**Beginning Couch to 5k

I searched and there hadn't been any entries about this in a while so I wanted to make this thread.

I just started the program Monday, did the second workout today.  Is anyone else out there currently doing the program or, had success with the program?  Please share your experiences!!

Are you talking about a learn to run 5k program? If so, which one are you doing?

I did the Running Room one about 16 months ago. It was great! It started slow so it was very doable. I'm currently training for my second 1/2 marathon.

I'm addicted to running now, and I used to hate it..  lol

Yeah...it's actually called Couch to 5k!  Starts off with walking and jogging and slowly moves up to just jogging.

Hopefully it changes me like you, I also hate running but it's something I've always wanted to be able to do.  I think I hate it because I can't do it!

It changed me!  When I started I could barely run a block, now I run 30 minutes straight =).

oh good!! I'm glad you had such a good experience with it!  I finish week 1 tonight!

I'm on my second round of it. The first time through I started last November and I did it just to be able to run at all (just day 1, week 1 kicked my butt.) I ended up able to do the whole thing, but running more slowly than I wanted to (about 5.3 at my fastest.) This time through I've been doing it with an eye toward upping my running speed. I'm on week five and I'm able to consistently run my intervals at 6.0 mph or faster.

As far as good experiences goes, though, I have so much love for C25k. Like I said, last November just the first day was so hard to get through. Today I work out or run every weekday and I have so much energy that I always at least get out and walk a couple of miles on at least one weekend day. It's a huge difference, and it really did start with talking myself into just finishing that first day.

I loved it!  Unfortunately, right after I finished my very 1st 5k a couple of years ago, I started what seems like a never-ending stream of injuries that have kept me from running....

I am planning to start all over again very soon.  I need to work through a few more issues with a knee.

When I started the program it helped me break through a plateau and ultimately lose about 45 pounds.  But, alas, since the injuries I have gained every single pound back  :(

Now, I am going to lose those pounds and I will definitely use C25K again, along with CC.

Good luck!!

I did the first workout today too!  I'm glad to hear that some of you were successful with this! I would love to be able to run for a half hour straight through.

Do you run on the treadmill or outside?

Hi!  I started Couch to 5K this week as well - my schedule is M-W-F, tomorrow will be my third (and last) day of week 1.  I am following the Coolrunning.com program. 

It is so empowering, and I can already tell a difference in my endurance!  I am so glad to hear that so many have had good experiences with it!

I run outside, with 1/3 on an incline (I run around a college campus a mile from my house).  I posted a few days back on the old "Learn to Run Again" thread but got no responses ... so very happy to have found two of you who just started doing this program as well!

I'm a treadmill runner...the heat outside realllly gets to me.  I do put the treadmill at a slight incline though to try to make it a little more realistic.

I just started last weekend.  I haven't had time to get the 3rd wk 1 workout in yet, but plan to do it tomorrow night.  I'll be on the treadmill 2x a week and on a local nature trail on the third.  Glad to find this thread so we can track our progress :)

Stick with it!  The first few months are challenging, but very exciting. You improve weekly. I find it very fun trying to get better times and run further.  A great way to improve your running, without stressing your knees etc is to take up swimming, cycling and pool running. 

I started couch 2 5k this week, as well! I hated jogging too, but now I want to be able to do. Good luck to us all! :-)

Oh yay!! I'm glad so many people have done/are doing it!!  I run on the treadmill...I live in a new area and everywhere I could go involves a big hill :(

I did my third workout of week one yesterday and I can't wait to challenge myself next week!  I am planning on doing it Monday, Wednesday, Thursday but we shall see if that stays every week!

I too did the couch to 5k back in april or so.

I couldn't even run a mile and now I'm up to 7! its great, stick with it, it will really be worth it!!

If you ever need any motivation or have questions, feel free to msg me!

I'm currently doing it.  I had been running/walking on my treadmill in order to get some of my physical fitness back.  I printed out the program and actually tweaked it so that I was actually doing a total of 40 minutes instead of 30.  My goal is to work up to 40 minutes of solid running at 5 mph on a level surface and then begin playing with the incline and speed to build more endurance.  I really want to run a 5K or 10K by next spring/summer.

Original Post by amykins1283:

I'm currently doing it.  I had been running/walking on my treadmill in order to get some of my physical fitness back.  I printed out the program and actually tweaked it so that I was actually doing a total of 40 minutes instead of 30.  My goal is to work up to 40 minutes of solid running at 5 mph on a level surface and then begin playing with the incline and speed to build more endurance.  I really want to run a 5K or 10K by next spring/summer.

I have the same goal to run a 5K or 10K next year.  I have also tweaked the program a bit, although I run outside - I began by mapping a 5K loop around my house, then tweaking the intervals in order to walk/run an actual 5K distance.  I finished week 1 this past Friday and improved my times from doing the 5K loop in 45 minutes the first day to 35 minutes on day 3!  :) I am really excited and proud to see my progress so far.  I will be starting week 2 on Monday.  Continued luck to everyone! 

Hi all  - I did day 1 of week 2 today.  It kicked my butt (and I thought I was fit)!  I've been following the coolrunning.com C25K, which on week two has me doing 6 90-second running intervals followed by 6 2-minute walking intervals.  The 90-second running intervals were tough! And even tougher when on an incline! (I run outside) I can tell my endurance is getting better, though, particularly on my "off" days when I do other exercise I feel I can go for longer.  Hope you all are making good progress in your training!

I'm starting day 1 of week 2 today too..in just a few minutes.   It sounds like going to 90 seconds is going to test me.    I'm sticking to the treadmill though.  I took a little tumble outside on Saturday :(  My right knee and left elbow are now purple but at least nothing appears to be broken..hehe.  It's amazing at how big those roots on the trails are when you are not paying attention to what you're doing.  At least I can laugh at myself though :))  

ouch, diverbev!  I am glad all is OK with you in spite of your fall, though.  A good reminder to me to be careful as well!!!   

I managed those 90 seconds jogging without any problems, to my surprise. 

Happy fall-free (!) second c25k week to all!