Couch to 5k is a programme of activity based on walk/run intervals that gradually phase out the walking until you’re running for a full 3.1 miles. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Lover of fun, adventure, food, Harry Potter, hiking, beaches, and chatting about the weather. But do remember to push yourself too!! Once we’re out of lockdown, a parkrun is definitely on the agenda! Beginner runnersgenerally do not have the lower body strength needed to prepare them for the demands of running. Except without the training montage or the gospel choir of muses* to cheer me on! I think the app really helps with that because you have something to measure against, when I was just trying to run on my own I’d find it much easier to give in or let myself off!! What did they find? The design was developed to help people new to running, or people stuck on the couch, gradually improve physical fitness. (*hands up if you got the Disney reference!). You do not need to be an advanced runner or even familiar with a 5K race to use the program. The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks. It was a good plan to follow, it was very clear on each effort what I needed to do and achieve. I jogged past them, podgy and panting. C25K® is the easiest program to get beginners from couch potatoes to 5K distance runners in 8 weeks. 3 stone over weight. Reviews. Push yourself but also be kind to yourself, ya know?! my legs are aching today! We verified this by reviewing the program’s social media pages, including YouTube. Hope you’re still enjoying running, good luck with your mission to reach 5k in 30 minutes. The following week I spent the whole week packing and moving house, which completely threw me out of my routine. Tailored for first time runners. Cart; Contact; Reviews I’ve followed one of Abbys training plans through the summer. I was in a position where I could never have imagined completing a thirty-minute run. I put my stuff out ready the night before, get up, drink a glass of water, and GO. Menu. Positive without being annoying, motivating without being cheesy… she was my perfect running partner! Read more. I’ve just completed the couch to 5K but was very disappointed with my final run, only 4.3 k, my shins were hurting, been hurting a lot the past 2 weeks and also I ran in the dark tonight which wasn’t good as I couldn’t see what was under my feet most of the time! Started at a very easy pace and worked up to having me actually place 2nd in my age group at a local 5K!”, “A very poor app. These apps include: The basic C25K app is available free for download from the iOS and Android app stores. Wish me luck! I thought your review was great. Run Further, Run Faster, Run Happier. Last tip. As well as Laura, who features on the NHS Couch to 5K podcasts, you can also be coached by celebrities Jo Whiley, Sarah Millican, Sanjeev Kohli or Michael Johnson. When I didn’t lose any in the first 3 weeks, my interest failed and I gave up. Thanks for the really encouraging review. In the beginning, a cheap pair of running shoes was fine for me because the actual runs were short, and I didn’t know if I was really going to stick with it. Many well-respected companies have featured the app. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for C25K (Couch to 5K) - 5K Trainer FREE at Amazon.com. And yet here I am…. As soon as I’m able to again I’ll start straight back on the C25K app because, like you, I know it works. I wanted to compare the two couch to 5k challenge app. Couch to 5K is a nine week programme which is designed to get you from couch potato to runner. And I had to take a lot of breaks to let my shins recover because my crap trainers meant I kept getting shin splints! Even tho my new city does allow movement, it’s been daunting (language barrier although I take classes). Some activity-specific side effects may include: What’s the final say on C25K? This wasn’t my first foray with the app, but last time my only goal was to lose weight. What I Like About the Couch to 5K Plan The Couch to 5K plan is great for some runners. i am on it now ..week 4 ..with Laura ..there is one song that plays at roughly 16.07 ..lyrics ..” something cool and something bad is what i feel when you are there ..Your one of a kind” etc etc ..does anyone know what the song is …? Thank you. Some general strength and mobility exercises will help you manage the demands. I still can’t run for the time being (health things) but I really miss it. For example I was in a no cell phone zone and could not even USE the music playing feature, even though I had my own playlist and songs. I cannot stress this enough: buy decent trainers! Thank you for the honest review. Oh – and get some good, padded running socks. I’ve just completed week 2 with huge effort. That way you can track your progress and see what you’ve achieved. Good luck with week three :). C25K is a progressive app that spans eight weeks. I travel solo, and that means being in charge of my own safety. So I decided instead of just starting to run again, try out the NHS Couch to 5k exercise programme and write a review … Thanks so much for reading :), During this awful time, I decided to put my time to good use and get fit with couch to 5k. Jumping back in with another update. There’s also a lot of useful info within the app itself, and on the BBC Get Inspired site, about how to run. This may sound like a … Some runs I even went for 6 minutes because I knew I could keep going and wasn’t tired. Staying injury free during the first few weeks of running is crucial. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a review on another running app, 5k Runner. The program incorporates psychology, health education and lessons, changes in eating habits, and personal coaching to ensure the user loses weight and keeps it off. Hey you lovely bunch!Welcome back to another video!! Take it easy, enjoy it, and remember that it is entirely possible – it’s just baby steps. Today's video is a slightly different video. I think the trick is not to look ahead, just keep doing each week at a time and focus on where you’re AT, rather than where you’re going to be. I was crying and retching after my first run so I know how you feel. I’m still waiting for treatment for a thyroid issue I have, and until I’ve had it my doctor has advised me against high-impact exercise. So far so good but I’ve looked ahead to Week 5 and it’s terrifying!! Kudos and thanks to the app developers! I enjoy the solitude, as well as seeing the sun on the sea first thing in the morning. Route is mapped. All rights reserved.DietSpotlight does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you can’t run, you want to get fitter but don’t know where to start, or you just want to try a new challenge… Couch to 5K is for you. It is reassuring to hear you go back into the program and are enjoying it again. We support the operation of our site through a partnership with Noom, among the most-effective, comprehensive programs we've seen for helping people lead healthier lives. What matters is that I completed it, in my own time, and progressed from literally sitting on the couch doing nothing, to running for thirty minutes without dropping dead. Like you I have never been a runner and always hated it/avoided like the plague, but I’ve had 2 babies (in less than 2 years – youngest now 4 months) and really need something I can do ON MY OWN that is positive and makes me feel good. Sidenote, have you heard of the Zombie Run app? Required fields are marked *. I’ve cycled through the different coaches and found they give the same tips about food, breathing, technique, etc. LOVE this app so much. Curated playlists … I honestly believe that if I can do it, anyone can! It’s so good :). Blimey! I’ve just completed the first run on week 2. Well done on making the 5k! Still I kept going! I’ve just picked it back up after taking summer off (various work/health reasons got in the way) and I’ve found it much easier the second time around. GOOD LUCK! I started from scratch again, with week one of the Couch to 5K app, but it was a lot easier than the last time I started. I did and I succeeded! My favourite thing is that you can choose the voice of your “trainer”. I have just graduated! I wanted to compare the two couch to 5k challenge app. Only issue is sometime the map /route tracking is more often than not, incomplete. The walk / run intervals made it easier to navigate in new cities. Michael Johnson in my ear, sounding impressed with my 3 mins unbroken running is also great motivation!! If you don’t, let me tell you, it’s pretty flipping monumental. Turns out my nasty blisters could have largely been prevented if I’d invested in some decent socks early on. Like you Emily, I have decided to repeat week one as I am also at zero fitness and don’t want to run before I can walk…pardon the pun! It’s been five months since I completed the app and wrote this Couch to 5K review. Aside from the contact form, you can email contactus@zenlabsfitness.com. The owner of c25k.com calls this a “fantastic program” and built the website as a resource for novices. What an amazing achievement. 5-10 minutes of strength training per week will do wonders. Copyright © 2008 - 2021 Dietspotlight.com. How exciting!! With covid t’s impossible to meet new people. Can be bought with cake. There are three workouts each week with break days between the workouts. I have to take it slow and gentle and can’t push myself for too long (my joints and bones are mega weak due to my thyrpid issues), but I can do it. Hola!! I think all the coaches read the same script, but I found Jo Whiley to be the most natural and comforting one so I liked to stick with her! Being a travel blogger means I often find myself doing active things, like hiking, as part of a group. The Couch to 5k Plan. Zen Labs Fitness offers many apps in the health and fitness category. It is a real struggle at times – if you feel like it’s too much repeat one of the days from week 3 before moving on. There’s Laura, the original voice of the Couch to 5K app, but the app has also teamed up with BBC’s Get Inspired to bring a few more recognisable names. As the user gets stronger, the balance between walking and running eventually favors running, which is how the user trains for a 5K race. And look how far you’ve come since week 1 ;) Also, if you need to repeat a week, or just do 4 runs at that week’s pace before moving on, then do it. You need music that distracts you, fills you with joy, and makes you not hate what you’re doing. I listened to all the others too before I started. I am fit and not overweight but would never have imagined that I would take up the couch to 5K challenge. So I feel like I can give a real opinion on how effective it is :) Hope it goes well – and it will be such a fun way to explore new parts of your new home. It was quite tough to be honest. So, I downloaded Couch to 5K and decided to get going. Couch to 5K got me here and I’ve found that as long as I keep up the habit, the skills don’t slide. You’ve really inspired me Emily, I was ill for majority of lockdown with coronavirus so only started couch to 5k on 3rd June, really struggled with first run of week 3 yesterday, but I am 6 stone overweight so it will never be easy. That’s less than 2 weeks away! It will also cut the chances of getting injured. Back when I started the Couch to 5K app, I saw how fast the progress was meant to be and thought: “that’s impossible”. Make a playlist that REALLY makes you happy – preferably bouncy stuff that helps set a good pace. Figure out the best time for you and work your runs to suit that. And I did the first week twice before moving on to Week Two because I needed to build my stamina a bit more. Nice layout, and easy to use. One of these days I’ll try it out and do a review! From there it builds up gradually, until the end of week 5 when you have your first unbroken 20-minute run. Thanks for sharing your success story! Well one Elaine :) I feel the same – if I can manage it then anyone can do it! It’s simple and user-friendly, although it doesn’t do anything fancy like track your weight or measure distance. thanks for the review from a “real” person. I used it to return to running towards the end of travelling. Shortly after that I had surgery and wasn’t able to do any exercise for a few weeks, which made me feel so lethargic! If I can do it anyone can !!! Yes, C25K is designed for beginners, but that’s not to say everyone should jump right in. About; 6-Week Programmes; Training Plans; Reviews; Shop. I've been learning to run a 5k and let me stress that I was 100% a beginner when it comes to running. Did you like this Couch to 5K review? And it’s embarrassing to always be the sweatiest, the one always at the back. For me it was 90s club music. This includes people who were pretty active leading up to the start of the program. But I also have really low energy levels in the evening. So I started setting myself challenges to beat my time or run further in the 30 minutes. Most weeks I had to repeat at least one run, so doing 4 week three runs instead of 3 before moving on, if that makes sense. Learn how your comment data is processed. Popular reviews: Pushchairs Travel systems Baby monitors Changing bags ... Couch to 5k - any graduates (458 Posts) Add message | Report. I signed to to my local women’s only running This Girl Runs , on an 8 week course based on the Couch to 5k. I am definitely NOT a morning person. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Resource Library. We love C25K. You have to push yourself, of course, but you also can’t feel guilty if you need to repeat – you know your body and your limits and if you push yourself too hard you’re much more likely to give up completely. I hated it! That’s the other best bit. Keeping it up will be the hardest challenge, though, as a structured programme really is the key. One thing I really recommend is to buy some really decent quality running shoes, poor quality or older shoes can mean your legs/knees take more impact. Hey, I couldn’t agree more it is a brilliant app! I used both the Strava and a Fitbit app to check my distance and I don’t think I am actually achieving 5K, probably about 4.5K, but I’m still very pleased that I’m running for 30minutes non stop. Yes, C25K integrates with a variety of wearables and programs. Running Sprint Interval Training Induces Fat Loss in Women, Training Techniques to Improve Endurance Exercise Performances, Effects of Independently Altering Body Weight and Body Mass on the Metabolic Cost of Running, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24905559/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12076176/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18055630/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25766050/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4067491/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3925973/, https://www.facebook.com/pam.katz.52/posts/4281763638516115, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.c25k&hl=en&reviewId=gp%3AAOqpTOGHeYAjMA2ww4qrCNKHt-JPkX_IwSnzjp9ZGOv155EYCIpkX8qxY0jpZEL2indaCFV9HElmnstsupj3Ew, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.c25k&hl=en&reviewId=gp%3AAOqpTOHgofJX91F054NLAg38UjFG3MX5Sl8ciO3uEAZB51OVz87zxO-CyV7PV_uR7dzUddKsxPT0V7NKub1XLQ. I love hearing success stories like this one, especially when you can actually track how much your health has improved. If you’re new to health and fitness and working on setting a good obtainable goal, “run a 5K this year” is a great place to start. C25k app is a Couch to 5k running challenge. I had to chuckle as I could associate with so much of what you experienced! Each Microdrink is made from fruit and plant extracts and contains vitamins. So… from zero to hero, just like that. For more information, see our full Advertising Disclosure. The Couch to 5k program sounds very easy to follow, but can people really make it work for them? Oh this is SUCH amazing news Jackie – well done you! Same here, it’s such a good feeling of pride when you realise you’ve made it! 4 weeks into this couch to 5k review I don’t think I have lost much physical weight yet, but my legs in particular feel much firmer, particularly on my thighs. In the end, I went to a specialist running store and had my feet properly measured. I agree – I felt like she was a bit more fun than the others. There is no Better Business Bureau page, no contact information, no About Us page – nothing. Jo would pop up to tell me when to run and when to walk – and how long I had left. Final Couch to 5K Review. Or even repeat the whole week. C25K can be purchased through their Official Site. I wanted to write the review because I’m just a normal person, not a fitness pro or a runner or even someone who likes running. Your speed and stamina will build up the more you do it :) Have you thought about repeating week 5 a couple of times to build up your strength? If A New Comment Is Posted:Do Not Send Email Notifications.Send Email Notification ONLY If Someone Replies To My Comment(s).Send Email Notification Whenever A New Comment Is Posted. Still, you’ve inspired me to keep going so I’ll give it my best shot. I found it really hard to just keep running afterwards without being part of the app’s regime. If I stick to this app it will be a miracle. I’ve used the Panache Wired Sports Bra for years (not the same one) and I can’t recommend it enough. The official website assures the program is designed for first-time runners, and, according to Couch to 5K, millions of people have finished the program – which is a pretty fantastic claim. I’m going to give it a go. I just got back from a 30 minute run. I have just finished week one, but scared to try week 2. More than one million people have finished. In this blog post, I will be review C25K app. The support is amazing. So glad to read that you were the same. How unfit am I ?!! You can easily do those things on your own though, using other apps. We found a similar contact form on the Zen Labs Fitness website. I’m nearing the end of couch to 5k. It builds stamina in a day-by-day gradual increase that totally sneaks up on you. 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