Couch to 5k success stories?

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.

I completely love the C25K program (hated it when I was running, and, seriously, yes, weeks 4,5 and 6 are the hardest) but it was such an accomplishment to finish.

My problem was people. I was always the last person to complete the mile in gym class - everyone would be there at the finish line waiting for me (and rolling their eyes). I constantly thought that people were looking at me like, "look at that fat girl run. Why does she bother." NOPE!!! Once you start trying, you become a runner. Other runners smile at you or wish you a good morning.

The best advice I can give you is to keep running!!! Yes, you want to stop at 30seconds, but push it!! Finish that minute! You'll get to 2 minutes and then to eventually 30! The other advice I can give you is that it's ok to repeat weeks. The weeks in which you ran 6 then 8 minutes was killer on me!! I had to do it again.

I'm happy to say that I'm on week 3 of the Bridge to 10K program. I run for 17 minutes at a time and ran for a total of 55 minutes the other day - I've come a long way....and so can you!!