Should I do couch to 5K?

BrunetteRunner87

So I got the couch to 5K app and I'm not sure if I should use it or if it's too easy to do much good.
I'm in pretty decent shape, not the best but decent. Usually I do cardio on the elliptical.

Running is hard for me now (I ran a mile today and it took just under ten minutes, and it was hard!). The thing is I know I can do a 5K now if I want to. I ran one in October (my first in 7 years!) and while it was TORTURE, I was able to do it. I only actually practiced running a couple times, and I only ran for one mile at a time.

So should I still do the couch to 5K even though I know I can do a very painful 5K? If it will make a 5K easier I will do it, but I don't want to go too easy on myself with cardio the next 8 weeks.

Oh also, can you do other cardio on your off days?