Couch-to-5k App/Program. Any thoughts?

I haven't tried the app but I am currently using the podcasts-i love them!

running vs. walking intervals: as someone who grew up with asthma, the intervals really helped me to train my lungs (and my brain) to believe that i could actually run without falling down dead. without a doubt, i looked forward to those walk breaks more than anything early on - staring at my watch, willing the seconds to pass faster (i did this several years ago, so it was the podcast version).

i don't remember the exact schedule that i did, but i would suspect (knowing me) that i did it as infrequently as i could because i really hated running at the time. the music on the podcast was not enough of a distraction so my brain would be focused on how much i hated running and how much this all sucked and other negative things (not good).

over the years i've learned a few key things about running:
1) it's as much a mindgame as it is physical ability - so you absolutely HAVE TO believe that you can do this!

2) mantras help. mine change up as necessary depending on my mindset - "i have endurance, i have stamina, i am a runner" (the last bit is the hardest to believe for me, but with 5 half marathons under my belt, i guess it's kind of true); "i think i can, i think i can, i think i can" (little engine that could, for hills... just like the story).

3) track your progress - for me the change was slow, but having everything written down somewhere be it in a little notebook or on a website really helps to see the progress that you have made and gives you (me anyway) that little extra boost of encouragement necessary to continue.

4) race "bling" - a lot of events pass out medals at the end ... i have an ever growing collection that i keep on display. it's a constant reminder to me of what i have accomplished.

Hello everyone!

I just downloaded the Couch-to-5k program for the iPhone! Has anyone heard anything about it? Had any success?

Its great!! You'll me running 5k in no time!!

Hi there!

I am currently working my way through the C25K app and I absolutely love it! I did week 6 day 2 yesterday, which is the first 20min run... I have been putting this run off for a week because I have been so scared to give it a go! (I didnt believe I could do it) but I did!!

I'll be honest it was definiately more of a jog than a run but to think back to week 3 where a 3minute run terrified me to the core - to now be running 20 minutes?!

I would definitely recommend this app, it has done great things for me, and it is so gradual (yet still hard at times!) that it is possible to turn you into a runner! My first 5.2km Charity race will be on the 1st April 2012! Fingers crossed

Goodluck with the C25K app - I am sure you will love it!

L x

Just ran my first mile ever in my lifetime thanks to C25k. It's incredible. I also use the app and find it fantastic.

I really like the Couch 2 5k program. I am about to finish the 7th week. The description of the program can be found here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

As for phone apps, I found I far preferred RunKeeper over the C25k App. The only downside is it took a few minutes to program in the coaching. I see RunKeeper as much more helpful over the long-haul, however.

I only do the three times a week, you need the "inbetween" periods to rest. Running is very strenuous especially if you're very overweight like me ):
Follow the instructions perfectly, you WILL get results.
I have just finished week 4 day 2 and I can DO it, (3.6k in 35 min) from being able to not even run a 1 minute interval at the start.
I cannot recommend this program enough... I also use it on iOS (ipod touch not iphone) and I love it!

I love it! Wasn't a runner before, okay I actually hated running but started the app and now I can say I'm a runner.

i did the couch-to-5k a while back and i really liked it. the intervals of running and walking help to ease you into a running program, which is great if you haven't run in a while (or ever).

i recently downloaded micoach which is made by the adidas folks (free on android, not sure about iphone) - i love Love LOVE this app. they have a variety of training programs available, so it's very usable for everyone from the newbie runner to the veteran marathoner. i used it to train for an event last month and am currently training for another one next month. the app is linked to a website: http://www.adidas.com/us/micoach/ so to set up your training you actually need to log into here to pick what you are going to do.

in my 2x training program experience, the app starts you with a 12-minute assessment run to determine where you are in terms of pacing. from there it creates a program that helps to keep you within your "zones." the program it lays out includes how many days per week you are running and coaching support while you are out there (gps based) telling you to speed up or slow down. you can also take it into the gym & just adjust the treadmill speed accordingly.

surprisingly (to me anyway - grew up with asthma, never been a "strong" runner), my zones improved (got faster) between my previous training session and my current one! micoach is (imho) the best running program out there (and i have installed, tried, and uninstalled quite a few).

good luck!

This sounds like a great app, thanks for the info!

Hi. I haven't tried it myself but I have a lot of friends who did and love it. I currently use Nike+app on my iPhone which has a 5k program in it but it's not for walkers unfortunately.

I used this to start running last year around March/April. Since graduating the program I've run a few adventure races and 5k's, 3 1/2 Marathons, and a 1/2 Ironman.

I whole heartedly endorse this program for beginner runners. Make sure you get yourself fitted properly for shoes and make sure you take it slow. The number 1 reason beginning runners fail is because they try to go too fast or too far.

I did mine three times per week and at the times that the program calls for. Each week started out hard, but by time the week ended I was ready to move forward.