Claire posted about this site the other day. Has anyone done this program? If you haven't, does it look like a good program to you? I walk at a brisk pace, about 5 days a week. I would like to run but apparently, I do too much, too soon. My body rebels! I'm going to try this and see how it goes. Wish me luck.

Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

Edited to add correct link.. oops.

Okay now that does look like a good plan....Hmmm...I'm going to have to read more on it, and <gasp> maybe give it a shot. I'd love to be able to go running with DH.....

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass~ It's about learning to dance in the Rain

Maybe we should start a Couch to 5k group Although I don't think any of us are actually on the couch much!

Hmmm...have they got something for computer to 5K....I think step one...log off will be the hardest

__________________
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass~ It's about learning to dance in the Rain

Good one!!

OMG!! OMG!!! I am jumping up and down.....YAY!!!!!!!!

Would you like to ask the group if anyone else wants to join in? I will start my effort tomorrow.

I'll join. I have done it before and it is very doable as it breaks it down. I actually learned about it from a WW website where lots of people swear by it.

I was going to start doing it anyways and the extra support would sure be great!

Here's the challenge...to run 3 miles after two months training. Everyone is welcome to join. We'll do a weekly check-in on Tuesday. If you have any suggestions, please chime in!!

Instead of couch-to-5k, we'll call it Mommysavers-to-5k

Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

The Couch-to-5K Running Plan
Our beginner's running schedule has helped thousands of new runners get off the couch and onto the roads, running 3 miles in just two months.
By Josh Clark
Posted Wednesday, 25 October, 2006

Too many people have been turned off of running simply by trying to start off too fast. Their bodies rebel, and they wind up miserable, wondering why anyone would possibly want to do this to themselves.

You should ease into your running program gradually. In fact, the beginners' program we outline here is less of a running regimen than a walking and jogging program. The idea is to transform you from couch potato to runner, getting you running three miles (or 5K) on a regular basis in just two months.

It's easy to get impatient, and you may feel tempted to skip ahead in the program, but hold yourself back. Don't try to do more, even if you feel you can. If, on the other hand, you find the program too strenuous, just stretch it out. Don't feel pressured to continue faster than you're able. Repeat weeks if needed and move ahead only when you feel you're ready.

A few minutes each week

Each session should take about 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week. That just happens to be the same amount of moderate exercise recommended by numerous studies for optimum fitness. This program will get you fit. (Runners who do more than this amount are doing it for more than fitness, and before long you might find yourself doing the same as well).

Be sure to space out these three days throughout the week to give yourself a chance to rest and recover between efforts. And don't worry about how fast you're going. Running faster can wait until your bones are stronger and your body is fitter. For now focus on gradually increasing the time or distance you run.


Run for time, or run for distance

There are two ways to follow this program, to measure your runs by time or by distance. Either one works just as well, choose the option that seems easiest for you to keep track of. If you go with the distance option, and you are not using a track to measure the distances, just estimate. It's not important to have the distances absolutely exact.

Before setting out, make sure to precede each session with a five-minute warmup walk or jog. Be sure to stretch both before and after. Read "Stay Loose" for some suggestions.

The Cool Running Couch to 5K program is now available for download in Active Trainer. It's the same program that has helped thousands of runners across the finish-line, published to your personal online training calendar. Active Trainer allows you to log your progress against the program. Try the program today!

The schedule
Bookmark this page so that you can easily return to check on your progress. You can also add daily run reminders to the Cool Running homepage. To do this, edit your start page preferences.

1 Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.