Anyone been successful with Couch to 5k?

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  • runnermom419
    runnermom419 Posts: 366 Member
    It starts with C25K and before you know it you're training for your first 50K trail run. I've done over a dozen half marathons, 2 fulls, and too many 5K/10K/other distances to keep track. Proud graduate of C25K.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Xkmaf2018X wrote: »
    Well I did it, first run yesterday, I'm doing run two today. I know it says only 3x a week but I'm assuming thats for people who maybe are first starting exercise etc.

    It was so nice to complete 2.59km without that awful feeling of breathlessness because of the walks in-between.

    the programme doesn't include consecutive running days for a reason.

    you can still do other cardio (cycling or swimming are particularly good) or strength training on non running days, but i really wouldn't recommend running consecutive days when you're new to running.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Xkmaf2018X wrote: »
    Well I did it, first run yesterday, I'm doing run two today. I know it says only 3x a week but I'm assuming thats for people who maybe are first starting exercise etc.

    It was so nice to complete 2.59km without that awful feeling of breathlessness because of the walks in-between.

    Just to echo what MM said.

    TAKE Your rest days!!

    If you do run 1 on Monday, don't do 2 until Wednesday. etc. that being said-- The program is set up with an extra rest day per week. Feel free to skip that one. So Week 1-Monday, Wed, Friday-Week 2 Sunday Tuesday Thursday, Week 3 Saturday-Monday, Wed, etc. Is still following the program.

    But if you don't follow the program, you can run into problems. In addition, The program is broken into week(3 day) sessions for a reason. If you have trouble with a run-Most people can't finish week 4 on the first go. Finish the week-OR!!! go back to day 1 of the previous week. If you fail a run, plan to repeat that week, but you can either drop back to the previous week day 1, or complete the week before attempting to repeat it.
  • amryllin
    amryllin Posts: 8 Member
    If you want some entertainment while you run I did the Zombies, run, 5k training app, I now have just the Zombies, run! app and I love it, but I am a wee bit of a nerd!

  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    I started C25K Jan 2017. Now I'm running a half June 2. I'll be slow (2 1/2 hours) but I've done a few runs of this length around the neighborhood so I already know I can do it.
  • 43Ninebark
    43Ninebark Posts: 41 Member
    Something I found very helpful with beginning to run was doing 20 mins of "Spurt Work." I'd walk, brisk walk, jog, run, sprint for 20 mins--- in different patterns. Sprint about 1-2 house lengths, run about 2-5 house lengths, jog 4-12 house lengths, brisk walk however long, walk to calm down. The idea was too get my heart rate up. It didn't take very long to get it up doing Spurt Work, so I didn't race to get my heart pounding right off the bat! Lol

    And also, strength training made a huge difference with running. My legs were stronger.

    Oh gosh--- and having proper shoes. When I first started running, I thought that running shoes were just another way for people to get money out of health addicts, so I just used whatever old shoe. If I remember correctly, it was a sneaker but just flat at the bottom. I ended up having little swollen areas at the back of my knees and on either side of my achilles tendons!! So now I use good running shoes.

    Running is what helps me lose fat. My friend said doing steps helps her lose fat, but I doubt that steps would do it for me. So from that, I gathered that you have to find what works for you.

    The most I ever ran was 3 miles. I got back into it about 3 weeks ago with a big group from my neighborhood doing Couch to 5K- but they adapted the schedule to do it in 10 weeks. They were actually 3 weeks into it when I joined and the plan was to run 3 mins, walk 2- 6 times. I thought I might die because I'd been lazy, but I gave it a go and was fine!!!! I swear its much easier for me to run and stay strong with a group than it is when I'm by myself. I still go out because I don't want it to be really hard when we all gather again and have to run longer based on the schedule, but it'd be nice to find a running partner for during the week!
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