Couch to 5K?

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I've been seeing a lot about this both here an on FB. Can anyone tell me what this program is and how to find it? I am not a runner so most marathon training things are way too much for me...
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  • nikkiw283
    nikkiw283 Posts: 90
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    starting it this week myself!
  • phillieschic
    phillieschic Posts: 615
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    Google it.

    You will not regret it.
  • sarahcuddle
    sarahcuddle Posts: 349 Member
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    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

    I got this link from someone on here

    Sarah
  • monyango
    monyango Posts: 166
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    It's a program that is supposed to take you from the couch to running 5K. The one I use can be found on http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml and I really liked it. It was gradual and only needed to run 3x per week. I'm sure you could find other places by just googling it. I also know that there are apps for cell phones too.

    I started the program and just did my first 10k yesterday....you can do it!!
  • Fit_Canuck
    Fit_Canuck Posts: 788 Member
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    Absolutely worth it!!! If you do the program you will not regret it I promise.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
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    I used an app from Zen Labs called C25K Free. It worked great! I'm currently using an app called Jog Log and I love it (cost $1.99) and it has a C25K program built in as well, though I haven't tried that one personally.

    It's a great program. I've never run more than 1/4 of a mile before, even as a kid! And now I can run 3.1...the whole way!
  • PixEm
    PixEm Posts: 190 Member
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    I am doing it with a friend who has 3 children under the age of 3 years old and it is so great. We are on week 3 day 2. We do it before work in the mornings and before all the babies wake up. I would highly recommend it. You can even download the app for your smartphone and it will tell you when to start running and when to walk.
  • cbart2818
    cbart2818 Posts: 188 Member
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    It is a training program to help those who have never ran before, run (jog).

    If you have an iphone - there is a C25k app by Zen Labs (free). I use it, and currently going into Week 4. Before starting I could barely jog for 30secs. Now I am working up to 5min. I have improved so much, so I highly recommend it!!

    If you don't have a smart phone, just google Couch to 5k. Cool Runnings I think is a good one.
  • KyliAnnHobson
    KyliAnnHobson Posts: 551 Member
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    I did Running Mate's version and the podcasts are free on iTunes! They also have an app if you'd like to listen to your own music with just the voice prompts.
  • ell_jay
    ell_jay Posts: 68
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    I subscribed to the podcasts for my Ipod (: They're free and tell you when to run and walk, very good (:

    http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/couch-5K-running-plan.aspx
  • Yogeros
    Yogeros Posts: 19
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    I was reading up on this program as well and found it to be quite motivational. I have never ran any races in my life. After reading what the program entails, I figured I am making it one of my goals to run a 5K. Well, I just signed up for my first 5K run that will be held Sept. 23, 2012! The website is http://www.qcmarathon.org/
    I still can't believe I signed up, LOL! I have a lot of work to do, but I am thrilled to have made it a goal of mine!!
  • ChesKrieg
    ChesKrieg Posts: 24 Member
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    I am 4 weeks in and loving it, this however, made it even better:

    http://www.sonicrunner.com/
  • schwim
    schwim Posts: 65
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  • katharos3
    katharos3 Posts: 154 Member
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    I'm starting it this week! I tried to start last week, but I couldn't get the app to work on my phone. Over the weekend, I got a new app, so I'm doing Day 1 tomorrow. Everyone in my town is all excited about The Slacker Half Marathon (http://slackerhalfmarathon.com/) going on here in a couple weeks, and I really want to be able to run in it next summer!
  • doulanik
    doulanik Posts: 84
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    I have an android, not an iphone, so I can't use Iphone apps. Are there similar apps for the android smartphones? I do have an Ipod, but (and I'm ashamed to even admit this) I don't know how to use it. LOL. I mean, I can play the music in my playlists, but I don't know how to download podcasts and such.

    I'm so new to all this that it's ridiculous.

    Also, can you do C25K when you are on workout restrictions? Due to medical treatment, I am only supposed to do 90 min of cardio per week (3, 30 min workouts). I may have to wait until I'm done with my treatment to start this program. There is a mini marathon in October that my friend wants me to do with her, but 13 miles makes me die a little inside. LOL.

    I have never run in my life. Up until 2 weeks ago the only running I ever intended to do was if someone was chasing me...and that someone had better be carrying a chainsaw.
  • jetabear10
    jetabear10 Posts: 375 Member
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    The program is geared to build you up from not running at all to running 5K at the end of the program.

    When I started, I couldn't run 60 seconds without wanting to drop but now I easily run 30mins or longer (when I have time)

    I have also watched as the inches are melting away!

    Double bonus.

    Great program esp. for weight loss!
  • katharos3
    katharos3 Posts: 154 Member
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    I have an android, not an iphone, so I can't use Iphone apps. Are there similar apps for the android smartphones? I do have an Ipod, but (and I'm ashamed to even admit this) I don't know how to use it. LOL. I mean, I can play the music in my playlists, but I don't know how to download podcasts and such.

    I'm so new to all this that it's ridiculous.

    Also, can you do C25K when you are on workout restrictions? Due to medical treatment, I am only supposed to do 90 min of cardio per week (3, 30 min workouts). I may have to wait until I'm done with my treatment to start this program. There is a mini marathon in October that my friend wants me to do with her, but 13 miles makes me die a little inside. LOL.

    I have never run in my life. Up until 2 weeks ago the only running I ever intended to do was if someone was chasing me...and that someone had better be carrying a chainsaw.

    I have an android also, and the app I got is called C25K Pro. There is a free version also from the same guy, but the pro version was like $1.60 so I just went with that to get all the features. The program has you alternating walking and jogging, and it's around 30 minutes 3 times a week. If you have a medical condition that would be affected by cardio, then definitely talk to your dr. first.

    I always felt the same way as you about running. I was that girl in high school that had every excuse imaginable why I couldn't run in P.E., and even when I couldn't get out of running the mile that we were supposed to run everyday, I walked it. The coaches hated me. :bigsmile: But now I'm really excited to run, and to accomplish my goals (mainly running a 1/2 marathon). Friend me if you want, and we can cheer each other on. :smile:
  • jealous_loser
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    I was reading up on this program as well and found it to be quite motivational. I have never ran any races in my life. After reading what the program entails, I figured I am making it one of my goals to run a 5K. Well, I just signed up for my first 5K run that will be held Sept. 23, 2012! The website is http://www.qcmarathon.org/
    I still can't believe I signed up, LOL! I have a lot of work to do, but I am thrilled to have made it a goal of mine!!

    Me too! I signed up for a 5K for September 22 when I just started the app. I am optimistic. I am doing week 2 this week.
  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
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    I use free podcasts on my smartphone or mp3 player.

    This is my second time around (Im on Week 2 Day 2 - you will see W2D2 sometimes).

    The first time I did it, I used podcasts from NHS choices: (here's the link but they are also listed above) http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/couch-5K-running-plan.aspx

    This time around I'm using the Chubby Jones podcasts: http://chubbyjones.libsyn.com/

    There are also Ulrich's podcasts and a few others. They are all free. You can even make your own!

    Oh, also:

    When I completed my C25k program, I used Runner's World smart coach training program to work on distance/speed/etc.