Anyone here complete the C25K program and kept running?

lillypad13

I re-started watching my calories 3 weeks ago- I've been on 1200 to 1400 calories a day for 3 weeks and just started the C25K yesterday. I know a lot of people start and never finish, I can truly understand as I did a C210K program 3 years ago and quit on week 11 of 13. I am newly committed but I'm interested in hearing from people that kept at it and would appreciate any encouragement. Thank you

SingRunTing

I did!

However, just a note that the C25k program didn't actually get me to 5K. I did it based on the times and it assumes you run a 10 minute mile (which I don't). When I finished C25K, I found another training program online (see Hal Higdon) for 5ks and started it at about the halfway point of the plan because it was at the distances that I was running. I finished that program to get me to the 5k distance.

Now, I'm doing the C210k program (started where the C25k ended) and am running about 3.5 to 4 miles each time. I'm sure I'll find another plan after that. I'm thinking of redoing C25k with jogging/running instead of walking/jogging, or maybe do that with the Zombies Run! program to improve my speed. I don't know, I'll figure it out when I get there.

TL/DR: I finished it and kept running. Finding other programs to do kept me going when I finished.

ETA: I did my first 5k last weekend! See my profile pic!

lillypad13

Thank you so much!!!

lemurcatta85

I did! Well, kind of. I never ran before, started C25K, realized before the end I could run a 5k without stopping no problem, and stopped using it and just kept running. Now I run about 20-35 miles per week and have done maybe 20 5Ks, a couple 10ks, and a couple half marathons. There are still days when I don't feel motivated to run - sometimes whole weeks...and I either go anyway and remember how I feel afterwards, or switch up my activities for a little bit.

Cardio4Cupcakes

Same as above, I used it as a starting tool but found I performed better after ditching it around week 4.

AmyRhubarb

Me! :bigsmile:

I started c25k about two and a half years ago, completed it, and I'm still running. I still go out three days a week, and I still do a warm up and cool down walk with each run. My distance and pace have increased over time, I run several 5k races each year, and did a 10k race this spring.

Once I got through the program, I used apps like Runkeeper and Nike+ (still do) to track my distance and pace, and enjoy Nike's motivational milestones and trophies they give you in-app.

Brinray

I finished it, and then kept right on running for a few months but found that i missed the little voice telling me to keep going and such. I am now re-doing C25K at a faster pace than my first go-around.

LessHeavyVeggie

Yes me!

I finished it two weeks ago and am still running 3 times a week. Like someone said above, I just used the timings so I wasn't actually running a full 5k at the end of the programme. I've now worked out a 5k route and am working at improving my time on that. I still have to take a few walking breaks, and sometimes end up walking the last stretch, but I'm getting better and hoping to get it down to 30mins (and then try and beat that eventually!)

I now use runkeeper and have set it up to give me voice updates every 1/2 km to keep me going.

mancgolfer

Yep, I used the C210K program over a period of 17-18 weeks. I just ticked off the ones I completed. If I couldn't complete I'd try again on my next session. I now run one 10K per week, and 7-8K 2 or 3 times a week. Just keep on plugging away, my mentality was I haven't spent 30 minutes (or whatever it was) not to tick the session off, keeps you pushing on.

Kickinkim418

Me!

I completed the C25k program almost 3 years ago. Then I went on to complete a Bridge to 10k program. Then I went on to run a few half marathons! I love running!!!!

amandzor

I started it about 7 weeks ago at 250 lbs and having never really run before. The first day, I could barely make it that full minute jog.

I'm now at Week 5; Day 2 and can run ~13 mins without stopping. (Day 3 is a 20 min jog I can't quite manage yet. )

I've completed a few 5Ks, and definitely plan on continuing to run after I finish, as often as possible. I'd like to plan a 5K for every or every-other month.

dougii

I completed C25K in about 5 weeks and have been running every since. I run between 3 to 5 days a week and try to average around 25 miles each week. I just began my 3rd year of running and even though I missed about 6 months during the first two years to injury I am just about to reach the 1400 mile mark. For someone that had not run since high school I consider this to be one of my major lifestyle change accomplishments. Running is now my favorite form of exercise! Run strong!

veganbettie

I did!

I've tried it probably a good 3 times before and never got passed the running for 5 minutes straight. For some reason this last time I just kept with it. Now I can run probably 5 miles without walking....which is good especially considering i never even ran a complete mile in school.....

I'm still running at least 3 times a week, no races yet, but i'm training for a Spartan in December....rather i'm supposed to be training, but all i've done so far is run...

katapple

I did the couch 2 5k 5 years ago and haven't stop running since. I've completed numerous 5ks and 10ks, 2 sprint tris, 1 marathon, and currently training for half marathon #9. Don't give up, running is now my easy exercise...the one that relaxes me and makes me happy. The one I always turn to when I don't want to do anything else. Hopefully one day it will be like that for you!

MeanderingMammal

I started using C25K podcasts as an adjunct to losing weight, fairly quickly realised that what was more important to me was improving my running performance and the weight would come off anyway.

I'm currently half way through a half marathon training cycle.

lillypad13

You guys are all such great inspiration! From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I will keep keeping on!!!

brower47

I started it in April and finished it on schedule. I am continuing to run and am up to 6 miles on long weekend runs and 3-4 miles on the other two. I'll run my first race in September.

madimurrell12

2 years ago I did the c25k, fast forward to now where I run 35-40 miles a week, can comfortably run 15 miles and I actually cannot remember the last time that I 'only' ran 5k.

twinkfran

I've just started (week 3) but this is very motivating....thanks

CTcutie

Me, too! Finished a year ago and still run, usually 2-3 miles at a time, but I hope to get to 5 miles at some point when I have more time to spend on exercise than right now. I NEVER thought I would finish it or get to this point, so I am a HUGE supporter!!

becka63

Yep. Even though I've had running breaks of several months, I like to go back and start it again, especially when I feel I'm starting from a fairly unfit base!

I did it initially and then went straight on to the c210k programme. I ran a 10k and carried on running with other apps (mapmyrun, Runkeeper) until I got to about 7.5 miles. Then life got too busy. I'm now on wk2 of hal higdon's 1/2 marathon novice 1 training. It starts with a 3 mile run!

Out of interest, why do you think you stopped so far in?

lillypad13

Hi Becka, it's a bit embarrassing to confess but here goes. I am 48 yrs. old and delivered 4 babies many moons ago. The last run I did was in my community's gym, it was a 25 minute run, 1 minute walk and 25 minute run. I was so elated I had finished I did not notice my pants were wet all the way to my socks until I fully cooled down. During my run I could see people looking at me and a lady even tried to motion to me but I was determined to stay focused and when I noticed I was too embarrassed to go back. The problem has since been resolved and I have my own NordicTrack now and an additional 35 pounds. I hope that wasn't too graphic. I do thank you all for sharing your commitment stories, I really love reading them and I'm inspired by them, thank you!

Kelven23

I did, ran for a few years after did a few 10ks and a 10 miler, got injured took a few years off, and started over. I did a race a few weeks ago, and have a race Sunday, hoping to stay injury free.

SofaKingRad_II

I enjoyed it so much I stopped running when I was done, just so I can start from scratch and do it all over again! IT WAS FUN!

(this really didn't happen)

VitaminAmy

I haven't started C25K yet... all of these stories are inspirational, thanks for sharing!

Is this possible on a treadmill or is it time to venture outside?

SinCityFit

I started running from 30 seconds at most on January 2010 and have done a marathon, 2 half marathons, a full Ironman, 2 Half Ironmans, a bunch of Sprint and Olympic triathlons, and I have Disney Dopey in January (5K Thursday, 10K Friday, half marathon Saturday, full marathon Sunday). Those 30 seconds when I started where the longest and most difficult of my life. It works!

RinnyLush

I did it! I ran my first 5K in March, and have never been happier. I run 5 times a week now - it makes me feel fit, focused, and alive.

I am currently training for a 10k in August, half marathon in October, and *hopefully* a full marathon next summer. C25K made me fall in love with running!

(Also, I won my weight in beer at my first 5K race. That was definitely the universe encouraging me to keep running! :drinker: )

TheLongRunner

Me! I started with c25k in spring of 2012 and built up from there. I did my first half marathon in Fall of 2012, 2 full marathons in 2013, and one in 2014. Now I am slightly injured ???? but planning on starting ultramarathon training ASAP.

parkerpowerlift

When I used to have a gym membership in 2013, I had attempted to do C25k on a treadmill, as well as my weight-lifting regime and normal cardio. It was miserable for me on the treadmill and I got bored easily. I have never been a runner before, and I quit before the first week was up.

At the start of June of 2014, I restarted C25k outside. Definitely better to go outside for myself! I have lost 6 pounds from running and 8 from clean eating!

lillypad13

I am doing it on a Treadmill. It is really hot outside and I won't try it jogging outside until late October. I am hoping to be able to run my first 5K in January.

MeanderingMammal

When I used to have a gym membership in 2013, I had attempted to do C25k on a treadmill, as well as my weight-lifting regime and normal cardio.

Hamster wheels inside aren't what any right thinking individual would describe as normal