Couch to 5K

I totally understand you! I thought I'd NEVER be a runner, but here I am at week 7 running for 25+ minutes three times a week

I just use an app on my android, but a lot of the programs offered online or on phones are great.

Definitely try it out! Make sure to do at least 2 weeks, it is hard at first, but it works! It's also ok to repeat weeks

I plan to start next week! I am so excited about it! I have never in my life been able to run a full mile! I'm going to do it this time, I just know it!

I've started it but gave up, however my mistake was trying to run outside....I am NOT an outside runner. The pavement is too hard on my joints, and of course wind resistance and slight inclines make you work a lot harder.

I would like to start it again, except on a treadmill, however I am having difficulty downloading the podcasts to my ipod. Once I can figure out how to do that (I've done it before, not sure what's wrong) I will be starting it again.

My best advice, if you finish a week and find you're not ready to move on to the next week, repeat the week again. No harm in it! Good luck!

PS congrats on quitting smoking too. I was mostly a social smoker, but I have not had one since April 29th.

I started it August 2010 for December 5k. I got commited to the program and did the team runs and lots of runs on my own. I finished my first 5k in 36:20. Not fast, but finished. That motivated me to get better and stronger so I continued to run and joined a gym for lower body workouts. Since finishing the first 5k, I have completed 4 - 5k's, 1 -10k and 2 Half Marathons. I contribute running to be responsible for the majority of my weight loss.

One piece of advice, get fitted for good running shoes. Just going out in anything from Foot Locker will not work. Your knees and legs will hurt and adventually you will get discouraged. I recommend a place call Fleet Feet Sports, they have a website and locations across the US. The price I paid for running shoes there was probably 10% higher than in a regular store, but they were custom fitted and felt great. I am actually on my 3rd pair of shoes now...

I'm on week 2 day 2. Not loving the running, quite honestly, but hopefully that will come with time. Importantly, I went to a running store and got fitted for running shoes before starting -- I think the right shoes are a really good idea. Anyway, I am nervous about the upcoming weeks. Oh, and am doing it on a treadmill. After I finish, I hope to be brave enough to run outside .

Cheers,

Sean

I'm following this program right now I'm on week 3. I find it challenging, but not impossible. Give it a shot!

I'm a graduate! It totally works! Just take your time, and keep at it. I've been running now for 4 years from when I first started doing the C25K and have since completed two marathons .

...http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Thanks for sharing. I've seen the C25K reference but didn't know anything else about it until I checked out the URL.

...do yourself a favor and go to a running store and get properly fitted for shoes!

Thanks for the reminder, it *IS* time for a new pair of running/walking shoes.

I just finished my first day. I bought an app for my iphone which let me load my own music in and then it just chimes in and tells you when to switch between walking and running. I do need better shoes, so I am going to take care of that this weekend and I probably need to learn proper form. But I was able to do it and it wasn't as bad as I thought.

I finished the program and I loved it. Run slower than you think you should for longer than you think you can. Good luck!