I was just wondering if any others have had success with the Couch 2 5K being on the fluffy side? I started it this week, but its really, really hard. I'm thinking of maybe doing each "week" as 2 or 3 weeks to make sure I can really do it. Just wondering if anyone else has gotten to the point where they really can run 30 minutes straight like the program is supposed to do.
Just my two cents about the c25k - I did the entire thing (all 8 or 9 weeks!) the first time just alternating between walking, and speed walking at the intervals. Now I'm working on doing the walking/running alternations and I can tell you that, while I'm NOT finished with the real plan, and I CANT run a 5k, I can absolutely without a doubt tell a major difference between where I WAS and where I am now thanks to this program. I finished week 1 day 2 a couple of hours ago, and even ran a couple of intervals on my own after my podcast ended.... simply because I COULD. Which I would have NOT believed 6 months ago!
Last edited by GradPhase; 04-29-2010 at 12:42 AM.
Reason: Clarification :)
I did. I started C25K a couple of years ago, and by the end of Summer '08 I could run for 40 minutes straight without stopping, thanks to the podcast. I, unfortunately, got out of running when the winter came, but have started C25K again recently, just started week 5 today.
I started the C25K in January and finished it in March. I did the whole thing on the treadmill at the gym then worked up to running outside as well. Now I do approx 35-40mins non-stop.
I found the program hard and had to really push myself, but I still can't believe the change to my fitness in just three months.
So I would definitely recommend it to anyone. I did repeat a couple of weeks I think, so it's fine to do that if you want, but I'd say try to move on each week and if you can't then repeat the previous one.
I just finished week 3. I was nervous about starting it. Even when i was younger and at a healthy weight, I couldn't run. I am not trying to be able to run a 5k at the end of the program. I just want to be able to jog for 30 min. Once I can do that, I'll work on going faster, which will in turn increase my distance. I find it easier on the treadmill because it is easier to control pace. The track is ok, but I tend to go a little faster which makes it harder to finish the intervals. I did it on the sidewalks of my neighborhood once...there were hills; I thought I was going to die! :~) I didn't.:~) Give it a try, adjust it to suit your needs/goals.
I started and completed C25K late last year. Yes, you can do it! If you need to repeat weeks, that is fine. Don't worry about how fast you run, just try to use a running form and try to make the time. You will surprise yourself at how you progress and I promise you that some weeks will be down right easy!
I'm just finishing up Week 8 (28 min runs). Honestly, pacing was everything for me. W1D1 was HARD. I had so many doubts about being able to continue with the program. But I decided to keep going, and slowed my pace to a jog for W1D2. And something just clicked during that second run... It didn't feel so difficult or horrible anymore.
Some of the weeks have been challenging yes, but nothing as terrible as that first day when I had no control over my speed.
I've had self-doubts about completing this program every single day that I decided to run. Around Week 7 that changed. I'm definitely not someone who has ever been considered athletic, and the fact that I can jog for 28 minutes straight is amazing to me. Sometimes it still doesn't seem real that YES, I AM doing this.
You CAN do this! Don't worry about speed or completing the program in 9 weeks. Adjust the program to suit YOU, and keep pushing yourself.
Thank you so much for all your posts! I ended up doing Day one on Tuesday and missed the last jog interval because my leg was hurting. The next day I did my usual 1.5 mile walk, and I noticed it was SO much easier. I think I am going to repeat Week one again because I'm only going to be able to do it twice this week. But this really helps to know that others have been able to do it. Makes me feel like just maybe I can do it!!!
I started the C25K in early February, and finished it like a month ago. I've already run my first 5K (ran the whole thing!), and I'm running another one next Saturday. I run about 10 miles a week now.
If I can do it (coming from a girl who used to smoke cigarettes like a chimney), you can DEFINITELY do it.
Yup-- I also started in January and finished it in mid-April....
I found it very challenging and around weeks 5-6 I seriously doubted I would be able to complete it, and I did repeat a few weeks. Then, suddenly sometime in week 8 it just clicked.
Now I run 3-4 times a week and my record so far is 37 minutes although I'm sure I can run even longer than that.
It was the most empowering and body-changing thing I've done and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!
I started C25k a few days ago. I am doing the program on the treadmill. I will be on my last day of week one tomorrow. It is definitely challenging. At the end of the 20 minutes I have a very red and very sweaty face. I wasn't really sweating before during work outs so I guess that I must be pushing myself. I have been following the program based on time intervals.
It is awesome to read it has worked for some people. I really want to be able to run on the treadmill for a period of time.
I know they also have a "Conservative Couch 2 5K" program Some people on the boards here have done that as it is a longer program for those of us not quite in good enough shape to do the traditional Couch 2 5k, but at a place where they have been improving their fitness skills. That might also be a option.
Sorry to butt in, but I started c25k on March 29 after doing my first race (a 10k with no training). I will be on week 5, day 3 (the first 20 min running stretch!) tomorrow..coming from someone who has never run a mile in her life, it can be done and it gets easier! I quit smoking January 3rd after about 8 years. I suffer from tendonitis in my knees from being a gymnast. It's been a rough journey but even though I have butterflies during the 5 minute warmup walk, I've been able to do each and every run without quitting and that's what it's all about.
I started the program this week also and even though I can walk several miles this was HARD, I am going to stick to it thought. Glad others have had success thats what I need to hear.
C25k
