Just started C5K today! Any tips?

thisismynewmindset
thisismynewmindset Posts: 273 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all...

So I just finished workout #1 for Couch to 5K and it wasn't as hard as I thought.

The worst part was probably my side cramp I got maybe on the second running lap... I HATE RUNNING CRAMPS!!!

Anyway, since I am starting this journey today (3 workouts per week for 9 weeks for C5K, plus some more exercise here and there) I thought I would give a shout out and see how many other people are on this program or who have completed the program... any advice as I train myself to run again?

Thanks! :love:

Replies

  • AngieM76
    AngieM76 Posts: 622 Member
    Slow and stady wins the race! If you arent comfortable moving onto the next level, dont. Repeat what you are have. And jog, dont run. You will last longer.
  • MrsRobertson1005
    MrsRobertson1005 Posts: 552 Member
    bump
  • BriannaSkye
    BriannaSkye Posts: 135
    I completed this a few months ago and am now easly running the 5ks, im not going for speed just distance. I skipped a week here or there as I felt like i could run more than what it was saying. I was jogging the 5k's in about 4-5 weeks...GOOD LUCK
  • Cmccracken1
    Cmccracken1 Posts: 326 Member
    i finished a few months ago. it is a great program.. for the side cramps make sure you are stretching your ribcage before you run. stand with feet shoulder length apart, take deep breaths in, bring arms up over your head to inhale down to exhale do at least 15 times and you wont have those cramps, tip #2 make sure you have the right running shoe, get fitted if you havent already,, the wrong shoe will give you chin splints and hurt your feet. a running store will analyze your gait and tell you what kind of shoe is best for you, it is so worth it. tip #3 you will have fail days you might as well accept that going in, all of a sudden your are going to be doing a workout and you will not be able to get through it mine was around week 6 or 7, just stay on that day until you a comfortable and want to move on. slow and steady are absolutely the way to go. i think it took me like 12 weeks to finish the whole program but it was so worth it, i never ran before in my like and i love it now. it's like a drug i gotta do it.. good luck and bravo for tackling this head on.
  • BobbyDaniel
    BobbyDaniel Posts: 1,459 Member
    Do your runs at a comfortable pace where you can talk and run at the same time, rest in between workout days, stretch before and after, and stay hydrated. I did C25K last fall, got me started on my running addiction; working toward a half-marathon now.
  • crystal_loga
    crystal_loga Posts: 106 Member
    Tip: Don't stop!!!

    I started the program, and was LOVING it!! I was moving on to week 3 and caught some nasty virus that knocked me out for 3 days. It's been about a month now and I am yet to get back on the treadmill. I need to get back started again!!
  • thisismynewmindset
    thisismynewmindset Posts: 273 Member
    Do your runs at a comfortable pace where you can talk and run at the same time, rest in between workout days, stretch before and after, and stay hydrated. I did C25K last fall, got me started on my running addiction; working toward a half-marathon now.

    Did you do C5K THEN C25K? Or did you just go straight into C25K?
  • thisismynewmindset
    thisismynewmindset Posts: 273 Member
    Do your runs at a comfortable pace where you can talk and run at the same time, rest in between workout days, stretch before and after, and stay hydrated. I did C25K last fall, got me started on my running addiction; working toward a half-marathon now.

    Did you do C5K THEN C25K? Or did you just go straight into C25K?

    I see now that C25K is another way of saying Couch to 5 K... (I just call it C5K). Thanks!
  • llkilgore
    llkilgore Posts: 1,169 Member
    Does walking and running in intervals significantly bump up the overall burn rate above what you would expect if you performed the two activities separately? I ask because I logged the total calories reported per session by the treadmill, ate back all of my exercise calories and then some, and lost significantly more weight than predicted by my calorie deficit last week. The only thing I can figure is that the treadmill under reported the calories, which it doesn't seem to do when all I do is walk (don't know about running).
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I'm a graduate and loved the program. :smile:

    My advice would be to sign yourself up NOW for a race when you'll be scheduled to finish. Having that deadline looming overhead will make you not want to quit. Get some friends to join you, either other new runners or some who've done runs before. Find one that has decent swag, like a free tshirt or mug for running.
  • thisismynewmindset
    thisismynewmindset Posts: 273 Member
    Does walking and running in intervals significantly bump up the overall burn rate above what you would expect if you performed the two activities separately? I ask because I logged the total calories reported per session by the treadmill, ate back all of my exercise calories and then some, and lost significantly more weight than predicted by my calorie deficit last week. The only thing I can figure is that the treadmill under reported the calories, which it doesn't seem to do when all I do is walk (don't know about running).

    Ummm... maybe yes interval training bumps up the overall burn rate by a few, but not necessarily by alot (I am no expert). BUT I do know that interval training is a good way to get out of a plateau so maybe that's what happened? Also, I suggest using a HRM so that you do not rely on the machine burn rate... xoxo
  • amsparky
    amsparky Posts: 825 Member
    STICK WITH IT! It's totally worth it! The aches and pains start to go away and it does get easier! It's a fantastic program and worth the effort.

    Take extra time with the program if you need it. There is no shame in making it take longer than 9 weeks. Don't feel bad if you have to go slow. It's just important that you are moving.

    Good luck and have fun!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories