Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K)

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new to couch to 5k

Tinkerbell1010
Tinkerbell1010 Posts: 134 Member
in Social Groups
hi all

I began jogging / walking about 2 weeks ago, I feel that I should be able to run longer distance then I am doing so I went back to the drawing board and decided to try couch to 5k. I downloaded the app onto my phone and Thursday I will begin. Anyone have any suggestions, or success stories to share ??

Replies

  • SRH7
    SRH7 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Nine weeks ago I couldn't run for more than 30 seconds... last week I ran for 25 minutes. It's absolutely unbelievable and due not only to C25K but to the amazing support I've had from people on MFP.

    I am so unathletic and hate exercise, yet running has fitted so well into my life. It only takes 30-40 mins three times a week - so much faster than getting to the gym. Best of all, not only has my aerobic fitness come on leaps and bounds but I've lost a few pounds and got definition in my body that I never thought possible.

    Words of advice:

    1. Go slooooooowwwwwwwwwww. This isn't a race, it's about starting running and finding your feet. I've even had people walking fast overtake me but I don't care! I know that in time the speed will come.

    2. Don't beat yourself if you can't manage one of the C25K sessions. Some people breeze through every week while others (including me) have repeated days and weeks until we have completed them.

    These forums are also great - so any questions, post it and you will be guaranteed really sensible responses from people who have been exactly where you are right now.

    Getting all excited for you - running is addictive! :)
  • Tinkerbell1010
    Tinkerbell1010 Posts: 134 Member
    thank you SRH7. I'm excited to get started too, I've sent you a friend request :)
  • Takarameri
    Takarameri Posts: 152 Member
    I'm one that has repeated many weeks and days. I used to hate running and now I will admit to liking it and loving the way I feel after running. Yesterday I managed to run 20 minutes straight. There's a lot of people around that are doing C25K and everyone is very supportive and encouraging. I know that it spread through my real life friends like a wildfire.
  • Hannah645
    Hannah645 Posts: 75 Member
    I've never been a runner or very athletic at all. This program has been fantastic for me. I'm on week 7 and jogging for a continuous 25 minutes.

    1. I agree with the tips about starting slowly. I think having an overly fast pace makes you more prone to injuries and less likely to finish your current day. Start slowly and think about your running form and breathing.

    2. You'll hear it a lot but supportive shoes make a great difference.

    3. Listen to your body! I had to stop halfway through a run once because my knee was painfully throbbing. I went home, iced it, and tried the same run again two days later with no problems. Don't hurt yourself.

    Good luck!
  • TnVeggie
    TnVeggie Posts: 24 Member
    I'm restarting CPto5K for at least the 6th time, but this time I have over 40 pounds to lose (That is, more motivation, I hope!)! The closest to finishing was getting started on week 6. I didn't get to do anything for several months, so I'm restarting from the beginning--just finished W1D2--can't believe how hard I had to push myself!
  • SRH7
    SRH7 Posts: 2,037 Member
    I'm restarting CPto5K for at least the 6th time, but this time I have over 40 pounds to lose (That is, more motivation, I hope!)! The closest to finishing was getting started on week 6. I didn't get to do anything for several months, so I'm restarting from the beginning--just finished W1D2--can't believe how hard I had to push myself!

    It's so easy to beat yourself for not following the C25K programme exactly... but it's really important to remember that whatever run you do you are still going faster than the person on the couch. Great news that you are starting again - do let us all know how you get on :)

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