Couch to 5K

Ally1104

I am NOT a runner but recently heard about this program....it is a very basic plan to get couch potatoes up and running in 9 weeks.... I'm just curious if anyone on MFP has tried this and what the results were? I'd love to run- I need a new stress relief since I am no longer a smoker. Here is the website I was going to use:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml'

Please let me know if anyone out there has completed this program or is in the process of completing it!!

Dabbles

Lots of people here are doing it, or have done it. I have done it and it rocks Still running today because of it!

igora_soma

I totally understand you! I thought I'd NEVER be a runner, but here I am at week 7 running for 25+ minutes three times a week

I just use an app on my android, but a lot of the programs offered online or on phones are great.

Definitely try it out! Make sure to do at least 2 weeks, it is hard at first, but it works! It's also ok to repeat weeks

sgv0918

I'm going to start this week. People at my work love it!

_Johanna_

I plan to start next week! I am so excited about it! I have never in my life been able to run a full mile! I'm going to do it this time, I just know it!

mlemonroe2

i started at about 205 and can now run 3 miles in 48 minutes and i'm 190. took me about 8 weeks! love it!

amymeenieminymo

I've started it but gave up, however my mistake was trying to run outside....I am NOT an outside runner. The pavement is too hard on my joints, and of course wind resistance and slight inclines make you work a lot harder.

I would like to start it again, except on a treadmill, however I am having difficulty downloading the podcasts to my ipod. Once I can figure out how to do that (I've done it before, not sure what's wrong) I will be starting it again.

My best advice, if you finish a week and find you're not ready to move on to the next week, repeat the week again. No harm in it! Good luck!

PS congrats on quitting smoking too. I was mostly a social smoker, but I have not had one since April 29th.

500lbs2marathon

i used c25k when I first started to run about a year ago. Its a great program, dont be afraid to repeat weeks if you dont feel you are ready to advance!

Also, do yourself a favor and go to a running store and get properly fitted for shoes!

dagreen419

I started it August 2010 for December 5k. I got commited to the program and did the team runs and lots of runs on my own. I finished my first 5k in 36:20. Not fast, but finished. That motivated me to get better and stronger so I continued to run and joined a gym for lower body workouts. Since finishing the first 5k, I have completed 4 - 5k's, 1 -10k and 2 Half Marathons. I contribute running to be responsible for the majority of my weight loss.

One piece of advice, get fitted for good running shoes. Just going out in anything from Foot Locker will not work. Your knees and legs will hurt and adventually you will get discouraged. I recommend a place call Fleet Feet Sports, they have a website and locations across the US. The price I paid for running shoes there was probably 10% higher than in a regular store, but they were custom fitted and felt great. I am actually on my 3rd pair of shoes now...

svgarcia

Been hearing great reviews about it. Finally downloaded an app on my Android and Monday was my 1st day. That 1 min of run (my jog) seemed forever...

Seanb_us

I'm on week 2 day 2. Not loving the running, quite honestly, but hopefully that will come with time. Importantly, I went to a running store and got fitted for running shoes before starting -- I think the right shoes are a really good idea. Anyway, I am nervous about the upcoming weeks. Oh, and am doing it on a treadmill. After I finish, I hope to be brave enough to run outside .

Cheers,

Sean

jillybeanruns

I finished it last April after coming off from years of foot/ankle/knee injuries. Have run 27 races since, including a half marathon and am currently training for my first marathon! It's a great program and it has me addicted (no question) to running!

lilieslosinit

I'm following this program right now I'm on week 3. I find it challenging, but not impossible. Give it a shot!

PeachyKeene

C25k is my Hero! I love it! I finished the program and the next week I ran 6 miles straight, very slowly, but 6 miles. I downloaded great podicast on my MP3 player from www.c25k.com, scroll down to podicast and I think it was the second one I used. They have a different one for each week. The podicast tell you when to run and when to walk, you never have to look at your watch. Just focus on your stride and breathing.

maureensm

I'm a graduate! It totally works! Just take your time, and keep at it. I've been running now for 4 years from when I first started doing the C25K and have since completed two marathons .

outersoul

I finished it in May and have three 5Ks under my belt now. Like everyone has said...get properly fitted for running shoes at a RUNNING store.

_gwen

...http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Thanks for sharing. I've seen the C25K reference but didn't know anything else about it until I checked out the URL.

...do yourself a favor and go to a running store and get properly fitted for shoes!

Thanks for the reminder, it *IS* time for a new pair of running/walking shoes.

nicolegetsfit

I'm on Week 2 Day 2, and I love it so far. I can already feel my running improve, and I'm getting back into the groove of it (I used to run, but I stopped for awhile). I would definitely give it a go!

dustyhockeymom

I just finished my first day. I bought an app for my iphone which let me load my own music in and then it just chimes in and tells you when to switch between walking and running. I do need better shoes, so I am going to take care of that this weekend and I probably need to learn proper form. But I was able to do it and it wasn't as bad as I thought.

dyiaane

I'm on week 7 day 2. I am now able to run 25 minutes without stopping. It is awesome!!!

springgrl

I finished the program and I loved it. Run slower than you think you should for longer than you think you can. Good luck!