Couch to 5k

Kellymac88 · January 2012

I'm currently on week 3 day 2 of the couch to 5k program and I LOVE it. I have never... I mean never ever... been a runner. Also, I have always been a person that gets really wheezy when I run.
ANYWAYS.. I started this program and it has been completely doable and very fun to feel my stamina build up. I have felt the successes as I have been going.
Try it!!
I highly recommend grabbing an iphone app for it. The one I have puts a little beep into my music when it's time to start jogging and time to start walking, so it takes all the work out of keeping track of the intervals.
Love it! Do it! Let me know how it goes!

jskaggs1971 · January 2012

I recently completed C25K (again), and it's been a GREAT program for me. As a kid, I had awfully flat feet, asthma, and big-time ITB problems. I was told "you'll never be able to run well."

Turns out, I really enjoy running. Well, except for maybe running on the dreadmill at the gym or at hotels for business travel, but I do it anyhow. I'm entered in my first 5K this Saturday, in a location I know well, and I'm really excited to get out there and "be a runner" more than "be a big lumbering clydesdale". Well, OK. at 6'5", I'll probably always be a big lumbering clydesdale -- a big, lumbering, grinning clydesdale.

For those of you struggling with C25K, keep at it. I finally found out that once you get past the first ten minutes, which can be hard for anybody until you're good and warmed up, the miles and time fly by, and you're actually enjoying that run, and not just suffering through it. You'll get there. If I can do it, nearly anyone can.

Cal28 · January 2012

Did you all get proper running trainers? I have flex trainers for the gym, do I need a different pair? x

Bsloop45 · January 2012

I'm curious how this helped with weight loss for you all. Was it a big help?

EmilyGetsSkinny95 · January 2012

Recently began the program, and after just 5 days I can already tell a difference in stamina! A really doable program (so far :-D). I've discovered a love for running that I didn't know I had. I am going to look for a good 5k to do this spring with my friend.

chelsea32291 · January 2012

I just finished W2D1 a little while ago. I also bought the app for it. Definitely worth it. Hoping I'll actually stick with it!

& Good luck to you!

JuniperT · January 2012

I had mixed feeling about it at first but only because my supportive boyfriend wanted to come and I didn't want him to see me like that haha but he came and it actually helped. In all honesty, the hardest part was learning how to breathe properly, after I got that down pat it was good from there. I ended up getting pregant so I had to quit but I can't wait to start again...only 10 more weeks! Good luck and keep posted on how it's going

ladytinkerbell99 · January 2012

Thanks for all this information. This is so motivational. I loved running, but have not done it in years. I am going to find out more about this and maybe give it a try.

DRetel · January 2012

I completed C25K in September. Previously, I never ever ran. I used to joke that a bear would have to be chasing me, for anyone to see me run.
I went from couch potato, to running 5k, at least 3x per week.

2 weeks ago, I started Bridge to 10k. I mildly sprained my ankle 9 days ago, so I was hobbled for a while. Got back to it tonight, and ran 7.3km in 44min. Slow going for now, but distance then speed!

If I can do this, pretty much anyone can! As a youth, I always had exercise induced asthma. Even now, occasionally running in colder weather, I'll get a small asthma flare up, but how I feel when I'm done my run... Nothing beats it! :-)

Tiffany789 · January 2012

I started the c25k program in June. I ran my first 5k in September, and my first half marathon in October. I'm now training for a marathon for March 31st.

This program completely changed my life- and it works, but you have to work it and be dedicated.

***I was never a runner before the program.

asmithson19 · January 2012

Hi

I completed it, and loved it, defiantly recommend you doing it!!!

xx

Me too!! Completely agree!!

lawoods · January 2012

Just finished day 1 of week 4 using the "ease into 5k" app. Finally feel like I'm going to make it! Each increment up I have been worried about. Thought I was dying at 60 sec and 90 sec. Completed two 4 min runs and a 6 min tonight. Amazed! Getting my breathing down to a comfortable pattern has been the most difficult thing for me. Finally starting random counting to take my mind off forcing a pattern and my body relaxed into a rhythm. weird but true.

I don't know how many times I have tried to do this.....but I am finally going to make it! Don't give up!

bjfmade · January 2012

My fat lab and I graduated today. A part of our run was in snow, but I was not going to wait for a nice day. It is well worth it, I went from hating to run (that is what I have always said, most likely because I was out of shape and overweight) to really enjoying this. I will continue to run. I am going to run a 5K in May that I walked last year.
Btw, my lab runs to the gate to go when he sees me in my running clothes.

Lothiam · January 2012

My wife and I both did this last year and ran a 5k within 2.5 months of starting and then ran a 12k shortly thereafter. Had never ran before in my life.

carole456 · January 2012

I plan to start this in the next couple of months, am currently doing exercises to build up strength in my feet! Am increasing my walking everyday especially uphill so hope that's a good preparation.

EricMurano · January 2012

I did it and it worked. Today I ran 7.4 km in the rain non stop - well non-stop not counting the two times I had to stop to re-tie my shoe laces grr

shortly24 · January 2012

It is so awesome to read so many success stories. Mine is similar in that I have never enjoyed running, and never really thought I could do it. But with our summer holiday approaching, I knew it would be hard to get to the gym, and I didn't want to gain weight or lose fitness despite this. So, I find myself having just completed Week 5, Day 3 (Yes, that day!) and doing fine - enjoying it, looking forward to it, and consistently doing more than I'm asked, which is so encouraging. Next step - speed!

jillydetox · January 2012

I am starting the couch to 5k program today I was wondering if anyone has done this program. Also, wanted to see if it really works before I start.

jillydetox · January 2012

Go 4 it!!!!!!, I started running a few years ago and i cant rate it enough...the health benifits are fantastic and its the perfect way to destress, nothing better than putting the i pod on and listening to ure fave tunes while you run. Its hard at first but you will soon start to enjoy it I caught the running bug and I hope you can too. Good Luck xx

olinka1981 · January 2012

Hi,

today is my second day. I am looking forward to it (and that surprise me the most).
Good luck!

O.

optimaltouch · January 2012

I keep hearing about this couch to 5k program. Where exactly do you get a hold of it. Is this an mfp program or a dvd to buy or??? Thanks

CharityD · January 2012

I've done it and loved it. There are several different music styles available on the net to pick from. My favorite was Suz's C25K from kiss my black *kitten* .org and it was hip hop. Happy running!

elzettel · January 2012

Sounds like a good program but I loathe running. Do they have a program for fitness walking?

First off, I didn't do C25k when I started but did C210k after I'd done a few 5k's. After using that program I so wish I would have started with the 5k program! Loved it and it was so doable...I did repeat weeks if/when needed. I've graduated to a few half marathons but still use the app here and there especially when I get off track (ahem...the holidays).

I believe active.com is running a sale on their C25K app...it's 99 cents. Also, I think there are podcasts that do the same type of thing you could try for free...I don't know if they are as good as the app tho.

As far as fitness walking...you could totally use these apps for that as well (IMO). Just speed up your pace for the intervals without breaking into a jog or run. Let me tell you...race walkers are NO JOKE!

Pinkwaxx · January 2012

Hi can anyone tell me where i can find one of these programs. Id love to be able to run but i find it so hard and difficult to motivate myself! Any help?! x

samanthaperks · January 2012

Hi,
Me and my friends started this a few weeks ago, and so far it's working - we're starting week 4 this week.
I'm ridiculously unfit, so even week 1 was a real challenge for me. Every week I thought i'd never be able to do it, but so far I've finished every session.
Really stick to having a day off between runs though, I did too much and tore a ligament in my ankle, which is why it's taken to long to get back to week 4...
A great start to jogging and can't recommend enough!

samanthaperks · January 2012

I got mine in the blackberry app store. I know it's also available on the iPhone but i'm not sure about android. Good Luck!

Jenn638 · January 2012

I keep hearing about this couch to 5k program. Where exactly do you get a hold of it. Is this an mfp program or a dvd to buy or??? Thanks

you dont have to buy anything. if you google it. you should be able to find a website with all the intervals for each day. then you just do what it says. i use and app on my phone that allows me to play music but has a person tell me the intervals so i don't
have to check the paper, or time my self. but its a good program and there are some groups here on mfp just for dedicated c25k people.

rieson · January 2012

I did it several years ago, it does work!! I ran for quite a while afterward until "life" got in the way. Tip: Be sure to get fit at a running store for a good pair of running shoes, you will need them so you don't get shin splints.

You will do just fine!! Congrats on starting

Emwalker3406 · January 2012

Android has 2 a free lite version & a full version. I started this last year and LOVED it. The one mistake I made was not going to a real running shoe store to get my shoes. I got a great pair that felt nice but by week 3 I developed shin splints since the shoes & my stride are not a match. I plan on restarting this spring BUT only after getting the right shoes.

HauteP1nk · January 2012

I am in a very similar program right now except mine is called 'Learn to Run'. If your program is anything like mine I am sure you will do fine. It really is great for anyone of all fitness levels! Each week we go up a minute for running...so the first week the ratio was 1:1 (run 1, walk 1), second week was 2:1, then 3:1, and this week was 4:1... Basically it is a gradual increase which makes it very easy. You have to ensure that you get in a couple of practice runs per week... I go running a minimum of 3x per week.

As of last night (our 4th week) we have already started running up to 3km's! We are more than half way to 5Kms... That is incredible! At the end of the program I should be able to run the 5km marathon.

Most important though - ensure you are fitted for a proper pair of running shoes. And by running shoes I mean running shoes...not cross trainers! You should got into a professional running store (in Canada we have the running room) and they will fit you with the proper shoe. This is very important because if you don't have the proper shoe you will experience pains and aches...

GOOD LUCK!!

Couch to 5k

Replies

Categories