Couch 2 5K

I've never been a runner and was so please with myself to complete this program. I am now on Bridge to 10k!!!

Just finished week 1 myself!

2 main things; STRETCH and SHOES.

The c25K site has a great list of stretches should look at.
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/126.shtml

There's a C25K group you can join here on MFP as well, check it out!

I've completed the program and am now training for a half marathon. When your training gets difficult, just keep plugging through and remember that its only for a half hour...you can do it!!!

I started in back in January, I never thought I'd be a runner, and I loved it! Make sure you stretch. I did week 1 twice because I didn't feel I was ready to move on to week 2, just remember to do what feels best for you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I signed up for a Warrior Dash and a 5k in the Spring and Summer, I can't wait!

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/126.shtml

Great stretches.

I'm on Week 4 Day 3. I'll be running it on Wednesday! Good luck. It is difficult for the first week or two, but PUSH THROUGH IT! If you can get the iPhone app, GET IT! It's so helpful!

I hate running. I love c25k! There is a group for this. Please join us. :-)

Edit: Here's the link for the group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

I completed the program and started training for a 10k. It is a great program! I could never run for more than 30 seconds at a time but now I can run 4 miles without stopping.

I started C25K last April and ran my first half marathon on January 15th after a couple of 10Ks and 5Ks. I have my next half marathon in a few weeks. So far I have been completely injury free. My advice:

Stretch after not before running. Stretches are much more effective when your muscles are thoroughly warmed up. Warm up as directed by walking for 5 minutes before you start to run.

Don't do anything high impact on the days between your runs and don't run more often than 3 days per week. Your joints, tendons and muscles need to get used to the impact of running. The recovery days are at least as important as the running days.

Don't run on concrete. It's too hard and forces your body to absorb all of the impact. Instead, run on dirt, grass or asphalt. If this means running on the side of the road, be sure to always run on the left side so you're facing oncoming traffic.

If you start to feel any pain, during or after a run, stop or at least slow down. Unless you have a pre-existing injury, pain means you are either trying to do too much too soon or your shoes are not proper for your running style.

Most of all, have fun with it!

It's a wonderful program and I'm using a C210k then switching to a 10k-Half Marathon program as I'm training for a half marathon. As others have stated do a proper warm up (5 min brisk walk) then start the program. Stretch after. Push yourself. Know the difference between mental weakness and physical pain.

The two most mentally challenging sports I've ever attempted - golf and running. Don't let the mental aspect wear you down. Keep a short memory and most of all have fun with it.

I just completed Week 3/Day 1 today...I've NEVER run by choice before, so I think this is a really great program. I can already tell that I've got stamina and strength that I didn't have three weeks ago.

I'll also chime in on the shoes thing-- I got myself some real running shoes this weekend-- nothing expensive, but actual athletic shoes. They make a big difference...my legs did not get worn out before the rest of me today!

I just started Week4, so far so good.

There's a couch to 5k group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

I started in back in January, I never thought I'd be a runner, and I loved it! Make sure you stretch. I did week 1 twice because I didn't feel I was ready to move on to week 2, just remember to do what feels best for you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I signed up for a Warrior Dash and a 5k in the Spring and Summer, I can't wait!

When and where is your Warrior Dash? I'm doing it in April in Mississippi.

Before C25K, I'd always semi-joked to everyone that I was "allergic" to running. C25K was hard, especially week 5 (I think that's the week) where you have your first 20 minute run. I read somewhere that that was the week people dropped out at and I swore to myself that I wouldn't I completed C25K in April 2010, ran my first 5k in May, first 10k in September '10, and first half in October '11. I'm not a super fast runner (started at a 13:00/mi and now am down to 11:15-12:15), but completing C25K made me feel like if I could conquer that, I could do anything. I know if I told myself 3 years ago I'd be preaching about how great running is, I'd have laughed in my face, but it's true. it.

Best recommendation: Go get fitted for proper shoes. Most running stores have you run on a treadmill and look at your gait and pick shoes out for you accordingly. Yes, the shoes will be around $100, but we only get one body, so we all better take care of them!

Also, if you're running, make sure to eat back at least some of your calories. That's the only way I lost any weight--the body needs more calories to build all that new muscle!

Feel free to add me for some encouragement!