Couch to 5k
Thewaffle86
Posts: 52 Member
Hi! I’ve just started couch to 5k and wondered if anyone else was doing it? Im only on my second run but after reading Eat, Drink, Run I got inspired and signed up for a half marathon but I can’t even run to the end of the street. Any help or pointers would be really appreciated. 
or anyone also doing the program and want to be my accountability buddy let me know.
Caroline
or anyone also doing the program and want to be my accountability buddy let me know.Caroline
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Replies
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There is pretty active and established group for c25k:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k
I did it three times (I tend to run in spring/summer and stop in fall/winter), always worked
On week 3 now for the upcoming season 1 -
I've completed the program twice in the past few years and really recommend it. My advice for someone new would be to take the scheduled rest days and if you have trouble completing the run portions then run slower.4
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Congrats! I hope you have awhile until your half. Do couch to 10k (the first half is the same as C25k) then find a half marathon training program to take you the rest of the way.3
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Fightingthefat2019 wrote: »Hi! I’ve just started couch to 5k and wondered if anyone else was doing it? Im only on my second run but after reading Eat, Drink, Run I got inspired and signed up for a half marathon but I can’t even run to the end of the street. Any help or pointers would be really appreciated. or anyone also doing the program and want to be my accountability buddy let me know.
Caroline
When is the half?1 -
Hi,
I really enjoy the C25K nhs programme and find the podcasts that accompany it particularly motivating- if you like listening to music when running. It’s good to learn to run with and without music but I find on days when I lack motivation, the podcasts can help spur me on...
Go for it and good luck...
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I’ve never done specifically C25K but I’ve done other running programs. I’ve found it important to be patient and stick to the program. Sometimes, I have a day that I’m feel really awesome and want to go further than I’m scheduled for but it always just seems to mess up the rest of my schedule.
Oh and get good shoes! If you haven’t already find a local running store and they will help you find the best shoe for your feet. It’s super important!
I’m also doing my first half-marathon this year! It’s in September. How far out is yours?
Also, my friend who runs marathons has told me she couldn’t even run 1 mile when she started training for her first half so you can definitely do this! Just takes putting in the time to train 0 -
I'd also ask when your half is. A half is a great goal, but it does take time to train for one. Depending on how much time you have and what your base fitness level is, you may be looking at a run/walk strategy. There's nothing wrong with that--I only ran the first nine miles of my first half, and then walked most of the rest.0
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TavistockToad wrote: »Fightingthefat2019 wrote: »Hi! I’ve just started couch to 5k and wondered if anyone else was doing it? Im only on my second run but after reading Eat, Drink, Run I got inspired and signed up for a half marathon but I can’t even run to the end of the street. Any help or pointers would be really appreciated. or anyone also doing the program and want to be my accountability buddy let me know.
Caroline
When is the half?
It isn't until September because I am so unfit I think it will take me that long to get there. I am determined to do it though!0 -
Running2Fit wrote: »I’ve never done specifically C25K but I’ve done other running programs. I’ve found it important to be patient and stick to the program. Sometimes, I have a day that I’m feel really awesome and want to go further than I’m scheduled for but it always just seems to mess up the rest of my schedule.
Oh and get good shoes! If you haven’t already find a local running store and they will help you find the best shoe for your feet. It’s super important!
I’m also doing my first half-marathon this year! It’s in September. How far out is yours?
Also, my friend who runs marathons has told me she couldn’t even run 1 mile when she started training for her first half so you can definitely do this! Just takes putting in the time to train
Thanks so much I did go and get some at a running shop. They told me my ankles bend in so I have got really supportive ones.
I am in September too! Where is yours? Mine is in Richmond.
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There is pretty active and established group for c25k:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k
I did it three times (I tend to run in spring/summer and stop in fall/winter), always worked
On week 3 now for the upcoming season
Thanks for linking, I will check it out now
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Fightingthefat2019 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Fightingthefat2019 wrote: »Hi! I’ve just started couch to 5k and wondered if anyone else was doing it? Im only on my second run but after reading Eat, Drink, Run I got inspired and signed up for a half marathon but I can’t even run to the end of the street. Any help or pointers would be really appreciated. or anyone also doing the program and want to be my accountability buddy let me know.
Caroline
When is the half?
It isn't until September because I am so unfit I think it will take me that long to get there. I am determined to do it though!
not running to a half marathon in less than 9 months is quite a goal, good luck!
this group is good once you get into your longer runs:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/94-long-distance-runners0 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Fightingthefat2019 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Fightingthefat2019 wrote: »Hi! I’ve just started couch to 5k and wondered if anyone else was doing it? Im only on my second run but after reading Eat, Drink, Run I got inspired and signed up for a half marathon but I can’t even run to the end of the street. Any help or pointers would be really appreciated. or anyone also doing the program and want to be my accountability buddy let me know.
Caroline
When is the half?
It isn't until September because I am so unfit I think it will take me that long to get there. I am determined to do it though!
not running to a half marathon in less than 9 months is quite a goal, good luck!
this group is good once you get into your longer runs:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/94-long-distance-runners
Thank you! Will check it out.
I realise it is optimistic but nothing ventured, nothing gained
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I'm doing C25K right now, I'm on week 3. I'm planning to continue on to the C210K and run a 10K in March. After that I will move into a half marathon training plan and run a half in either June or September (or both). I've done several half marathons and a 25k, but it's been nearly 3 years since I've done more than an 10k. I hadn't been running consistently and decided to start from the beginning. Feel free to add me if you want 1
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I am not doing it "per se" but I'm using their style to mold my cardio workouts at the gym (this week I'm walking 4 minutes, jogging/running 1". 2 days a week I do it for 25 minutes and once a week I do the 5K loop on the treadmill. I'm not signing up for any marathons but I've never even been able to run a mile so I'm working on that Good luck! 1
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Hi Caroline,
First off - Good for you. I've been running for 11 years now. I ran a half marathon early on and injured myself in the training. A lady I work with is running a half marathon in 4 weeks and she too has injured herself to the point she may have to cancel her race. You have to build slow. Increase slowly. You will notice your heart will get stronger faster than your muscles so be careful. You will feel fine right up until that gotcha moment then its over. For myself and the lady I work with it was our exterior IT band. The pain was just outside of the knee cap. Another key point that the older me has realized is cross training and massage/stretching are very important. My knees used to hurt until I realized that any one tight leg muscle will pull your knee out of alignment and thus the pain. Make sure to work you core muscles they will stabilize you and help reduce risk of injury. I study running and have coached several of my friends into running. Feel free to friend me and ask any questions if you want. I'm currently scheduled to run a 5k in April. I'm attempting to run it in 25 minutes or less.
Good luck to you.
Tom3 -
I completed Week 1 run 2 yesterday! Good Luck!0
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@Thewaffle86 how is training going?0
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I started “running” 7 years ago. I was a morbidly obese smoker who needed to lose 100 pounds. I also started with the goal of running a half marathon I could maybe go about 10 seconds before I had to stop and rest before I could walk before I could try again.
Slowly and surely over time, I got a little better and could go a little longer. I enjoyed running, the stress relief, the “Me” time, the food...
Between assorted life circumstances and injuries, it took 4 years before I finally ran a half marathon. I just ran my first full marathon last year.
It is possible. It takes time. It would have taken me less time had i not insisted on trying to do far more than I should have - which was fine - until it wasn’t.
I hope your training is going well and that you’re having fun and enjoy yourself. Above all else-we run because we like it.
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Thewaffle86 wrote: »Hi! I’ve just started couch to 5k and wondered if anyone else was doing it? Im only on my second run but after reading Eat, Drink, Run I got inspired and signed up for a half marathon but I can’t even run to the end of the street. Any help or pointers would be really appreciated. or anyone also doing the program and want to be my accountability buddy let me know.
Caroline
What I don't like about C25K plans are...
1. they are based on time and not distance.
2. they assume that beginning runners should be able to run a 5k in 30 minutes.
If you signed up for a half marathon and want to work your way up to that, then you may want to consider starting with something like this...
https://halhigdon.com/training-programs/5k-training/novice-5k/
then this...
https://halhigdon.com/training-programs/10k-training/novice-10k/
then this...
https://halhigdon.com/training-programs/half-marathon-training/novice-1-half-marathon/
scroll down to see the schedule. You can copy and paste the schedules into a spread sheet and use it to track your progress.
Also, since they are based on distance and running at a conversational pace, it will allow your joints and muscles to better develop without injuring yourself.
The 5k plan is 8 weeks
the 10k plan is 8 weeks
the half marathon plan is 12 weeks
for a total of 28 weeks of training
This should give you more than enough time to train for the half marathon, even if you have to extend the number of weeks in each program.
Just something to think about.0 -
I've done it a few times when I've fallen off the wagon and it is such a great program. I've done both the 5K and 10K programs and every week you will feel motivated and accomplished. I highly recommend it. Enjoy0
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Seven years ago, my 250 pound self did the C25k and the sense of accomplishment was exhilarating. Even with severe low back problems, I was on a mission to finish. Fast forward. I had back fused (C8-T8) in October and I’m pretty much at ground zero for any exercise. My stubby legs have always loved running. The rest of me protests. But instead of pounding the pavement, I plan to do the podcast on my elliptical. My new Altras will serve me well. Hot yoga is also on the menu for core strength and flexibility.1
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I've enjoyed C25K the two times I've done it - it was easy to follow, it brought me to being able to run 5K races (which was the goal), and the structure was simple. For me, the time goal makes it easier to not try and push myself to make mileage if I'm not ready for it. I did look at the Higdon training, but I felt the lack of rest days, for myself the uneducated runner, was too stressful on my body.
Good luck to you, and don't forget to enjoy the journey!1
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