C25K

LOVE this program! I started it about 2.5 months ago and now I consistently run 3 miles 3 times per week after a lifetime of not running at all! Ran my first 5K last weekend and have another one scheduled for Sept 8th. Hoping to run a 10K next spring!

I'm in week 9! I can see the light!

It was a great program and I plan on using the 5 to 10k app as well.

However, for me, the scale stopped moving 9 weeks ago to feed my developing muscles - but i've definitely seen change in my body, just not in the number!

Good luck!

I just finished Week 7 last night. I have been following the program, haven't had to repeat anything yet. I am enjoying it (almost).

My advice is unless you CAN'T finish the set you are on, keep motoring through. I kept thinking "there's no way I can do __ min in a row" and I keep proving myself wrong. 25 min straight last night. Not even my best because I was super sore from tabata class last night.

I feel the same way. I feel a lot of it is mental. I finished week 7 after a week off of family in town. I pushed myself through the 25 minutes.

Hmm ... if I can recall I questioned why on earth anyone would would run for fun about 3-4 weeks into the program ... also due to the soreness and pain accompanied with such a crazy thing. It was SO much more comfortable on the couch with my beer and pizza rolls ...

About week 5-6 I recall driving home from work having this really strange feeling ... as if ... well ... I almost "wanted" to go run ... na ... must be some bad coffee I had ...

About 7-9 weeks discovered that I really didn't like running when I was about 1.5 miles in, but the excitement before the run, and the feeling of accomplishment "after" was pretty fun!

My first 5k was scary as heck ... dressed in tennis shoes, cotton shorts/shirt feeling like a goofball ... but there was something ... cool ... about being there!

After the race ... after my crazy slow pace? ... how did I feel?

Hooked! ...

There are times now (couple years later) that I don't feel like going as much, but more often than not I am loving it ... not always that first couple miles ... but overall it's now a hobby.

I'm leaving for a 6 day vacation ... what is the first thing I pack? My running gear ... why? Cause I'm a runner!

I wish you the best ... and if you stick with it, there is nothing quite as crazy fun as being a runner.

My August goal is 100 miles ... can't wait for fall!

~Matt

I finished it about 3 weeks ago, and worked for me although I run slower than the time they thought I should for a 5k for me more like 40 minutes for the 5k but I can run now for 40 minutes so thats a big improvement over where I was a few months ago and knees feel fine and the first 20 minutes kind of fly by

C25k made me a runner. I had to repeat an early week (I was pretty out of shape) and then a later week, one right before a big jump in running time. When I repeated that week, at the advice of another MFPer, rather than repeating the week as is I added another round. I can't remember which week it was but if it had walk 60/run 8/walk 90 and do that twice I did it three times.

Part of the reason I hadn't run in the past was I was afraid of injury. I had heard so much about running injuries. This time I read up on it and I liked the structure C25k provided. Now I run three times a week, in minimalist shoes. My actual running time is for 35 minutes.

It definitely works!! I was so scared at first because I am NOT a runner. I made it to week 7 and then decided I was just going to try to run a full 5K and I did it. It's an amazing feeling. Such a great program.

I got new running shoes yesterday in anticipation of starting this. But, while I was shopping one of my knees was really hurting from the prior day's Zumba. I am wondering if I am kidding myself and I won't be able to this because my knees are so bad.

I've been having problems with my knees for a few years. I started doing Zumba last autumn and was loving it, until my knees didn't. I rested up and didn't know how I was ever going to get fit, until I discovered c25k. I struggled to run for 60 seconds at the beginning, but on Monday this week (five weeks after I started) I ran for 20 minutes non-stop. I ALWAYS wear knee supports when I run (went out once without them and my knees reminded me within a minute!). So far, I've had no problems at all. The trick is to support your knees and take it slowly. Best of luck to anyone thinking of starting c25k - I can thoroughly recommend it and the health benefits it brings.

As far as the splints: shoes, fit, running style, genetics ...

But I would imagine that if you were running 4-10 hours a week you were not new to any of these suggestions. I never really had issues ... sometimes they would come on, but not too bad (or often) ... the more the weight came off the less I had them too.

Someone PLEASE tell me where I can find the C25K schedule?!! I used to run 1-2 hours 4-5x a week before I got pregnant with my son. Needless to say he is now 17 months and I haven't jogged in quiiiitee some time. I really want to get back into it because I was addicted. The music in my ears, the heart racing and sweat drenching feeling I got made me feel soooooooo good lol. But I do tend to get shin splints pretty easily..any suggestions??

I got new running shoes yesterday in anticipation of starting this. But, while I was shopping one of my knees was really hurting from the prior day's Zumba. I am wondering if I am kidding myself and I won't be able to this because my knees are so bad.

I've been having problems with my knees for a few years. I started doing Zumba last autumn and was loving it, until my knees didn't. I rested up and didn't know how I was ever going to get fit, until I discovered c25k. I struggled to run for 60 seconds at the beginning, but on Monday this week (five weeks after I started) I ran for 20 minutes non-stop. I ALWAYS wear knee supports when I run (went out once without them and my knees reminded me within a minute!). So far, I've had no problems at all. The trick is to support your knees and take it slowly. Best of luck to anyone thinking of starting c25k - I can thoroughly recommend it and the health benefits it brings.

Thanks for this post. Are they like an elastic slip on thing?

I am on Week 7 Run 3 today and I must say I love this program!!
The thought of running for even 10 minutes used to make me shake my head, but now that I'm doing 25 minute runs I can't believe how far I've come. Next week is 28 and the week after is 30, I can't wait until I finish that first 30 minute run. I would like to run more often during the week, but I don't want to push myself too far too soon.
Good luck with C25K and happy running!!!

I tried to do Week 5 Day 2 today after on and off doing Week 4/Week 5 Day 1 for two weeks.. I also had to run outside this time since I canceled my gym membership (since I go back to school in two weeks and will be able to get free access to the Rec Center on campus)

Either way.. my body was not ready to run outside or for 8 straight minutes. I think I am going to go back to rerun Weeks 3 and 4 outside to recondition myself to run Week 5 and beyond..

The program works if you stick with it.. if you don't... you have to repeat weeks! Don't do what I did and slack

Thanks everyone- I have been terrified to start running again because I'm so out of shape...Really suprised myself last night. Think i'll stick to the program- but I really want to run more than 3 times a week so going to suck only doing it so few times... I'm used to working out every day now- so I've gotta figure out which program I want to do on the in between days- maybe back to zumba.

I know it's hard to think about 3 times a week, but try to stick to the program (let your body rest). I read on the website that it said even if you think you can do more, stick with their recommendations. I would defintely do this, especially just starting out. And good shoes are super important to help avoid injury, like the dreaded shin splints!

I didn't want to do just 3 days either, so I'm doing Jillian Mchaels Body Revoluton also. Trying to get this weight off before we head back to school next week.