Anyone successfully done C25K?

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Geektastic

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#173188 14-May-2015 12:25

Despite looking out of the window and being depressed about the idea of rugging up to walk the dogs right now, I am considering doing C25K.

Not sure winter is the time to start, so maybe set it as a goal for spring. I wondered if anyone else had done it?

I am not now - and never have been - a runner, although I did a bit now and then in my youth but never really understood why people enjoyed it. It was not until I was about 38 that I discovered I had a bicuspid heart valve rather than the asthma everyone diagnosed up until that point. The valve was replaced and the aortic dissection partially repaired so that should improve my ability to cope and maybe make it more pleasant. Who knows?

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#1305100 14-May-2015 13:01

I haven't done C25K but I did just start running about 6 years ago - I'm 44. The key is to start slow so your body can get used to the stress. This can be done with 10 minutes of walk 1 minute and run 1 minute and after a week start to increase the amount of running vs walking. Before you know it you will have run a couple of Ks and be ready to start adding about 10% more time per week.

I completed my first of 3 half marathons when I was 40 and am in training at present for a full marathon. That's from a guy that hadn't run since childhood.

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#1305108 14-May-2015 13:09

I was doing couch to 10k before my last kid arrived. Got about 1/2 - 3/4 way through. Did it on a treadmill, didn't help I was anemic at the time.

Absolutely doable - starts really gently too.

Is quite a time commitment - later runs are over an hour.

deadlyllama

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#1305120 14-May-2015 13:23

We (wife and I) did it a few years ago. The tricky bit was getting up early. We used the Android RunDouble app. It starts off pretty easy.

thecripplernz

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#1307183 18-May-2015 13:38

a great program. you will not regret

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#1307303 18-May-2015 16:36

Well, we will see. My left knee is giving me gip at the moment!

I'm looking at shoes and wincing at the price of them. Just can't work out why shoes that cost $110 in the USA are $250 here!!

thecripplernz

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#1307312 18-May-2015 16:51

I have to assume the shoes come over first class emirates...

you can always get fitted instore and then remember the model and size and grab them online. I did shoe clinic a solid, using their expertise and forking
out the $300 knowing the next pair i buy will be from overseas.

i dont feel bad that way

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#1307316 18-May-2015 16:56

I paid $250 for mine and did not regret it - service at show place was really good and they fit really well.

But yes - if I ever replace them I will buy the same ones online.

JarrodM

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#1307380 18-May-2015 18:18

I did it earlier this year, didn't quite get to the 5K in 30 minutes, but managed to run non-stop for the 30 minutes which was an achievement for me. I recommend it, getting one of the apps was the best couple of dollars I've spent.

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#1307422 18-May-2015 19:27

I'm starting week 4 tomorrow. The zen labs app is pretty good and easy to use. I have always hated running but finding this ok.

cyberhub

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#1307495 18-May-2015 20:50

I have been running about 10k lately. I have a really good audio book and use runkeeper ios app. That has been really encouraging seeing my progress.

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corksta

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#1307503 18-May-2015 21:24

I've been using the free training plans as part of being a Gold member with Runtastic.

No matter what don't skimp on shoes. You don't have to get the most expensive ones, and going to Shoe Clinic is definitely a good idea to see how you run and what shoes will suit you best. If you buy a cheap pair from wherever then you're really opening yourself up to injury, and combined with being older (that's not a dig I'm 35!) no matter how good or healthy you feel the joints aren't the same as they were 20 years ago, and especially with all the pressure that gets put on them with each stride.

But as long as you start slowly and build yourself up. If you go down the route of using C25K or any training app then you should be good as they slowly get you into it and slowly get your body used to it.

When you finish a training session you should always feel like you're able to keep going rather then wanting to curl up on the ground and being out of breath.

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Geektastic

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#1307541 18-May-2015 22:13

corksta: I've been using the free training plans as part of being a Gold member with Runtastic.

No matter what don't skimp on shoes. You don't have to get the most expensive ones, and going to Shoe Clinic is definitely a good idea to see how you run and what shoes will suit you best. If you buy a cheap pair from wherever then you're really opening yourself up to injury, and combined with being older (that's not a dig I'm 35!) no matter how good or healthy you feel the joints aren't the same as they were 20 years ago, and especially with all the pressure that gets put on them with each stride.

But as long as you start slowly and build yourself up. If you go down the route of using C25K or any training app then you should be good as they slowly get you into it and slowly get your body used to it.

When you finish a training session you should always feel like you're able to keep going rather then wanting to curl up on the ground and being out of breath.

I went to Shoe Clinic and so far Brooks Adrenaline GTS15 is the shoe that fits best. However. I have asked them to get some Hokas in for me to try before I commit. They look a bit odd but every report I have read says they are the most forgiving and cushioning run there is if they fit you right.

minimoke

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#1309445 21-May-2015 18:10

Absolutely do able. There is a gap between my schooling and my first run which is probably longer than the age of posters here. My first aim was to run a lamppost - preferably without having a coronary. Six months later (this time last year actually) I was wondering what my time would be in the Christchurch marathon 10km event. This year I'm in the half marathon even - despite last years event starting in a very chilly minus 2 degrees.

As said earlier take it easy, follow the plan. It is very easy to get a bit over keen when mind works faster than body. Do not skimp on shoes - but you don't have to spend $300. My last three pairs retail at $280 but I paid $130. You just need to know where to shop. And I keep a pair as spare at that price. Find a time that suits you best to run - I'm not a morning runner, preferring mentally and physically to run in the evening.

Do what it take to keep your self motivated. I like a challenge so have a Tomtom runner that tracks data on every run. I like to see improvements and its neat to reflect on where I was six months ago.

But make sure you have fun. If you don't enjoy the cold or the rain perhaps give it a miss. Now I love heading out in the rain - there is something quite special about getting the heart rate up with the rain falling on your head and the smell of dampness.

Anyway, must go. My plan calls for a 50 minute run tonight so best I get out there. Good luck and enjoy

thecripplernz

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#1309447 21-May-2015 18:22

If you have a smart phone I recommend Runkeeper. Been using it for years, its a great app. and has a couch to 5k program on it

Handle9

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#1332889 28-Jun-2015 11:08

I've just started week 9 and run 5k for the first time. It's not all together easy, especially if you are a bit heavy like me (I'm 105kg and 191cm), but I've found it very rewarding.

My wife is doing the program as well. The thing we've found most helpful was we have a goal (we want to do the Auckland Marathon 12km over the harbour bridge in November) and doing the program at the same time has been good for supporting each other.

Needless to say the dog loves it too 😀

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