So for those who have done the C25K program

Did you exercise much before, or was this the get moving program?

I was fairly active - I hiked with my dog a lot - but I was in a depressive cycle, had gained weight, and was really out of shape.

Were you doing it just to get into running or did you have a race scheduled?

Initially, I just wanted to do it to participate in the Warrior Dash with my brother and niece and be able to keep up with them. But I signed up for other races as I finished.

Were you a runner first or was this your start into running?

I was never able to run. I don't think I ever ran for more than a half mile straight, and that was in high school more than 20 years ago... and only to make up skipped gym classes. We had to do one mile per skipped class, and I had to make up a LOT of skipped classes!

Did you ever repeat a week, or did you just push through?

I never repeated, and usually added extra. Maybe an extra walk or run interval, or as the runs got longer, I'd add a few minutes to the longer runs. IE, I ran 25 minutes on the 20 minute day.

If you ran a race, what was your time (for the first one)?

My first race was a 4.5 miler and I wasn't ready to run that whole distance. But I was surprised that with walking, my average pace was 5.8 mph. I was running at 5.5 mph on the treadmill at the time! Running outside

My first 5k was a week later, and I finished in 29:42! In about another month, I was just under 28 minutes, and in October, around 25 minutes. In late December, I had a stress fracture, and had to take time off from running, then slowly eased back into it by going through C25K again.

My first 5k of the year is Saturday, and I'm hoping for a new PR.

C25K groups on MFP:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4064-c25k-friends

I just started week 4 yesterday. I repeated week 2 as I was on vacation and only got two of the three runs in. I have always suffered from shin splints, trying really hard to stretch and make sure it doesn't happen...but I can feel it still. I'm hoping maybe as my body gets used to it that will change. I have never been able to run, and am amazed at how much I WANT to run now.
I struggle most with the breathing. I used to be a smoker, so I'm sure that doesn't help, but I just find unless I am constantly thinking "breathe in, breathe out", I struggle and can't make it distances. I did week 4 though!
Still haven't signed up for a race...but I'm sure that I will!
Good luck!

I started the C25K program two weeks ago for the first time! And so far I really like it and the more I read of people's adventures about it on here the more I think I am going to like it in the weeks to come!

Did you exercise much before, or was this the get moving program?
Well, i had a secret love relationship with my bike in highschool -- anytime i had a bad day I would get on and take off down the road and I always in a better mood by the time I could no longer feel my legs, but then life, college, work, kids took over......... 25 years later here I am.

Were you doing it just to get into running or did you have a race scheduled?
I had started the "get in better health" program, but then received a very inspiring email from a co-worker about a 5K. June 1, 2011 a friend and co-worker of mine was last seen at 4:00in the afternoon by her estranged husband and she has still not been seen or found. She is/was a beautiful and wonderful mother of triplets and an amazing friend and that co-worker you love to sit next to everyday! She worked with a trainer three times a week to get back into shape after having the kids and was very into a healthy lifestyle --- This year is the 1st annual Jacque Waller 5K! And in honor of her, all the co-workers are now in training!!!! I can't imagine her last battle so surely I can train for this 5K!

Were you a runner first or was this your start into running?
Never a runner! This is my first!

Did you ever repeat a week, or did you just push through?
Well I did W1D1 twice and W1D2 twice - but i finally made it all the way thru!

First 5K is June 2, 2012!!!!

Did you exercise much before, or was this the get moving program?
It was my way of getting back in shape after having my second child. I exercised reguarly before having my first child.

Were you doing it just to get into running or did you have a race scheduled?
I did not have a race scheduled when I started.

Were you a runner first or was this your start into running?
I hadn't run since I was on the track team in junior high!

Did you ever repeat a week, or did you just push through?
I pushed through

If you ran a race, what was your time (for the first one)?
I ended up running a race in November (a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot). My time was around 34 minutes. It was a trail race, very hilly and muddy. It was great.

Did you exercise much before, or was this the get moving program?

I did a lot of walking with the pushchair and started going to Zumba at about the same time but this was the first step into serious cardio.

Were you doing it just to get into running or did you have a race scheduled?

Initially just to get into running but we entered a race within the first couple of weeks and ran it around week 7.

Were you a runner first or was this your start into running?

No, I was a confirmed non-runner when I started!

Did you ever repeat a week, or did you just push through?

I pushed through but I never felt the need to repeat a week.

If you ran a race, what was your time (for the first one)?

We ran our first 5k around week 7 and I ran 34:55 which I was really pleased with.

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