hi everyone. i'm looking to hear from people who have done the couch to 5k program. are you still running? did it work for you? worth a shot? etc. etc. i've printed it out, i'm just curious to hear real life experiences with it.

for now, i sit on my bum at a computer for 8 hours a day (work). then i go home and don't sit on my bum so much, but i for sure don't work on my bum either.

i have a gym membership, so i have a place to do this in the well lit safety of a gym with a booming a/c. (that also means i have zero excuses...)

I'm interested in hearing as well! I am planning on starting next payday! (so i can buy some good shoes first!)

I'm doing couch to 5k right now. I like it. I did a running program last year and it helped me start in the right direction. Now I'm just doing c25k to help me get there for a longer period of time.

I just started the C25K this week, and while it's hard getting mvoing again, I absolutely love it. It's a 9 week program, and you run 3 times a week. I found a podcast that helps keep time for this first week, and now even my 12yo is using it. Unfortunately, because I'm still new to the forum I can't post the link, but if you do a search for cool running c25k, it'll take you right to it.

I talked a gal I work with into starting it at the same time, and now we're already collaborating and conspiring to talk other coworkers into starting it as well, and getting a job 5K team together for charity runs.

Good luck! And keep us informed on how you are doing!

very cool, thanks for the info.

It's a really, really wonderful program!! Can you tell I like it? I'm on week 4 day 2; though it's really tough, it's definitely worth it. I started this thinking that I wouldn't even be able to jog for 3 minutes...and then I did it. I finish every workout with such a feeling of accomplishment, I usually can't wait until the next run. Also, it takes such a short amount of time for each workout. Definitely worth trying... :=)

hey, that's awesome to hear! i'm stoked now.

Woohoo! Congrats!

I finished this program a little while ago and loved it!! In fact, I am sort of sad it is done as I liked the structure and the intervals...it seemed to keep things interesting.

I also used podcasts for the first several weeks and then I bought the C25K app for my ipod and I liked that better because I could use my own music for it.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I started this on Tuesday. I like ti so far. Of course I run at the same pace I walk which is kinda pathetic I think but I am sure I will improve. I have like 3 different music podcasts which has the cues to run and walk built in and that helps a lot. I am practicing making my own. Let me know if you want the links.

i'm on W5D2, and I can't say enough good things about this program. I have never been a runner, and didn't think I could run a 5K. But I signed up for my first one on October 3. I'm excited.

C25k is how I got started with running - the only advice I have is that if you don't feel ready to move on to the next week, then definitely take more time! Also, you can choose to focus on time or distance...I chose overall time (30 minutes) and once I had that done, started focusing on speed/distance. Good luck! Running is addicting.

thanks everyone, this is all very encouraging

I haven't done the couch to 5k but I have run 5k's and I can tell you that they are a TON of Fun! Lots of camaraderie in the running community. One of the biggest things you'll want to do to get ready is put in the mileage. I would do at least 20 miles per week to get a good base in. The endurance is key. Maybe also throw in a speed workout once a week (like some 400 repeats on the track) if you really want to give the race a run for the money.

I just wanted to add that way back when I was in high school (20 years ago) and started running, this is how I started running, although I didn't have a name for it a the time. You know, I started with a warm-up walk, then I'd jog a mile, walk a mile, etc. and slowly build up.
When I started my weight loss journey about a year ago and was looking to get back into running and started to hear about C25K, I looked at the program and said, "Well that's how I started, but now they've got it all mapped out! With podcasts and everything!! How cool is that?!!"
I started it a year ago, but had problems with my hip, even during W1D1!!!
I've lost another 20# since then, so I'm going to try it again.
Grats to all of you who have started & good luck!