Couch potato to 5k???

http://www.c25k.com/ <<< lots of good info here

I have never been a runner either but I know it would be a more efficient use of my time that I set aside for exercise - I currently walk and would consider doing this - I guess it's never to late to start :flowerforyou:

C25K is an awesome program. I used it but didn't complete the whole thing. I highly recommend it.

Rick

I used it/am still using it! I started it two times before this one and had to stop because of injuries. I was seriously out of shape. Third time was a charm. I am on week 6 day 2 and I am loving it. Do it! You won't regret it!

I've done it a few times and had lots of success (the only problem was not keeping up with it after week 9) - I'd definitely recommend it as a way to get started! I went from not being able to run for a minute to completing a 10k the other month, so I say give it a go!

The NHS website has some great podcasts which tell you when to run and walk, and provides some useful tips as well: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

I don't use C25K, but I have heard lots of great things about it. I'm a little more active than the first few weeks allowed for so I decided to train on my own. If you don't do a lot of running or walking normally I'm told it can be really great though.

I got to week 4 then stopped for 2 weeks...just restarted week 2 again but yeah it works!! I'm not a walker/runner myself but the little voice does egg you on nicely to finish the 30 min! go for it!!:bigsmile:

I got about 5 weeks in to a c25k program. Life got in the way and I dropped it. That said, in week 4 and 5, I decided to "redo" some days before progressing because my body couldn't handle it. I did that based on the recommendation of others who also had found it got to be too demanding before they were able to handle it. If you can't "do" what is required one day, repeat it and accomplish it before going on to the next day so you don't get further and further behind.

I'm only about to start week 3 but I'm seeing loads of progress in a very short time with the program. I got the Zombies, run! app for my iPhone and it adds a lot of fun to the training. Best of luck to you! :drinker:

It's hard. I was never a runner before I tried it, but I wanted to be. It was actually my first venture into weight loss since I wanted to get active. It did make me a better runner, and it turned me into a person who actually enjoys running, but I never finished the program and often times it took me a couple weeks to successfully complete one week. It's all about building endurance and people go at it at different rates so don't automatically assume you'll be able to complete the program in the time it suggests!

I'm hoping to restart the program when the weather is nice enough here to run outside, but if I could tell myself then what I know now, if you are truly the stereotypical out of shape couch potato I think strength training and cross training are good to bring into the program, and go at it at your own pace instead of getting discouraged that you're not keeping up to the app's schedule. And also, invest in a good pair of running shoes

I did it and loved it. It really is a great program the way it slowly builds your endurance. I could only do 2.5 miles in the 30 minutes when I got to the end. That was around Christmas I think. I was going to work on speed and then try the bridge to 10k but After we have been having such bad weather here that I haven't been back outside since. Either ice, snow, or frigid temps. Hopefully the weather gets better soon and I can continue. I'm looking forward to it. If you do it you will get to a point when you get crabby if you miss a run. Also there is a c25k group on mfp if you haven't checked it out yet.