Couch25k Anyone?

WalkingGirl1985
WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,046 Member
edited September 22 in Motivation and Support
I think i'm going to give this a shot..anyone who hasn't tried this yet and has strongly thought about it please feel free to post a comment here and/or add me as a friend. :)

Replies

  • WalkingGirl1985
    WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,046 Member
    I'm thinking about starting tomorrow since its a start of a new week.
  • kendrafallon
    kendrafallon Posts: 1,030 Member
    I did my 1st 2 days of week one only this week - started on Tuesday. But, saying that, count me in!!
  • byebyechubbybunny
    byebyechubbybunny Posts: 6
    Sorry, but what is a couch25k ? thanks:)
  • WalkingGirl1985
    WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,046 Member
    It's a 9 week program to help beginner runners run 3 miles or 30 minutes (in 9 weeks) I think its 3 days a week 20 minute sessions..(forgive me if im incorrect)
  • kendradl
    kendradl Posts: 595 Member
    I am also starting this tomorrow, can't wait to get going now that I have the proper shoes to actually run in. I am sending you a friend request, we can do this together and compare as we go.
  • cmitte
    cmitte Posts: 1
    I completed couch 2 5k last summer and ran my first 5k on September 11th. It was an awesome program. I highly recommend downloading the podcast from itunes onto your ipod. It made all the difference in the world. I finished in under 36 minutes. I am going to do it again next summer. Too cold and snowy here to run outside. Good luck! You will love it.
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    I just started back up last week. I got up to week 7 a while ago and had to stop because of my plantar fasciitis. There are AMAZING apps for the droid and iphone that make it so much easier. You can even listen to your own playlist. Other options are to google Robert Ullrey's version which you can download for free. They all tell you when to walk or jog so you can just focus on your workout.

    I've since got the Reebok Runtone shoes and have been using those while I run. The extra cushion gives my heel the break it needs and surprisingly.....my calves and hammies are sore the next day so there is something to be said about the shoes.
  • pgp_protector
    pgp_protector Posts: 207
    Sorry, but what is a couch25k ? thanks:)

    http://www.c25k.com/

    I'm also looking at trying this, Hated running though when I was in the Military (20 Years ago), so it will be a bit harder for me :D

    They also have a iPhone / Android app for helping you keep track (downloaded & installed, but not used yet )
  • christenapanzone
    christenapanzone Posts: 18 Member
    I've been doing couch25k for a week and love it!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I'm starting week 3 today. :smile:

    I "cheated" a bit during week two and ran two minutes instead of 90 seconds, because I was worried I couldn't do the three minutes required today. And it was easier than I thought. Depending on how it goes today, instead of two reps of run 90 seconds, walk 90, run 3 minutes, walk three, I might push for three reps.

    There's a Red Cross 5k coming up at the end of March that my brother and his daughter are doing, and I'd like to be able to do it with them. And we're getting a huge gang of people for the Warrior Dash in June.
  • alanmonks
    alanmonks Posts: 115 Member
    I have complete this and on the B210k (Bridge to 10k). I loved this program and made a real difference to me. I have never been a good runner but this really is amazing. Good luck to you guys doing it.
  • Manda1987
    Manda1987 Posts: 207
    I'm starting it tomorrow, now that I have my winter jogging shoes! No excuses now :)
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    W3D1 today! :happy:

    I kept going after the required jog/runs, until I jogged a total of 20 minutes, finishing with 5 minutes. I know it's beyond what I'm supposed to do, but I had plenty of energy left.

    I love this. I can't believe what a difference just 3 weeks makes.
  • MsMonny
    MsMonny Posts: 183
    I would love to join you!

    I started last week and have only completed day one but the next couple of days I was soooo sore, that I was afraid to do day 2, just in case I couldn't do it. I though about just hitting the treadmill and doing fast walks for a couple of weeks to build my muscles up.

    Have others felt the 'fear' and done what I did or just pushed beyond??

    I have put in a friend request.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Honestly, I did day one and day two of the first week, then fell off the wagon. Day 3 would have been on Christmas Eve, and I just didn't have the time. Then the next day was Christmas Day, then the next it snowed, then... Then I joined Planet Fitness so I know I'd force myself to go. If it's costing me money, I'l gonna get my money's worth out of it!

    Also, doing it on the treadmill at the gym was SOOOOO much easier than trying to keep track of the time in my head. I've seen a lot of suggestions to tailor it to your needs, and go slower if necessary. Either only run 30 seconds, or start with a lot of walking for a week or so.
  • MsMonny
    MsMonny Posts: 183
    I got the app for my iphone and it is amazing (even if I only have done day 1 LOL). I used my own music and it faded the music out and told me to start running and then back again to walking. It has a timer on the screen as well. Much better than trying to keep track of the time cos I can just chill out and concentrate on the running and hopefully getting into the 'zone'!

    I use to jog about 15 years ago and I loved it - except for the first 10 mins when my body was detesting to the jog. I too want to get back into it and maybe do a City to Bay run one day! :happy:
  • MsMonny
    MsMonny Posts: 183
    I have complete this and on the B210k (Bridge to 10k). I loved this program and made a real difference to me. I have never been a good runner but this really is amazing. Good luck to you guys doing it.

    Thanks for the info - I have saved this site on my computer for the future. :flowerforyou:
  • Fat2FitArmyWifey
    Fat2FitArmyWifey Posts: 51
    Starting this tomorrow as well! Can't wait!! :)
  • Manda1987
    Manda1987 Posts: 207
    Just did my first day! I've done the first day once before, but this time it was a whole lot easier and I was able to jog a lot faster (my previous jogging speed was actually SLOWER than my walking speed!). 1.5 miles covered this time!
  • WalkingGirl1985
    WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,046 Member
    I did my first day today and survived..I don't think I exactly did what is normally in the plan..I just jogged for a minute, walked 2-3 minutes, jogged for 1 minute and so on for 20 minutes.
  • kendrafallon
    kendrafallon Posts: 1,030 Member
    Hellooo :flowerforyou:

    I completed week 1 day 3 earlier this evening :drinker: by repeating the first run I did. There was a noticeable difference and I'm not just talking about the fact that I did the run in the evening :tongue: I managed to complete the route a lot easier and was a lot closer to my start position at the end of the run than I had been the 1st time (I pretty much ran round the block).

    I got the Nike+ app working so it tracked my route, speed and calories burnt. :happy:

    I'm not sure if I'm hooked, but I'm giving it a damn good go!!
  • MsMonny
    MsMonny Posts: 183
    Well done to all who have got off their butts and did it!! I haven't :angry:

    I am angry at myself but exercise isn't my forte and I really have to force myself to do it.......can't believe I use to jog regularly when I was in my 20's!!

    I hate the way I feel, at the moment, when I am jogging....it isn't a pleasant feeling and i literally count down the seconds out loud!! How are others coping with their first few weeks??

    Help!! :sad:
  • MsMonny
    MsMonny Posts: 183
    BTW I am hoping my new heart rate monitor (haven't got it yet - in the mail!) will motivate me to do this!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    My motivation is my older brother - he's about 15 years older than me - who runs 5ks with his daughter. And a girl I went to high school with, who was as non-athletic as me back in the day, now does Iron Girl triathlons. She just decided one day, "I think I'll try this."

    If they can do it, so can I! And so can you! :happy:

    I remember watching the timer and thinking, "I'm gonna DIE!" the first few times I tried it. It gets easier. Your body gets used to it.
  • asm03
    asm03 Posts: 16
    I completed this program last year. It was difficult at first but, with a little hard work it paid off. I ran my first 5K twelve weeks after! There are great podcasts available. They literally have voice overs on songs that tell you when to start running, with seconds remaining, and when to stop. The feeling of running the 5K was great. I encourage anyone to try it. Even nonrunners. That was me!
  • Manda1987
    Manda1987 Posts: 207
    I hate the way I feel, at the moment, when I am jogging....it isn't a pleasant feeling and i literally count down the seconds out loud!! How are others coping with their first few weeks??

    Help!! :sad:

    I have never run in my life. I've had asthma my whole life, and been pudgy at the very least to boot. I'm not a runner by any stretch of the imagination.

    Even just that tiny improvement between the first time and this time, even with a 3 week break in between made me feel better about it. I'm looking forward to being able to run for the first time EVER! I'm also looking forward to running after the bus and not passing out in a sweaty, wheezing heap once I catch it.

    It's just a matter of forcing yourself to do it. If you have to count down the seconds (like I do!) then do it! Every minute you jog is an extra minute of healthy, beneficial activity.
  • Manda1987
    Manda1987 Posts: 207
    I don't know if anyone's actually reading this thread anymore, but I just finished Day 2!

    Got through all of it without complaining this time, despite a huge blister that I hadn't noticed from last time. Feeling a ton better about it. I was doubting my ability to get through the whole program, but the improvement between Monday and today is huge. We can do it!
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