# 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:** 16
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/301 "2009-07-31T00:36:32Z")
I am doing W9D2 tomorrow. I’m still only covering 2 miles and change in my allotted 30 minutes. I am considering going out to the 5K route that I am running in Sept., and running it on Sunday just to see how far I can get. ---
**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 31, 2009, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/302 "2009-07-31T00:48:13Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > I am doing W9D2 tomorrow. I’m still only covering 2 miles and change in my allotted 30 minutes. I am considering going out to the 5K route that I am running in Sept., and running it on Sunday just to see how far I can get. Save the effort for race day. The week leading up to your 5K is a taper week. You’ll be rested and being in the crowd will pull you through. ---
**Author:** ![silk1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@silk1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silk1976)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/303 "2009-07-31T03:27:07Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > Save the effort for race day. The week leading up to your 5K is a taper week. You’ll be rested and being in the crowd will pull you through. I think she meant going out to the course this Sunday, and the 5K is in September. So there is plenty of time for taper (at least 4 weeks). Assuming I’m not interpreting it wrong, I’d say running through the course is a good idea. Knowing where even slight hills are can be an advantage. (And beware the mental pitfalls of the taper. Yes - you have trained enough. No - another last minute workout will NOT help you.) ---
**Author:** ![FrustratedIdiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/77aa72/32.png) [@FrustratedIdiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrustratedIdiot)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/304 "2009-07-31T03:37:35Z")
Ran my first 5K a couple weeks ago. Didn’t train. 25 minutes. I’m aiming for sub-22 next time. ---
**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 31, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/305 "2009-07-31T03:49:43Z")
> [@silk1976](#): > > I think she meant going out to the course this Sunday, and the 5K is in September. So there is plenty of time for taper (at least 4 weeks). > > Assuming I’m not interpreting it wrong, I’d say running through the course is a good idea. Knowing where even slight hills are can be an advantage. > > (And beware the mental pitfalls of the taper. Yes - you have trained enough. No - another last minute workout will NOT help you.) I was thinking more of having trouble running the distance and being psyched out by it. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2009, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/306 "2009-07-31T13:49:39Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > I was thinking more of having trouble running the distance and being psyched out by it. Hm. I see what you are saying. OK, I think I will stick with my program and just do 30 minutes, although maybe I will go out and _walk_ the course sometime in the next couple of weeks, just to get a feel for it. ---
**Author:** ![silk1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@silk1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silk1976)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/307 "2009-08-01T01:45:18Z")
> [@FrustratedIdiot](#): > > Ran my first 5K a couple weeks ago. Didn’t train. 25 minutes. I’m aiming for sub-22 next time. Yeah I’m going to have to call BS on this one. Based on your post below, in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=514709) - it hardly sounds like you just upped from the couch and ran a 5k. You may not have trained for running specifically, but to say there was no training involved is likely not true. > [@How would I get you to take off your clothes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-i-get-you-to-take-off-your-clothes/493672/17): > > I’ve worked hard for my body; I feel like showing it off. ---
**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:** [August 1, 2009, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/308 "2009-08-01T02:18:53Z")
> [@silk1976](#): > > Yeah I’m going to have to call BS on this one. Based on your post below, in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=514709) - it hardly sounds like you just upped from the couch and ran a 5k. You may not have trained for running specifically, but to say there was no training involved is likely not true. Depending on how it’s done, even weight training can improve aerobic fitness. Also, VO2max is mostly genetic, training only improves the value by 10-15%. Most of the improvement that new runners see comes from better efficiency and an increase in the capacity to work at a high % of VO2max. It is possible for someone with little or no training to run fast times if they are genetically gifted. [Jim Ryun](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Ryun)(1st high school sub 4 mile) ran 5:36 in his first mile, 5 weeks later he ran 4:22. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/309 "2009-08-01T02:49:33Z")
Not really sure what someone who ran a sub-25 minute 5K with no training is doing in a 5K training thread for couch potatoes, but whatever, it’s all good. Finished W9D2 today and tacked an extra 3 minutes on the end just because I was feeling good. I’m not quite sure what my mileage was, because I lost track of which loops on the trail I did, and how many times, but I definitely surpassed 2 miles. Woot! ---
**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:** [August 1, 2009, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/310 "2009-08-01T02:57:18Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Not really sure what someone who ran a sub-25 minute 5K with no training is doing in a 5K training thread for couch potatoes, but whatever, it’s all good. > > Finished W9D2 today and tacked an extra 3 minutes on the end just because I was feeling good. I’m not quite sure what my mileage was, because I lost track of which loops on the trail I did, and how many times, but I definitely surpassed 2 miles. Woot! It doesn’t matter how fast someone is at the start, they still need to build up distance gradually, they’ll just be running faster while doing it. **MsWhatsit** , great job, I don’t doubt you’ll have no trouble with your 5K. ---
**Author:** ![silk1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@silk1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silk1976)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/311 "2009-08-01T18:22:13Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Not really sure what someone who ran a sub-25 minute 5K with no training is doing in a 5K training thread for couch potatoes, but whatever, it’s all good. That was pretty much my issue. The post contributed absolutely nothing to the thread, and bordered on troll-dom. If he is genetically gifted, I can certainly see someone running 8-9 min/miles with no running training. I was just calling out that although he said there was no training involved, he previously indicated in another thread that he has done activities enough to be proud of his body and wanted to show it off. So the claim of no training is what I was calling BS on. Back on topic - if you lost track of how far you went, thats a good sign! One of the secrets to running longer distances is the ability to let your mind wander onto things other than ‘this sucks!’ ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/312 "2009-08-03T01:08:04Z")
And… I’m done! Holy crap, I can hardly believe it. I finished C25K this morning with a 2.5-mile run. Felt great afterwards, too! My final verdict as far as physical changes: 14 pounds lost, and 4 inches from my waist, plus I feel stronger, more energetic, and in much better shape overall. (Regarding the weight loss, I have to point out that I have also been carefully monitoring my caloric intake.) I still sort of can’t believe I actually finished. I’m going to continue with 2.5 miles each day next week before building more mileage on, just because I feel like I pushed myself a little the last few days. Will continue to participate in this thread regularly, of course! Thanks for all of the advice, support, and encouragement, y’all. ---
**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:** [August 3, 2009, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/313 "2009-08-03T01:24:40Z")
Congrats!!! Though you will look a bit silly running in that cap and gown. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![lisacurl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/41988e/32.png) [@lisacurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisacurl)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/314 "2009-08-03T15:13:50Z")
**MsWhatsit** , I just want to say, you are freakin’ awesome! If it wasn’t for you starting this thread, I never would have started doing this program. I got a late start due to an episode of sciatica, but I just finished Week 3, Day 1, today and I’m really loving this. I\* look forward\* to getting out and going running… _me_! I’ve looked ahead on the calendar, and I should complete the program in mid-September. My goal is to continue training and run in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in New Orleans on Sunday 25 October. (I actually live in Baton Rouge, but our Komen race isn’t until March 2010. 🙂 ) ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/315 "2009-08-03T18:13:51Z")
> [@FrustratedIdiot](#): > > Ran my first 5K a couple weeks ago. Didn’t train. 25 minutes. I’m aiming for sub-22 next time. How old are you? I ran my first 5k in about that time, without training, although I played soccer 2-3x a week back then (early 20s). Now it’s a lot more work at 47 years old. If you get some sort of exercise then it’s not that tough to do that. It’s the true couch potato to 5k most folks here are working on. But good for you and good luck on sub 22. I’d like to get around 25-28 when I finally get around to running an official race. We’ll see how it goes. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/316 "2009-08-03T18:14:52Z")
**MsWhatsit** : those are some fantastic, awe inspiring stats! Good on ya! ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/317 "2009-08-03T18:28:47Z")
**MsWhatsit** inspired me. I almost finished W1D1 today: got to the LAST RUN, and had to stop because my pulse rate was going out of range. Please keep in mind: I have lost 13 pounds since my start date, but I am still 385. To me, this is a huge accomplishment! I will have it down by the end of next week, and I will feel no shame in having to repeat week 1. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/318 "2009-08-03T18:37:06Z")
**Juliana** , you are a freaking rock star, and I’m not kidding. It’s harder to run when you’re carrying extra weight around. Which is not to say that you shouldn’t do it – it’s to say that you should pat yourself on the back for doing it even though it takes more effort! And definitely there is no shame in repeating a week as often as you need to. Every day you run is a day you’re improving your cardio fitness, building your muscles, and getting into shape. You’re awesome. **lisacurl** , I know exactly how you feel. Exactly. I still have this feeling of, WTF, I am actually doing this? And enjoying it?! Pretty much every time I am out there. Everybody else, thanks so much for the encouragement and praise. You have no idea how much it helps, knowing there are people out there cheering me on. (Well, maybe you do.) ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/319 "2009-08-03T18:48:53Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Everybody else, thanks so much for the encouragement and praise. You have no idea how much it helps, knowing there are people out there cheering me on. (Well, maybe you do.) Well, you certainly deserve it. Who knows how many other people you’ll inspire that may read this thread or your SparkPeople blog and never comment? I can’t wait to hear how you do on your first 5k. I’m shooting for at least walking the 5k at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi walk in October. I did check with my doc to make sure I was okay to start this, BTW. I’m fat, but I have no other health problems, and don’t want to obtain any. As long as I don’t push myself too hard, I’m fine. I can’t stress this enough: check with your doctor before starting anything like this. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089/320 "2009-08-03T19:08:35Z")
I finished week 6 on Saturday, and just between us, that was a hard 25 minutes. Ouch. I’m not looking forward to a whole week of 25 minuters. But I will continue! **MsWhatsit** , **Juliana** , outstanding. Keep on keepin’ on. I hear that the DJ Beatsmith guy (or maybe it’s the Ullrey guy) has some more podcasts to get you to 8K or 10K - as soon as I finish, I’m planning on running the full 30 minutes for three-ish weeks, then I thought I’d look those up for the next goal. Just passing it on in case it interests any others. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couch-to-5k-anyone-with-me/499089.md?page=17)