Couch to 5k

beccaawalsh

Hi guys I am relatively new here and am interested I doing C25K and just wondered whether anyone had any advice for a beginner runner like myself? Especially regarding which app to use and just some tips would be great. Thanks in advance ☺

TavistockToad

Get fitted for proper running shoes

brandiuntz

Read this: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1217573/so-you-want-to-start-running/p1

5BeautifulDays

Good shoes and "if you can run slower...do." There's time for speed later.

jmarie1025

There's a group on here called Couch to 5K. Join it. Tons of great info! Tips and tricks, how to get started etc.

bwogilvie

brandiuntz wrote: »

Read this: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1217573/so-you-want-to-start-running/p1

^ Seconding this recommendation.

I think the most important advice for new runners is this: Start out slow, then ease off. When you do C25K, you should do the running intervals slowly enough that you can speak in complete sentences. If you can't, you're going too fast. C25K is about endurance, not speed. Many new runners doing C25K start by running so fast that they feel out of breath by the end of the running intervals. That might be possible with the 60-second intervals of week 1, and even the 90-second intervals of week 2, but it's not sustainable by week 3 (3-minute intervals) or week 4 (5-minute intervals).

Don't worry if you are going really slow and don't reach 5K by the end of the program. It's really "Couch to Running for 30 Minutes Without Stopping," but that's not a catchy name! After you've been running for a few months, you can start to work on speed if you want.

dinsfamily

5BeautifulDays wrote: »

Good shoes and "if you can run slower...do." There's time for speed later.

My new favorite running quote! Great advice when starting out. I saw an elderly gentleman wearing a shirt that said, "start slow, then taper" on the back while running my very first half marathon. I took his advice and had a great (and slow) race. I've gotten a lot faster than, but I think my deliberate slow pace during C25K and the next year helped keep me injury-free and enjoying the process. Getting fitted for shoes at a running store is also a must.