Couch to 5k success stories?

I started a 6 week C25k plan. I am currently on week 5 and my 5k race is in 13 days!

This is going to sound really embarrassing but when I first started, I struggled to run for even a minute. And now, only 4/5 weeks later, I am running for 10minutes straight (at a good pace) and feel great.
It's amazing how much progression you feel almost within a couple of weeks.

My advice: stick to your running days!
I missed mine yesterday (first one I've missed) because I was so hungover I could hardly walk but I am making up for it today.

I have noticed a definite change in my body shape as well after this short amount of time too!
(I hate my tummy with a passion and it's definitely helping out there!!!)

Good luck!
Are you aiming to run a 5k race btw?

I started this when I was about 40 pounds heavier than I am now. I was able to run a 5k when I finished it. You shouldn't have a problem. It gradually builds you up in time. If you are having trouble, you can always repeat a week, right?

Good luck!

I haven't completed it yet but I am more than half way through the program and it amazes me every time I run a new day! I have never been able to run minutes in a row and now I am up to two sets of 10! I cheat a little and sometimes repeat a day. I do this for 2 reasons: one is the day might have been a little extra hard or the new day has scared the wits outta me and so I say I need one more day of practice =P I won't lie it hasn't been a cake walk and I suggest finding a buddy to do it with. I have one and she was a bit of a runner already so she can go longer than me. That just makes me work harder! She is also a BIG help in pushing through to the new days. Good luck and happy running trails!

I always do the same route (a path running along the beach), which is pretty much flat, paved the whole way.
Twice along the way there is a dip, which means running down and then back up steepish, small hill.

I am sure I read somewhere that you should try to run along a flat track because of the impact on your knees/legs or something, but I am not sure.
If you are running about the mountain though you are bound to be SUPER fit so maybe it's a good thing?

I remember the first time I ran I thought I was going to die. I thought, “Who does this crap & likes it?” Well, I didn’t die & I was in the Warrior Dash earlier this year & finished 15th for my age. I have also signed up for the Indy 500 Mini Marathon.

I think biggest hurdle people have with running is they give up before they should give up. Don’t! Just stick with it. You got this…, & you’ll be good at it.

Who does this crap & likes it? I do this crap & like it. You will too.

Thanks, ive just got the app on my iPhone!

Question....Did you have lots of hills and downhills, i live on a mountain, it shouldnt matter too much no?

You might want to look at running a second running app, to get your gps going so that you can get some calorie data. I use cardio trainer (on android). running all that stuff sucks my battery, make sure its charged up.
I think the mountain is going to play a huge role. your just going to be able to blow past those people that live on flat ground.

mmmh a path would be better! Would it count running up one road and back down and up etc? Its still runing isnt it! I have one road at the back of my house flat you see!

Yes that's fine. If I am running say 30 minutes, I do 15 minutes one way then 15 minutes back to where my car is parked (I have my car with me because I stop off at the beach on the way home from work)
So yeah it still counts.
I suggest you start on a flat path because uphill will be hell. Maybe uphill could be a great challenge once you master the schedule.

I did it 2.5 years ago, and now I am training for my second half marathon, and first full marathon!

Well done!
And I agree with the old "something clicks in your head" sentiment. I think I clicked last week

Oh I forgot to mention there is a open encouragment group for C25K on MFP It dosent matter when you started

It's amazing how much Couch to 5k helps. I am on W5D1 (tomorrow), just signed up for my first 5k for 10/15 and plan to do 5k's in all 50 states. I've done a few days over if I struggle and jog at my own pace.

I struggled to run 30 seconds and last year didn't walk well because of ankle surgeries - whatever shape you are in, you can do this!

(my post about all of this if you are interested - http://geekyexplorers.com/?p=650)

C25K - Love it!!!!! Best thing I've done in a long time!!! I completed this at the end of July and now currently half way through the Bridge to 10K program. When I started C25K, I hadn't run since my school days (approx 25yrs!), so really struggled with the first week, just trying to run for one minute! But the program really works, building you up slowly. I actually find the longer distances a lot easier than the shorter intervals, so don't be put off by the first 20 minute run and the 25min the following week. My sister in law has been my running partner throughout this journey, and it really really helps having someone else along for the ride. We both committed to the plan and scheduled in the three sessions every week. She is actually on holiday this week, so I went out on my own yesterday and decided to just run for as long as I possibly could. Well, I actually managed to run 8km, with just one, one minute walk in the middle!! I am so proud of myself and haven't stopped smiling since! It's a fantastic sense of achievement. So, my tips would be:

1) If possible, see if a friend would like to join you for this challenge.
2) Find a suitable place to do the sessions - we were advised to avoid roads (not kind to the joints!) so opted for a forest trail about 10 minutes from where we live. The drive to and from is totally worth it.
3) Draw up a timetable and stick to it!
4) Don't be afraid to repeat weeks if you're struggling
5) Avoid hills (we hate hills!!)

Good Luck!!

I agree with the above advice.

Make sure to take a rest day between days. I know folks who tried to do back to back to get through it quicker. Your muscles need rest days especially since they are not used to running.

Have you been fitted for running shoes?

I used a long block a few blocks away from my house that has a park on it. I would run around that...sort of like a track! It was fun to see me run further as each week went a long.

I used the C25k app on my phone and used the runkeeper app to track my distance.

Take it slow too. The program seems to imply you can run three miles in 30 minutes once completed. I honestly do not know of anyone who could do that until much later after completing the program! In fact, the first time I did was only a month ago!

I did it a few years ago and completed my first 5K without walking a single minute! It was a great kick off to a new running habit and I was running all the time after that. Then I decided to go back to school and everything went downhill and I quit running. I just started up C25K again a couple weeks ago, and am really hoping it gets me back in the mindset I had last time after completing it!

I did it last summer to get back into shape after a long break from running. I did more workouts per week that it suggested, because I was previously experienced at getting into running shape, and It worked beautifully! I also have friends who have never been runners who have used it successfully by following it to the letter. I think it is a sound program - it should get you in shape without risking injury.