Couch to 5K?

I've been seeing a lot about this both here an on FB. Can anyone tell me what this program is and how to find it? I am not a runner so most marathon training things are way too much for me...
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Replies

  • nikkiw283
    nikkiw283 Posts: 90
    starting it this week myself!
  • phillieschic
    phillieschic Posts: 615
    Google it.

    You will not regret it.
  • sarahcuddle
    sarahcuddle Posts: 349 Member
    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

    I got this link from someone on here

    Sarah
  • monyango
    monyango Posts: 166
    It's a program that is supposed to take you from the couch to running 5K. The one I use can be found on http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml and I really liked it. It was gradual and only needed to run 3x per week. I'm sure you could find other places by just googling it. I also know that there are apps for cell phones too.

    I started the program and just did my first 10k yesterday....you can do it!!
  • Fit_Canuck
    Fit_Canuck Posts: 788 Member
    Absolutely worth it!!! If you do the program you will not regret it I promise.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I used an app from Zen Labs called C25K Free. It worked great! I'm currently using an app called Jog Log and I love it (cost $1.99) and it has a C25K program built in as well, though I haven't tried that one personally.

    It's a great program. I've never run more than 1/4 of a mile before, even as a kid! And now I can run 3.1...the whole way!
  • PixEm
    PixEm Posts: 190 Member
    I am doing it with a friend who has 3 children under the age of 3 years old and it is so great. We are on week 3 day 2. We do it before work in the mornings and before all the babies wake up. I would highly recommend it. You can even download the app for your smartphone and it will tell you when to start running and when to walk.
  • cbart2818
    cbart2818 Posts: 188 Member
    It is a training program to help those who have never ran before, run (jog).

    If you have an iphone - there is a C25k app by Zen Labs (free). I use it, and currently going into Week 4. Before starting I could barely jog for 30secs. Now I am working up to 5min. I have improved so much, so I highly recommend it!!

    If you don't have a smart phone, just google Couch to 5k. Cool Runnings I think is a good one.
  • KyliAnnHobson
    KyliAnnHobson Posts: 551 Member
    I did Running Mate's version and the podcasts are free on iTunes! They also have an app if you'd like to listen to your own music with just the voice prompts.
  • ell_jay
    ell_jay Posts: 68
    I subscribed to the podcasts for my Ipod (: They're free and tell you when to run and walk, very good (:

    http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/couch-5K-running-plan.aspx
  • Yogeros
    Yogeros Posts: 19
    I was reading up on this program as well and found it to be quite motivational. I have never ran any races in my life. After reading what the program entails, I figured I am making it one of my goals to run a 5K. Well, I just signed up for my first 5K run that will be held Sept. 23, 2012! The website is http://www.qcmarathon.org/
    I still can't believe I signed up, LOL! I have a lot of work to do, but I am thrilled to have made it a goal of mine!!
  • ChesKrieg
    ChesKrieg Posts: 24 Member
    I am 4 weeks in and loving it, this however, made it even better:

    http://www.sonicrunner.com/
  • katharos3
    katharos3 Posts: 154 Member
    I'm starting it this week! I tried to start last week, but I couldn't get the app to work on my phone. Over the weekend, I got a new app, so I'm doing Day 1 tomorrow. Everyone in my town is all excited about The Slacker Half Marathon (http://slackerhalfmarathon.com/) going on here in a couple weeks, and I really want to be able to run in it next summer!
  • doulanik
    doulanik Posts: 84
    I have an android, not an iphone, so I can't use Iphone apps. Are there similar apps for the android smartphones? I do have an Ipod, but (and I'm ashamed to even admit this) I don't know how to use it. LOL. I mean, I can play the music in my playlists, but I don't know how to download podcasts and such.

    I'm so new to all this that it's ridiculous.

    Also, can you do C25K when you are on workout restrictions? Due to medical treatment, I am only supposed to do 90 min of cardio per week (3, 30 min workouts). I may have to wait until I'm done with my treatment to start this program. There is a mini marathon in October that my friend wants me to do with her, but 13 miles makes me die a little inside. LOL.

    I have never run in my life. Up until 2 weeks ago the only running I ever intended to do was if someone was chasing me...and that someone had better be carrying a chainsaw.
  • jetabear10
    jetabear10 Posts: 375 Member
    The program is geared to build you up from not running at all to running 5K at the end of the program.

    When I started, I couldn't run 60 seconds without wanting to drop but now I easily run 30mins or longer (when I have time)

    I have also watched as the inches are melting away!

    Double bonus.

    Great program esp. for weight loss!
  • katharos3
    katharos3 Posts: 154 Member
    I have an android, not an iphone, so I can't use Iphone apps. Are there similar apps for the android smartphones? I do have an Ipod, but (and I'm ashamed to even admit this) I don't know how to use it. LOL. I mean, I can play the music in my playlists, but I don't know how to download podcasts and such.

    I'm so new to all this that it's ridiculous.

    Also, can you do C25K when you are on workout restrictions? Due to medical treatment, I am only supposed to do 90 min of cardio per week (3, 30 min workouts). I may have to wait until I'm done with my treatment to start this program. There is a mini marathon in October that my friend wants me to do with her, but 13 miles makes me die a little inside. LOL.

    I have never run in my life. Up until 2 weeks ago the only running I ever intended to do was if someone was chasing me...and that someone had better be carrying a chainsaw.

    I have an android also, and the app I got is called C25K Pro. There is a free version also from the same guy, but the pro version was like $1.60 so I just went with that to get all the features. The program has you alternating walking and jogging, and it's around 30 minutes 3 times a week. If you have a medical condition that would be affected by cardio, then definitely talk to your dr. first.

    I always felt the same way as you about running. I was that girl in high school that had every excuse imaginable why I couldn't run in P.E., and even when I couldn't get out of running the mile that we were supposed to run everyday, I walked it. The coaches hated me. :bigsmile: But now I'm really excited to run, and to accomplish my goals (mainly running a 1/2 marathon). Friend me if you want, and we can cheer each other on. :smile:
  • I was reading up on this program as well and found it to be quite motivational. I have never ran any races in my life. After reading what the program entails, I figured I am making it one of my goals to run a 5K. Well, I just signed up for my first 5K run that will be held Sept. 23, 2012! The website is http://www.qcmarathon.org/
    I still can't believe I signed up, LOL! I have a lot of work to do, but I am thrilled to have made it a goal of mine!!

    Me too! I signed up for a 5K for September 22 when I just started the app. I am optimistic. I am doing week 2 this week.
  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
    I use free podcasts on my smartphone or mp3 player.

    This is my second time around (Im on Week 2 Day 2 - you will see W2D2 sometimes).

    The first time I did it, I used podcasts from NHS choices: (here's the link but they are also listed above) http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/couch-5K-running-plan.aspx

    This time around I'm using the Chubby Jones podcasts: http://chubbyjones.libsyn.com/

    There are also Ulrich's podcasts and a few others. They are all free. You can even make your own!

    Oh, also:

    When I completed my C25k program, I used Runner's World smart coach training program to work on distance/speed/etc.
  • shaelataylor
    shaelataylor Posts: 224 Member
    i just searched couch to 5k on my ipod and downloaded the app. it just slowly builds your endurance by having you run short times with walking in between. the amount that you run increases slowly as you go through the program. i finished the whole thing and i wasnt a runner at all when i started. i think its a great app!
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    I have an android, not an iphone, so I can't use Iphone apps. Are there similar apps for the android smartphones?

    Yup. Do a search for C25K. You'll find the app from coolrunning (about $2 and WELL worth it). There are also a couple of free ones.
  • Yogeros
    Yogeros Posts: 19
    I was reading up on this program as well and found it to be quite motivational. I have never ran any races in my life. After reading what the program entails, I figured I am making it one of my goals to run a 5K. Well, I just signed up for my first 5K run that will be held Sept. 23, 2012! The website is http://www.qcmarathon.org/
    I still can't believe I signed up, LOL! I have a lot of work to do, but I am thrilled to have made it a goal of mine!!

    Me too! I signed up for a 5K for September 22 when I just started the app. I am optimistic. I am doing week 2 this week.

    Fantastic! I just started with Week 1 Day 1 yesterday and realized how out of shape I am in. WE CAN do this!! Good luck on your training!!
  • tlavergne35
    tlavergne35 Posts: 2 Member
    it is in app on iphone or ipod it gradually gets you to get off the couch and works you up to doing a 5k run. It will start off by saying warm up for the first time like 15 min then it will tell you to run for like a minute and walk again - repeat until you are running full flow - it took me about 3 weeks I was doing good and then sprained my ankle really bad - havent' done it in a year - going to try next week hopefully. Hope that helps.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    I completed couch 2 5k about two years ago. I was never a runner.
    I ran 7.5 miles last night, I had to stop because it was to dark out. After week 9, your going to wonder how day 1 week one was hard.

    Do it, get the apps. Sign up for a 5k!
  • scadoodles
    scadoodles Posts: 110 Member
    I just finished this, I got the free app for the iphone! I loved it!!! :)
  • thedeegan4
    thedeegan4 Posts: 422 Member
    I was reading up on this program as well and found it to be quite motivational. I have never ran any races in my life. After reading what the program entails, I figured I am making it one of my goals to run a 5K. Well, I just signed up for my first 5K run that will be held Sept. 23, 2012! The website is http://www.qcmarathon.org/
    I still can't believe I signed up, LOL! I have a lot of work to do, but I am thrilled to have made it a goal of mine!!

    You from the QC area? I'm in Burlington and have thought about signing up for the QC marathon as well!
  • Yogeros
    Yogeros Posts: 19
    I was reading up on this program as well and found it to be quite motivational. I have never ran any races in my life. After reading what the program entails, I figured I am making it one of my goals to run a 5K. Well, I just signed up for my first 5K run that will be held Sept. 23, 2012! The website is http://www.qcmarathon.org/
    I still can't believe I signed up, LOL! I have a lot of work to do, but I am thrilled to have made it a goal of mine!!

    You from the QC area? I'm in Burlington and have thought about signing up for the QC marathon as well!

    Hi there! Yes, I am from the QC. You should sign up. I signed up yesterday on a whim and still can't believe I did it. LOL! I have a lot of weight to lose and a lot of training to do before the race. I can't wait, I am excited! You should seriously think about it. Good luck!!
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Finished c25k in March! Ran my first 5k race on Memorial Day weekend and had a blast. Finished in under 30 minutes (a new record or me) and ran my fastest mile. I'm still running 3 days a week on average, anywhere from 2-4 miles. Last week I decided I needed a new goal, so I searched for a 10k app - completed my second day this morning. :smile:

    I used c25kFREE by Zen Labs (I think they have a version for Droid phones too), and found their companion 10k app, also free, which picked up right where the 5k app left off.

    It's a great program, no matter what app you use! Sign up for a 5k race - it makes a great goal for you to keep at the program!
  • Discoveri
    Discoveri Posts: 435 Member
    I have an android, not an iphone, so I can't use Iphone apps. Are there similar apps for the android smartphones?

    I didn't pay for the C25K version of the app for my droid but I did download a free HIIT app which I use to set up my jogging sets for C25K.