Couch to 5k Plan? Anyone done it?

lukeout007
lukeout007 Posts: 1,237 Member
edited October 7 in Fitness and Exercise
I came across the Couch to 5k Plan online and it intrigued me. I intend on starting to jog this weekend and the more I read about it the more I think it may work well for me. I'm just wondering if anyone else has done it and how well they did?
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Replies

  • jjennings0424
    jjennings0424 Posts: 4 Member
    I did it and it was awesome! It led me to run my first 5k!!! Awesome APP! :)
  • thejackswild79
    thejackswild79 Posts: 102
    I did it as well. I loved it. It got me to my first 5K and has led to a pretty fun running addiction.
  • Scott_P
    Scott_P Posts: 95 Member
    I started last march and completed it a few months after. I loved it and I still run to this day. I am currently training for a half marathon.
  • neclar
    neclar Posts: 75 Member
    i'm currently doing it. just started. there are alot of folks on here who have done it.
  • cmh_34
    cmh_34 Posts: 20 Member
    I'd like to try it out.
  • ddd_davis
    ddd_davis Posts: 5
    I just started this week. I'm loving it so far.
  • msiamjan
    msiamjan Posts: 326 Member
    I also completed it. Running is a *****, but the program is good. There is a whole section on the message boards devoted to it. You might want to look at that and get some ideas as well.
  • Stompp
    Stompp Posts: 216
    I did it while losing weight originally, and was able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes when I hit 220.

    I loved it!
  • aigo86
    aigo86 Posts: 79 Member
    I am currently on day 3 of C25K :) I am running a 5K with 6 others on June 3rd and I cannot wait :) It will be 3 days before my 26th Birthday and I am so excited I will be able to run before turning 26! I have always hated running and have began to enjoy it again!

    522328.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter
  • lukeout007
    lukeout007 Posts: 1,237 Member
    Wow I didn't expect so many positive responses! I'm definitely doing it...thanks guys!
  • EricMurano
    EricMurano Posts: 825 Member
    Do it! I've 'graduated' and just yesterday I ran 6.3km non stop.
  • tiara_amethyst
    tiara_amethyst Posts: 1 Member
    I'm at week 3 and signed up for 1st 5k on 4th March. Being new to it I can't really give you a review but usually I go headfirst into exercise and push my self too far too soon only to quit after 3 days, C25K has been achievable and with the programme constantly changing you feel really motivated every time you complete a stage/week.
  • chodgi06
    chodgi06 Posts: 26 Member
    i've done it twice through a running shop. i was so far out of shape, that i never ran the full 5k, but it helped, and sped up my completion time significantly. the interval training works, and you build cardio fitness faster than you would think. you will probably have a lot of aches and pains the first few weeks (your body will revolt!), just keep at it. the first bit is the hardest. even when you are later in the program, it takes a while into each "run" to loosen up and feel a rhythm. i recommend, if doing it on your own, to use an app on your phone, or ideally a garmin type watch. helps time intervals and let you know how far you've gone. i found a good app that i really like for iphone for around $2

    also look for one of the plans that has you starting with intervals that are like "jog 30 seconds, walk 60 seconds" for twenty minutes, not the ones that ask you to go out and jog for 20 minutes to start off with. that will defeat you pretty quickly.
  • yager8725
    yager8725 Posts: 267 Member
    Im working on it now. I have never ran before but this is actually working! im taking 24 weeks to do it instead of 12. I LOVE IT!!! AWSOME CALORIE BURN!
  • lukeout007
    lukeout007 Posts: 1,237 Member
    I am currently on day 3 of C25K :) I am running a 5K with 6 others on June 3rd and I cannot wait :) It will be 3 days before my 26th Birthday and I am so excited I will be able to run before turning 26! I have always hated running and have began to enjoy it again!

    522328.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

    That's my problem too. Congratulations on doing it right before your birthday! I want to be able to do it by the time my second child is born in August. Hopefully sooner but I think at the least that gives me a realistic goal.
  • spasso21
    spasso21 Posts: 2
    Great app - ran my first 5k in December and am now preparing for a 10k in July!
  • bjfmade
    bjfmade Posts: 543 Member
    Am on Week 7 Day 1. Awesome program!
  • afwood
    afwood Posts: 6
    I did the couch to 5K. I ran my first 5K in November 2011. I felt so good crossing that finish line! Good luck
  • tageekly
    tageekly Posts: 3,755 Member
    I just "graduated" last weekend! It's great! I have so much more endurance than I expected. There's a really great Group here on MFP for support and information you should also look into: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k.

    Good luck and just take it at your pace - don't be disappointed to repeat a day or week! :happy:
  • lukeout007
    lukeout007 Posts: 1,237 Member
    i've done it twice through a running shop. i was so far out of shape, that i never ran the full 5k, but it helped, and sped up my completion time significantly. the interval training works, and you build cardio fitness faster than you would think. you will probably have a lot of aches and pains the first few weeks (your body will revolt!), just keep at it. the first bit is the hardest. even when you are later in the program, it takes a while into each "run" to loosen up and feel a rhythm. i recommend, if doing it on your own, to use an app on your phone, or ideally a garmin type watch. helps time intervals and let you know how far you've gone. i found a good app that i really like for iphone for around $2

    also look for one of the plans that has you starting with intervals that are like "jog 30 seconds, walk 60 seconds" for twenty minutes, not the ones that ask you to go out and jog for 20 minutes to start off with. that will defeat you pretty quickly.

    What app is it? I downloaded one called iMapMyRun that I haven't tried yet. I got the free version but I saw there was a $2 one as well.
  • ALHicks
    ALHicks Posts: 104 Member
    I am currently doing it right now and if you have a smart phone there is an app to it that I love. it cost me about $3.00 but the nice thing about it is that it plays my playlist from my downloaded songs and then interrupts my music by saying "jog now" or "walk now". I love it and I am finding every day I am running a little easier and I am gaining more confidence. My first 5k is in March so I am hoping to run the whole thing.
  • ALHicks
    ALHicks Posts: 104 Member
    The app on Blackberry is called "Couck 2 5K"
  • moran1917
    moran1917 Posts: 1,133 Member
    I am on week 4 of c25k. It has been really good so far. The intervals make it easy to run cause you only have to do it for a little bit with small increases each week. This week (week 4) is when the pain wasn't as much as my body became adjusted to it. I have been writing a blog about going through c25k if you would like you can read about my experiences there.
  • Poohsta0
    Poohsta0 Posts: 147 Member
    Six weeks into it and I LOVE it. Structured enough to train, loose enough to let you push harder if you want.
  • Corryn78
    Corryn78 Posts: 215
    It is a great plan to help with beginner running (I am still a beginner as well). My bit of advice from experience is go AS SLOW as you need to during each running segment. If you try going fast, you will burn out early and not be able to complete each segment, and that is a let down. I have "ran" as slow as 3.8 mph just to keep my heart rate down. GOOD LUCK!!
  • bdaves
    bdaves Posts: 13 Member
    I started with it this past July and completed a 1/2 marathon last weekend. The whole experience was one of the best things I have done for myself both mentally and physically!
  • lukeout007
    lukeout007 Posts: 1,237 Member
    I am on week 4 of c25k. It has been really good so far. The intervals make it easy to run cause you only have to do it for a little bit with small increases each week. This week (week 4) is when the pain wasn't as much as my body became adjusted to it. I have been writing a blog about going through c25k if you would like you can read about my experiences there.

    That would be fantastic. Can you send me the link?
  • momaureen
    momaureen Posts: 5 Member
    Couch to 5K is a great program; I just started day one today. Try to do it as planned and not push ahead, in order to prevent injuries and burnout. Also, if you can't keep up, just stay with each stage as long as needed before you move on. For me starting is always the hardest. Good luck.
  • kimray75
    kimray75 Posts: 66 Member
    I am currently doing it. I'm on week three day three. This is actually my second time around doing the program. It's great.
  • Lindseysund8
    Lindseysund8 Posts: 69
    Im doing it now. But one thing id like to point out is that you dont need to be scared to repeat weeks or pause even. I took about 3 weeks off after week 2 and ran 5 minutes today! So just stick with it but go at your own pace. Its really great for endurance. Good luck!
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