C25K

You're on the right track! I just finished week 7 yesterday - can't believe it's been that long. I have never been a runner, but wanted to add it to my fitness routine because it's something I can do almost anywhere, and just for the challenge. Yesterday I ran for 25 minutes straight (about 2.5 miles) - no way in the world I could have done that 7 weeks ago.

My advice - get good shoes, make sure you do some good stretching before and after each run, and stick to the program - it works!! Don't feel bad if you need to repeat a day or even a week, take your time. And slow jogging is still jogging! As you progress through the weeks to longer runs, go as slowly as you need to - it's not a race. Finishing the time at a slow pace is better than trying for speed and then having to walk part of your run time.

Have fun!

So today I am starting Couch to 5K. I am very nervous since I am not a runner but I am excited for a positive change. I have heard that running will change my life and I am ready for a change! If anyone has an advice please share it with me. Thank You!!!!!

Hey! I will be starting this tomorrow morning! I will add you as a friend

I am also not a runner, or fit in any sense of the word. It is my dream to be able to run for any period of time really, but my ultimate goal is to be able to run for over 30 minutes, and to like exercise. I don't even know if that is possible, but hell I'l give it a try!!

I started last week and did Week 1 day 3 today. Was also a little apprehensive at first too because I'm very large but the 2nd and third times were so much easier. Can't wait until I can run a 5k without stopping!

Give it a go, you won't regret it

I started with c25k and abandoned it after week 4. Nope, didn't stop running, I switched to a 13week to 10k program. It progresses a bit more slowly, but the workouts are between 45-60 minutes. I've been running week 7 of that program now (4 min run 2 min walk) and just increasing my time & distance. Did 7.4km yesterday
anyhow, I still recommend c25k, you can go up to 10k from that as well.
I guess I just stumbled upon a bit of ambition :happy: oh, and I like that it has only 2 intervals that are repeated for each level, so it's a bit easier to program into RK.

Some great C25K groups:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/search?phrase=C25k&order=0

I'm starting week 4 tomorrow...I went solid for the first 3 weeks, but then got sick so I didnt get to do most of week 4. I decided to start fresh tomorrow and get on! It's been a bit of a struggle for me as I still have a significant amount of weight to lose, but I love that my psyche is changing so much. I still don't look at myself as a "runner", but every time I break through one of the 'long' runs, it gives me such a good confidence boost! I NEVER thought Id be able to run for even 5 mins straight, but I did! It's definitely been a good program for me so far...I actually ran (well ran & walked a LOT!) my first 5k last sunday! It was a big race in my hometown and I didn't want to wait another year lol! I wanted to quit SO badly, but just crossing that finish line, even with a super slow time gave me all the confidence in the world for keeping on with the program! My advice is DEFINITELY get some good shoes, maybe also some cool "running" stuff that gets you excited about it...I'm looking forward to buying this pink tank to run in while I'm on vacation next week lol! It's like additional motivation! Definitely stretch out and no matter how much it hurts just KEEP GOING! It's a mile at 7 mins or at 17 mins! It's still a step forward in the right direction. I've had to battle my own expectations, but what I'm finding out about running is that a lot of my blocks are mental. yeah I've had to stop for cramps or the like, but most of the time I stopped its because i didnt THINK I could do any more. When you get into the longer runs, try breaking them down into portions of runs you've already completed. Like when I moved on to 3 minute runs I looked at it like 2 1:30 runs, which I could do no problem. The 5 minute ones I've been breaking into 30 second segments...only 9 left, only 8 left, etc....instead of "OMG I STILL HAVE 4 MINS LEFT!!!!" I'm not sure if you're just using the paper version, but I have an app on my ipod (I use the Get Running app..it cost a couple of bucks, but it was defo a good investment!) and the lady on it is hilariously encouraging. So find a good app! Someone told me to register on the daily mile (dailymile.com), and while it's super intimidating when people post "ran 20 miles today!" it's cool to see my mileage building up as well. I would also recommend signing up for a 5k not too long after your projected end date. It'll give you a goal to push on to! And if anyone wants friends, I'd love some more people doing c25k so feel free to add me

Im on week 1 day 2. Im so excited that i was able to run at 7.0 today. Then walk at 4.5. What an exciting start. This is my second time doing this. Last time i stopped on week 3. But this time im so ready. My big goal is to be able to run a 5k with out stopping.
Im really hoping this will help me.

I started with c25k and abandoned it after week 4. Nope, didn't stop running, I switched to a 13week to 10k program. It progresses a bit more slowly, but the workouts are between 45-60 minutes. I've been running week 7 of that program now (4 min run 2 min walk) and just increasing my time & distance. Did 7.4km yesterday
anyhow, I still recommend c25k, you can go up to 10k from that as well.
I guess I just stumbled upon a bit of ambition :happy: oh, and I like that it has only 2 intervals that are repeated for each level, so it's a bit easier to program into RK.

I've completed the C25K on a treadmill at the gym. What I did was to set the timer on the treadmill for 45 minutes and then repeating the run/walk intervals for that week's workout. At this point I have completed it (2 weeks ago) and can run 3 1/2 miles most days that I run. It is a wonderful program and it's amazing how well it works!