Age: 28

Weight: 241 lbs

Height: 5'9"

Profession: Software Developer

No walking or running history.

Did play basketball socially, but that was about 10 years ago.

To run for a short timespan.

To help get in the habit of exercising at least 3 times a week.

To lose weight.

To finish a 5k walk/run.

1/5/2007: Tried the Couch to 5K yesterday; couldn't even make it 60 seconds without chest pain. Do you think I'd be as effective if I tried cutting the run times in half and making it up when I walk?

How fast are you trying to run? A little tightness in your chest is probably OK, but of course you better be careful with your blood pressure and all. Are you having breathing trouble? -Paul

I'm not even running hard--just jogging slowly. Yeah I was out of breath after a few seconds of jogging, and the chest pain came few seconds after that. I'm going in to see my doctor in a few days--I might ask him about it and see what he suggests. -Dave
It's been my experience that doctors don't necessarily want you to work towards getting fit when you're complaining about being uncomfortable exercising. So you might want to make it clear what you're wanting to do, and that you just need to make sure you're not going to die doing it. :P There's probably no reason you can't work towards being able to jog a few miles in 9 weeks.

You're definitely going need to push through discomfort in order to make any progress and get in better shape, which I'm sure you know already. Working out at NIFS is a good idea, and the elliptical trainer would probably help prevent some knee injuries and such until your muscles get stronger. Doing a similar workout to the plan, but on a stationary bike, might be easier and still get your heart pumping and improve your cardio and breathing.

If you do walk outside again, I'd suggest sticking to walking and the allotted times from the plans. Just try to walk faster for the 60-second spans than on the 90-second ones. You should get your heart pumping a little harder for sure.

You also might ask one of the trainers at NIFS. Tell them your fitness level and see what suggestions they make. I'm pretty sure you pay for that kind of service, don't you? :) -Paul

1/9/2007: Sunday was about the same as before; same chest pain, so I tried the 30/90, which was hard, but doable. Spoke with my doctor who suggested walking only for a week to two weeks, then try the 60/90.

1/9/2007: Walked around NIFS track. Did one 20 minute mile at my own pace, then Pam decided to join and was going a LOT faster. After another fourth of a mile, I had to stop. My lower back was really hurting at the mile marker, and my shins were slightly hurting until I started keeping up with Pam, which then they just gave out.