Couch to 5k Plan? Anyone done it?

ALHicks

I am currently doing it right now and if you have a smart phone there is an app to it that I love. it cost me about $3.00 but the nice thing about it is that it plays my playlist from my downloaded songs and then interrupts my music by saying "jog now" or "walk now". I love it and I am finding every day I am running a little easier and I am gaining more confidence. My first 5k is in March so I am hoping to run the whole thing.

ALHicks

The app on Blackberry is called "Couck 2 5K"

moran1917

I am on week 4 of c25k. It has been really good so far. The intervals make it easy to run cause you only have to do it for a little bit with small increases each week. This week (week 4) is when the pain wasn't as much as my body became adjusted to it. I have been writing a blog about going through c25k if you would like you can read about my experiences there.

Poohsta0

Six weeks into it and I LOVE it. Structured enough to train, loose enough to let you push harder if you want.

Corryn78

It is a great plan to help with beginner running (I am still a beginner as well). My bit of advice from experience is go AS SLOW as you need to during each running segment. If you try going fast, you will burn out early and not be able to complete each segment, and that is a let down. I have "ran" as slow as 3.8 mph just to keep my heart rate down. GOOD LUCK!!

bdaves

I started with it this past July and completed a 1/2 marathon last weekend. The whole experience was one of the best things I have done for myself both mentally and physically!

lukeout007

I am on week 4 of c25k. It has been really good so far. The intervals make it easy to run cause you only have to do it for a little bit with small increases each week. This week (week 4) is when the pain wasn't as much as my body became adjusted to it. I have been writing a blog about going through c25k if you would like you can read about my experiences there.

That would be fantastic. Can you send me the link?

momaureen

Couch to 5K is a great program; I just started day one today. Try to do it as planned and not push ahead, in order to prevent injuries and burnout. Also, if you can't keep up, just stay with each stage as long as needed before you move on. For me starting is always the hardest. Good luck.

kimray75

I am currently doing it. I'm on week three day three. This is actually my second time around doing the program. It's great.

Lindseysund8

Im doing it now. But one thing id like to point out is that you dont need to be scared to repeat weeks or pause even. I took about 3 weeks off after week 2 and ran 5 minutes today! So just stick with it but go at your own pace. Its really great for endurance. Good luck!

bdaves

It is a great plan to help with beginner running (I am still a beginner as well). My bit of advice from experience is go AS SLOW as you need to during each running segment. If you try going fast, you will burn out early and not be able to complete each segment, and that is a let down. I have "ran" as slow as 3.8 mph just to keep my heart rate down. GOOD LUCK!!

Absolutely! Also don't be afraid to repeat certain weeks over if you need to. Instead of 9 weeks I think it took me 12.

waterwing

It's awesome! I finished it in December and have now started the 10K one.. Good times!

amysj303

I did it! I found that I had to repeat week 7 a couple of times but then when I got past that, it was fine.
I downloaded a podcast, DJ Beatsmith, and they did techno music and a chime when you were to switch back and forth. I like techno so it was good, but I think there are programs that let you listen to your own music and notify you when to switch from walk to run and back.
After couch to 5k, I did gateway to 8k and then I started a half marathon training plan before I realized I really don't like running that long! 5k is just right:)

xoTLCxo

I am currently on week 2

tecallahan

I am on week 2 also -- can't say I love it yet - I am so not a runner. but I will keep going and see if it helps me.

TheMrsFitnessGeek

I was never a runner but now I am! Thanks C25K

maryjay51

last year in march i ran a 8k and then this past thanksgiving i did a 5k.. never really trained for it specifically though .. was middle of the road relative to others my age so i thought i did pretty good ..now im training to beat my time from last year because i got the fever to run in them things ..good luck with your goals!!

Calvinator24

Started C25K in March 2010. Ran a 5K in May 2010. Did a 20K in September 2010, Half Marathon in November 2010, and a full Marathon in December 2011. Repeated that calendar this year as well as another 5K in February.

When I started, I weighed 257 pounds. Wasn't even aware of MFP until September 2011. Lost 20 pounds during marathon training in 2010 but gained 13 of that back between December and June 2011. Now, with running and MFP, I am down almost 40 pounds.

Paxnyokes

Nothing to lose but weight. Did the program a couple of years ago and still run. My last race was the Thanksgiving 8K turkey trot. My only problem is that, I'm still a slow runner but I can go the distance.

janet_pratt

I went from being a complete non runner when I started it on October 1 and couldn't even run a quarter mile without stopping, to running my first 5K on October 30, nonstop. I love it. I think it works great.