Hi everyone! I would like to start a jogging/running challenge for myself, and I'd like to invite anyone who wants to join to join!!!

I'm going to begin by working up to 30 minutes of jogging without stopping. You can work up to 10 minutes, 30 like me, or blow me out of the water by running for longer!

After I can run for 30 minutes, it will be time to sign up for a local 5K race! I've already signed up for a 1/2 marathon next August, and even though it's a long way off, I don't think it's too early to start training!

So, beginning tomorrow, the goal will be to run for as long as you can, up to 30 minutes (or longer if you can). Add to your time by trying to eek out 5 extra minutes on each run. We'll post our progress here.

During the next few weeks, we'll discuss different training methods as well as begin looking for 5K races in our areas.

LET'S RUN!!!

Can I start with the couch to 5K program?

This is a GREAT challenge Jen!! I'd love to join but as I mentioed before...I don't think a running challenge is a good idea for me because of my knee . I can do about 15-20 minutes of straight running now on the treadmill before my knee starts to ache...with or without the knee brace. I'd LOVE to beable to run the way I used to

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!!

I'm in. I started one of these back in October and was doing good, then I don't know WHAT the heck happened, but I quit. I quit EVERYTHING - maybe it was that 2nd six weeks of school when I had so many issues with the special ed department and my math labs, and my son's problems with his toe, and the baby getting an infected spider bite, and my teenagers being frickin' TEENAGERS... I don't know. But I'm ready to stop making excuses and start making good choices, again.

I'm in. I'll go jogging tomorrow morning and post my minutes.

Welcome Joy & Jennifer!!!

Hi, I would love to join as well, but it will be at least January 1st until I can start running, as I am currently out of town.

8 minutes. Not a bad beginning! My daughter came with me, and I've found that I usually do better when I'm by myself, because when my kids come with me I TALK. I'll be jogging with my husband for the next five days, which is REALLY going to kick my butt into shape because he drill-sergeant's me into running faster and farther. I'm not looking forward to the effort, but I am looking forward to the results.

Welcome Sarah!!! We'll look forward to your running numbers in a few days!

Jennifer, GREAT job! Way to go!!! It's funny, I find that I run better without my dog because she's constantly stopping to sniff and then I stop with her. But she'll just have to suck it up and keep up with me from now on!!!

I'm going to head out after work today for my run-I'll let you all know how I did!

Ohhh, this sounds like it would be a really good challenge for me right now! I really really WANT to sign up for a 5K sometime in the near future, but I can't run the whole time STRAIGHT through yet. I've been doing a knock off of the couch to 5K program.... Right now, I can go the whole way, BUT I alternate running about 5 minutes and then walking 2 minutes til I get to 3.1 miles. I know that isn't exactly what everyone else is doing... You are trying to see how long you can run without stopping, right?? Would my knock-off version still be welcome here??

Here's what I'm doing.... It's called Learn To Run.

Week 1: Walk 3 minutes / Run 1 minute
Week 2: Walk 3 minutes / Run 2 minutes
Week 3: Walk 2 minutes / Run 3 minutes
Week 4: Walk 2 minutes / Run 5 minutes
Week 5: Walk 2 minutes / Run 7 minutes
Week 6: Walk 2 minutes / Run 10 minutes
Week 7: Walk 1 minute / Run 14 minutes
Week 8: Walk 30 seconds (if you NEED to! If not, don't!) / Run 18 minutes

I'm on week 4 right now, although technically I've been doing it LONGER than 4 weeks. I just haven't been running 3 or 4 times per week like the program recommends... It says IF you do it that frequently, you won't have ANY problems moving up to the longer running time the next week. BUT I haven't been doing it frequently enough, so I usually DO have a hard time moving up.

That's why I thought this challenge would be good for me, since I could post EVERY day what I've done

Yesterday.... was my first day back in a while, so I ran 5 minutes walked 2 for the first 2.5 miles, then ran 3 walked 2 the rest of the way HOPEFULLY next time I'll be able to run 5 the whole way! BUT my knee is a little sore, so today is my strength training day and I MIGHT take tomorrow off depending on how that knee feels. Best-case scenario, I'll run again on Thursday. That's what I'm hoping for.