C25k or Ease into 5k?

C25k. Is a great App. Mine is free, I have music controls from the C25k screen, it talks to me during my run...like it a lot. Even use it on days I don't have time for the full day's workout and after I'm at 5k level as a training to run faster -- go back to week 3 or so and run a faster-than-your-normal pace for 3 min, rest, do it again...
I've never tried the other, but am a big fan of the C25k app.

I am doing C25K and liking it - up to week 5 - just finished day 2 of week 5 - but freaking out about day 3 where you have to run 20 minutes - so far the longest interval has been 8 minutes - it seems like a massive jump - any tips?

One of the C25K apps was renamed by the developer.

I am doing C25K and liking it - up to week 5 - just finished day 2 of week 5 - but freaking out about day 3 where you have to run 20 minutes - so far the longest interval has been 8 minutes - it seems like a massive jump - any tips?

I just finished the program through 5K Runner and it took me a few months (I repeated several days). That does seem like a big jump, but I think you should try it. You might be surprised at how well you do! And if you aren't able to make it the whole 20 minutes just repeat the workout. Let us know how it goes.

I have been using Active.com's Couch-to-5K for about a week now. So far I really like the application. One upgrade I would like for them to add is a mileage update. I got used to that with the Nike+ GPS app. I am also training in a local running clinic. My goal is to complete a 5k at a comfortable pace for a race in May.

They are pretty similar, both start you off with short bursts of running with longer walks in between, progressing to longer runs & shorter walks, until you end up running for 30 mins or more. Slight difference in the pattern of runs/walks but the principles are the same. Ease Into 5k links to the iPod app so that you can have a specifc playlist on while you are using the app.

I used one called run double...it was the same as c25k which i also used for a little while. i think theyre all the same just different names.

I am doing C25K and liking it - up to week 5 - just finished day 2 of week 5 - but freaking out about day 3 where you have to run 20 minutes - so far the longest interval has been 8 minutes - it seems like a massive jump - any tips?

That one had me worried too! It does seem like a big jump, but it's not as scary as you think! In some ways it was almost easier because without the walking break in between runs, I didn't lose that rhythm, you know? Don't be afraid to go slow, or to slow down during the 20 minutes if you need to.

You can do it!

20 mins consistent running will seem like a big jump from 8 mins, but if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other you will surprise yourself! I'm guessing that when you were on 8 minute intervals, you did more repetitions, right? So actually you won't be on your feet for much more time because you'll have longer but fewer intervals. My advice would be to not look at your watch - time always seems to go slower when you watch the clock! Try setting an alarm to go off after 20 mins or make a 20 minute long playlist on your iPod and don't stop running till it's finished. You don't have to run fast! Also don't beat yourself up if you can't manage 20 mins in one go - just try again next time, but also be honest with yourself - when you get to 8 or 10 minutes, do you really need to stop/walk or could you keep going?? You'll be surprised!

BTW it took me a few tries but I finally graduated from Couch to 5K - I'm now on a 10K training program so am having to get used to running for an hour or more, gulp!

I am doing C25K and liking it - up to week 5 - just finished day 2 of week 5 - but freaking out about day 3 where you have to run 20 minutes - so far the longest interval has been 8 minutes - it seems like a massive jump - any tips?

That one had me worried too! It does seem like a big jump, but it's not as scary as you think! In some ways it was almost easier because without the walking break in between runs, I didn't lose that rhythm, you know? Don't be afraid to go slow, or to slow down during the 20 minutes if you need to.

You can do it!

Absolutely ^^this. I always find the first 10 mins running the hardest (ok maybe the last 10 mins of a long run too!) but once your legs and muscles have got into a rhythym, it's actually pretty easy to keep the momentum going.

I am doing C25K and liking it - up to week 5 - just finished day 2 of week 5 - but freaking out about day 3 where you have to run 20 minutes - so far the longest interval has been 8 minutes - it seems like a massive jump - any tips?

I freaked out too! Just take it really slowly and you'll be fine

These apps are not legally binding, you can deviate if need be!!

LOL...that makes me laugh.

So, what speeds are people running/jogging at? I can do 5 mph on the shorter stretches but I usually keep it to 4.7 mph. Once I'm doing longer ones I'll probably drop to 4.5 mph. I know I'm VERY slow LOL. But, when I started running 2.5 weeks ago or so, 4 mph was jogging for me and now I find that just more annoying than anything because it really is too slow.

Yay, well done!

You are NOT too old or overweight to start this!

I strongly suggest that you have your doctor check you out first. You could even go to a MedExpress or similar, just to have them listen to your heart, go over any other health issues you may have (Asthma? Diabetes? Low blood sugar? High blood pressure? Etc).

***Tell them that you plan to start an exercise program.***. They may want to run blood work. they might suggest that you meet with a trainer--and your insurance might even cover something like that!

Once you get the ok from your doctor or nurse, I would also suggest that you start slowly. The beginner program starts with a total of about 35 minutes, mostly walking. If you are not exercising at all, you should start with a 10 minute walk. For some people, that's enough to get quite out of breath, especially if you're carrying an extra 100 pounds! Don't let anyone kid you, you will be working hard just to walk!

You can use the app to suit whatever shape you are in. You can walk for 5 minutes, and rest whenever they tell you to run. Gradually--over a month or even 2 or 3--work up to the point where you can comfortably walk for 35 minutes.

When you've reached that point, THEN you can start the "Ease Into 5K" program! (That's the easiest one that I know of.)

Again, though, remember your heart is pumping for an extra 100 pounds. That's like carrying around another adult! SO DON'T PUSH YOURSELF TOO FAST. Do each week's workouts for 2 weeks. Or more. Stop and rest when you need to. Listen to your body, seek medical advice whenever you're not sure.

If you are a major carb-eater (aren't we all in this culture?), you will want to do the same thing with your diet--GRADUAL changes. Try replacing one plate of pasta with one plate of roasted vegetables, try replacing Mac-and-cheese with a chicken Caesar salad. Replace chips with carrot sticks and hummus.

If you drink diet drinks--STOP! They're sweetened with aspartame, which may have zero calories, but stimulates your appetite. Really. Drink water with a splash of fruit juice. Or herbal tea. Or plain water. And make sure you carry a water bottle when you exercise, and DRINK from it, so you don't get dehydrated!

Best of luck to you, and a huge round of applause to you as well. Getting started is the hardest part. But once you start, you'll feel SO much better!!

GO, lisatheprez!!, woo-HOO!!!!

I am doing C25K and liking it - up to week 5 - just finished day 2 of week 5 - but freaking out about day 3 where you have to run 20 minutes - so far the longest interval has been 8 minutes - it seems like a massive jump - any tips?

I did it last week. Just take it slow and focus on steady breathing and you got this! I was terrified. W5d3 was the first mile in my entire life and I managed to run two nonstop. You can so it!

***Nevermind. Didn't realize how old this was. Whoops.