# Couch-to-5K: Anyone with me? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 8, 2009, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089 "2009-06-08T13:58:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2009, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/241 "2009-07-17T13:49:09Z")
Hills kill. I think I mentioned this up-thread, but the route I’ve been running lately has a ginormous hill right at the start, and it’s pretty tough. **Labrador Deceiver** , congrats on finishing the 20-minute run! I really feel like that is a big dividing point in the program, between walk/run on one side and mostly run on the other. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/242 "2009-07-17T15:10:01Z")
Posting after myself to mention that I finished W7D2 this morning. This thing is actually getting easier, not harder, as the days progress. I’m starting to look ahead to what I want to do after C25K is completed, and I think I’m going to do one of the Gateway to 10K programs. I’m signed up for a 5K race in mid-September, and then an 8K on Thanksgiving morning, so I think the 10K program should prepare me well for both of those. And then, uh…I’m almost even afraid to mention this, but hell, why not: I took the plunge and registered for the Capital City Half-Marathon on May 1, 2010. I feel a little giddy about this. The weird thing is, I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to do it. I am really not an athlete, yo. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2009, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/243 "2009-07-17T15:35:00Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Posting after myself to mention that I finished W7D2 this morning. This thing is actually getting easier, not harder, as the days progress. > > I’m starting to look ahead to what I want to do after C25K is completed, and I think I’m going to do one of the Gateway to 10K programs. I’m signed up for a 5K race in mid-September, and then an 8K on Thanksgiving morning, so I think the 10K program should prepare me well for both of those. > > And then, uh…I’m almost even afraid to mention this, but hell, why not: I took the plunge and registered for the Capital City Half-Marathon on May 1, 2010. I feel a little giddy about this. The weird thing is, I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to do it. I am really not an athlete, yo. I’ve had to restrain myself from signing up for races, b/c I’m dying to do so. I’m just a little superstitious when things are going really well, and I want to make sure I’m up for it in a month or two. It sounds like you’re really cranking out some miles. **Snickers** , Day 1 and 2 of Week 4 were the hardest of the program for me so far, then I slowed down a bit for Day 3 and it was much easier. Week 5 was a walk in the park compared to those 2 days. ---
**Author:** ![silk1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@silk1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silk1976)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2009, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/244 "2009-07-18T02:38:28Z")
As an occasional lurker of this thread, I would like to point something out. Today, on July 17 (bolding mine): > [@MsWhatsit](#): > > I’m signed up for a **5K race in mid-September** , and then an **8K on Thanksgiving morning** , so I think the 10K program should prepare me well for both of those. > > And then, uh…I’m almost even afraid to mention this, but hell, why not: I took the plunge and registered for the Capital City **Half-Marathon on May 1, 2010**. I feel a little giddy about this. The weird thing is, I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to do it. When it was on 6/9, the first week of the program, just over a month ago, you stated (again, bolding mine) > [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Jogging 5 minutes is more than I can currently do. After a week of C25K, I can get through a 60-second jog without feeling like I’m going to die, but **5 minutes is right out. Right. Out.** I would like to point out that just over 1 month ago, you were talking about the inability to jog for a period of time in minutes that is less than HALF the distance in miles of a race that you now have confidence to be able to do. THAT… is awesome. > [@MsWhatsit](#): > > I am really not an athlete, yo. What is an athlete? Just because you’re not a professional doesn’t mean you can’t be an athlete! ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2009, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/245 "2009-07-18T02:54:58Z")
…wow. Thanks for pointing that out, **silk1976**. I guess now would be a good time to talk about the fact that this has been a life-changing experience for me. I mean, I literally am a different person, physically and mentally, than I was 7 weeks ago when I started this thing practically on a whim. I have confidence in myself, I see myself as a fit and healthy person, and I believe that I can run a marathon. Maybe not next year, but definitely by the year after. None of those things were true two months ago. I have always seen myself as a basically sedentary person who would probably always be fat, and I’m watching the scale, and seeing myself in the mirror, and feeling the difference in my muscles and my bones, and every day I have these little “holy crap” moments where I realize that I’m turning into the fit person that I never thought I would be. In case the above didn’t make it clear, I would _highly, highly_ recommend this program to anyone who is considering a fitness routine. Highly. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2009, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/246 "2009-07-18T02:58:45Z")
I’ve been reading your blogs over on Sparkpeople, and all I can say is \*\*you go, girl! \*\* It’s fun when we can challenge our own expectations of ourselves and find out we’re more capable of stuff than we thought we were! Kind of blows your mind, doesn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2009, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/247 "2009-07-18T11:10:53Z")
So my achilles tendons are all good, but things just still did not seem _right_. I had mild pain in my heels and ankles and other parts of my feet. I finally broke down and went to see a doc. He says it is Plantars Faciitis. ☹ On reflection, based on our discussion, I have likely had it for a while though. Looks like it will be a while before I’m back and even doing walks. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/248 "2009-07-19T20:58:22Z")
Aw, **Khadaji** , that’s a bummer. Still, you gotta take care of yourself. I just finished week 7, on a grassy trail instead of the asphalt trail I ran on Wednesday and Friday. I think the grassy trail was definitely a lot tougher, because I was huffing and puffing by the end. Still, I made it. Onward and upward to week 8! ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/249 "2009-07-19T21:47:01Z")
> [@Khadaji](#): > > So my achilles tendons are all good, but things just still did not seem _right_. I had mild pain in my heels and ankles and other parts of my feet. > > I finally broke down and went to see a doc. He says it is Plantars Faciitis. ☹ > > On reflection, based on our discussion, I have likely had it for a while though. > > Looks like it will be a while before I’m back and even doing walks. You didn’t mention if you were given a treatment plan so here it goes. Ice- Ice your arch 4-5 times a day if possible. Massage- Get a golf ball, tennis ball, baby food jar, anything small that will roll and use that to massage the arch. Stretch-Tight calves are the most common factor in PF, stretch your calves and Achilles. Calf/Achilles stretch-stand away from a wall, place your hands like you’ve being frisked:D place one foot back so the leg is straight and foot is flat to the floor, other foot is near the wall. You should feel the stretch in your calf. Slowly bend your rearward leg, you should feel the stretch move to the Achilles. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/250 "2009-07-19T22:52:30Z")
Thanks. He pretty much emphasized stretching and said to wear an arch wrap at night. (I should have asked why _at night_ and not during the day, but I was slow on the draw that day.) ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2009, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/251 "2009-07-19T23:04:31Z")
Starting running again tomorrow - haven’t run since May 31 - Half marathon in which I hurt myself. My ITB feels okay, so I am starting out slowly. ---
**Author:** ![Judith\_Prietht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b19c9b/32.png) [@Judith\_Prietht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Judith_Prietht)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/252 "2009-07-20T20:56:20Z")
Sunday morning I ran 3 miles (hey, that’s basically 5k!) without stopping and felt damn good afterwards. I honestly felt like I could have kept going for a few blocks. I can barely believe that a mere 4 months ago I was gasping like a dying fish after W1D1. I have my second 5K on Saturday – I am going to kick its ass. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/253 "2009-07-20T21:12:39Z")
**Judith** , you give me hope. I was gasping like a dying fish after W7D3 the other day and I’m hoping week 8 is an improvement. ---
**Author:** ![Judith\_Prietht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b19c9b/32.png) [@Judith\_Prietht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Judith_Prietht)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/254 "2009-07-20T21:25:39Z")
You’ll totally get there! You have a half marathon to train for, after all. (I’m starting to consider registering for one myself.) I’m not formally doing C25K anymore, but am following a plan from the Personal Trainer feature on the Runner’s World website. Some of the distances on there are slightly terrifying – 5 miles for a long run! – but it will be achieved. ---
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/255 "2009-07-21T12:21:46Z")
> [@Khadaji](#): > > Thanks. He pretty much emphasized stretching and said to wear an arch wrap at night. (I should have asked why _at night_ and not during the day, but I was slow on the draw that day.) I have PF and I think it’s because that during the night your feet tend to curl forward? I’m not sure. What I do know is that I just finished W5D1 and my PF isn’t bothering me; as in, I don’t know when it really stopped hurting constantly, but sometime during this program it stopped. Occasionally I’ll get a flair up, but I used to have it everytime I stood up. So there’s hope. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/256 "2009-07-21T23:37:26Z")
Just got back from W8D1. I’m running based on time, meaning that today was a 28-minute run. While on the one hand, I can’t believe that I am even saying that I ran a full 28 minutes and am full of woo-hoo about that, on the other hand I wonder how worried I should be that my distance was nowhere near the distance I should supposedly be running – according to the C25K site, week 8 is 28 minutes or 2.75 miles. Yeah, today I did 2.1 miles in 28 minutes. Sooooo, I don’t think I’ll quite be at 5K next week when I’m doing 30 minutes. Should I be worried that I am going so slowly or is it expected because I’m a newb, or what? My 5K isn’t until Sept. 18, so I do have plenty of time to keep building distance after C25K is officially completed. And, uh, how amazing is it that I am talking about COMPLETING THIS PROGRAM?!? I am not really, historically speaking, a fitness program “finisher”. I am finding that generally, during a run I am thinking, I wish this run were over. But then when I am not running, I wish I were running. I am still not used to this. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/257 "2009-07-21T23:50:22Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Just got back from W8D1. I’m running based on time, meaning that today was a 28-minute run. While on the one hand, I can’t believe that I am even saying that I ran a full 28 minutes and am full of woo-hoo about that, on the other hand I wonder how worried I should be that my distance was nowhere near the distance I should supposedly be running – according to the C25K site, **week 8 is 28 minutes or 2.75 miles**. Yeah, today I did 2.1 miles in 28 minutes. Sooooo, I don’t think I’ll quite be at 5K next week when I’m doing 30 minutes. Should I be worried that I am going so slowly or is it expected because I’m a newb, or what? > > My 5K isn’t until Sept. 18, so I do have plenty of time to keep building distance after C25K is officially completed. > > And, uh, how amazing is it that I am talking about COMPLETING THIS PROGRAM?!? I am not really, historically speaking, a fitness program “finisher”. I am finding that generally, during a run I am thinking, I wish this run were over. But then when I am not running, I wish I were running. > > I am still not used to this. It’s to reduce stress on a new runner. Your bones and tendons are not fully caught up to the demands you’ve been putting on them.(Muscles adapt faster) More distance is more stress. Someone who is naturally faster can easily run too far too early and wind up with stress fractures or tendon problems. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2009, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/258 "2009-07-21T23:53:51Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > It’s to reduce stress on a new runner. Your bones and tendons are not fully caught up to the demands you’ve been putting on them.(Muscles adapt faster) More distance is more stress. Someone who is naturally faster can easily run too far too early and wind up with stress fractures or tendon problems. Hm, OK. But I guess my question is, should I be concerned that I’m covering even LESS distance than the program says? According to it, today should have been about 2.75 miles in 28 minutes, but I did 2.1 miles in 28 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2009, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/259 "2009-07-22T00:12:12Z")
No,that’s fine. You run for either 28 minutes covering whatever distance you can OR you run 2.75 if you run it faster than 28 minutes. The upper limit is 28 min or 2.75 miles, whichever comes first. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2009, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/260 "2009-07-22T00:13:13Z")
OH! I see now. Wow, that was really not clear in the C25K overview, IMO. That totally makes sense, though. Thanks again, **runner pat**. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=14)