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Couch to 5K

Vaughn J.
Vaughn J. Sendmail

Looking to hear a success story...

posted almost 2 years ago | Report

I've just begun this Couch to 5K workout plan it all sounds promising. I'm just looking for some reassurance that it actually works. I understand that the program doesn't exactly ensure an amount distance by the end but instead conditions you for non stop running for 30 minutes continuously. I personally would like to think that I could handle 5K in 30 minutes by the end of the program.

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8 posts

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  • Sherrie L.
    Sherrie L. Sendmail

    Hey There! I guess I can't say I am a TOTAL success story, but the program took me from a complete non-runner as of Jan 1st, and I did my first ever 5K event on Feb 20th... I did have to take a couple of walk-breaks, but I crossed the finish line running! And I absolutely loved every sweaty minute.....

    Check my response to Lesa B's "Finished Week 6" post in this group for more details...

    I have continued to train, following a very similar program, and have already improved both my time and my endurance... I'm getting ready for my next 5K in April or May...

    Hope this helps!

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Pamela S.
    Pamela S. Sendmail

    Couch to 5K worked miracles for me. At 54 years old, 30 pounds overweight, and post ACL surgery, I was embarassed and humbled to find week 2 almost too hard to finish. Because of my age and condition I gave myself lots of time, doing each week 2 or 3 times until I was comfortable moving on. It took me 5 months to finish the program, but I DID finish. Not only was I running over 3-4 miles when I was done, I lost the 30 pounds too. Well over a year later I am still running and still maintaining the weight loss. Just keep going, you can do it.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Henna
    Henna Sendmail

    I have to agree with Pam and Sherrie; C25K is amazing. Two years ago, I was a complete couch potato who hated exercise and sweating. On a friend's suggestion, I did the C25K program to help get me in shape for surgery. I did have to repeat a few weeks, but I managed to finish the program without too much trouble. By the end, I was running 5K in a little over 40 minutes (I did the program based on distance rather than time). I also managed to lose 20 lbs during the program.

    Due to some complications from the surgery, I have not bee able to return to heavy exercise until recently. It worked so well the first time, I am currently redoing the program to help rebuild my running base.

    Depending on your current fitness, you probably can do the 5K in 30 minutes. I am a bit overweight and was always just running for fitness and not speed. I never really push myself on any of my runs, but if someone who heavy and completely out of shape can do it, I really believe anyone can. Plus, if you end up being longer than 30 mins, you can always continue training for speed after the program. Good luck with your training!

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Sara
    Sara Sendmail

    What an inspiration!!!

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Christopher J.
    Christopher J. Sendmail

    I downloaded a C25K app from my iPhone about 5 weeks ago, got a gym membership and just finished W5D1. I was almost completely sedentary for 2-3 years and I'm surprising myself with progress each day. The key is to really listen to your body and not the program, as repeating weeks is much wiser than burning yourself out before your body can catch up. Good luck.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Emily C.
    Emily C. Sendmail

    I hadn't run for over four years, and picked back up with C25K. It's a great program, simple to follow, and I found that the incremental workouts were challenging enough to keep me interested, but accessible enough that I felt really successful.

    I ended up not finishing the program, since once I hit 6.3, I was able to run for 40 minutes at a time, and am still going at it.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Michelle
    Michelle Sendmail

    What is " W5D1"?

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Amy C.
    Amy C. Sendmail

    I believe "W5D1" stands for Week 5 Day 1.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

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