Couch to 5K - Haven't run in 2 years!

KellieNause

I used to play soccer. Actually, I used to live, breathe, eat, and sleep soccer. I played from the time I was 4 (pee-wee program at the Y) years old until I was 16, when I stopped playing to get a job and buy a car.

I packed on quite a bit of weight as a result of not changing my eating to accommodate my lack of exercise. At 120 pounds, running for an hour and a half every day, I was eating around 1,800-2,000 calories a day.

I pulled a 5k to Couch, and went from 120 to 167 in about two years. So far, I'm down to 157 but I miss running SO much.

Sooo the reason for this post. I want to begin a couch to 5K program, because running brought me so much joy, but I know that if I pick up where I left off 2 years ago I'll just get injured.

Have any of you started a couch to 5k program after not running for a while? If so, which program do you think is best (google search rendered about 500 different programs, eak!)

msiamjan

I am in week 7 of C25k and it seems like a good approach. I have never successfully run before. I just downloaded a program onto my phone--not sure which one it is; but I think they're all similar. I still am not liking running, but I'm able to go further than ever in my life, and I haven't gotten shin splints, which is what has happened when I've tried on my own. Good luck.

tageekly

Congrats on getting moving again! I am about to start week 9 of Couch to 5K. Use this plan: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml. I am actually doing mine on the treadmill and using this plan: http://www.c25k.com/c25k_treadmill.html. There's an app as well that you might find helpful.

For support and more ideas, join this group on MFP: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k.

Very important, and surely you know this, is a warm up and cool down with stretches.

Good luck!

CaptainGordo

Great decision!

I would suggest joining the C25K group here on MFP: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

There, you will find helpful threads, including...

What is C25K? http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/389769-what-is-c25k
Podcast and App Reviews: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/387466-podcast-and-app-reviews
Tips & Tricks: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/398883-tips-tricks

My best advice to give is to take it at your own pace, and not go too quickly as you begin. Don't run on the rest days -- find something else to do for a workout, however good you feel.

Best wishes! :drinker:

Jaytee79

I just completed a C25K- and I was as much of a non-runner that anyone could ever be when starting! I think it would be a great way to ease yourself back into running.

I had used a free app on my iphone called Get Running, but I think any of them will work as long as they slowly ease you back in. Good luck!

LorinaLynn

I used C25k after not running in... pretty much forever. :laugh: I ran when I was forced to in phys ed, more than 20 years ago, and never more for a mile and a half.

I did the treadmill version on c25k.com. I'm now doing a 5k in under 25 minutes.

jesilva80

Im just starting to use the couch to 5k app for ipod touch, I have been great with it, and I have never been a runner. I am doing a 10 k March 31st., so i figured this would help me out..

BobbyDaniel

I did the Cool Running C25K last year after not really running much at all prior to that. I ran sprints when I played high school football because I had to and may have worked my way up to about a mile a time or two in recent years only to stop after that. Now I'm up to a half marathon and working on a full. I would recommend starting from the beginning, or week 2 at best...but week 1 might be a better idea. good luck!

hpynh2o

I loved C25K! I'm now on Bridge to 10K I was up to about 20mi/wk, but cut back to do P90X.

Just try to stick with it. The days off in-between runs are essential to your success. You need time to re-coup.

Good luck!

jesilva80

I used C25k after not running in... pretty much forever. :laugh: I ran when I was forced to in phys ed, more than 20 years ago, and never more for a mile and a half.

I did the treadmill version on c25k.com. I'm now doing a 5k in under 25 minutes.

That is fantastic )

lackie09

I stopped running after I quit flag football when I was like 10 or 11 since then I have not run once(im 21)... I started C25K last week and love it! I feel so energized afterwards! I am not sure which one i am doing cuz my friends told me what to do the first week so I just listen to him lol

shydaisi

I have never run before and am 6 weeks into the C25K program. I never thought I would enjoy running, but I actually do!!! I am using Cool Running's schedule for the C25K program. It has worked well for me!

cantobean

I just finished C25k and I loved it! I can now run 3 miles without stopping, no problem. I'm not fast, but I'm getting better.

Chickabittie

I just started the cool running couch to 5K after NEVER running! It always defeated me, but I'm out to defeat IT!!! I'm in my 3rd week, but had to repeat week 2 already. I'm prone to shin splints, and I'm running outside, mostly on a dirt track.

I would highly recommend the itunes podcast of "Chubby Jones". She has 3 different versions of the c25k, and the music is SICK! She's like your own personal trainer, telling you when to walk and run, and your own personal DJ, if you like eclectic alternative/dance/college radio sounding stuff like I do.

Good luck, I hope you find your joy!!

Mary Anne

smilebhappy

bump to read later

each_day_stronger

Cool I was just thinking about trying this:)

ElementalEscapee

O.o WHOA! That sounds exactly like me! Soccer was my life age 4-freshman year of high school...I gained about the same amount of weight too! I also miss running....I should definitely try couch to 5k

moran1917

bump