Couch 2 5K motivation and support group!

Tomorrow I will be starting week 5 day 1! The only advice I would give is take it slow and follow the program. You really do build up stamina and strength as the weeks progress. I'm enjoying it and can't wait to be able to run for 30 minutes straight.

I want to try this! I am not a big fan of running...........ok, I hate it! lol But, I want to try something new! I have friends who have done it and succeeded and now they love to run.

Has anyone done it or want to do it? If so, feel free to give some tips, advice, support, motivation!

I live in Seattle, so if anyone would like to meet up sometime and start, I'm game!

Deb

Hi Deb,

I've just done Week 1 Day 1 this morning and it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd expected.

I've never, ever run, even as a youngster but, like you, I've heard of people who have been similar who have done brilliantly using this programme. If it can work for them it can work for me!

I think meeting up might be a little bit of a problem as I'm from a seaside town on the South Coast of the UK lol, but I can do virtual support.

Sarah

I plan to start this again when my general fitness is back up to it, and the North West Uk weather is better. Swimming is my thing at the moment.

I have started couch to 5 k with a few guided mp3 audio apps (Robert Ullrey is a free one, OK GO do a good one too for ipod) but I tried to get through the weeks too fast and always injured myself. TAKE IT SLOW AND BE PATIENT is my advice. Don't fret if its week 5 and you are still repeating week 3 routine... it will pay off in the long run!

Let's get back in touch in the spring and you can motivate me with your tales of sub 40 minute 5k runs, that are fun and easy!

Tara xx

I completed c25K in the Spring and Summer. It was great. Its amazing how I went from running a few minutes at a time to running 30 minutes straight. I'm not a fan of running on the treadmill and its cold here in NY so I'll probably start up again in April. Good luck.

I just finished the program...it is AMAZING!!! It is more amazing that I can run for 30-35 minutes straight......I say DO IT!!!

I've started this twice before and haven't been able to finish. I usually get stuck around week 7 or 8, where if I am not running every other day I lose my conditioning FAST. I'm trying it a third time and I start week 3 tomorrow.

This hasn't deterred me from running in a few races though, I just walk part of the course when I can't run anymore.

I am on week 3 now. I do run every day, but still follow the program. I ran a 5K in December and had to take lots of walk breaks, so hoping this helps me finish it without walking. Its so much tougher outside than on the treadmill!

Starting week 8 tomorrow and I have fallen madly in love with running! Its a fantastic program. DO IT!!!! Don't even think about it...literally just take the plunge. I heard about it on a Thursday, downloaded the podcasts that night, started the next day. I have followed the program to the "t", not skipping any steps..or jumping ahead. I had a few snafus with knee pain. Learned that I needed to stretch more and work on strength training and cross training. Yes...I know make decisions on how I can be better at running...who would have EVER thought I would do that. EVER!!!!!!

Just to let you all know.......the program works and you CAN do it! The key is to keep it slow. I'm starting Week 9 tomorrow & I still can't believe it! I'm soon to be 52 years old and carrying almost 50 lbs of extra weight. If I can do it, anyone can!

Lori

I completed the program in December and ran my first 5K today. I am still amazed that I ran the entire thing. I used to hate running, too, but have grown to love it. I especially love the "runner's high". Stick with it!!