Millions Have Moved From This Couch to Become 5K Distance Runners

Couch to 5K

August 6, 2015   14 Comments

Isn’t that couch cute? I would love to sit on it for a while.

Maybe a few hours or days more like it but I am not going to do it because I have joined a revolution.

“Let them eat cake!” (NO not that revolution)

This is a fitness revolution that is happening because our phones have awesome apps that can help us get off the couch and moving. I downloaded a FREE app onto my very expensive iPhone that is teaching me to become a 5K distance runner.

C25K is also know as “Couch to 5K’” and is designed for first time runners and supposedly has been used by 5 million people. Whoa! What the blank have I been doing?

I was hooked immediately because:

a) C25K is free!
b) someone wrote in a review that if you hate running this is the app for you!
c) It promises only 30 minutes per day – 3 times per week.

Supposedly, if I do this app for 8 weeks, I will be able to run a 5K (about 3 miles or so). It works on both the iPhone and Android.

The app talks to you and tells you when to run and when to walk and I like the voice. I can also play my music while I am attempting to run.

Here is my progress so far:

First day: ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow

Second day: ow, ow, ow

Third day: ow

Fourth day: starting to feel like I can run a bit without going “ow”

What I can tell you so far is that I am beginning to run without noticing that I am running. I won’t say it is enjoyable because it isn’t but I can see how it might be fun.

I love the idea that I could get regular exercise by putting on my running shoes and cruising out my door instead of driving to the gym. Look at me! I am saving fossil fuel and money!

The running workouts change over time to help you get to your goal. I am finding them to be at an excellent (slow) pace and you can repeat workouts if you can't finish them.

Have any of you tried a fitness app that was great at motivating you off the couch?

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14 Comments:

I am starting this program in a few weeks once my older two are in school and I am pretty excited! I even have a friend whose offered her jogging stroller so I don't have to figure out what to do with my youngest. :)

on August 6, 2015

Way to go Lisa! I used C25K to get me started with running. I stopped running for a while because I was going to the gym and going to spin class, zumba, and playing squash. Now I'm back running again. I do it more than 3 days a week though. I need to add strength training to my routine though. Probably an app for that too. :)

on August 6, 2015

I started it back in mid-June. I'm getting ready to start week 8 tonight. It has definitely helped with running endurance - if I was running on my own I would have stopped way before the voice told me to. I am signed up for my first 5K in mid-October and now that I am almost done the program I have a few weeks to work on my speed since the endurance is now there.

Good luck on your running journey!

on August 6, 2015

I didn't have a lot of success with this or other running apps when I was first starting out, but this was due to personal health reasons. I didn't realize I needed support shoes for quite a while! I find I enjoy jogging (I move way too slow to say I'm running!) most out on the trails. It's shady, the ground is softer, and way less crowded!

on August 6, 2015

C25K is a great app! I am 61 and wanted to run in a 5k with my older brother. The first time I ran 3.1 miles without stopping I cried. I have since run in 2 5k's and I love it! It is the one exercise routine that I have stuck with.

on August 6, 2015

I love the c25k app. I used it about 5 years ago when I decided that I wanted to start running with my husband. It was definitely a challenge, but I love running now and I've completed 2 full marathons, lots of half marathons & 10ks. I think it's awesome!!

on August 6, 2015

So funny. I like the couch, yes, cute. I think I will try this c25k thing. Thanks for the inspiration.

on August 6, 2015

Lisa thanks for posting this because I have never heard of it.. so I am going right now to download app to my smartphone..Maybe I will get to move more with the app and shed some unwanted pounds!!

on August 6, 2015

Lisa, how long does it take you to run 5K? Is there a goal of time? Sounds interesting, I'm a walk-lover myself.

on August 6, 2015

I'm like Lisa, I prefer walk instead of running....I always heard that running wasn't good for females !!!! you walk at your own pace,,,,,so I will stick to walking.....or bike riding......that's good too....

on August 6, 2015

@BarbL - My husband says it will take me 30 minutes (a slow pace). I also like to walk but sometimes I need something to work toward. Thanks for your question!

on August 6, 2015

I've used a similar couch to 5k app and it worked great! I have never been a runner and in the beginning of the app I could barely jog for an entire minute. Now I love doing 5ks!

on August 6, 2015

I also recommend Zombies Run! Each episode is a chapter in an engaging story that plays in segments over half an hour, interspersing with your music playlist. It is designed to build up running time. I think it costs $5 but is a good investment to help motivate walkers or runners.

on August 6, 2015

10k runner is also a good one. The 5k runner is free. I went from 360 pounds to 180 -- and have run over 50 races, 32 of them half marathons! The apps work of you work the apps!

on August 6, 2015

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