Couch 2 5K

I am only on week 2 and I can barely make it the 90 seconds! I would say you are doing great - let your body tell you when it's ready to move on to the next level. Trying is better than not doing it at all!

I had a wicked hard time on week 4 also. I just started week 5 today, and I found it to be easier! I think its easier for me because there are longer walk "breaks" between each set. Just stick with it and push thru. You can do this!

Oh, HELL yes. I'm on week 6. There are weeks I flew through like I'd been running forever, and weeks I stayed on for, well, weeks. The key is to not push yourself too hard. I did and faced a knee injury. My orthopedist told me he preferred if I didn't run until I lost more weight - it was too much on my knees. I explained that the running is essential to the losing weight part, so we struck a deal. I don't run 6 or 7 days a week any more. I do find that the off days help. I still walk on my rest days.

I can run 10 minutes at a time now. I remember the first days like they were yesterday...trying to run for a minute and dying at 45 seconds. I couldn't imagine running 2 or 3 minutes. But it does happen. If you keep at it, it happens.

Keep up the good work - you're worth it!

Same advice as above - definitely slow down! Even to the point where you think you are the slowest jogger on the planet! Except you won't be, because that is me, lol!

Note - I'm not an expert (obviously, lol) but this is what helped me go from hurting/dying to really making advances:

Have a look at how you are running. It is a different landing than walking. Make sure you are landing more on the ball/flat part of your foot.
Think "light". Light on your feet.

When I first started c25k I pushed myself far too hard and fast, and actually tore a muscle in my hip. Went to one month of physio, and with the advice from them - slowing down and the change in how I landed on my feet, I am now making huge strides.

You can do it - keep going!!!!

I've done the Couch 2 5k program a couple of times. Last summer I was running for 25-28 minutes (2.5 miles) and then sprained both my ankles so I took a few months off. When I started again, I started at week 4 and it's taken me a really long time to build back up. I agree with the taking days off recommendation. Your body/muscles need a chance to recover. I also found it helped me to really watch what I ate/drank before I ran and what time of day. For me it's best first thing in the morning with just a granola bar or about an hour after lunch. I found I got more sideaches when I had a lot of water (especially cold water) before and during the run or had just eaten dairy products like cereal or yogurt. I've also slowed down/decreased my incline when there were longer runs/repeats I had to get through. Or taking short breaks in the middle of a second/third run, but making sure I pause the C25k app so that I still have to run as long, but get a little breather.
It's a great program and nicely tailored to your own needs. I've had weeks where I thought I was going to cry for joy in front of everyone at the gym just because I finished it. It's very empowering and good for the self-esteem! Keep it up, it's worth it!!

I am on Week 8 of C25K and let me tell you that Week 4 was my hardest. Even now I do not run as fast as the distance would indicate. I have used the times instead. First start your runs slow and easy once you feel comfortable you can ease into a little faster pace but save some steam till the end.

This is important: The side cramps are most likely caused by shallow breathing. Breath slower and a bit more deeply. This will not only help your cramps but help you make it through your minutes. Side cramps are usually caused by pressure bouncing on the diaphram. Breathing is key - if they are on the right make sure you are exhaling when you are lifting your left leg instead of the right. That is where the deeper breathing comes in. On Week four I did the runs but I walked a bit longer between the 1st time through. I could tell I just wasn't ready to start back into the runs. I did Week 4 in 4 days instead of 3. After you get past Week 5 day 3 it is somehow much easier.

As everyone is telling slow down, listen to your body. You do not have to run a certain way. You are learning to run the way you were meant to run not the way anyone else runs. Find your own stride and enjoy. This non runner hated running is really falling in love with it. My family is not known for their lungs. If I can do it I am sure you can.

I am starting this today! I am looking to lose the baby weight! I am also doing the 30 days shred and wanted to add in some cardio as well and I tried jogging yesterday and it was tough! so I think this program will help me ease into it! Plus it's only 3 days a week which is awesome!! So many times I start to work out after not working out for a while and I jump into it too fast and then I get burned out real fast....I need something that I will stick to for life!! This is a great place to start!

I am looking to look 25 lbs!! My days will be Tuesday's, Thursday's, and Saturday's!!

I do the NHS couch to 5k podcast on Itunes. Love that British lady. Lol.