I personally find the Couch-to-5K program too aggressive for me. I take a long time to build up strength and stamina, so my progress is slower. I am a BIG fan of the run/walk breaks- I started them after a good friend trained for a marathon using the Galloway method via some big charity (not Team in Training, but something similar). They are a great way to train and to build up. You can go much faster than you think you can even with the walking breaks. I found, when training, that I could either up the running time or decrease the walking time, but when I tried to do both, I had a really hard time. I just don’t have this natural level of athleticism that some people have, so it’s all an uphill struggle. Also, I suspect that I don’t have endorphins from exercising either. I have thought this for a long time, and then there was a study that came out that confirmed that some people don’t! I will never love real cardio exercise (I do love yoga, though). I won’t lie to you- every time I go for a run, it is a mental struggle. I find it’s easier to make myself go in the afternoons or evenings, which is very very challenging in the summer w/ the heat and humidity, but I can make myself go in the mornings when necessary.

Another tip for newbies is not to run every day. Run every other day at most. You will still make progress, but won’t get hurt. I personally have knee issues, so I can’t run every day.

I’m running the Tufts Women’s 10K in Boston come October- that’s the longest I’ve ever run. (well, will have ever run- currently I’m at 4.18 miles doing intervals)

Erin–I am sad for you! Two days without shower and i am teh yuck. But if we removed something pre-cancerous, well it’s all good then. Don’t worry about missing your workouts–you can always work your way back!

Kerri Anne–I am loving that you are loving my series! The Olympic spirit is infectious and I will admit to pretending i’m Constantina Tomescu when i’m out for a run. In answer to your question about the PSYCHOLOGICAL component (which really is huge in any endurance exercise), for myself–every time i go for a run–i later record the distance and time on a fitness calendar. There’s no particular reason for it, except I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing all those numbers and notes on there. And as far as external motivation, my boyfriend really gets the credit here. On days I plan to run, I’m sure to tell him those plans early in the day knowing that in the evening, when we talk again, he will undoubtedly ask how my run went. Knowing he’s going to ask, gives me a great motivation to actually get my butt on the treadmill. I like it when he tells me he’s proud of me, which he always does after every run.

Amber–I second you on the sex toy. I haven’t used a heart rate monitor but must admit i’m really intrigued having read your comment. And as far as the trainer, I have not hired one, but since my BF *is* a trainer, I can attest to the power of being-accountable-to-a-fitness-professional. It works!

Justin–Thanks for the tips and luck! And congrats to you, you 5k running fool!

You will love it…. Congrats and Good luck.

Justin

Oh, but I have to say although I love the couch to 5k I am now a Heart Rate Monitor Minister. If I could hand them out like candy I would. It has been the most amazing piece of exercise equipment I could ever own. I no longer push myself too hard and I work out more consistently and for longer periods. And my endurance is building every week. Instead of running/walking a set of intervals my HRM lets me know when I should slow it down or speed it up.

I recommend it like a good vibrator.

What I would like to know: how do you keep the negative nellies in your own head out and away from you every day pre-run. That’s my struggle. GETTING to the pavement or the treadmill. Once I’m there, I’m mostly golden. But it’s a daily struggle to get there. For me. Right now.

but that’s just me, and I like to exercise vicariously through others.

but good tips on the running stuff.