Should I combine C25K with cardio/strength exercises?

I just started my C25K program and I am looking for ways to get a workout in on the days that I'm not running. I don't have a membership to a gym, so I think I'm going to purchase a Jillian Michaels' DVD or two.

My question is-- should I go with a more of a strength training exercise on the days I am not running, or should I be focused on getting a good cardio workout in 5-6 days a week? I'm leaning towards her Shed It with Weights video, but I thought I'd ask before I bought anything.

I would suggest a balance with some form of strength training, but it needn't be DVD based. The right answer also depends on your long term goals, are you using C25K as a means to get into running or merely as a kick start for other things?

One of the biggest risks for runners is injury, and there are some things that you can do with strength training to mitigate for that, predominantly your core strength and assuring a balance of strength in your legs and glutes.

Google a bit on bodyweight exercises, a number of people on here recommend "You Are Your Own Gym" as a good source, it's not something I'm familiar with.

Once you're more established you might then want to move onto resistance training with weights, but you'll make some gains without them for the moment.

in ters of disclosure, I'm a runner/ cyclist. I weight train to reduce my injury risk.

Running 5-6 days a week and strength training on top of that sounds like a lot, so as long as you don't over do it, strength training can only help.
Generally, core exercises are meant to help runners the most. From personal experience, I wouldn't recommend a tough leg work day before a long run, but I think that's obvious.

I would like to get into running. I'm running a 5K in May and have plans to run a half marathon in 2015.

OK, that helps.

Once you're through the 5K programme you'll increase from three days per week to five, so you don't want a time consuming strength session.

I'd stick with bodyweight for now, then once you're more experienced you'll probably want to move to weight that you can lift for generally 2-3 sets of 12 reps.

For leg exercises you're looking to balance the strength. A common form issue for beginning runners ends up with imbalance around the glutes. That's mitigated by short pace and midfoot landings.

Core strength will help with posture and a nice efficient running style.

Upper body work is a bit more limited, your arms help with balance and drive, but you're looking more at functional strength rather than anything particularly running related.

So essentially once you're happy with bodyweight you need to add a small number of compound lifts to the portfolio.

I would like to get into running. I'm running a 5K in May and have plans to run a half marathon in 2015.

Oh and there are a load of running forums on here that you'll get some fairly specific advice in, more so than the general forums.

I have a 5K locally tomorrow morning