Couch-to-5K - I'm on week 5

I completed W5D3 on Friday. As I had posted, I was so freaked out thinking about running for 20 straight minutes. I did slow my speed down a little; just in case. I did run the entire 20 minutes and then pushed myself to run a little extra (considering I was running at a slower speed); for a total of 24 minutes. That felt awesome!!!!!!

Oh, and I did this with no music! (Forgot it at home). Definitely not recommended...:noway:

Looking forward to W6D1. 5, 8 & 5 minute runs...that seems like nothing now that I have 24 minutes under my belt. :laugh:

I am on wk8 day 1. It seems strange to even type that!!! When I looked at the workout plan, I was unsure as to whether or not I could complete it. It seems overwhelming. And I have never been a runner, but am experiencing that "endorphin" high that comes with overcoming mental and physical obstacles. Every...single...workout!! I am going to run my first 5k on Mother's day weekend. Very excited and also quite nervous.

Congrats!!! That's awesome. I'm starting to the get that endorphin high too. It's wonderful. I even want to run with its my supposed "rest" day and now I just add an extra run every week because it makes me happy. So weird.

Congrats and good luck with the 5k!

I want to do this, and I have "sorta" started (week 1 day 2!) but i had to modify it. I haven't been working out for very long (3-4 weeks) after quite a few years of uber-sedentary-ness. So for week 1 I'm doing 60 second jog (5.2 pace) and 2 minute walk (instead of 90 second). My hips and quads HURT after day one, and still do today. I made myself do it again anyway, and I managed (but barely!) Hopefully I can follow all of your leads and stick with it!

I just finished my third run of week two. I did it outside again, and I think I will try and make all of my future runs outdoors when I can. The time seems to go by much faster. This run was probably the best of the week for me. I didnt think I was going to make it through run 2, but this one quitting never crossed my mind. A couple of days rest and then one to week three!!!

I did run 1 of week 3 last night. It actually was not too bad. I got through the first three minute run surprisingly easy. The second three minutes was more of a challenge. The voice in my ear was very encouraging along the way, and that did help. I did this run in the rain, and it was actually pretty nice. Hope you all are having success this week.

I'm on week 6 - I've yet to complete it because I HATE running outside but am going to force myself to finish tomorrow morning. I'm usually on the treadmill but I'm staying at my parents for a few weeks!

This is such a great post - so motivational! I just completed week 5, day 2 and it is an insane jump this week - 20 minutes! I agree, though, it is amazing in that moment when you hit your stride and actually feel comfortable in the running moment. Yay!

I was terrified of the 20 minute run but afterwards I hated going back to interval running!

Completed W8D2; ran for 30minutes . It's continuing to go well on a treadmill. Our weather has still been cold so I haven't transitioned to outside yet. Has anyone? And if you have, did you encounter any issues?

w1d3 tomorrow and I'm loving it already, cant wait to start w2 on Sunday and challenge myself again

Has anyone gotten bad shin splints in the beginning of this proggram? Any suggestions for stretching/strengthening exercises to help? I have gotten to week 4 twice, but had to stop because of my shins!

I haven't had any issues but I am stretching before & after.

W8D3 completed today. I'm going to start increasing my speed with the hopes of completing a 5K in 30 minutes. Today it took me 35 minutes; not bad but I've got some work to do to shave off 5 minutes!

Successful running to all!!