Hey Paul, I am not familiar with the couch to 5K program. You can go to Runner's World.Com: Running, Racing, Training and More. and on that site you can see if they have any races that are in your area under Races & Places and then you can click on the Training tab and after you put in some info of what you're wanting to do, it will line you out a training schedule. I'm sure there are other sites, however, this one is what I am most familiar with.

Haha Go Probwhite!

The couch to 5k program is a basic training program that lays out a schedule to take people who are just starting out running and coaches them to slowly get themselves up to hitting 5k, safely and effectively. I started out running following its basic principles but ended up just getting to the 5k on my own because I started enjoying the running so much I didn't want to wait for the next week to add time/distance :P Its a wonderful way to introduce people and get them started with running. I'm going to do my first 5k mini cross country course hopefully this May but my big goal is going to be the 10k in August.

Some things that helped me:

This:Amazon.com: No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running: John Bingham: Books

And, talking to these guys: RunningAHEAD - User Groups: Back of The Packers

And,check this out, too: Run Easy - Reebok (Make sure to check out the running playlists here; they're awesome!)

As soon as I slowed down, the footfalls, the breathing, it all came together. I promise!

Hey Probwhite!

Here's info on the Couch to 5K program: Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan
Here is a link to Podcasts some guy created which break down the run/walks so you don't have to keep track - really awesome!: Welcome

Seriously has helped me TREMENDOUSLY! I'm feeling stronger all the time! I suppose I wish that I was making faster progress. LOL - like I feel as if I should be running the ENTIRE 30 minutes

Wow! Thanks everybody. Good advice from all. I'll look into all of it.

Have faith in the training every one and build up slowly. Everyone has their own pace that their body can handle.
I weigh over 315 pounds right now and my last 5k practice run last saturday I jogged the entire 2.8 miles in 32.5 minutes. I couldn't have done that a month ago.
I think the 5K at champions weekend in TN is 3.02 miles and that will be my first ever 5K run.
If I can do it - anyone can :<)
Keep challengeing yourself, Paul.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Probwhite BTW, what the heck is the couch to 5K program?

coolrunning.com has this program that takes you from couch potato to running a 5K in about 12 weeks. i have it on my ipod so i listen to this guy tell me when to walk and when to run...and it has music on it too...

google "couch to 5K"

Wow Bagley! Way to go with the running! I'm very impressed.

Greenpeace - thanks so much for the info! Much appreciated!

Floorance, I just checked out that link. I'm in! I smoked for 28 years. I just quit. Running was something that I never really did. Even now I when I do my cardio I do sprints, then walk. I can already see an improvement. I am going to follow it and run a 5k also! That will be such a great accomplishment for me. I'm glad I stumbled on to this thread!

Here's my commitment!

Doyle

greenpeace...(hehe)

Grace and Peace to you

WOW GUYS! I didn't realize this thread would be an inspiration for some of you to start the Couch to 5K program! I'm so jazzed that you guys are joining me!

I really am starting to feel so much stronger now. I actually added up the time that I'm running...

I am actually running 9 minutes every training session (3x per week)! WOOHOO! That's 27 minutes a week that I'm running! If you would have asked me 1 1/2 months ago if I ever thought I'd run I would have laughed and called you crazy. Well tickle me happy...I'm RUNNING!

The guy on the Podcasts is truly awesome. It's such a blessing to 1) have awesome music to run to 2) have someone tell you when to start running or start walking. I plan to use the podcast during my 5K run. I may have to replay it twice - but I know this will get me through. It's familiar and I know I can do it because I have already done it many times before.

I stayed on week 3 for 2 weeks and week 8 for 3 weeks when I did it. The point is to stay with it and move on when you're ready.

Quote:

Originally Posted by floorance Sandy, I totally did not know that! Thank you so much! It's really sad to me that all this time I limited myself with the believe that I can't...I really enjoy my runs (although I still have to fight with myself to get out of bed at 5am) when I'm done I really feel like I've accomplished something...something positive.

I felt the same way until I actually ran one consecutive mile. When I did that, there was undeniable proof that I could run! All the self doubt melted away. And I sucked wind pretty bad too!

Fitme, That's good to know. I'm going to try to stay on course, but I'll repeat a week if I have to.

Thanks

Doyle

Ok...I just ran across this and hope its ok to add my comments...But listen...My All Time Goal is to be able to run...seriously...I just want to run...Is there anyone with insight on how to get it started???HELP.....ALways....Angela

Yee Haa! This is one inspired group! Great contribution, solid advice and loads of inspiration! I love it! Congratulations to one and all! Congratulations Julie for just doing it! That is awesome. I am 5'8" 285lbs and I am running! I have been working on 3 mile runs. Today I ran 3.67 miles in 60 minutes. This weekend I will do a 7 mile walk/run for conditioning. I am preparing for the Denver Half Marathon! You can so do this! I am so excited and happy for your conquering this! You are amazing and inspiring! Go Julie! Go!

Quote:

Originally Posted by amandaslagle I felt the same way until I actually ran one consecutive mile. When I did that, there was undeniable proof that I could run! All the self doubt melted away. And I sucked wind pretty bad too!

yee Haa! That is so amaing! LOL! I succeked Wind pretty bad. Sounds like my run last weekend trying to keep up to my 4 and half year old. Man that kid has legs!

Hey guys! Been MIA for awhile - fell off the wagon but back on now.

Today I did week 4 of the Couch to 5K running plan and it ROCKED! I acutally ran (2) intervals of the following: Run 3 minutes - walk 1 1/2 minutes - Run 5 minutes - Walk 2 1/2 minutes. I was really scared...scared I couldn't do this. I didn't want to suck wind...I didn't want to give up...but I tried it and - BAM! I did it! Not only did I do it, but I actually wasn't sucking wind! WOOHOO FOR ME!

Oh, and did I mention that I went the longest distance I've EVER gone today? 2 miles! Yup! That's me - the one in the pink shorts/tshirt with the american flag baseball cap on RUNNING!

Love you guys and I missed you all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buccaneer Floorance, I just checked out that link. I'm in! I smoked for 28 years. I just quit. Doyle

YAYAYAY for YOU!! GOOD FOR YOU!! YES! YOU can run...you can get healthy lungs back again!! WOOHOO!!

FLOORANCE: i also was challenged by Week 4. when he said you will run for 5 minutes i thought "yah right"...but i did it. i was amazed at me. i was challenged at running for 3 minutes...and thought 5 would be too much....but...i guess this program really does prepare us! I had to skip today because of rain from Hanna and helping daughter move their stuff to a townhouse. tomorrow!

I am soooooo glad I found this thread! I used to run when I was younger but got out of it, took up smoking blah blah blah. My point is that I have since quit smoking and have been thinking about trying out my legs at running again. I will print out the Couch to 5K guide tomorrow and give it a whirl. I am also going to look into the podcast to download.
Thanks everyone for all the info here.
Tara