farmgirl

I have recently quit smoking and getting control of my breath and working on steady, rhythmic breathing has been a challenge for me but I have found that if I breathe through my nose deeply, in 3 foot falls and out 3 foot falls really works well for me and I feel that my lungs are opening up and I am not getting as tired as quickly. Also, breathe from your belly. As a chubby girl it is natural for me to try to suck in my gut and I'm in such a habit of breathing from my chest that this has actually been the most difficult thing to acclimate to. But when you're breathing so that your belly moves in and out instead of your chest you are breathing more deeply and increasing lung function and volume. I find that I have to concentrate on my breathing while I walk or run but I'm sure that after a while it will become something that I just do. I hope this helps and the best wishes to you!

Ashley, I have been a resident of Virginia for the entirety of my 36 years and I agree that this is an awesome place to be! I am in the mountains near Tennessee and North Carolina which automatically makes running a challenge since it's impossible to find a level road to run on LOL! I, too, was looking for a workout partner but to be honest I've come to really enjoy my time alone. Some days I listen to music, some days I enjoy the peace and quiet of just my thoughts and the rhythmic sound of my feet hitting the ground whether it be pavement or a leaf covered trail through the woods behind my house. It's wonderful to have a running buddy to help you stay motivated but don't discount the importance of quiet self reflection I am just starting out myself and we can both do this!

Thanks for the advice Kristin!

I have found that I have less pain in my joints when on the elliptical machine. I was wondering if anyone else had tried this program on the elliptical and how well it worked? I want to get to the point that I can run outside on the roads and through the woods behind my house, but the pain in my knees and ankles is currently keeping me from doing this. I feel that this pain will lessen as I lose weight begin to build muscle. Any thoughts?

I have been trying to walk to gear up to start C25K soon as I am terribly out of shape. When walking, I am having a terrible time with ankle pain. It is a burning, excruciating pain that goes up the outside of my ankles. From researching it appears to be possibly peroneal (sp?) tendonitis. I am certain that it is related to both my size and my previous lack of activity but I am having a really hard time powering through it. Will it go away in time? Also, any suggestions to help to prevent/ease this pain in the mean-time would be greatly appreciated. I am really psyched up and excited to start C25K and I don't want to lose that excitement over this.

I'm having a lot of trouble with ankle pain. I had planned to walk this week and start C25K Monday but I'm having so much pain in my ankles that I can barely do a brisk walk for 15 minutes. I'm sure it's just because I'm a big girl and in terrible shape, but It's a burning unbearable pain that goes up the outside of my ankles when walking. I was told that I needed to stretch my ankles before starting but what is the best way to stretch them? Will it go away after a few sessions? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I can power through it for a while but can't handle it for 30 minutes.