a bit sore for the past couple of days. Have been trying to stretch & treat them ice. Hopefully I'm not developing a problem there.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-20-2010, 11:18 PM
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usafvet
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Completed week 4. I'm getting the idea that I'm posting a little too much in the thread, so instead of posting after every completed day, I'll limit that to posting my status bi weekly.
Hope all goes well for those that are also in the process of doing C25K. May we reach the end of it together.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-21-2010, 6:57 AM
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ddanc1984
Joined on 12-17-2009
Texas
Posts 309
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Not sure what you mean by you get the feeling you're posting too much. A lot of people post every run and nothing wrong with that. Then again there's nothing wrong with only posting every once in awhile either. I post everything for a couple of reasons. It helps me maintain some commitment and if needed I can review how thing go under certain conditions.
Whatever you decide, good luck with the rest of the program!
And by the way, inspiring story and thank you for your service.
@Don
Dead last beats 'did not finish' and trumps 'did not bother to start' every time.
Mardi Gras 5K 2/13/10 36:54
Dash Down Greenville 3/13/10
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02-23-2010, 9:04 AM
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usafvet
Joined on 02-09-2010
Posts 41
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Thanks for the kind words, ddanc1984. It is certainly appreciated. The accountability does help some, but I felt as if I was posting too frequently on the matter.
I completed W5D1. For the first 2 of 3 five minute intervals, I felt great. When it asked me to walk (I use an Ipod app that instructs me when to walk/run) I continued to run for about another 3 mintues each time, pausing the walk time so it wouldn't run into the extra minutes I put in (if that makes sense). I figured I'd strive for 8 minutes because W5D2 requires that one runs for 8 minutes twice.
I felt energized until I got to the third 5 minute interval. I really struggled to make the time on that one as the majority of it was running uphill. I never stopped, but boy was I relieved when I finished the time. It was a slow walk home, that's for sure.
Sort of a switch for me because I usually start out poorly and finish strong. This time, I did great through 2/3rds of the run, only to struggle to finish.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." --- Margaret Mead
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02-23-2010, 9:13 AM
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athlete in a former life
Joined on 02-17-2010
Posts 46
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USAFVET, you sound discouraged. Are you? If so, let's rethink what you said. You struggled to finish W5D1? Not exactly since you didn't exactly do W5D1. If I read your message correctly, you did above and beyond. So the fact that you finished, whether you struggled or not, is an accomplishment.
I'm sure you will do well on W5D2. If you're not challenged, you're not trying hard enough! Good luck and keep us posted! I'll be doing W5D2 tomorrow.
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02-23-2010, 6:09 PM
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ddanc1984
Joined on 12-17-2009
Texas
Posts 309
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Nice job on the run! You went above and that's good stuff. Sounds like you're prepped for W5D2 and after that the 20 minute W5D3. Trust me on this, it's all mental. I don't know what podcast you're using but if it's Ullrey's podcast I would ditch it for W5D3 because you'll be hearing all the prompts for W5D1 and D2 and you don't want that when you need to have a clear mind concentrating on nothing but tempo and breathing. You'll be done with the 20 minutes before you know it! Pick a playlist with some good music and knock it out.
Good luck!
@Don
Dead last beats 'did not finish' and trumps 'did not bother to start' every time.
Mardi Gras 5K 2/13/10 36:54
Dash Down Greenville 3/13/10
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C25K : Couch to... » C25K » Progress Report... » W3D1
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