couch to 5k

Before I get a ton of questions like "what is couch to 5k?" I'll answer that first... couch to 5k is a program to get people off their couch and eventually, through weeks of progression, running. I enjoy it and reccommend it. There is a podcast that makes it near foolproof. Google it.

Now for those who have done the program or are currently doing it... have you repeated weeks? I am only in week one and I am finding myself so out of shape I have no confedience to move up to week two. I am following the podcasts, and loving it, I just don't think I can move up so quicky. Should I just suck it up and move up or give one another week then move up? TIA

Thu. Dec 13, 12:45am

don't move up unless you're ready to go to the next week. I was at week 3 for 3 weeks before i moved to week four. if you move too quickly, you'll hate running, be sore, and won't keep up with it. your body will tell you when you're ready to move up. I realize it's a 8-12 week program, but it took me much longer than that because i was out of shape.

hang in there!

Thursday, December 13, 2007, 9:24 AM

Yep - it's just fine to spend an extra week at a specific level and I do seem to remember that the program guidelines will tell you as much. Pushing yourself too hard in the beginning is a cause of injury for many runners. However you do want to push yourself to reach the next level - it's a fine line so listen to your body. Happy running!

Thursday, December 13, 2007, 10:03 AM

Thanks!! I am going to listen to my body... actually to my screaming-for-air-while-running lungs :)

Thursday, December 13, 2007, 2:39 PM

Don't worry, OP - I've been running for years off and on and I still get those screaming lungs - it's one of my least favorite signs that Imy last hiatus was a little too long. Point being - you'll get there and you're smart to listen. You'll avoid many a injury by listening and not trying to push through!

Thursday, December 13, 2007, 11:22 PM

Running - is this normal?

Hi! I have been very outta shape when I kicked off the 10 week running program (Budd Coates) as listed in the Complete Running for Women book.
Basically, you start off with 4mt walk, 2mt run for a total of 30 mts, four times week in week 1 and increase it to 3:3 ratio in week2 and so on.

Well, I am in week 5 and I am still able to only do 3mt walk; 3mt run (more like a slow jog since it is at 5mph). My question is though that when I do the heart rate check, either on the treadmill or on my polar watch, I see the 3mt jog @ 5mph is always at 80-98% of max hr. Higher end mostly.

obviously i hate it! But I have kept going. Is this normal to continue to experience that level of exertion after 5 weeks of 4x a week?

also, my polar logs 746 cal for 45 mts whereas the pacemaster treadmill shows 290 (correctly, am assuming) - i just got the polar watch, so not sure what is wrong here.

Anyone have a similar experience ? Any tips for newbie runners?

I feel like I can't go on at this rate. The program suggests I should be running for 5mts (2.30mts walk) by now but I just can't get to doing a comfortable 3mts. I really would like to keep going on this program.

Thanks!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 10:19 AM

This is an excellent question because I just wondered the same thing last night .... running along for 3 minute intervals at 5.2mph (slow, I know) and my heart rate was at 177. I know I'm a beginner runner, but is this normal? Am I going to have a heart attack?

Thanks, PP, for asking this question!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 2:42 PM

Couch to 5k Cuties!

Just wanted to pop in that you can come over and talk about beginning running in the Couch to 5k Cuties! team!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 5:22 PM

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