Couch to 5K reviews/thoughts?

I liked it.

Be cautioned that it's really a couch to 30 minutes of running plan, not couch to completely running 5k. You should be able to finish a 5k by the end but it may not be within 30 minutes and you may not run the entire time.

I used it with success. There were a couple of workouts I needed to repeat because I couldn't do them the first time, but that's pretty normal for any plan. I made it through the whole thing without any injuries or set backs, and I was starting from scratch.

I have to say, though, that 4 years later I haven't gotten very good at running 5k's and running is still very difficult for me. If you are going to do c25k and your goal is to keep running long term you should have a plan for when the c25k program ends.

I started C25K in September and did my first 5K on December 5. I'm so happy I've achieved this!

I did 2 days of C25K each week and one day walking/running my best at parkrun (5K) on Saturdays, so I skipped one C25K day a week.

The parkrunning really helped me get up to 5K (in 36 minutes 43 seconds). As @jemhh said, C25K only goes up to 30 minutes.

I used the Zen Labs app, and thought it was good. It lets you use your own music from iTunes.

But I'm not too sure I like the Zen Labs 10K app. It goes from the last day of C25K at 30 minutes up to three lots of 15 minutes - 45 minutes running. I think this caused me my current sore hip muscles.

I started it at 300lbs in April-13. I'm now 175lbs, have run 3 marathons & one 33 mile ultra marathon in 2015 (plus a heap of 10ks and half marathons). I can't praise C25k highly enough - I went from someone who couldn't understand why any one would want to run to it being one of the most important things in my life!

The first few weeks are hard - best tip I had was however slow you think you're going, go slower! Its about getting muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones used to running as about pace. For many people the programme gets then capable of running none stop for 30mins and not necessarily 5k. A sub 30min 5k took me about 3 months of regular (10-15 miles a week) running after completing the programme.

And as above, once you're upto the distance (regardless of if it takes you 40mins) find your local parkrun and go along. parkrun is a fantastic free weekly 5k run and brilliant for getting into running in a supportive atmosphere.

I started C25K in February of 2015 at a decent level of fitness but no with no running experience. It worked wonderfully for me - I did my first 5k race in May 2015, as well as two more and a 5k mud run by the end of the year.

I definitely agree with posters above who say don't be afraid to go slow. I started out running less than 4mph until my legs and hips were up to going faster than that.

I honestly LOVED the program! I always wanted to run, to be a runner, but whenever I had tried without any program, I went too far too fast, was hurting the next day, decided I hated running and quit. This program let me start SLOWLY, really slowly which is what I needed. I started the program back in September 2015 and ran 9 miles straight yesterday. It is been invaluable to me. I LOVE running which I never ever ever thought I would say.

If a day is tough, repeat it. Don't run every day if you're sore. I listened to my body and did run back to back days if I felt good but didnt worry about missing a day if I didn't. I personally was running a full 5k in 30 minutes at the end of the program - but it really is more of a "run for 30 minutes straight" program more than a 5k program and while you may be running 30 mins at the end, you may not be running 3 miles depending on your pace but it is a REALLY good way to start running. I highly recommend!

C25K works great. The secret: don't run too fast. Your running should all be done at a conversational pace, even if it means you're running barely faster than you walk. If you can't speak in complete sentences, slow down until you can.

C25K is really about getting to the point where you can run 30 minutes without stopping, whether it's 5K, less, or more. For many people, it's less. But beginners get big gains in fitness from only moderate stress, and if every run leaves you feeling like you're gasping for breath, you're likely to get discouraged and quit. Stick with the program, and then, after you finish, you can work on getting faster if you want.

I've just started week 2 and I'm enjoying it. Had to take a little longer than a week to be ready to move up but that's my fitness level.

Thank you all for the input. I've also been considering trying c25k.

Couch to 5k worked for me and my friend. Four years ago I was 59 and never was a runner. My bff and I completed our 3rd half marathon this past fall and have completed many other runs. We love running now and keep each other motivated! Preparing for our third winter 5 mile run in Feb and a half in June. Do we ever walk while training? Yes! Do we finish? Yes! We have a blast! Yes it works. Find a friend or virtual friend. So worth it. Does it hurt? Yes some days. Is it hard? Heck yes! Best therspy ever. Best feeling to win a medal. Best feeling to keep up with grandkids! And oh those days walk/running a scenic trail alone. Serenity and clears the mind. Stress be gone!

hhazlett62 wrote: »

Update: wasn't able to do C25k yesterday due to a blizzard hitting. But, as soon as the weather clears up I'm starting the program

good luck and enjoy
might i suggest getting good shoes before you start. go to a running store and get fitted (after you dig out from the blizzard). they will do a gait analysis, or go to a different store, and fit you for the right shoe. shoes are important because your feet are important and helps avoid injury

I did a class 8 years ago and I still run twice a week 30 minutes. I LOVE IT, it's a wonderful accomplishment that makes you feel so good about yourself. I do other things during the week since I have knee issues. I did the fleet feet one because at the end you get this jacket that said you finished it. it was a cheap thing but I wanted it so bad. the first day had about 100+ people, there's about a 50% drop out rate, I like to run in large groups, and it was really motivating to be in the middle of 20-30 people that I stuck with it.