Couch to 5k

JBennis1013

Ok...So I see all these posts about couch to 5k. Can someone please explain to me how it works exactly?

Thanks

Bubs05

It's a 9 week running plan designed to take you from a non-runner to being able to run a 5K.
Here is the web site:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
Depending on what technology you use (if any) there are a vast amount of podcasts, smart phone apps, etc to help you when you are actually out running.

irisannRN

I started this last night. I am definitely not a runner and am pretty out of shape and I was able to do day 1 of week 1 with ease. I downloaded the Android app and it helps out a ton. It beeps to let you know when to switch from walking to running.

5891ben

Do it, you won't regret it. My entire 68 lb loss is down to the program. Now running 5k three times a week. It's gradual for first few weeks then gets a bit harder... But stick with it! All you need is a stopwatch! Though the fancy apps do make it easier.

amyhoss

I started to do this with my iPhone app before I found out I was pregnant. I think I got to week 2; it did start to get hard for me to do, but I was just going to repeat the second week until it was not so hard. I want to start it up again now that I have had my baby, but I am a little nervous with my c-section incision. It's been 9 1/2 weeks since I had my baby, but I still feel a little sore when I jog.

mamakathy

I just started it myself. I'm on week 2 day 3. I can't wait to be able to run a 5K.

AlisonMacKay

I JUST finished w1d1. it felt great. I can't wait to run a 5k it will be a huge accomplishment!

justleeanne

I'm about to do week 3, I'm scared!!!

Bubs05

Also, keep in mind, just because it is a 9 week program doesn't mean you have to do it in 9 weeks. If you struggle with a week, repeat it. In the end it's about improving your health, not whether you finished in the 9 weeks.

I'm on Week 6 and if you would have asked me in Week 1 I would have said 'I'm never going to be able to do Week 6'. Now I look at the Week 6 plan and say 'bring it'.

One huge suggestion...go to a running store and get fit for a pair of running shoes. It makes a world of difference. Not all shoes are made for all people. I used to have problems with blisters and heel pain. I went and got fitted for shoes and have not had a blister or pain in my foot since.

b00b0084

Yesterday I started it and did week 1 day 1. I DLed the app on my blackberry, I am also a smoker (bad I know) and I was able to do this without feeling ilke my lungs were going to ignite! It is amazing how great I felt (a non runner) when I finished day 1. I was tired the rest of the day, but felt amazing after the workout. I plan to run a marathon next spring and I know this is going to help me get ready for that!

LorinaLynn

I "graduated" in February. It's awesome!!!!

I'm 38 years old and have never, ever run in my life. The longest I ever ran was at most a half mile in high school. When I started C25K in late December, running one minute at 5mph was exhausting! But I stuck with it and after I was able to jog 5k, I started working on getting a little faster.

My first race was on March 20th. By then, I was comfortable jogging at 5.5mph. That race was a long one 4.5 miles, and I wasn't ready to run the whole distance, especially since I wasn't used to running outside in the cold and with hills. So I had to take walk breaks, but I still finished in 46:35... averaging about 5.8 mph! Even with walking, I was faster than my normal jogging pace!

A week later, I did my first 5k, and was happy to jog the whole distance without stopping. I finished absolutely thrilled with my time of 29:42!

On Sunday, I did my 3rd race, my 2nd 5k. I woke up late and didn't check the weather before leaving the house. I was underdressed in my shorts and short sleeved UnderArmour tee. It was COLD! And very very windy! And the sun kept hiding behind clouds. And despite that, or maybe because of it (I just wanted to finish and get back in my car!!!!) I finished in a great time for me: 27:56... a 9 minute mile!!!! I can't run that fast on a treadmill. I've tried. But outside, it's easier. Even with wind and hills.

I ended up 24th out of 52 runners, 6th out of 24 women, and 3rd in my age group!

I'm still shocked. I was the least athletic woman on the planet. I hated running. I only started this because I wanted to do a Warrior Dash in June. But now... I've found my groove! I've found something new I'm good at. I've found that I'm capable of damn near anything I set my mind to.

I still can't believe it.

bbb84

I'm on week 3, the first day of week 3 my body hated me the second time around I finished with no problem. I do find that for me it is easier to do it outside than on the TM, I tend to watch the time on the treadmill and think to myself omg, that was only 5 seconds lol.

JBennis1013

I can't wait to start it. I'm just scared to do it because I have plantars fasciitis and nothing helps it. I have custom orthodics, done stretches etc. I know that part of the prob with the plantars fasciitis is that I am overweight. It's just frustrating