Couch to 5K

[FoundMyPrince]

For 2011 I want get in shape...yeah, yeah, we've all said that at one time or another. I've begun the Couch to 5K program. I've completed the first two weeks and have 7 to go.

Have any other Dis'ers completed the Couch to 5K program? Or...anyone begin the program and stop in the middle for some reason? Any tips for a beginner?

I'm not planning on running a marathon in this lifetime...just want to get into a shape that isn't a pear.

 

[mtemm]

I did it last fall and it was so much fun! I chatted with some of the folks on the website that started the same week I did and it was helpful to talk to people at the same point about progress and such. my advice would be to NOT jump ahead or start in the middle. I was not coming from the couch, have worked out doing different things for years, but running was never my thing. my knees are not very fond of it. what I found it that by adhering to the weekly schedule, I didn't have the problems I have had in the past with my knees. there were several people in my "club" that repeated weeks, too, which can be helpful.

I did not finish it, but made it to the week (can't remember exactly what week I was in) where I was running for 25 straight minutes (I chose to go by time rather than distance) with no break. for me that was just about 2 miles. I felt awesome when I got to that point, but then 2 days later my knees were wrecked. honestly I think I need orthotics, or at the very least new shoes. I'm spending the winter building up strength in my legs/knees and am thinking of starting it again in the spring.

I have to say, I was soooo proud of myself the first time I ran for 8 minutes w/o stopping. I'm 43 and don't remember the last time I did that. have done other things, like spin classes and other cardio equipment for much longer, but there is something about running that was just a challenge for me.

good luck!!!!

 

[JVL1018]

I did it. I don;t run outside, so I did it all on my treadmill.
Advice: make sure you have music, running is soooo much easier when you listen to music. Seriously, it's torture for me to run in silence.

Also, just believe you can do it.
I started it and I honestly thought after the first time of running 1 minute, that there is no way on earth I would ever get up to running 5 minutes in a row, let alone 3.1 miles, but I did it, right on schedule.
I still despise running, so i don't do it too often, but knowing I can run a 5K really feels great.
Also, if you need to repeat a week, repeat the week, but also push yourself, you'll be amazed at what you're able to do when you push through.
There have been times when I said I will just run the 1 mile and then I'll walk, get to that 1 mile, and I push myself 1/4 mile more, then a 1/2 mile, then I'm almost at 2, so might as well do that..keep pushing yourself(as long as yoiu're not in serious pain).

 

[Belle Ella]

I've never even heard of this before but I think I want to check it out. I'm not horribly out of shape but I'm slowly heading down that path and just decided to start running again (heck, I'm doing another 5K later this year and I would like to run the whole thing and then hoping to work my way up to a 1/2 by 2012) and this might be the motivation that I need.

 

[FoundMyPrince]

I've never even heard of this before but I think I want to check it out. I'm not horribly out of shape but I'm slowly heading down that path and just decided to start running again (heck, I'm doing another 5K later this year and I would like to run the whole thing and then hoping to work my way up to a 1/2 by 2012) and this might be the motivation that I need.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Above is the site that has the Couch to 5K program.

 

[mamacatnv]

I challenged my whole family to a 5K for Mothers Day. We started the program this week.
I have a few friends who repeated weeks 3 and or 4.

 

[cepmom]

I did couch to 5K last spring and have in turn become a runner! I have never been able run any distance at all until I did this program. I started on my treadmill, but when I got up to the lst couple of weeks, I decided to run outside. Running outside is different than the treadmill (harder, I think) but I was able to transition in a short time. I now hate running on the treadmill but will this time of year due to cold temps and snow/ice.

I completed a 5K this past Thanksgiving and it was awesome! Iam comtemplating a 10K in April (this event also has a 5K so I may do that instead...not so sure about the 10K!!) I have had problems with my knees (pes anserine bursitis) so I don't think I will ever be running marathons, but I do really enjoy running.

The right sneakers make a big difference for me...go to a running store and get fitted for the right pair.

Good luck!

 

[mickeywho?]

figured it out...duh!

 

[cepmom]

I was taking a quick look at the schedule for this program and have a question...are you doing 3 workouts a day? I'm trying to get myself into a training program...
I walked a 1/2 marathon a few years ago and have had a couple of injuries that last couple of years that have really stopped me being able to do much of anything. A couch to 5K may get me focused through the winter.
So same workout...or as shown on the chart...3 times a day?

I think it's 3 times per week, not per day. I started the program Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and just walked on the off days

 

[Belle Ella]

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Above is the site that has the Couch to 5K program.

Thank you for the link. I'm definitely doing this!!

 

[smorga13]

I've heard about this too! I haven't done it but I think I'm going to start in a week or two. I'm wouldn't consider myself a runner in any way, but I'd like to start because I plan to run/walk the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in October!

For anyone that's interested, there's a Couch to 5K and a Couch to 10K iPhone app. It plays your music in the background while you run and then it gives you voice prompts to let you know when you should start and stop running. Seems pretty helpful!

 

[FoundMyPrince]

I've heard about this too! I haven't done it but I think I'm going to start in a week or two. I'm wouldn't consider myself a runner in any way, but I'd like to start because I plan to run/walk the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in October!

For anyone that's interested, there's a Couch to 5K and a Couch to 10K iPhone app. It plays your music in the background while you run and then it gives you voice prompts to let you know when you should start and stop running. Seems pretty helpful!

DH was just telling me about the app yesterday. I think it would be so helpful. Right now I'm running on the treadmill (dreadmill) and keep watching my time on my treadmill screen. I'm thinking time would pass a little quicker if I could listen to something and have it que me when to run or walk.

 

[penn19]

I did it. I don;t run outside, so I did it all on my treadmill.
Advice: make sure you have music, running is soooo much easier when you listen to music. Seriously, it's torture for me to run in silence.

Also, just believe you can do it.
I started it and I honestly thought after the first time of running 1 minute, that there is no way on earth I would ever get up to running 5 minutes in a row, let alone 3.1 miles, but I did it, right on schedule.
I still despise running, so i don't do it too often, but knowing I can run a 5K really feels great.
Also, if you need to repeat a week, repeat the week, but also push yourself, you'll be amazed at what you're able to do when you push through.
There have been times when I said I will just run the 1 mile and then I'll walk, get to that 1 mile, and I push myself 1/4 mile more, then a 1/2 mile, then I'm almost at 2, so might as well do that..keep pushing yourself(as long as yoiu're not in serious pain).

I want to check this out. It has been on my "bucket list" of things to do-run a 5K. One of my kids ran one and I was SO jealous. Dumb I know, but it seems so daunting to run that far and for that long. Wish me luck!

 

[mrsxsparrow]

I've started and stopped this a few times. I love it and this year I will finish it I've been doing a few half marathons so usually that training gets in the way of the C25K (I run/walk the halves).

The biggest two pieces of advice I got:

1)Don't hesitate to repeat a week if you need to. In the middle especially, the times start to jump a little more. Better to repeat a week until you're comfortable than overexert and/or injure yourself.

2)If you're having trouble completing a run segment, SLOW DOWN. Honestly I was having a problem with the 8 minutes and didn't want to listen to this piece of advice -- I already felt like I was barely going faster than a walk. But once I actively forced myself to slow down it became so much easier. Work on getting in the minutes first... speed can come later.

Also... good luck

 

[fall08CP]

It took me three tries, but I finally graduated C25k last April. Most people quit around week 4-5 and never finish. Keep at it!!!

After finishing in April, I moved on to freeway to 10k (google "podrunner intervals") and by August I started training for my first half. Ran the disney half last week and am training for a full in May. A year ago I couldn't run a mile.. now I'm getting ready for 26.2! It's very time consuming and I work 60 hour weeks, so it hasn't been easy. But knowing I'm in great shape and smashed my anticipated time in the half- priceless.

Good luck!

ETA: Check out the WISH board!! There's a whole thread on c25k support!

 

[FireDancer]

A lot of people on the WISH boards have used this successfully and some have moved on to complete a half or full marathon. I have a few friends who are in the process of using the C25K program here and are already signed up for their first 5K in the spring.

Good luck and if you stick with it you will do a 5K. The program really is designed for anyone to succeed that wants to (barring injury of course).

 

[PlaneJoy1]

Sounds like we are almost in the same place. I am finishing up week 3. This is the 3rd time I've started the program and I feel this is the time it will stick. It really has begun to feel 'right'.

This time if I wasn't ready to move on I didn't. For the most part I do each rund 4 times instead of 3. I have never been a runner and decided that pushing myself too far was what was stopping me in the past. Don't get me wrong - I do push myself - but in the past I put a lot of pressure on my self to keep up exactly as the program says. Now, when I'm ready I move on to the next week.

Good luck! I'm running week 3 again today and plan to move on to week 4 in a couple of days.

Edited to add: My goal in the Peachtree 10k on July 4th or atleast finishing a 10k this year. My STRETCH goal is a half marathon!

 

[John VN]

A lot of people on the WISH boards have used this successfully and some have moved on to complete a half or full marathon. I have a few friends who are in the process of using the C25K program here and are already signed up for their first 5K in the spring.

Good luck and if you stick with it you will do a 5K. The program really is designed for anyone to succeed that wants to (barring injury of course).

I second about heading over to the W.I.S.H. boards. Great place to hang out at.

BTW, there really is no reason to force yourself to RUN. DW and I walk and last weekend we completed the 5K and the 1/2 marathon and I went on to complete the Full on Sunday. We walk because running is not an option. For myself I have trained to walk fairly fast, not race walking though, and find it very exhilarating and much softer(easier) on the body.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I'm doing C25K for the second time, got sidelined by an injury last fall.

My goal is to run the Expedition Everest Challenge at WDW in May with DS14. All of my kids are cross country runners so I figure I'd better become one too. LOL

 

[BobbinWeez]

I love C25k. I got injured trying it this fall so I haven't gotten back into it. Looking into find a reasonably priced gym where I can use a treadmill. I love the iPhone app for it because I can listen to my own music and have the voice prompts.