Hey everyone I was looking into doing the couch to 5-K being that I have time to kill since I won't be meeting the surgeon till April 18 I thought I should start becoming active and eating healthier. I was wondering if anyone has done the couch to 5-k challenge. How was it? What was most challenging? Any tips you would recommend? Thanks for everyone who taking the time to respond!

I downloaded the app, set up my music, but alas, never donned my shoes. I have a fried who did, and she found that she was able to keep up with the runs since they are so progressive. I am now 7 days post op, and still not ready to run, but in another couple of weeks, I may join you...since I do have that playlist ready, and all! Good luck!

OK, I have a "friend" the "fried" is probably my subconscience talking...

Lol i completely understand. What do you mean by Playlist was that something you created or was given to you

Well, I downloaded the app a long time ago, and I have an android phone, so I had to put music in to be playing while walking/running. Otherwise, I would only hear silence and the cues ("run" "walk" "whatever").

I don't know if the app works the same way still...

Havent done it, but it sounds great. Good for you for getting up and getting active! Congrats!!!!

Been there, done that and highly recommend it. Especially if you are pre-sleeve. It will help your endurance which will translate into an easier healing experience. I ran my 5K in December and since then I ran an 8K in Feb and a 10K the weekend before last. I am doing the Shamrock run (8K) this Sunday. I am signed up for another 10K April 1st and a half marathon on the 4th of July. I have replaced my eating addiction with running and it has been GREAT!

I am building a blog about my experience over here, but it is still under construction:

http://vsgrunner.wordpress.com/

PDX, nice blog!!!

Been there' date=' done that and highly recommend it. Especially if you are pre-sleeve. It will help your endurance which will translate into an easier healing experience. I ran my 5K in December and since then I ran an 8K in Feb and a 10K the weekend before last. I am doing the Shamrock run (8K) this Sunday. I am signed up for another 10K April 1st and a half marathon on the 4th of July. I have replaced my eating addiction with running and it has been GREAT!

I am building a blog about my experience over here, but it is still under construction:

http://vsgrunner.wordpress.com/

Thank you and I hope I can run that soon.

Nice job I like that u replaced eating with running sounds awesome ...about the app is it the irun.? App or can it be any app? I am on my second day of week two my doc said I could start moderate exercises no heavy listing only upper n lower body looking forward to it!!

Thanks, all.

If you have a smart phone, you can find a C25K app for it. I have an iPhone, so there are several out there, but I don't think it is required. There are many others out there. If you go to runnersworld.com, they have some programs. Just do a Google search and follow the routine closely. Don't do more than what is recommended as that can lead to injury.

Before starting any running (or serious walking) I recommend going to your local running store and get fitted for the right shoes. They can recommend the shoe that will work for your gait. You don't have to buy their shoes, just find out if you pronate, supinate or have a neutral gait. Google those terms to find out what they mean. Having the wrong shoe can cause injuries which will take you out of exercising completely, so I HIGHLY recommend doing this first.

When you start the program, pay attention to your body! I tried it a few years ago (before surgery), and my ankle became very inflamed (previous break). I kept at it until it was so painful I was barely walking anywhere. I ended up finding out that I have severe degenerative arthritis in my ankle, and I am not able to run.

This was before my surgery, and I had been taking pain pills for arthritis almost daily prior to my surgery. I haven't had to take it at all since surgery. I might be able to run now that I have less weight, but I really need to be careful to not aggravate my arthritis.

I am walking regularly and doing exercises like Zumba. I don't want to push it too far with running.

Thank you Linda and I am trying not to push myself too hard

Hi-

I started the c to 5k program with some local WLS people.

today I finished the program with a 5k run.

anyone wondering how the heck can you do that, heck I don't know...

i didn't run 3 x week- but every sunday was hard at work on it...

It has been a great trip. I hope more people can try it and see how much fun it is...

I did the C25K about a year ago and loved it . Had some health issues since then which mean I am back to square one... However... I digress, it was a lot of fun. I remember week 3 being a b**ch and some of the music during the odd week was not so fabulous but it was wonderful to have the mix of music at the right rhythym and a guided timed programme all done already for you that you don't have to really think about. Jam in those earphones and head outside- you won't regret it!

I haven't completely tried it, but I been walking distance alot more and been having pain on my ankle and hamstring. I know that has to do with all the extra weight but it's discouraging