I won't join you Adele, but I'll certainly cheer you on.

Ann

Nor me....but I will say "Go Adele!"

Hmmm. This interests me.

I started running in October, with the goal to reach a 5km run in the spring (and lose 20 lbs). Once the weather turned in December, I started running less... because I'm a wimp. :-)

Then lo and behold, my sweet DH bought me an eliptical trainer for xmas, so I'm still able to keep training indoors. But when the weather is mild, I do like to run outdoors. I have lost 5lbs and 4 inches since I started.

10km is more aggressive that I had originally planned, but it does spark my interest. You may have just inspired me to reach for a higher goal.

Adele, I have been running for years! I run 4- 8 miles everyday. I have not run in any races, I do it purely for fitness and as a stress reliever! I am here for you anytime to share my experiences both good and bad, anytime you need me! Good for you!
Gina

If I didn't have RA so bad in my feet, I might consider it! LOL

Then again, maybe not. I have never enjoyed running.

But good luck to you, Adele, and to the others that do decide to take on your challenge!

Linda

I'm another who hates to run, and my knees won't allow it anyway, I had a horse fall on me when I was a teenager and was still doing competitive riding.

Nonetheless, I'll stand with the rest and cheer you on, good for you!

Annie

I was thinking of creating a blog that we could contribute to so as not to crowd the forum. In that way, you experts can give advice and those of us training can give our perspective. I am truly very lazy. I did this before years ago and felt so good when I was in better shape. I am assuming it will be harder this time.

I have a deadline for being able to run it. The Fargo Marathon is May 22 and my son is running the marathon. He was a college runner and is already running 17 to 18 mile weekends. I will never do that. My DD and her partner, Dusty, are running the half. I have a nephew who is coming from out of town to run the 10K or a leg in a marathon relay and my other DD promises to run if I run. Yikes!! I do not want to fail.

I would love to have virtual co-trainees and lots of advice or cheers.

I will post when I get the blog put together. I am in dismal shape:(

Adele

Adele, I'd be happy to visit your blog. I was really out of shape before I started running. I still have a long way to go, but I'm on the track, and that's what's important.

I have a sedentary job and have been pretty inactive since my son was born almost 10 years ago. I tried once or twice to lose the weight by joining a gym, but finding the time to go was a real struggle. DH works ridiculous hours and I couldn't handle the guilt of picking up DS from daycare after work, only to leave him at the gym daycare for another hour. And I didn't enjoy it either... the busy changerooms and waiting to use equipment. It really wasn't my thing. So I gave it up.

Now I work from home and DS is in school f/t, so I found that it's easy to sneak in a run before lunch or put 45 mins on the elliptical machine while dinner is the oven. The trick is to make yourself do it several times a week, because as soon as you let yourself slip a few days, it's harder to get back on it.

I've made small changes gradually. My first goal was to run 3km without stopping. My first run was pathetic. I ran half a block and had to stop. But I made myself do 1km. After 3 runs, 1km was easy. When I reached the 3km goal, my next goal was for 5km. I haven't ran 5km outside yet, but I can do it on the eliptical. When we get a nice mild day here, I'll give it a try on the pavement. My running companion is our dog, a goldendoodle, who loves to go with me.

I also started calorie counting after the holidays. Weighing food and logging what I eat has really opened my eyes. And just recently I introduced free-weights. Making changes gradually, instead of all at once, really seems to help get my mind around the process of changing.

5lbs and 4 inches over 3 months isn't earth shattering results, but I'm happy so far.

Adele, I'd love to see your blog.

Elery used to run, the 10K was his best event, so he's willing to cheer you on too. After his back surgery, running was out but he misses it every day.

Annie

Thanks all! You are great. I got on the tread mill today - hate them even with my gizmo that can tune into the TV. Unfortunately, here in Fargo the footing is bad and the outside is a couple of months away. (I am a clutz and fall easily and have early osteoporosis- can't fall!)

I will start writing tomorrow.

Now to my book:)(my real love)

Adele

All,

I am not going to write the blog; however, I will be following the plan and may update occasionally. I just made some travel plans (for work) that will make it tough to keep up a blog. My challenge will be keeping up the program. Sorry for the public challenge.

Adele

Adele,
No need to worry about the blog. Just keep this post going. I started a boot camp in early December, and except for our crazy rains for 10 days, I've been faithfully working out.

At first I couldn't jog even 30 seconds without being winded. Now, I'm up to about a mile, 3 times a week.
There's a 5k run that I'd like to do in mid-May, so I'll post here with progress as well.

Ann

Adele, I agree, just keep this post updated periodically, and we'll follow along.

Hey, my favorite kind of exercise, running by proxy, LOL.

Annie

Thank you all for your encouragement. You are right. I will update this post and please chime in as you please.

I prefer to walk, jog, or run outside. However, I fall easily. Need to fix that with Yoga! Plus, I live in Fargo, ND with lots of ice and snow. So, I will have to wait until the footing gets better.

I went to the YMCA. I have been a member for years and walked/jogged on and off for half an hour on a tread mill. All told, I went 3 days TU, TH, and Sat. I could barely walk after day 1. Thank goodness that resolved.

By Saturday, I went 2.27 miles in 30 minutes. I felt pretty good.

My challenge - I am now sitting in a hotel room in a small town in NM. I will be here until Friday. I checked out the exercise facility. It has one tread mill. No one better be on it in the morning! I have four waggs on my schedule for this week.

best,

Adele

Hi Adele

I started running again in January. 10k is a bit ambitious, I hoped to target a 5k this spring some time. I too am running indoors, at a track. It is boring but with our snow and ice outdoors is not quite an option yet.

I have been going 3 times a week too - Sun, Wed and Friday. I am upto running about 25 min with some walking in there to break it up and let me catch my breath - not sure yet of the actual distance, maybe 2k or a bit more.

I too go very slow...but at least we are going. I love running as you can do it usually anywhere and need so little equiptment - just good shoes.

I would love a little advice or encouragement or advice from others who run.

I look forward to keeping an eye on this thread.

janet

Janet- you should chime in too on what you are doing. You and I don't sound that different.

Week 2 - wogged 3 days on a horrible hotel tread mill. It was not calebrated properly and I was very frustrated. I did 2 miles for the 3 days anyway. It took me about 32 minutes. I could not even walk at a 15 min/mile pace on the tread mill. It had to be wrong! Day 3 my knees began to ache. This has never happended before. Yesterday, I wogged on my usual YMCA equipment. I felt really good and did 2.35 miles in 30 minutes.

Thanks all! Advice is always loved.

Best,

Adele

Adele:

I'd love to train with you as I try to run every day. However, since I know my competitive level, I'm going to decline the invite to train for a race. I will watch this thread for updates on your progress and wish you the best of luck in your journey!

I have some tools for you and am providing a link to Hal Higdon's website. Hal Higdon is known for his running programs that provide training schedules that minimize injury and focus on building strength and endurance. He addresses every level from Novice to Advanced and even has programs for walkers! If you are going to attempt the 10K, please review his program.

Shoes are your best friend! Don't skimp on shoes and try on a ton of them. My favorite brand is Saucony. They're sometimes hard to find (Amazon.com has them) but they make a great product. I'm a neutral runner and like them for their roomy toe. My son (Army National Guard) over pronates and used to wear Brooks Beasts but has converted to Saucony.

Dee

Here is a link that might be useful: Hal Higdon's Training Programs

I don't run but I'm checking in on both adele and janet, making sure they are logging their miles, LOL.

So, how's it progessing?

Annie

OK. I have not reported for a while.

I did well until Feb. 11th. I was wogging (run/walk)and slowly increasing my distance and speed.

However, on Feb. 7th, my DD#2 (child #3) called to let us know that she and her partner were getting married later that week. He is a veteran and they wanted to buy an house and get a VA loan. We love him and have no concerns about the union. But I HAD TO BE THERE.

I wogged the morning of the 11th. Lauren and Dusty were married in front of 8 people in a park on the 12th. DH, I, and Dusty's mother flew to OR to be there.

I loved it, but it messed up my life schedule (read - possibly an excuse).

I wogged for the next time yesterday and today. I am back on the horse! I am going 2.5 miles in about 32 minutes.

My hips, knees, and back hurt.

They have an offer on a house too!

decrepited . . .

Adele (happy anyway)

Adele, that's one of the best darned excuses I've ever heard, so you are excused and congratulations to your daughter and new son-in-law.

Best of luck to them on the new home and to you on your training!

Annie

Hi Adele!! Wow - talk about a great excuse. I used Disney to skip a day or two (even the weather there was not good for running outside) but your excuse is way way more exciting. Congrats to the two of them.

I have been faithful to my Sun, Wed and Fri schedule. Last Sunday I went 45 min with only two 1 min walk breaks in between - I was pretty pumped. Using my past speed and distance as a guideline I am guessing I did about 7 km or so....way more then I thought I would be able to do by now. My biggest challenge is finding an hour (between stretching before and after and getting to the track to actually run) in which to run over 35 min at at time. I have been trying to go first thing in the morning but Dave has to get to work early many days which means I have to do the morning routine with Chance. Going on my lunch hour works for Wed, but I do not want to do that too often - not the best for running or work!!

I can certainly tell I am losing weight and my endurance sure is increasing - so that makes it all worthwhile!

Do your best to get back on schedule and check in when you can.

Cross my fingers they get the house!

Janet