Anyone starting C25K? I couldn't even manage the 1st one!! :(

Finding your rhythm when starting out is tough. In the beginning, I ALWAYS ran too fast and struggled. I thought running = fast, an all out effort. Well it doesn't... there is a time for that (sprints and speed work) but that is much later. Slow down. If necessary, slow WAAAAYYYY down. I didn't think I was capable of running. It just wasn't for me. It was too hard. I was too unfit. I was ashamed of my inability to do it. Blah, blah, blah... Truth is I just had to drop my preconceived notions of what it meant to be a "runner" and work within my limits. I run regularly now, though I'm still more of a biker. There are still days that I struggle to find my happy place. It often takes a few miles for me to settle into my pace. Yep, a few miles. I've run many races and they are right, physically it doesn't get easier you just get stronger & faster... Mentally however, you reach a point where you no longer doubt as much. You know it will be tough, but you also know you are capable of it. Oh, it's okay to walk... especially on long training runs. Even my husband, very good marathon runner, walks on occasion. I guess the take home message is "Be kind and patient with yourself."

I found week one to be the absolute hardest. You can do this! Don't worry about getting it done in the set amount of weeks it tells you to, just worry about doing it one day at a time.

I am restarting this coming week - I managed to finish the first one, several times of trying!!! I broke my ankle in June, got out of the cast in Sept. but haven't been cleared for impact yet.... hoping my doc appt on the 9th takes care of that! Don't be discouraged! There are many resets (I'm sure I'm going to try it a couple of times again too to get into a pace)- and I too had many do-overs...the important part is you are TRYING. So keep charging forward, do it for you, or someone else... just be good to yourself!

There's a C25K group here if you want to join for lots more information. Also there's a check-in thread for everyone doing the programme.

Just go slow, possibly even slower than you thought you should, because at your stage you should be able to keep a conversation going whilst running.

Don't re-take days unless seriously necessary, because the programme is set up in such a way that people with not great fitness/oxygen metabolism at the beginning of it can run through the nine weeks. Maybe you, like many others, don't finish the ninth week with running a full 5K, but you can keep working up the distance from there. In other words, C25K is reasonable, safe, and for beginner runners, so do trust it.

Don't worry, you'll get there. I tried it in August of last year and I couldn't even make it through the first half of the first run. Back then I was 50 lbs heavier though. I just started it again last week and I had to begin at week 3 because it was too easy.

I have completed C25K several times. It is a good interval program. I usually start back at week five after being couch too long. If you cant complete the W1 intervals after your third session, I recommend you repeat W1. It will get easier.

slow and steady is the key. As soemone who has been running for a while, as soon as I started off slower and built up I found I could run for longer without stopping. Not followed C25K but best of luck, and stick with it.

I've started C25K 3 times. This time I've taken it a lot slower, and I mean a LOT slower. I do it on a treadmill so people must think I'm crazy running that slowly.

I always found when I did it the previous two times I gave up after W1 because I would hurt lots and I wasn't enjoying it, mostly because of going too fast.

I'm just about to go out and do W2D2. Feel free to add me anyone.

nicnoc1981 wrote: »

Made the hubby come with me on the first one as long as he promised not to laugh.. yes!..I am honestly that unfit. I couldn't do all of the 8 60 second runs but managed half and walked the rest of the podcast. Anyone else as unfit as me? Please tell me it gets easier xx
Feel free to add me if you're as rubbish as me

The good news: it gets easier but you also get better!!!

So I started in November - and my goal is a 5K at the end of April, so yes I gave myself 6 freakin months to run 5K!! lol

This morning, I did W5D1, so I ran for 8 minutes non stop. When I finished the workout I almost cried, really. My suggestion is to make small tweaks if you need them: for example, with W4, I walked for 2 minutes after running for 3 and then walked for 3 minutes after running for 5 . . . if you need to make those small changes, do so. It's not set in stone. Also, if you need to repeat a week once, or sometimes twice lol, do it! Make sure you're comfy with where you're at before you move on.

In 2012 I started out at 320lbs. I'm around 250 but really never thought I could run for 8 minutes without stopping or dying first. It's not easy to start, but in 2 weeks you'll look back and be able to see the progress you've made. Give it some time, and an honest shot Feel free to add me if you ever need to chat or want some support.

ETA: And, start slow! Like slow . . . You should be able to run at a pace where you can still talk, but not sing. And do not, I cannot stress this enough, run on consecutive days. Take at least one day in between to rest (or cross train - I lift on Tues/Thurs). Your body needs its breaks. And stretch . . . always, always stretch. Otherwise, you could injure yourself. My massage therapist always has to work on my glutes and hamstrings because I sometimes don't stretch how I should . . . then she lectures me, I do it for a while and then it just repeats.

Finally - be proud of just getting out there! You're better than everyone who slept in or was sitting on the couch. Getting up and going is the first and hardest step

@ Daivasimone's:
1) Look for a local running club to help support and guide you on the start of the C25K.

2) As Aglaeac said there is a C25K group on MFP.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

The most important advice I received was to get fitted for a good set of True Running Shoes and go slow when you start.

I finished C25K last year it was hard to start off with but that was because I was not much of a runner but over time it really help.

I have been talking in my head about starting C25K for the last year. So far I haven't done it. It's super snowy out and I am reluctant to attempt to run on the roads in this weather. I do have a treadmill, but I am unclear, am I running and walking at the same pace or do I have to mess with the speed every time? Any suggestions?

I will be starting my C25K very soon. I am trying to sort out my eating first, and maybe wait until I get my FitBit. I know it will be difficult, but I cannot wait to "go for a run" when I have completed it. I am also considering joining a running club..... Scary stuff! Good luck

acorsaut89 wrote: »

Interval training is what gets the best and most noticeable results and improvements over time.

ummm, not really when one is talking about running performance. As an intro it's pretty good.

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

acorsaut89 wrote: »

Interval training is what gets the best and most noticeable results and improvements over time.

ummm, not really when one is talking about running performance. As an intro it's pretty good.

I'm not sure that someone starting C25K is worried about running performance at this point. If you're an experienced runner, intervals won't do the same. But if you're just starting, they really help to condition your body and you, as a person, will notice how much you're improving and the changes your body is going through. And it will also help with cardio improvement, which for me has been the hardest issue to overcome.