Couch 2 5k.

My DH and I started this yesterday. We signed up for the Long island marathon 5K race on May 5th so we have no choice but to finish and can't back out.

For those of you who did this, did you find it difficult? I am literally going from COUCH to 5k. I found Day 1 so hard. I am even sore today. It looked so easy on paper. I feel like such a loser and I am thinking that there is no way this is going to work for me. Is this normal? I mean if you are going from zero minutes working out a day to day 1 of the program to have it feel hard?

Does the program really work and get easier? Or am I going to feel like I am killing myself every single time?

Also, did you really rest on the off days? Or did you do another workout?
My DH works crazy hours so we want to do at least one run a week together. So we started yesterday, Saturday. What would you recommend I do for the rest of the week? I was going to do Monday and Wednesday, weather permitting and maybe move the days around based on rain. I am running outside, no treadmill and literally not an inch of space for one and I am running with my 3 year old in a jogging stroller so I can't subject him to running in the rain. Does that schedule make sense?

Thanks for all your advice, in advance. I really want to make this work but, I am really nervous about it.

Re: Couch 2 5k.

I did it 2 summers ago. I also went literally from the couch to the streets. It was really hard for me at first, too, and I was someone who had actually done some casual jogging a few years before that. When I started I would come home DYING. But, I had also signed up for a 5k so I kept with it. And it REALLY worked! I couldnt even believe that I was able to run for so long without stopping. You can do it for sure - it gets easier and works, I promise! Good luck!

Re: Couch 2 5k.

It TOTALLY works! I was panting the whole 60 seconds the first day...9 weeks later I was running for 30 minutes without stopping! Its unbelievable how the intervals help build your endurance. And its fine to repeat a week if you feel you need to. But you'll be surprised at what your body can do!

Re: Couch 2 5k.

Yup it works! I started 2 years ago and I am doing a half marathon in 3 weeks! It gets easier just stick with it and push through!

Re: Couch 2 5k.

It works.... keep going!!!! Don't get discouraged, it takes time for your body to adapt.

I have run several hm's & a full last year, but had to take off more than 2 months due to a foot injury & just started running again last week.... I am SO incredibly sore just going a few miles & have to stop to walk a lot. It is discouraging but I know if I keep at it, I will be back to where I was in a few months. It just takes time-- soreness is normal when your body's not used to it yet-- don't give up.

Re: Couch 2 5k.

Thanks for the responses. I am doing day 2 this afternoon. I am so sore from Saturday. But, I guess I should just push through it. I am planning on running right after work so maybe I will take a mortrin before I leave.

This is scary. I always give up after a few times at any workout but, I really want to do this. So I posted all over Facebook about it, paid for the race and spent money on new shoes and a jogging stroller. So if the guilt about spending money doesn't keep me doing it the shame about dropping out will!

Re: Couch 2 5k.

can someone post a link to this? please!

Re: Couch 2 5k.

There are lots of websites, this one is pretty good:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I have the Couch to 5K app for my iPhone... it is great!

(I am on Week 3, Day 1... I'm nervous about the 3 minute run!!! I can barely do the 1.5 minute, and to up it to three... oh my...)

Re: Couch 2 5k.

On paper it should have been perfect

Today was day 3 of Week 1. This session was doomed from the start.

I lost my Ipod. I can't find it anywhere.

Then I just decided to go without music. I got outside and it was so windy. I got Liam into the jogging stroller and 3 minutes into it he was complaing about the wind and wanted to go home.

What am I going to do? I had to turn back. Poor kid is going through a bought of ear infections and I couldn't let him be in the wind like that for 30 mintues. My mom's treadmill is out of order soooo 3 days in and I am skipping a run. So frustrated.

I guess I could do day 3 tomorrow and do Week 2 Day one on Saturday without a day of rest.
Dh wants to let me go at night tonight when he gets home but, he was held up at gunpoint in our driveway a few months ago and I am so frightened to do that alone at night.

Re: Couch 2 5k.

Ok so I wanna do this. But I have questions , u run 3 dAys a week with days off in-between. That's how the program is set up if I'm reading it right, correct? And what do u use for a timer just ur iPad or do I bring a stop watch? Thanks!!!!