Is C25K REALLY for "couch" people?

When I started C25K I could run a fairly slow mile. After about week 5 I felt like I had progressed enough to stop with the progression and begin running the 5K without the intervals. I've now been running the full 5k 3 times a week for about 2 weeks. I'm still struggling with it but I'm doing it. Still something I want to get better at but I'm considering signing up for my first 5k race next month.

I say this because I started with a little bit of running and didn't need the full 8 weeks to work to the 5k. So If you truly are starting from a standstill I imagine it will work.

However, I would set some very conservative goals if you are really struggling. 1) Run a comfortable pace when you are in the running interval. Don't overdo it if you are just starting. 2) Feel free to repeat a week. A lot of people have done it. 3) If you are extremely worried about running try and scope out a great place to run. Mostly flat is obviously preferable. 4) Maybe find a buddy and do it with them. 5) When you get to the longer runs after about the half way point, don't be intimidated, just set a good pace.

I think it is a great program and it has been talked about on these boards time and time again.

Yep, C25K is great for never-ever runners. I started it last fall, and now I can bang out a 3-miler at lunchtime. It's a great program, and I credit it for making me, at long last, a guy who runs.

I think the program is very reasonable... It is targeted at people without running experience. I've had a handful of friends with no running background say great things about the pace of C25K. I am doing the program, but started somewhere in the middle since I've been jogging for awhile. I would just say from experience, don't try and push too hard too fast. Last summer, I just tried to start running 4 miles and I felt like crap afterwards... when you ease your body into it, it is much easier and even enjoyable because you don't feel like you're going to die. Good luck!

I started this program over 1 year and 75 lbs. ago. I was not a runner. I had been walking 4-5 miles 2-3 times per week, but never ran. One of my friends and I decided to try it, and it worked for us. It wasn't always easy, and we repeated a week or 2 along the way, but we did it. Running has become a passion for me. I joined a running group and have made some great friends. I'm always the slowest in the group, but that's ok with me. I have done 3 half marlathons so far, and have more scheduled for this year. This program will work if you follow it!

I'm not sure how much help I will be in answering but I just started the program. I am on week 2 and doing good so far. I am also really liking it which surprises me. I have NEVER Done any running. I suggest you give it a try if you are interested in running. I am going to try to stick w the program 100% but if I feel I need to repeat a day or a week then I will. I feel no shame in that! Good luck

Yes, it's good for a true beginner runner, BUT don't hesitate to scale it down if is too much when you try it out.
Are you walking or doing other exercise currently? If you aren't doing anything at all, you may want to warm up to the program by walking at least 30 minutes at least 3 times per week (and of course you can work up to that if that's too much to start with); once that's doable, you're probably ready to start c25k.

I repeated the first week twice for a total of 3 times. I am on day 3 week 2 now and I am not sure if I will move on or repeat.
When I first started I couldn't pull out the full 60 seconds of running so I just did my best and I had to learn to pace myself until I could get through the 60 seconds without stopping early.

I didn't wait to do my first 5k unitl I finished it either lol. I signed up and completed my first 5k on 4th of July!!
I ran a lot of it but walked some too. I just did intervals... I made it across the finish line in 46:24...which is awesome for me. My mom and sister cried at the finish line and I choked up on my way home as it hit me what I had just accomplished! I was over 300 lbs last year and I have come so far now.

Yes, in my experience, it can work really well to get you off the couch.
Just take it at your own pace - the first day I couldn't do all the 1 min intervals, so I walked the last few and gradually built up until I could finish the first day intervals, then I moved on. There is no problem with repeating days or weeks, it's much better to build up slowly so your muscles and joints have time to get stronger, this is going to give you a much better change of completing it without getting injured.

I think C25K is a really good benchmark to begin running. I had to stop doing it because running gives me THE WORST shin splints, and it's probably because when I feel good, I go full speed, and don't give my body enough time to get used to running, and I'm overweight. But yes, definitely good for "couch" people, because I didn't run at all, and I wasn't active any other way, either.

That said, there is no shame in repeating weeks if you feel like the next week is too hard for you. Walking fast during the running portions is fine too, if you feel like running is too much! When I was doing C25K I had to run outside, running on a treadmill just feels really weird to me, so it was easier to control my pace.

Also, here is a link to some good podcasts that have music and cues for your intervals.

http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html

I ran in my early twenties, but now I'm in my late 40's. A few years ago I tried to run with no program and just couldn't do it. Recently started C25k and can't believe I'm actually running 30 minutes now. Jumping from 3 to 5 and then 5 -8 minutes was so intimidating so I started stretching out the training with a few extra weeks. So, I think changing the pace somewhat is okay to do. Someone did tell me however, that if you reach a point where you just want to quit running, it means your body is switching to a new source of fuel and if you can just push through it you'll get the energy you need. I have found that to be so true and currently have to push through two walls during my 30 minutes. Right now my second wall is very close to the 30 minute mark, so I'm going to focus on pushing my body a bit more because I'm sure I'll soon be able to run for at least 35 minutes.

Just take it as slow as you need to. I am not doing the program, but I am almost 40 and have never run a day in my life until this year. I created my own plan where I walked for about a month, then started intervals. I actually like intervals better than straight jogging, but let me tell you...running is totally addictive! Get some great music that you love, and run/walk when it is in the 70's if you can. The feeling when your done is unbelieveable!

I've never been a runner. Ever. I started this in Feb and was struggling to run the 30 seconds yesterday I ran for eight minutes twice. TWICE! I'm a tad scared of the next run (20 min straight) but I'll just keep repeating it till I do it. Week 4 I was on for two months! Repeat as much as needed.

I'd never run a day in my life prior to starting C25K, and it worked out great for me. As far as size goes, I was only slightly overweight - 165 at 5'7" - but I had terrible knees so I most likely had a tougher time with it than the average person my size. I would say give it a go! If it's too much, google a pre-C25K program and start with that.