Mazama

Some of you may remember me, but I haven't been around here in awhile...Still riding my bike though.

About 6 weeks ago my wife encouraged me to start jogging. This weekend I completed my first 5K without walking. I am in my mid 40's, mid-300's and I haven't run in over 20 years, so it is possible. I used this program and it worked out great: https://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Just thought I'd share in case someone was thinking about adding jogging to their routine.

Good luck and best wishes, Clydes!

jezmellors

I used to run quite a lot but gave it up because it hurt my knees and ankles too much. Cycling is much lower impact for me, a better work out and more interesting while i'm doing it.
Well done to you though, it's good to have goals and it sounds like you're hitting them.

jeneralist 

Another satisfied user of the couch-to-5K protocol here. For the digitally inclined, you can also find specialized apps to download to your smartphone that will remind you when it's time to shift from walking to jogging while letting you hear your favorite music as well.

That said, be careful: knees and ankles do take much more of a beating in jogging/running than in cycling. Several folks here on C&A have had running-related injuries. It's not for everyone.

CraigB

I've been using the program, but have stalled out at the middle of week 5 - the two 8-minute runs separated by a 5-minute walk. I'm still running, but just repeating that program and not moving on. I just can't get over the mental hurdle of the next step - a single 20 minute run. At least at the gym on the treadmill. Maybe it's time to take this outside where I can get at least a little mental stimulation to make that 20 minutes go by a little more quickly in my mind.

PS...just minutes after posting this I went to the gym and thought, why not give it a try. It wasn't as bad as I'd imagined - it actually seemed a little easier than I would have thought, helped no doubt by an episode of "Holmes on Homes" to watch while I ran.

ill.clyde

C25Ker here too ... in fact, I've done two 5Ks this year.

My first ever was 41 minutes, some walking, many more hills than I expected.

My second one, just yesterday, was done in the company of my son, who is 10. His mother and I are gradually becoming fitness buffs... she runs, I mainly cycle, and he joined the cross country club at school. The club ran in yesterday's 5K, so we accompanied him, let him set the pace, etc. We finished together at 44 minutes.

It's true, it's not for everyone, but when I'm pressed for time, I get a run in instead of a ride.

B.Alive

I started with the C25K in the spring of 2008. I ran my first 5K in July of 2008...

That started a string that included a bunch of 5K's, 10K's, a 20K, 2 organized half marathons, 3 full marathons, and 2 50K's--all between 270 and 340 pounds! I finished both of my 50K's DFL, but I finished :-)

Got my bike in November of 2010 just to cross train for my running. BUT, I fell in love with the cycling (my hips and back were very sore). Now, I very rarely run.

It's a great way to get started.

Mazama

My God that is awesome!

My wife, a marathoner herself, wants me to train for a marathon. I cannot even entertain that idea. Great job!!!

jethro56 

For me it would be C25K2911

B.Alive

Thank's. I had a lot of moral support and determination to become an ultramarathon runner.

I enjoyed all the running, but I am living proof that diet is the key to loosing weight. To train for those long distance events and not lose weight.... I ate as much as I burnt!

DTSCDS

It seems like there would be something similar for bike distances. Something like couch to 50K or couch to century.

cohophysh

What are the names of the smart phone apps?

CraigB

They're all over the place. Check any local club that puts on an invitational ride - they'll probably have something. Charity rides that attract a lot of family types will also frequently publish training schedules to get you from nothing to a metric or beyond. Tour de Cure does; I'm sure others do, too.

Velo Gator

C25K, RunKeeper can help too.

DTSCDS

I think the best is "Get Running"
https://splendid-things.co.uk/getrunning/

DTSCDS

I was hoping for some type of app that, in an organized way, keeps track of my progress and lets me know where I am in the process.

CraigB

Can't help you with that - I don't do apps.

jezmellors

I use an app called Endomondo for cycling and i think you can use it for running too, it ain't bad for a free one, or you can pay to upgrade to "pro"

briandk

Couch to 5K is the best thing I've ever done for myself.

I began the program late 2008 and last year I ran two marathons, including one in the Swiss Alps

If you're thinking about trying running, download the C25K podcasts or the app and give it a try. It really works.

CraigB

I ran my first 5K this past weekend, even though I hadn't "graduated" from the C25K program yet. I was only up to the 20 minute run of the final Week 5 segment. I had to take two 3-minute walking breaks during the race, mainly because of heat and hills, but I made it, and with better finish time than I'd expected.

Afterward I had more muscle soreness than I anticipated, but I guess that really shouldn't have been a big surprise. But on Monday afternoon I started to get some minor pain in my left foot and ankle. Nothing that hobbles me when I walk, but enough that I'm a little concerned. I hope it doesn't cause any issues with this Saturday's Tour de Cure ride.