Couch to 5k

C25K is excellent! I started it about a month ago. I do it at the gym on the treadmill. I do 3.5 mph walking speed and 5.0 mph jogging speed, all at a 1.0 incline. I'm almost finished with my second week of "week 2" (90 seconds jogging / 2 min walking) and just about ready to begin "week 3." My goal is to be able to run a 5k in 30 minutes by my b-day (beginning of July). I think it's important to do the program at your own pace, using the weeks as goals to achieve instead of as a schedule to keep.

I don't have a phone that uses apps, so I just found a copy of it online and printed it up. I tried it last spring and managed to build up. Like the others said, it was difficult at first, but it did get easier. I just decided running wasn't for me. Others have told me it was because I was inside on a treadmill, that it would have been better outside. However, I liked the privacy of running in my own home. At first, so people couldn't see me struggle, and then because I got so warm I just ran in a sports bra and capris--not something I'm comfortable wearing in public.

Here's a link to the C25K (for those without phone apps):
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I think it's great you're doing this program! I don't mean to tell you my disinterest to discourage you. I hope you'll take from me my ability to build up and run for a full 30 minutes--me, who has never been a runner.

I have a friend who has started from scratch, too, and now runs marathons all the time. Just be patient, keep it up and you'll totally be able to run the marathon! Good luck!!!

At 5'6" at 225, I started the couch to 5k running program last April. I ran my 1st ever 5k race in July. It was awesome and I now run 2-3 miles on a regular basis.

Now here's the results part - I did NOT watch my calories (and wasn't on mfp) so I only lost 10 pounds. I did, however, also lose 2-3 inches over most of my body! Remember, muscle weighs more then fat. (Can you imagine what would have happened if I HAD been watching my kcals???)

As for your knees - if you have problems, see the doctor. I actually have knee ligament problems (and they don't go away if I'm skinny, though it helps), but having been to both a doctor and a physical therapist, I know running is safe for me.

In the end, every step forward counts and if you want to be able to run 30 minutes straight (something I barely did even when I played sports), couch to 5k will get you there. And if you need to take it slow, like doing every week twice, go for it!

I really liked this program. It was easy for me to get into. Unfortunately I don't have a treadmill or belong to a gym so the weather really affected my progress. I'll be picking it up later on after the snow goes away.

where do you live? I'm in Canada and I ran a 5k in -30C windchills :yawn: I have no idea how many feet of snow are on the ground but I completed the last several weeks of C25K in the snow outside.
cheap pair of pull on ice cleats and you're set.


To all the runners over 200 lbs... YOU CAN DO IT! I just finished C25K and I'm still super excited about learning to run again.

I'm actually just south of Canada in Upper Michigan. I bought a pair of track shoes with spikes (really light weight, monsterfly or something by nike). Would those work as well?

I don't see why not. You just need a little traction so you can run with confidence. Good luck!

Is the C25K something that I should consult a physician before embarking in?

I am planning on starting after Spring Break (late March, early April) because I know I will need warmer weather, more sunlight and hopefully by then I will have lost a little more weight.

Just the fact that I want to run in 5K is a big shift in my thinking. That in itself is a big deal. I will complete one, hopefully in the Fall!

I didn't do the C25K program, but I started running (jogging to most) on my own in July 2008. I weighed almost 260 lbs at that time (I am 5' 2"). I am now about 212 lbs. It was a very, very slow process. I signed up for a lot of local races (and some destination ones as well) and just kept at it. In October 2009 I completed my first half marathon (3 1/2 hours) and have since done 6 more! I am now working on losing those last 90 lbs and I just began training for a full marathon that I am hoping to complete in October this year! Good luck to you! It's hard work, but you can do it!!!!

Week 1 done!!! On to Week 2...

Woo Woo!
:smooched: