Please introduce yourself HERE.

Started a C25K training program Sunday. I'm doing this with my dog who I have to keep on a leash still. Day one went well! I was so surprised. Day two, was horrible! It was a struggle, but I did each interval. I really had a hard time with controlling my dog while doing it. I think the easy way out would be to do this on days without my dog, but I just don't think that would be fair to her.
I'm hoping as I get stronger and better at running, it will be easier so I'm going to do day three tomorrow with my

Hello,

My name is Teresa. I'm beginning again! In 12/2018 I was running 15 min about 3x/week. In early 1/2019 I ran a 5k in 48 min and a few days later, the side of my knee swelled.

Goal: Next time I'll build-up to 50 min, before I run my next 5k.

Fortunately, the doctor cleared me to start running again! Last time I ran 10 days ago. Problem I have is not putting running as a priority. Today I plan to run 15 min.

Enjoy running and the sense of accomplishment when I finish. Want to be accountable here on this Team and encourage others.

Edited by: CTERESAR at: 2/12/2019 (19:38)

Hello,

I have been running on and off for years. Stopped for many different reasons, from hip pain to to hot outside. My ultimate running goal would be to complete a Half marathon. I do the Couch to 5K program app on my phone and I usually get close to completing the 5K section when I just stop! I actually wanted to go run today but the sidewalks are covered in ice. (See I have an excuse for everything!)

Going to follow the guidelines here to see if I am more successful.

Hi folks, I'm Sue, 58, and just started running at the end of August. I ran 3.07 miles straight yesterday, woot woot !!!! I am a treadmill runner, not an outdoors runner.

Looking forward to getting lots of motivation.

Hi I'm Charlene and I'm new to sparks. I have ran 5k's in the past and want to get back in some kind of shape. Hope having a team will help.

Thanks

Hello SPARKPeople.

My name is Harry and I'm an old geezer looking for a challenge so we will see what happens.
I have a treadmill, tennis shoes, and short legs. I won't be setting any records, but maybe I'll have some fun.

If I survive this challenge, I may repeat it a few times before trying a 10K.

Who knows, maybe I'll actually sign up for a race.

Cheers!

Hi everybody,
I used to run, but got away from it. I have done two half marathons in the past. I really have to start over from the beginning at this point. I like running better than any other exercise.

Welcome to the team! Running has gotten me thru a lot of health issues. It's a great stress reliever!

Hi, I just joined the challenge because I haven't run in many years and I really want to get back into it. I have been on Spark off and on but allowed life to get in the way. I have lost a total of 40 pounds in the past year...25 since January, keeping my new years resolution! I have a daughter who is a senior in college and an amazing wife that unfortunately has been going through some health issues. I am regional coordinator for a non-profit and just started a PhD program. I am also a forklift operator/warehouse worker which means my upper body stays in shape from lifting boxes all day. I stay pretty busy but remember running as quite the stress reliever so I'm giving this a try!

As Team Leader, I want to welcome everyone! In Oct, I will have been here 6 years. I found SparkPeople to be a major resource for me on my journey. I achieved my weight goal and have maintained it for over 5 years. A key Secret to my Success has been Support! It's important to have support on this journey! You will always get that here.

In order to get proper support and enhance communications is to tell your story, and get feedback. Telling your story and sharing what you need in support, and getting guidance from the SparkPeople Community is through your SparkPage. Share with others, embrace accountability, and allow others to help you.

One thing is to allow your SparkPage to be seen by others and to share their support to you. In order to do this;

Go to Your SparkPage...
On the Right, you see a Box "My SparkPage Actions:"
Click on the "SparkPage Settings" Box...
You will see an Options Box open above where you can personalize your SparkPage...
Make sure the boxes for -
"Only allow my SparkFriends to see my page"
and
"Turn my page offline"
are NOT CHECKED...

Now, you can get GOODIES and also receive encouragement and comments from your Team and your SparkFriends! This enhances the Spark support! I've been motivates, inspired, and encouraged to stay focused on my goals.

You have a lot of resources here to achieve success. The rest is up to you in real life. I learned to change my habits in healthier food, regular exercise, positive thinking, and prioritize my life. I've also eliminated EXCUSE! This is huge. All these changes are aided by the support I've received in SparkPeople.

The bottom line? SparkPeople is what you make of it in the end result! The resources are here. You need to make the decision to want it bad enough to do what it takes. It won't happen over night. Embrace a healthy lifestyle! Plan for success, work the plan, and you will realize your goals!

This is why I continue on SparkPeople. I share my life with everyone. I am on this healthy journey for life. I can enjoy my life here on the beach with my wife & watch my Granddaughter grow up! THAT's my primary motivation and inspiration!

As Team Leader, I want you to know you can always SparkMail me if you have any questions at any time!

"Stay healthy, my friends!"
Monty
MIRAGE727

this is great ! having a lot of fun reading your post. Great day today feel in control

Thanks! I appreciate having the support of the group and look forward to being there for others.

Hey Tammy!

Stay focused, find your pace, fuel clean, and have fun with your run!

Hi, I am Tammy and I just signed up for the challenge. I am really excited about getting back into running!

Julia, it's all about the training! You can do this! What distance?

Anne, once you're conditioned an strengthened, start easy on Speed Drills and work yourself up! You can do this!

Hi I am Anne and did the C25K with spark people a couple of years ago and this got me into running however when I stopped it was hard to keep running. Locally my DH and I found parkrun which is a weekly timed 5k where anyone can walk or run with others. It now has around 500 runners each week and I am always in the last 20. I would love to improve my time and style so thought this challenge would motivate me.
I am 57 years old and a nurse lecturer so mostly standing or sitting and leave home 7.30 back at 6pm . Previously I was a nurse on shift work so much more active and fitted runs in easier.

Hello I am Julia. I run now and have for several years, but I am ready to take the next step and run a longer race. This is my year!

Hi Sheila!

So many runners think they can stay away for a few weeks then just run a 10K or a Half. They they wonder why they bonked, or worse, got injured!

I reiterate when I get sick or injured, I always start back using this program then after warming up, start back to condition and strengthen before I put any speed in the mix.

Good on ya! You'll kill your race.

Hi team. I joined this challenge to prep for an upcoming race. Looking forward to SP camaraderie and encouragement. We can do this!

Welcome, 42KRUNNER!

No doubt in my mind, you can share valuable insight to the team. I know you will achieve your goals! It's great to have you on the Team!

Hello team! I'm on day 3 of Sparkpeople.

Love running!! Former NCAA Div. I cross country runner and coach. Times have slipped to back of pack with 60 lbs. to lose.

15k this spring & marathon this winter.

I'm 55 yr old wife, mom & grandmother. Life is good.

Welcome to the Team!

Hi Cheri!

Smart runner. When you have been away for any length of time, this is the way to go! It gets your conditioning and strength back and ready to own the distance. I do this exactly for the reason you are. When I'm back , I do slow runs 3 times a week just to stay conditioned. It's also kept me maintaining for over 4 1/2 years now! Have fun and enjoy your run!

Hi, I'm Cheri and I joined this program because I had finished the Couch to 5k program but then took a month off after the holidays and am now suffering for it. Wanted to start back slow and this looked like the program to help me do just that.

Welcome Herni!


This program provides you with the conditioning and strengthening to assit you in achieving your goal!

I tell everyone to focus with a comfortable pace that's good foe them. Do not go out there with speed in mind. That comes later with speed drills! The goal here is to cross the 5K Finish Line


Do not hesitate to post any questions or concerns you might have in the forums here. We can all share our experiences and road knowledge to assist. The most important thing is to have fun with your run. Running can be joyful and not considered a chore!


We're happy to have you join us!

Hi, I am Herni (Female). I love the out doors freedom. I enjoy running and walking. I used to run frequently especially to reduce stress level. I want to perfect my breathing, strength, endurance and speed. I want to participate in a 5K or 8K this Spring. I think this Team will be a great teacher and a big help in my successful transformation to a healthier and stronger Me with the endurance an speed to finish the race.

Welcome, Karin!

No worries. It's all good. You're here and I am happy you joined! You have more than enough time to get ready for your 5K. Truly! I will stress a few things I always do with all our Team. Do not think about speed. Find YOUR comfort pace and focus on the intervals. That's what you are doing right now. walk 4 minutes run 1, walk 3 minutes, run 2, and so one. This is to get your body conditioned and strengthen to run a solid 5K.
I also say that after one has completed the program, register for a local 5K, and start running at least 2 days a week minimum for your health. I never imagined I would be a runner so I know what you mean. It's so good to know you are a runner.

Stay connected, let us know how you're doing and remember if you have a question, post it to share with the team. I love that we share and learn together.

Become one with your run...
Monty
MIRAGE727

OK - well...apparently I don't know how to use the threads very well because I accidentally created a new topic for my introduction. Ooops - sorry about that!

Hello - I joined your team today! I am trying to get back on track with my running program and have been doing a 5K Runner Program app that I purchased and completed some time ago. But I got lazy, gained some weight back and am now trying to kick myself back into gear! I am currently on week 6 of the 8 week program. I also shocked myself by signing up for my first 5K which will be held on my 44th birthday this coming April. I'm hoping that will be a good motivator for me not to mention a great way to celebrate my birthday! I've never considered myself to be a runner but keeping it slow and steady I'm actually enjoying it!

Wish me luck! I'm hoping this group will help me to stay motivated for this upcoming race and many more in the future!

Good luck!

Welcome!


So glad you're on the Starting Line! Focus on your conditioning and endurance first. Speed can come later. Stick to the plan, have fun with it, be safe, and think long term! Record your progress here and if you need anything, just holla!

Just signed up for the challenge. I run now and again but haven't stuck to a plan for quite sometime now so thought this would a good place to start and become accountable!

Welcome!

As a Triathlete, I hear everyone saying they prefer one discipline to the next. I believe it's how you embrace it. You mentioned bad knees. I was told to run to the point where you started to feel pain then back down and settle into the comfort zone. Embrace it.

I started running at 60 and became a Triathlete at 63. This is how I was advised to run with a light injury. It worked.


Stay strong, embrace your training and don't quit till race week! Any questions or concerns, holla!

.

Monty
MIRAGE727

Hello...started the 5K training last week and joined this group today. I'm 56 and prefer riding my bike to running any day, no offense to dedicated or casual runners, I've always admired your ability. This is a personal challenge to see whether I can run 3.1 miles, which I have never done. So far so good and I'm enjoying it...lets just see if the old knees can take it.

Welcome!

Consistency is essential. Training is critical as a race only tests your training. Insure you run your 5K comfortable. Conditioning and endurance is what it's all about.

When you are comfy and in love with your 5K distance...and want to get faster...It's all about speed drills...Go to a good source

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness
_a
rticles.asp?id=1147

While you're in that area, start to self educate and read from...

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/running
-c
enter.asp

You learn to fuel well, add strength training, hit a little Yoga, and you will get faster. Remember running safe is critical annd will prolong your running life.

Welcome to the Party!


Monty
MIRAGE727

Hi! I'm a 37 year old mom of 3, and I just finished my first 5k fun run (the insane inflatable 5k). It was windy, cold and raining...and I loved it! I want to do it again but faster. I'm hoping this weekly running challenge will help cut my time considerably without tempting me to injure myself by going too hard, too soon.

I'd also like to meet people who understand when I say "Omg running is so amazingly fun!!". My husband and my sister look at me like I'm crazy!

Hi - Just joined this program today. I want to take my walking/jogging to the next level and participate in races -- the first one will be my virtual race the week of September 27th.

Welcome Vern and Daisy!

Hi Vern!

I promise you, stay with the program and you will have fun on Sept 12. If you need any questions answered, do not hesitate to holla!

Monty
MIRAGE727

My name is Vern. Just turned 50 in June. Running my 1st 5k September 12th. Working on endurance and strength training.this is like giving myself a birthday present. Its truly beyond what I thought I could do ! I also am in the process of losing 25-30 more pounds. Present weight 160 at 5'6"

Hi Daisy!

Work this plan and you will own that 5K! This is the plan I used before I did my first 5K at 60. I've easily done over 100 5Ks since April 2011. I also repeated this Program when I've been away from running due to injury or illness.
You can let us know how you're doing in the appropriate weekly forums. Embrace your training . Have fun with it.

Started today - plan to "run" a 5K on Sept 19. My goal is to jog the entire distance.

Hi Jennifer!

First of all, you have the best run buddy! You're also setting an example for a lifetime!

You stay with this program and both of you will have fun and rock your races! Please share your progress and any questions in the corresponding forums. We're here to help and support. Other runners will also find similar and new experiences with your sharing!

Most importantly, have fun with your run!


Monty
MIRAGE727

Welcome Jennifer!

Hi Jennifer!

Consistency comes from regular training. After I go through this Program, whether after injury or illness, I start to look at running drills and speed training. I also run at least three days a week with recovery days in between. My pace is usually two minutes slower than race pace. My conditioning and endurance improves.

When I'm feeling good about my distance I start to look at Speed Training. Here's an example:

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness
_a
rticles.asp?id=1147

I think one of the best things you got going for you is your running buddy. And it doesn't get better than running with you son! All the best and please don't hesitate to bring your questions to the forums. Have fun with your run!

HI, my name is Jennifer. I started running more than a year ago, but I'm not consistent. That's what I want to work on. I have participated in many 5k Runs/Fun Runs/Walks - I love them! I have 3 more set for the year, and possibly a 4th one as well. My average run is about 42 minutes. I would like to get it down to 35 minutes though. When I originally started I could barely run half a mile. My first 5k I finished in 58 minutes, and I was thrilled!

My running buddy is my 12 year old son - he loves running and participates in all the 5ks with me.

I love the activity on this Forum.

Welcome COLDWATERCAVE and Congrats, Shiraz on your new toy!
7
I just completed St Anthony's Triathlon. I'll do a race report very soon. Lots of great goals came out of it but I'm very proud of the fact that I competed in the 65-69 Age Group for the first time! Trust me when I say these guys are tough! More importantly, they confirm age is NOT an excuse to sit and become a spectator of life!

All the best on your run journey. Run smart, run safe, and have fun!
Monty
MIRAGE727

Edited by: MIRAGE727 at: 6/23/2015 (18:41)

Hi SHIRAZSOLLY,

Congrats on getting a new treadmill! It will make your running much better in winter months and on those rainy days. If you've got a tablet, you can even set it up to watch a movie while running.; I've seen people doing that at the gym.

I think the investment is well worth it! Have fun running!

I stayed up until 1am a few nights ago looking for a good treadmill. Here's the link so you can take a look.

http://www.soletreadmills.com/treadmills
/f85-treadmill-2013

A bunch of garbage happened and I realized I need to make this REALLY really easy for me because I work, go to school full time AND am building a grandma apartment on my house to move my mom in... and then I got a wrench thrown in two of the three last week. So I ordered a Sole F85 Treadmill and it will be delivered to my house 4/1 (hopefully no fooling because I had to pull some favors and work some weird hours to arrange to be home all day waiting for it). Anyway, I did not start my 5k and time, and won't start next week, either. But I am really looking forward to my new toy. :)

Welcome to the team!

*** Hi COLDWATERCAVE,

I read about your knee problem. I'm 39, but have terrible knees for my age. I love mountain climbing and running, which is a big problem for my knees. Here's why I did:

-- Keep your legs warm. Wearing tights under my running pants helps. Warm knees seems to equal less pain.

-- Wear knee supporters. I bought these at the drug store. They are two little, tight cloth things that slide over your leg and over the knee. They are washable and stretchy. They keep the knee area a little tight, acting as a brace. While running, I found these little supporters really do take the pain off my knee. I never go mountain climbing without them now.

-- Muscle training. Squats, knee raises and pushing a heavy weight away from your body via the legs, all help. A mountain climbing friend said we need to train the knee like a muscle. Eventually, it will power up to become stronger and be better able to support your body on runs.

I hope my experiences might help you.

Edited by: CUTENEKKO at: 3/16/2015 (00:25)

Thank you for the welcoming words, all! I just started my Week 2 runs today -- it's harder, but I made it. Weather is finally great -- cool, but no more ice.