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C25K (Couch to 5K)?

Discussion in 'Health' started by Janster, Dec 14, 2014.

  1. Dec 14, 2014 at 8:46 AM
    #1
    Janster

    Janster [OP] Old & Forgetful

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    A friend of ours runs and told us about this - and both my husband and I are very interested in trying it. Granted, I honestly don't know the realistic chances of actually completing a 5k run, but at least its something to work towards and give us some much needed exercise in the process.

    About 5 years ago, I used to go to the gym a lot...and was able to jog on treadmill for 30 minutes. So, there is hope. Last summer I started fast walking and jogging for short distances. We just bought a treadmill and I have a nice pair of running shoes for my bad feet.

    Has anyone actually done this - running from scratch? How about some 'apps' to track the time you walk / jog while training?

    Have you had any health concerns that you had to be 'careful' with?

    Any training regimes that helped you?
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2014
  2. Dec 14, 2014 at 9:14 AM
    #2
    4x4Runner

    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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    I did the couch to 10k and I thought it was a great app. I had to go through a 5 week leadership school last year and at the end we had to run a 10k (can't say run just complete). I started the app about 3 months ahead of the school and continued during the school. I was able to complete the 10k in a hair over an hour (not a fast runner at all). I started pandora, then run keeper then the couch app. Runkeeper will run in the background and give you voice prompts telling you distance, avg speed, current pace and a few others you opt to have active.

    I think it's a great app to get someone started. I also recommend getting fitted for shoes, those are probably the most important part of running.

    I wish you luck!

    Edit, stretch really good before and after.
     
  3. Dec 14, 2014 at 9:57 AM
    #3
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    I've not tried it but I recently started treadmill this year. It wouldn't hurt to buy the Dr Scholls gel inserts, for $10 it is a cheap investment. I wear Chuck Taylors which aren't exactly running shoes and they work great with them
     
  4. Dec 14, 2014 at 10:12 AM
    #4
    JLink

    JLink Well-Known Member

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    I ran a few 5ks this year and I hate running. Haven't run in atleast 8 years prior to this fall and only did a couple training runs. Just get out there and start slow and work your way to a faster pace. Listen to your body and stop when you have too.
     
  5. Dec 14, 2014 at 10:15 AM
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    95 taco

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    Just got this app a few weeks ago at the recommendation of my trainer.
    Really good, but I've only done it a few times as I'm not a good self motivator and my family won't do it with me.
     
  6. Dec 14, 2014 at 10:25 AM
    #6
    Janster

    Janster [OP] Old & Forgetful

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    :thumbsup:

    Cruising the apps... I think my husband grabbed a freebee (not sure which one) and I grabbed C2K5 free and 5k Runner Free. I'll try 'em both and see which one I could purchase.

    I have a pair of Brooks GTS sneakers which are very comfortable (so far) and are supposed to be 'running shoes'. What do I know? I had to trust the guy at the specialty runners store. lol

    I have several Dr. Scholls custom fit inserts that I used to wear inside my Steal Toed boots at my previous job. I don't think they'd be good to run with - simply because they're 'thick' and you can't get 'comfortable' with them inserted. My feet don't seem to have any issues unless I'm standing in one spot for too long or on my feet for long periods. But, we'll see.....

    Excited to get started...but like most things I've been reading, I can't get overly excited, pace myself, and make it 'comfortable'. Slow - r - down!
     
  7. Dec 14, 2014 at 11:58 AM
    #7
    Ritsui

    Ritsui Member

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    Sorry this is going to be long, but I trained with my wife when she did couch to 5k (as a starting point for marathon and triathlon training) so this is VERY relevant to me. We both hiked quite a bit, but neither of us ran at all before. We were more or less "I'll run if something's chasing me" types :D. In spite of that, In the last few years, we have both completed several 5K and 10K races and my wife has done multiple half marathons and (sprint) triathlons :). I trained with her for all of it.

    Here's how it went for ME:

    APPS: Right off the bat I tried using Fitbit, Runkeeper, Endomondo, etc and they did nothing for me. Tracking time and speed is critical to training, but I think a large value in these apps is SOCIAL. If you're active online, have a friend/mate training with you or are simply competitive, they're great... but for me, they were actually annoying distractions to simply learning to enjoy running. I quickly realized apps, plans and programs wouldn't make me like something I really effing hated. I followed my wife's program (even "completed" it), but training is a serious time investment which 'wore off' as soon as I found things I could rationalize were a better use of my time.

    What motivated me then? Well, I experienced a series of severe headaches and blackouts before finding out I had a stroke and ridiculously high blood pressure. It only took one trip to the doctor to convince me it was simple: exercise my heart OR DIE. Yeah, "or die" shouldn't be necessary motivation for anyone, but it works and even without the imminent mortality bit it's still true that fit people live longer and better than unfit people, so that's good enough for me.

    Back to apps: I have Runkeeper and Mapmyrun installed, but I only use them for accurate time and distance stats. I never check stats online and don't really care. Most of the time I use only basic GPS (or treadmill counter) and a stopwatch. I'm only competing with myself and only working on well-being... not track times.

    Training and other stuff that helps me:

    1) Exercise every day no matter what (excepting injury). If all I have time for is situps, pushups or free weights, I'll do those, but I get out and run, get on the treadmill or ride a bike every day I can. Like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it is.

    2) Cross train. I don't care about all the pseudo-science in the fitness industry... I just love mountain biking and hiking... so I do those as much as I can. Biking, running and swimming are all great cardio and will compliment each other nicely.


    My wife has a different approach:

    1) Follow the plan. Rachel did couch to 5k, then 10k, then 1/2 marathon training all in a row. All she really did was follow the instructions. Simple... for some.

    2) Find YOUR motivator and use it. Rachel loves Disney... so she specifically trained for the "Dumbo Double Dare" (1/2 marathon and 10K back to back) and stayed in the Grand Californian hotel as a prize.

    3) Apps. Not for me, but Rachel used the Fitbit, Runkeeper and 'Zombies Run' with fantastic results. Some apps are designed so your GPS tracks draw crazy pictures. Most are fremium or just a few bucks, so try them all and use what works.


    ** Proper equipment: Get the best you can afford. I ran in crappy shoes for only a short while and gained black/lost toenails for it. That can happen anyway, but real running shoes (for the terrain you run on) can save your feet a lot of pain and make longer distances much more comfortable.

    Bottom line: it literally changed our lives. Rachel and I never rode mountain bikes until after we started running. Now we couldn't imagine not having the bikes. I couldn't run 2 minutes on the treadmill without walking, now my intervals are measured in miles. I still don't love (or really even like) running, but it's now just one of a dozen things I do to live better and I do love that.
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2014
  8. Dec 15, 2014 at 9:10 AM
    #8
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    Yeah see I just powerwalk. I can't jog much less run with my junk knees..

     
  9. Dec 24, 2014 at 7:24 AM
    #9
    Janster

    Janster [OP] Old & Forgetful

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    Awesome information gang!!

    Into the 2nd week of workouts. Using the 5K runner App. Things are going well. I've been stretching before & after but I haven't developed a 'standard' of stretches. I have some print outs but I feel like I'm a little disorganized at it. Trying to find a speed that I can work with for the long haul....
    My husband is taller and has a longer stride, so he's been going faster. I keep reminding him to 'don't over do it' by going too fast.

    Even if I can't physically do a full 5k - I have some other reasons.

    A year ago, I took on a new job sitting on my ass all day (compared to being on my feet all day). Back in September, my cholesterol sky rocketed 265 (I knew it would). I just got re-checked yesterday, and my cholesterol is back down to where it normally sits (around 200). That's 65+ good reasons to keep doing this on a regular basis!! LOL

    PS. Anyone know of some good nylon running socks?
     
  10. Dec 24, 2014 at 7:27 AM
    #10
    JLink

    JLink Well-Known Member

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    I wear smart wool socks. they are merino wool so very soft and wick moisture away better than cotton. they have some "Phd" ones that are designed for running. any outdoors store should have them.
     
  11. Jan 13, 2015 at 2:59 PM
    #11
    The Driver

    The Driver Trail Runner/Barefoot Beach Runner/Snow Skier

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  12. Jan 13, 2015 at 3:01 PM
    #12
    mikevee

    mikevee Well-Known Member

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    Curious, what's the app?
     
  13. Jan 13, 2015 at 3:40 PM
    #13
    Janster

    Janster [OP] Old & Forgetful

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    There's lot of apps... We're using 5K Runner. It's free...for the first couple weeks of training. To continue further - I think it was like $1.99 to upgrade. Gets good reviews.
     
  14. Jan 13, 2015 at 3:46 PM
    #14
    Janster

    Janster [OP] Old & Forgetful

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    Working on Week #3.

    Nice new shoes...some wicking socks....

    I got sidelined for a bit when I pulled my back out on January 3rd. I was trying to do other things to keep the cardio aspect going. Last night was the fist time the back felt healed and I was back on the horse!

    My husband had ankle problems for a bit...he was sidelined too. We're both back on the horse.

    That is...until the next little sideline..... :rolleyes:
     
  15. Jan 13, 2015 at 3:51 PM
    #15
    The Driver

    The Driver Trail Runner/Barefoot Beach Runner/Snow Skier

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    Take it easy, increase mileage and speed slowly. I'm dealing with running on ice/snow in sub freezing temps, and I'm a Floridian! We all have running problems, is how we approach them that will make U successful! :)
     
  16. Jan 26, 2015 at 4:34 PM
    #16
    95 taco

    95 taco Battle Born

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    Well, at the recommendation of my trainer I started C25K again, gonna be doing it on my "off days" when I'm not working out with the trainer.
    2.43 miles in 30 minutes.
    First mile was 11:47, second mile was 12:01, last .43 miles was 14:19 (min/Miles)
     

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