Have any of you tried the couch to 5k program, and if so does it work?? I would LOVE to be able to jog a 5k. I know I need to approach it slowly because I have bad knees (even though I am not even 29) and when I was on my 6mo pre-op diet I was trying some jogging and ended up with 5 stress fractures in my foot and a cast for almost 2 months :cursing:. I know that being able to jog will help so much with the weight loss....just not sure of the best way to approach it. Any insight will be greatly appreciated!!

There's noone that jogs??

Hey! Sorry I missed your post!

I just finished up Week 2 of C25K today. I've never ran in my life, my motto was "Run only when being chased..."

I find that going slow is best for me when building up a new form of exercise. I love this program! It seems so impossible - but then I do it, and its not as bad as I thought!! I feel so energized after my "runs"!

Take it slow, make sure you wear good shoes and don't try to move too fast during the program. I plan to stay on a week for a bit longer if I have problems with it and don't feel comfortable moving on. I signed up for my first 5K on May 8th, which is 1 day after I'm supposed to be done with the 9 week program, but its a walk/run - so that way I can walk if I'm not quite done with the program.

Good luck! :frown: Take care of yourself - have you talked to your doctor about jogging?

Just finished week 3. Not bad at all. I am taking it slow and it feels great.

You can do it. Just don't try to do too much too soon!

Hi, I actually did the program. I stopped at 8 weeks and joined a running group. It was extremely motivating and I was able to run 25 minutes. Unfortunately, I did all training on the treadmill and when I trained outdoors there was a big difference. But, still enjoying. I haven't loss a lot of weight but, a ton of inches. In fact, in my waist, I have lost 7 inches which is truly amazing. Good luck to you.

Brigette

Have any of you tried the couch to 5k program, and if so does it work?? I would LOVE to be able to jog a 5k. I know I need to approach it slowly because I have bad knees (even though I am not even 29) and when I was on my 6mo pre-op diet I was trying some jogging and ended up with 5 stress fractures in my foot and a cast for almost 2 months :thumbup:. I know that being able to jog will help so much with the weight loss....just not sure of the best way to approach it. Any insight will be greatly appreciated!!

The program absolutely works!!! I always thought I hated jogging but the couch to 5k program showed me that I only hated it because I was never given the correct method for success. Couch to 5k uses an interval method approach that trains you up gradually mixing walking and jogging. There are free podcasts you can download to your mp3 player that will help you with cues on when to jog and when to walk so you don't have to try and keep track yourself.

It's important to invest in some good shoes, they make all the difference. I didn't invest in mine until I was into week 5 or 6 because I wanted to be sure it was something I was going to be sticking with. I have stuck with it and my husband and I run 2-3 times a week* the full 30 minutes or 3.2 miles. After the spring we'll be training up to the 8k then the 10k.

I think it's important, if you haven't already, to consult your doc before you start the program since you've stated you've already suffered injury from jogging and have bad knees. But hey, if they've cleared you to do it, I say go for it. I was glad I did. :frown:

*weather permitting, we run outdoors as opposed to the treadmill. I wanted a treadmill but haven't the desire to make that kind of investment currently. Admittedly the desire is greater when the weather is crappy.

Hello I just started the program, I'm in week two and I enjoy it, I feel it pushes you but not to a limit you can"t handle. I even got my husband doing it and he normally prefers the bike. I notice we push eachother because I tend to watch the person next to me on the treadmil and try to keep up, funny how we do that, I think you will enjoy it and I'll be excited to see week 8 and 9 what I can do..... Good Luck!!

Hey fellow runners,

That sounds soooo cool, I just finished week 6 I ran 2.75 miles running for 3min and then walking for 1 min. This is where my training is at. I can't believe that I have been able to do this, I have never been able to run. This is so exciting, I am afraid to go outside but we will see. Good Luck everyone and keep up the great work.

I looove the couch to 5k! I am almost done week two, and it has kicked me out of the weight loss platau I was stuck in. Feels kinda cool to be able to run!

There are a number of "Couch To____" programs. I did the Couch to 5K a few years ago and was amazed at the fact that it worked for me! There are also some programs that are fairly conservative for those who need a slow adjustment to exercise in general. One program starts you walking and over 7 months you get to the 5K. I recommend it!

Good luck, keep us posted!

Nancy

I am about to start the program. For anyone with iphones or ipod touches i found the program on a app that will play with your music and prompt you for each interval. I will write back and let you know how its going.

Has anyone tried it on an elliptical?

I have done the couch to 5K and signed up for my first road race... it's April 11th! OMG I can't believe i'm doing this. But yes, it works. I never ever thought in a million years that "I" would be jogging never mind running a 5K road race. I'm slow... but WTH.. i'm going to do it! I also started cycling and have been using my elliptical and running outside weather permitting. I just got the New Balance Zip sneakers that seem to be pretty good. I also wear Nike Air Pegasus... both of these are good on my heels and knees. Good luck to everyone! We can do it! :thumbup:

This looks great. I am going to give it a try, especially now that the weather is getting better!

This looks great. I am going to give it a try, especially now that the weather is getting better!

Good luck with it Todd... slow and easy that's really the key. OH and rest... key #2! ;o) :thumbup:

I am on week 5 of the couch to 5k program. It has been great so far. It pushes me, but not so much that I give up. I went from barely being able to jog 2 minutes to jogging a straight 12 minute mile last night (not as part of the program...just to see if I could do it). I do it on a treadmill, and as someone mentioned, it is MUCH more difficult when running outdoors. My plan is to conquer the treadmill just to get my endurance up, then backtrack in the program a bit until I can run outdoors. Give it a try and good luck!!!