Couch to 5K

sportsmomof2

So Im thinking of giving this a try. Has anyone had any sucess or know where you can download the podcasts?

SteadyEdina

I'm a regular runner and followed a 5k walk/run program to get me going. Do you have an ipod?

sportsmomof2

Yes, looking to get started this weekend. Im super excited, to get started! : )

CrazyGraciegirl

My mom was talking to me about this program. What's it like? She didn't know much about it except it slowly helps you to run a 5k.

kellyg198

I did the Couch to 5K program in 2010 that I found on coolrunning.com and it worked great. I felt a little silly doing the short intervals at first, but I stuck with it and it really helped me increase my distance and speed. I was an off/on runner and wanted to get back into it without killing myself or getting discouraged. I just used a kitchen timer, stuck with doing the program 3 days/week and had a lot of success with it. I'm starting it again now that I'm getting back into shape after having a baby. Give it a try and Good Luck!

myak623

I struggled with shin splints for years. I followed this program and was able to work through them and now can run without getting them. It's a great program. Don't get frustrated if you don't complete a day. Just go at your own pace.

DCUMM

I'm in week 2, after doing 3 months of cardio tapes to get started. It was a lot harder than I thought, but well worth it! You feel great after you complete each task. I started because one of my fitnesspal friends had done it and is now running all kinds of races and has dropped 70 pounds. She started with just a short, slow walk. The most important thing though...get the right shoes! If you don't, everything will hurt and you'll give up before you get started.

EricMurano

I did the time based C25K using the Get Running app on my iPhone. I went from not being able to run for even a minute to running 7.5k non stop.

Eleisabelle

Coolrunning.com has the best program in my opinion... http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

LisaJ2904

I'm running now, 25 mins today jog/run after a month from nothing so very happy today xx

Fit4Evolution

follow the guidelines and you will rock it!

Prettylittlelotus

My mom was talking to me about this program. What's it like? She didn't know much about it except it slowly helps you to run a 5k.

It's a running program that starts off with short intervals of running followed by walking. It increases as you go and supposedly by the end you should be able to run a 5k without stopping.

I just started it yesterday!

sportsmomof2

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement..you guys rule! I will let you know how it goes!

icemaiden17_uk

You can also go to www.nhs.uk and search couch to 5k where you will find loads of info and podcasts!

I love C25K! I have restarted it at a faster speed now and I am booking it!! Lol!!

wally1uk

Yep!! It's awesome!! I have never run for 28 minutes straight before...and I'm doing it on week 8 now and it's getting easier all the time.

Just follow the programme, get some decent running shoes and decent socks to help deal with the inevitable shin splints and soon you'll be pounding the K's out (seriously, the first two weeks I was using crappy trainers and the pain in my legs was terrible. New running shoes for £35 and problems instantly cured).

Oh...and get outside doing it...it's so much more fun than pounding away on the treadmill. Plus you can track yourself using your smartphone's GPS and an app like mapmyrun for added fun and incentive!!

Just so you know, I'm 36 and was over 280lbs when I started...now still 220 and going down. I hope to enter my first 5K race in a month or so

It works for me...it can work for anyone!! C25K has helped my do something that I NEVER thought I would do. I love it!!

sportsmomof2

Thank you so much for your comments. Any suggestions on a good running shoe??

mrshoneybear1014

c25kfree.com if you look up c25k in the app store the app will come up (assuming you have an ipod or iphone and since you said podcast i am assuming)

I am in the middle of week 7. I used to be able to run 10-15 seconds at a time at first and today I ran 1.85 miles straight! I am still really slow, but the program is meant to increase your stamina and once you graduate then you can work on pace. Oh, and I weight 296 and started the program at 312. NO EXCUSES!!!!!!!

mrshoneybear1014

My shoe is woman's stride by Sketchers at an affordable $55 which I got halfprice because I went to the outlet and it was buy one shoe get one half off

http://www.skechers.com/style/11635/stride/bkhp


It shows up bigger if you go to the website.

I LOVE these shoes! I often have problems with width, arch, blisters, etc. but these shoes fit perfectly!!!!! Highly recommend.

kandyjo

You'll love it!!!!!!


I actually use the C25K app and my own playlist on my phone... I just run them together.... Works great that way... I'm listening the music I love and normally workout to and the C25K app gives me my running/walking cues....

Good luck!!!! :drinker:

wenderbell

I completely agree that Cool Running has a great program. I'll be finishing week 7 tomorrow. It is well paced and easy to follow.

But the biggest piece of success is your shoes. I started running a couple years ago and ended up fracturing both my shins. I was running with my regular tennis shoes. I suggest looking up a running store in your area that will do a full fitting for your running shoes. They can watch you run barefoot and put you in a shoe that addresses any issues you have. You will not believe the difference. Shelling out a little $$ on the front end for a good pair of shoes is way less expensive (and painful) than MRIs/X-rays after you've injured yourself!

madamepsychosis

It's a great program! I followed it and now I can run 5k and am trying to run even further. I'm entering my first 5k race in July and before Couch to 5K, I could barely run a minute without gasping for air.