Couch to 5k- Is it worth doing?

redhead91
redhead91 Posts: 251
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I have never been a runner. I have big boobs (super obnoxious), short legs, and can never seem to breathe right. I always end up with my chest in agony from running. I am considering starting the c25k program. I am wondering if it's SUPER difficult. I know it's going to be hard for someone who's not super in shape, but is it going to kill me every single day? Also, is it worth it? Are the results truly that awesome? Any input is really appreciated.
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Replies

  • BranMuffin21
    BranMuffin21 Posts: 157 Member
    Thats what I'm doing, I've quite enjoyed and it helps to start the distancing. I also just got Nike+ sensor and use it as well as my C25k app.
  • BranMuffin21
    BranMuffin21 Posts: 157 Member
    They start you out slowly and you can repeat steps if you need extra practice!
  • jaydens_momma
    jaydens_momma Posts: 12
    Awesome question! I need to find something to do and I am sure my fiance would like to get me running so we can hopefully run together!
  • shannonaufman
    shannonaufman Posts: 383
    I have big boobs, too (E-cup) and was really scared of running. But -- and I'm not being dramatic or exaggerating -- C25K changed me. It changed my outlook on running, changed my outlook on fitness, increased my confidence, and I lost a good bit of weight doing it. I blogged about every day of C25K on my blog here on MFP. You can read my full outlook on it here:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/shannonaufman

    In short, C25K is amazing. It's TOTALLY worth it and I really loved it.
  • emgs52
    emgs52 Posts: 67 Member
    I love it its totally worth it, it jump started my weight loss
  • austepants
    austepants Posts: 356 Member
    Yes it is worth it! Go for it if you don't like it stop. I found a love for running trying this program :)
  • redhead91
    redhead91 Posts: 251
    Thats what I'm doing, I've quite enjoyed and it helps to start the distancing. I also just got Nike+ sensor and use it as well as my C25k app.

    Just got the app! Hopefully I can get my husband in on it too seeing as how he's in the military but hates running! I might start in a month or two
  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    the harder it is, the more proud you are when you are done.
  • Debi907
    Debi907 Posts: 69 Member
    It's very easy & as someone pointed out, if it's difficult you can repeat that day until you're ready to move on. It's not like you have to run a certain distance in a certain amount of time. You're competing against yourself only. What do you have to lose? The app is cheap. Good luck!

    P.S. Hope you invest in a VERY good sports bra! ;-D
  • redhead91
    redhead91 Posts: 251
    Did anyone loose weight or inches while doing it? Since it's only 3 days a week I'd probably supplement with other exercise but I really want to continue to lose weight/inches!
  • M_lifts
    M_lifts Posts: 2,218 Member
    yes very worth it! get a properly fitted bra/ sports bra and should be good to go. start slow and take your time, repeat weeks if need be! im glad i did and love to run! its very addictive! plus my legs are in the best shape ever!
  • redhead91
    redhead91 Posts: 251
    It's very easy & as someone pointed out, if it's difficult you can repeat that day until you're ready to move on. It's not like you have to run a certain distance in a certain amount of time. You're competing against yourself only. What do you have to lose? The app is cheap. Good luck!

    P.S. Hope you invest in a VERY good sports bra! ;-D


    Lol I bought a good sports bra recently! My chest is usually in agony from not being able to breathe though :/
  • aunt_hbomb
    aunt_hbomb Posts: 204
    I started C25K in May. I had to restart it 3 times. I just finished week 5. I was never a runner & never thought I could do it or would like it. I LOVE IT. I feel amazing when I run, even more so knowing what I have accomplished.

    I have pretty huge boobs, but I have gone from 46DD to 42D since May.
  • Maria_Goose
    Maria_Goose Posts: 247
    Where do I find more info on how to do this?
  • inotnew
    inotnew Posts: 218 Member
    I have just finished Week 6 of c25k. I also have large breasts, but I wear 2 sports bras. Started as 38FFF, they have gotten a little smaller since losing weight. I am working on form and breathing (not shallow) more than distance and speed. That will come much later. I very much love the simplicity of running. I don't need extra equipment. I would recommend reading different blogs and online articles about different running (shoe, minimal, barefoot, etc). Do get to worried about it. Like Nike says "just do it".
  • jaydens_momma
    jaydens_momma Posts: 12
    Does it work for someone who really doesn't like running?

    Last summer I was measured for a bra and they told me I was an F-cup!

    I just downloaded to C25K app!!
  • horseryder77
    horseryder77 Posts: 224 Member
    This is how I started running in June.. then, just a few weeks ago, I ran a half marathon.
    I stand by the C25k through and through. Start off slow, focus on taking deep in and out breathes. Don't get discouraged if it gets hard, when you finally get to your distance, it'll all be worth it.
    Get good running shoes (get fitted) and make sure you stick with it.

    I lost weight and inches. Although, I wasn't very overweight to begin with. So I may not be the norm. Buuut... I thought it was awesome and it started me off on the right foot. And I HATED running. Could never go for more than 30 seconds without being out of breath. Now I can run 8 miles without stopping. And I couldn't even run the mile in high school.
    Do it :). It's worth it. It'll get you into the addiction of running/racing.
  • JeSuisPrest
    JeSuisPrest Posts: 2,005 Member
    In a word....yes.
  • amberwebb79
    amberwebb79 Posts: 113 Member
    Did anyone loose weight or inches while doing it? Since it's only 3 days a week I'd probably supplement with other exercise but I really want to continue to lose weight/inches!

    I'm at the end of week 3 and I've lost an inch from my waist, and an inch from my hips. I've not got much to lose, so I figure that's a big accomplishment.
  • sewerchick93
    sewerchick93 Posts: 1,438 Member
    I have NEVER ever been a runner, I used to make fun of runners and wonder why they torture themselves that way. But I wanted to change up my cardio and I started the c25k....I am 43 yrs old, and I wear a G-cup and I am loving jogging. It was such an amazing feeling of accomplishment the first time I was able to jog an entire 5k distance without walking. Granted, my jogging to most would be compared to the tortoise in the tortoise and the hare....but I did it and I didn't stop. I am now challenging myself to work on increasing my speed. I am running my first official 5K race next weekend..i'm scared and excited at the same time.

    I haven't seen a huge drop in the pounds, but I have seen an extremely noticable difference in inches, especially in the hips....and I now have shapely legs :happy:
  • ecoyle
    ecoyle Posts: 58
    i am on week 2 now i too need work on the breathing thing any tips for this would be fab! i have never liked running at all but would like to enjoy it so just pushing myself out the door to get it done an hopefully i will grow to love it.
  • jaimieht
    jaimieht Posts: 106
    In a word....yes.

    ditto.
  • ThinnerHill
    ThinnerHill Posts: 254 Member
    I've downloaded the app and created a playlist to go with it but for some reason I can't make myself get out the front door. I used to love running. All throughout high school I ran cross country or track it seemed like, but now I'm afraid to start running again. It's been at least 15 years.

    I so want to take that first step, but just haven't managed it yet. HELP!!!!
  • kyylieeeeee
    kyylieeeeee Posts: 197 Member
    I never was a runner, and always wished I could be. I spent a really long time just working up to a 5K on my own...and then literally about two days after I successfully ran 3.2 miles (comfortably) for the first time ever, I heard about Couch to 5K and was so angry that I missed out on such a great workout plan (that's obviously proven to have helped to many people)!

    Even though I didn't use the C25K program, I made up my own schedule that was similar in concept...and now I run. A lot. And can comfortably do about 4 miles out on the trails or on the treadmill :] Making yourself into a runner, especially if it's an activity you're interested in, has so many awesome benefits. Plus, working on your 5K time is a great way to have a more activity-filled life, because there are always races on the weekend for this-or-that charity!
  • YepLilly
    YepLilly Posts: 129 Member
    YES!

    I did it some years ago and was amazed at how long I could run (without stopping!) at the end of it. It's a very gradual program. You will enjoy it.

    PS. I remember there were some MP3s for each week that helped you keep track of the minutes and walking breaks, very useful. I think they are here: http://www.c25k.com/podcasts.htm
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Absolutely worth it!!
    I started C25k in January and now I'm 21kg lighter (47 pounds), I ran a 12k race in August and now I'm just about to set out for a 14km training run, working towards a half marathon on February.

    When I started I was wearing an 18DD bra, now I'm in a 12D (Aussie sizes, that's probaby an 8D US).

    My best tip is to run slow. Really really slow!!
    This takes away the stress of being out of breath so soon.
    And don't be afraid to repeat weeks if you need to, I couldn't manage 8 separate 1min runs the first week so I started with 6 and worked my way up from there.... now I can run for an hour and a half!!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I loved C25K!

    I started in December, at age 38, was able to run 5k in February, ran my first race in March, was able to (almost) keep up with my 25 year old very athletic niece in May, finishing just a few seconds behind her in a 5 mile race.

    Last weekend was the first race I did since then, and I won first place in my age group, and beating my personal record by two and a half minutes! I'm running my first10k on Sunday.

    A year ago, I could barely run a tenth of a mile, and now I have my heart set on winning a trophy. Not this weekend. But... Someday. :smile:
  • CharlieBarleyMom
    CharlieBarleyMom Posts: 727 Member
    Does it work for someone who really doesn't like running?

    Last summer I was measured for a bra and they told me I was an F-cup!

    I just downloaded to C25K app!!

    Yes it does work for someone who doesn't like running. I HATED to run... but I started doing Leslie Sansone Walk at Home DVDs and she does "boosted walking" (which is really jogging) and I just started doing it around my living room, dining room, kitchen, etc. instead of in place... and the next thing I knew I couldn't STOP myself from downloading the app. I asked my friends "please help me, I hate to run, I don't want to do this" -- yet I COULD NOT STOP myself... I haven't kept up with the training due to painting my house, but I look forward to running (short short) when I can... I actually really like it now.
    Damn.
  • kcgslp
    kcgslp Posts: 203 Member
    i am on week 2 now i too need work on the breathing thing any tips for this would be fab! i have never liked running at all but would like to enjoy it so just pushing myself out the door to get it done an hopefully i will grow to love it.


    No real tips for breathing except .... Keep Running!!! You're not only building cardio-vascular strength but also pulmonary capacity. Every time you run you are increasing your lungs' ability to move air. Take it slow and I promise your breathing will get better.

    I did this program it works!
  • ylihas_x3
    ylihas_x3 Posts: 2 Member
    i have the app sitting on my phone for two months now, been planning on doing it but would really like a partner. but now since i read all these good reviews might as well start! need to boost my running stamina :)
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