Couch to 5k

mama_to_1

has anyone done this program? did it help you become a better runner? i would especially like to know from someone who was not a runner AT ALL and did the program. that is where i am, not a runner AT ALL. i have started the couch to 5k program last week along with my husband (who is also NOT a runner) and we are hoping to up our endurance and confidence and run a 5k this summer together. So, anyone susscessful with c25k?

Cindy311

I'm on week three at the moment and I can see a definite improvement already. Even after I complete that training I run/walk for additional minutes to hit a total 60 minutes of exercise. When I started out I topped out at 4.5 mph (more jogging I guess) now I go for 5.5 or 6 mph!

reddqueen

I've never been a runner. I'm getting ready to begin week 1 as well - I've started the program before, but then quit. Now I've committed to running a 5k in June, so I've got to keep going this time around.

I do have several friends who have gone through the program, and continue to run now that they've completed their initial goal.

JodaNord

I did the C25K started in September, and can now run 10k! Am working towards a half marathon in MAy and take it from someone who swore they would NEVER be a runner, it works. It makes you slowly build endurance and then you get to enjoy it, and set goals for further and longer runs! Stick to it and don't make excuses for skipping a day or a week, and if you need to repeat a week, its okay. I had to repeat two weeks in total, just cause i didn't feel cofident i could move to the next quite yet...

kitsrunner

Hey check out my February Challenge under the Fitness and Exercise board:

"5km Running Challenge"

LesliePierceRN

I was very successful with it.. a year ago I did C25K (in the middle of winter!) and by Spring I was training for a half marathon!! I finished it too, in 2 hours and 30 minutes. I'm a runner for life now! And I was NEVER a runner before. Oh, and did I mention that when I started, I was a size 16 and 38 years old? Now I'm a size 4 and can conquer the world!

happymiche

I'm on week 7 and when I started I was not a runner. I'm amazed at the progress...my breathing is great, my legs feel good, and my endurance improves daily. I'm still 228 pounds, and still can do it, so I'm sure you'll do amazingly! Have fun with it!

BiancaW18

Can someone tell me what the program is?
My boyfriend and I are setting a goal to run a 5k by the end of the year and I can barely run a mile without heaving!!
Any info would be much appreciated!!

Brandicaloriecountess

I just finished.. I have NEVER been a runner. Even in jr high and high school when we had to run, I walked. But I did all 8 weeks and I have still been running after.

Mama_CAEI

I'm on week 2 and hoping to run the 5k in the Ottawa Race Weekend in May!

NightOwl1

I'm on week 3, and so far so good. Everyone I know who's done it has sworn by it.

Can someone tell me what the program is?
My boyfriend and I are setting a goal to run a 5k by the end of the year and I can barely run a mile without heaving!!
Any info would be much appreciated!!

It's a 9 week program intended to take even the most out of shape person and help them be able to run a 5k by the end of the program. Best of all it's free and low tech. You can find out more at www.c25k.com

LuaLiz

I did the couch to 5k challenge back in the winter of 2010 and had great success!!!! i finished the program the end of March 2010, and completed my first 5K race at the beginning of April. it worked so much that i even managed to do a 10K that may!! anyway, i ended up blogging throughout the entire challenge if you're interested: http://laurawillrun.blogspot.com/

ikkle_hellie

I was very successful with it.. a year ago I did C25K (in the middle of winter!) and by Spring I was training for a half marathon!! I finished it too, in 2 hours and 30 minutes. I'm a runner for life now! And I was NEVER a runner before. Oh, and did I mention that when I started, I was a size 16 and 38 years old? Now I'm a size 4 and can conquer the world!

Thats just what I need to hear!!!! I started 3 weeks ago - and my aim is the Great North Run in September. I am also a size 16... I hope I'm as sucessful as you - well done!!!

As mentioned above, I did week 1 twice, and will be definately doing week 2 twice... I guess you just need to know your limits!

jesseBYAH

I started out as NOT a runner at all. I completed week 4, day 2 yesterday. It was tough but I did it! And it was better than week 4, day 1. I get better every time I run. Some pointers:

- Watch your form. Watch youtube videos about running form and try not to land on your heel. This will prevent your knees from getting hurt.

- Get some shoes that you feel comfortable in.

- Start slow, don't push yourself. Rest days are very important!

Good luck to you! I am starting to like running. I hated it at first. I am running a 1/2 marathon in July so I have about 6 more months to train. Sounds a little impossible but I started this to push myself, and it has helped a lot! I hope you enjoy it!

Jenn728

I am NOT a runner! But I am trying. I am on week 2 right now. I am improving with each time I run.

Best of luck!

MADDIESMOMMY6611

I just started it today and I'm trying to think of other exercises that will help me lose weight along with this. From what I've heard/read it doesn't make you drop a lot of weight.

stacymhanbury

I am on day 3 of week 1 and was wondering if the best results come from using a treadmill or doing this outside (weather permitting).

And I am NOT a runner!!!!!

fasttrack27

Yes, yes, and yes. It works. While I would classify myself as being in better than average shape overall, I've never been a runner. Committed myself to doing the program and now I can run a 5k. In fact I'm now running 2 miles just as a warm-up to my usual workout routine. Would have never imagined that just a few months ago!

fasttrack27

I just started it today and I'm trying to think of other exercises that will help me lose weight along with this. From what I've heard/read it doesn't make you drop a lot of weight.

I would disagree. You should burn a LOT of calories doing this! My HR was 150's-160's while running which is higher than I usually get in a spin class or most other exercise (and I workout 6X/week)

Sadiejane00

Excellent program. I am on week 4 workout 2. It is getting easier, but this is a big week-because friday I am suppoed to do 20 minutes. It builds you up slowly and things get easier. Just don't skip any workouts. You'll do great!

hdtoolgirl

I was never a runner in all my life and started the C25K last spring using the iphone app. After 8 weeks of training, 3-4 days a week I was able to finish a 5K. I finished in 45 minutes.. Did I have to walk some of it, absolutely, but I finished it and by the middle of summer I was down to a 34minute 5K.. It works if you really dedicate yourself to it.. It will slowly build your endurance up. I'm starting all over again for a 5K in 8 weeks.

shiseido_faerie

Awesome. Totally want to try this once the ice is gone. In the mean time I guess I'll stick to 30ds etc inside where I'm less likely to land on my butt!

hdtoolgirl

I am on day 3 of week 1 and was wondering if the best results come from using a treadmill or doing this outside (weather permitting).

And I am NOT a runner!!!!!

I found that I liked outside better because your body can set it's own speed versus on a treadmill where you are expected to keep up to whatever setting you are on.. I also think you get better oxygen input from outisde where youa re actually have air pushed in your lungs versus having to suck it in..

I would choose running in the rain or cold over running on a treadmill.

meanness67

I completed the program last year but only "running" at 4.0 on the treadmill. I started over at week 1 this year and am now in week 3 of the program, running at the recommended speed (5 or 6 depending on the workout) and my walking speed went from 3 to 3.5. You will definitely see improvements. When I first did the program last year I had trouble running for 60 seconds; by the end I was easily able to run for the whole 30 minutes.

scapez

I was not, in any way, shape, or form a runner (and I was only months in as a regular exerciser) when I started C25K last summer. Though I have YET to complete the program completely (I'm on Week 9) I've done 1 trail run and 2 'regular' 5k's. The latter two were all running, no walking.

Be warned though...it's addicting. :flowerforyou:

meanness67

I am on day 3 of week 1 and was wondering if the best results come from using a treadmill or doing this outside (weather permitting).

And I am NOT a runner!!!!!

I use a treadmill so that I can see the time and distance. I know running outside is more difficult and will transition to outdoors once I complete the program in early March. A couple of tips: stretch before and after, treadmill incline on 1, go at your own speed (you can always build speed later), when you're mind is telling you you can't do it, don't listen...you CAN!

Primalgal

Great program! I just "graduated" on Sunday January 15. I'm soon to be 52 years old and was a good 50 lbs overweight when I started. I'm slowly losing weight(more due to diet than anything) and am so proud to have finished the C25k program!

I'm very slow and when I run for 30 minutes, I only cover about 2.5 miles. On Sunday, I ran the 30 min. to complete the program and then walked a bit and then alternated walking/running to finish the 5k distance. My time 39:06. I was over the moon to do a 5k in under 40 minutes! My previous 5k times were always 41-42 minutes.

When you are doing the plan and you feel like you just can't keep going on one of the run segments, SLOW DOWN! Speed will come later. Good luck & enjoy!

Lori

Heaven71

I printed it but never really stuck to it. I ran and walked at intervals that were comfortable for me for a good while then started walking hard at 3.5 on inclines until I could handle an incline 10 for an hour. All of a sudden I ran 4 miles then 2 days later 7 miles. I had a mild setback with pain in my back but found that stretching well fixed it so I am back to running and trying to increase speed and endurance. I have NEVER been a runner nor wanted to be. It just fell in my lap LOL.

Enjoy and have fun, thats what's important.

dsak

Love C25K! I first did it on the treadmill and completed the program. I was able to run 30-40 minutes at 5.5mph without stopping. Then when the weather cooled down, I tried to run outside... Big difference between treadmill vs. outside (for me anyway). So... I started the program again (beginning in week 5). The week after I finished, I ran my first 5K... Completed it in 34:55 without walking. I also just ran in my 2nd 5K and completed it in 31:50!!!

I was NEVER a runner... and now I enjoy it. It's still hard, but as I progress with getting faster and running farther (my last 3 runs have been 4 miles) it keeps getting more enjoyable!!!