How Couch-to-5K Made Me Love Working Out
Running is one of the last things I ever expected to be doing on a regular basis, but now, not only do I indeed run on a regular basis, but I LOVE running on a regular basis. How? The Couch-to-5K program!
I first learned about C25K through PA Melissa and I was intrigued. It’s basically a program that slowly eases you into running, even if you’ve never run before. The most I ever really ran before this was in high school gym class, and believe me, it was not a pretty sight. I grew up taking dance lessons which was more like sprinting – short bursts of giving a routine all you possibly can, and then resting and doing it again x 50. I never had the endurance to just do something active non-stop for more than a few minutes. Finding the perfect workout in NYC had always eluded me whether due to timing, money or just fear, until November 2010, when I started the program.
Technically, it’s a nine-week program, but it took me about five months to really, really finish. Day one starts very slowly with alternating intervals of running (60 seconds) and walking (90 seconds) and each day you continue to build on that. You’re meant to run at least three days per week, leaving a rest day in between running days. At times, it was easier than I expected and at times, it was harder, but the sense of accomplishment each time I met a new goal was awesome and made the tough moments so worth it. Also, I highly suggest buying the Couch to 5K iPhone app. It gives you audio cues as to when to stop, start, run or walk and hearing “halfway” definitely always made me feel good.
I think there are a lot of people out there like me – never able to find the right workout or fit working out into their daily routine. I’m here to say, you can totally do it! Running to me always sounded both too boring and too hard, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be too hard if you start slowly, and it doesn’t have to be boring if you have the right playlist and new goals to strive for each day.
Since I’ve finished the program, I’m doing my best to stick with running three times a week and gradually getting my speed up. Believe it or not, I look FORWARD to working out now. And you know what? Regular exercise does everything that they say it will: I sleep better, I have way more energy, I’m in a better mood, I feel more confident. It even helps me breathe better through my seasonal allergies. And though I don’t think I’m going to put Gisele out of a job anytime soon, I’ve lost 10 pounds (trust me, it’s NOT through dieting). The moral of the story is that if I can do it, you can do it. And doing it rules.
Check out the full details of the program at Cool Running.
Coming soon: some of my running playlist favorites!
Apr 18, 2011 @ 09:51:14
I really need to give couch to 5K a try. I can run but I sort of hate it. Maybe this will help me to finally get motivated!
Apr 21, 2011 @ 15:13:16
I feel like one of the best things about c25k is that it gets you in the habit of working out three times a week for 9 weeks. After that, it’s basically a part of your weekly routine and you feel weird not doing it! Since you are more advanced of a runner, they also have a couch to 10k app that you should check out!
Apr 18, 2011 @ 11:42:45
Ah I LOVE Couch to 5K! I ran a 5k last October and I felt such a sense of accomplishment…like you I never ran unless I was forced to in high school, and after that, if I ever felt randomly motivated to run (probably like, twice in my life) I would run about two laps and then feel totally wiped out. Couh to 5K really makes each goal feel doable. I’m so glad you like it too! My next goal is 10K.
Apr 21, 2011 @ 15:14:27
Yeah!! My goal is 8k, since Dan and I want to run the Turkey Trot in Buffalo on Thanksgiving. Running and then eating mass qtys of food all day sounds perfect.
Apr 18, 2011 @ 15:14:36
This seems like a great program! I’ve run a bunch of 5Ks and think the experience of doing a race is great motivation to get out there and start running even if you’re super slow like me. I would like to run a race with all my fellow PAs!
Apr 18, 2011 @ 17:28:14
This is super inspiring! I want to start to run races, although I’ve been saying that for too long. I just need to sign up and get on it!
Apr 21, 2011 @ 15:14:49
Yes, a group PA race would rule!!
Apr 21, 2011 @ 16:02:35
Tempting, but I’m not sure… though you really make it sound like it can be fun.