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Original poster

I’m starting couch to 5k tonight, anyone else?

115 replies

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 17:06

It’s light as I’m leaving work so that’s it, the evenings are drawing out and by the time the clocks go back I want to make it to 5k.

ultimate goal is to be running a minimum of 5k by the time I go on holiday in the summer, so that I can run when I’m there.

OP posts:
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upandoutofbed · 21/05/2026 08:13

I just did w3 r2 too! It was okay. I used to run regularly but illness and then hormones and weight got in the way. I’ve been trying for about 3 years to get back on track… fingers crossed this time. Weeks 4 and 5 are usually my downfall.

Good luck everyone and well done to those who have already graduated - keep running!

ProfessorLayton1 · 21/05/2026 07:51

Just did my week 3 and run 2. I have started few times in the past but never completed.

GoodOnPaper · 15/05/2026 08:21

Congrats @ItalianChineseIndianMexican

I just managed Week 4 Day 1 yesterday and came looking for others who are doing the programme at the moment!

I’ve started it before but never got to the end so really want to keep pushing on this time!

ItalianChineseIndianMexican · 09/05/2026 08:46

I did Week 3, Run 2 yesterday.
Still at it!

AlphabetBird · 04/05/2026 20:05

Keep at it!

I graduated a few weeks ago and moved onto a garmin coached programme to 10k. I ran for 50 minutes straight yesterday, which blew my mind! The C25k has definitely built up my engine, there’s no way I could have done that without any walk breaks even at my previous fittest. It really works so well. (Though I’m still slow AF…)

ItalianChineseIndianMexican · 27/04/2026 11:35

Is anyone else still doing this?

I've just completed Week 2, Run 2.
Feeling good and motivated.
I really do think it's an amazing programme and the app is fab (Jo Whiley is my trainer!) 🙂

ItalianChineseIndianMexican · 23/04/2026 22:08

Week 1, Run 3 done!

Lalgarh · 21/04/2026 10:23

Woman's Hour on couch to 5k apps with Jo Whiley who does the voice on one of the apps

ItalianChineseIndianMexican · 20/04/2026 13:36

I know you're not meant to run on consecutive days but I had a little window today so took the opportunity to do Week 1, Run 2!
It felt good 🙂

ItalianChineseIndianMexican · 19/04/2026 09:27

ItalianChineseIndianMexican · 21/01/2026 07:04

I'm determined to do this. Not started yet but maybe this thread will spur me on!

I finally started today!!! 😅
Week 1, Run 1 done.
It's taken a while to get to this stage but Im determined to do it.
Have promised my (super active) son I'll do a 5km park run with him in July so that's my goal.
I'm already so proud of myself 🙂

AlphabetBird · 17/03/2026 20:02

That’s excellent, well done!

EdinaTheConfessor · 17/03/2026 18:17

5k today in 31 mins and 24 seconds. Is that respectable?
I was bloody knackered as didn’t sleep well last night and I haven’t run since Friday so I do feel I have more in me. Will see what my next run brings.

Needapadlockonmyfridge · 15/03/2026 20:40

WeMeetInFairIthilien · 15/03/2026 19:14

Thank you!

I knocked 10 mins off of my PB, and completed in a respectable 2 hours 20 minutes.

I ran every step. No stopping, no walking!

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That's fantastic! I gather the weather was pants so even more well done!! 🏅

WeMeetInFairIthilien · 15/03/2026 19:14

Needapadlockonmyfridge · 15/03/2026 08:18

Enjoy Bath Half! 😀

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Thank you!

I knocked 10 mins off of my PB, and completed in a respectable 2 hours 20 minutes.

I ran every step. No stopping, no walking!

Needapadlockonmyfridge · 15/03/2026 08:21

EdinaTheConfessor · 11/03/2026 17:27

I did it, w9r3 done.

Next step I guess is doing the 5k within the 30 mins. I only managed 4.8 today.

I’ve signed up for park run, there are a couple of local 5k ones near me. My most local one is quite challenging apparently as it’s a bit hilly, but the one next town over is a nice flat circular around a mere. Going to give myself a couple of weeks to build up some speed then give it a bash.

I have never done 5k in 30 mins, likely never will.
Honestly I wouldn't stress!

It hasn't been a barrier for me, I "graduated" almost 2 years ago and have since run a few Halves, and this year am doing a marathon.

Still can't do 5k in 30 minutes :)

Needapadlockonmyfridge · 15/03/2026 08:18

WeMeetInFairIthilien · 14/03/2026 21:16

Every step, km and run counts.

Tomorrow, I'm running the Bath Half.

2 years and 10 months ago, I couldn't run for 1 min. C25K started all this!!

Enjoy Bath Half! 😀

WeMeetInFairIthilien · 14/03/2026 21:16

Every step, km and run counts.

Tomorrow, I'm running the Bath Half.

2 years and 10 months ago, I couldn't run for 1 min. C25K started all this!!

MyAgileHedgehog · 12/03/2026 08:49

@EdinaTheConfessor well done. I didn't do the 5k in 30 minutes either. I planed on consolidating - so going out for 30 minutes every 2nd day..... Except I have come down with a hideous cold.

@HollywentLightly great going. I found that the programme is really well graduated. So by the time you get to the next run you are ready for it. There were times I felt like I had to put a lot of effort in but it was doable. It wasn't pretty and my neighbours saw a red faced woman shuffling along giving herself a stern talking to.

HollywentLightly · 11/03/2026 19:51

Well done @EdinaTheConfessor ! I just did my 2x8mins and actually felt better than expected! I ran while dd was at training so the route was very flat (along the seafront) which definitely helped. Feeling a bit more optimistic about the 10s next.

EdinaTheConfessor · 11/03/2026 17:27

I did it, w9r3 done.

Next step I guess is doing the 5k within the 30 mins. I only managed 4.8 today.

I’ve signed up for park run, there are a couple of local 5k ones near me. My most local one is quite challenging apparently as it’s a bit hilly, but the one next town over is a nice flat circular around a mere. Going to give myself a couple of weeks to build up some speed then give it a bash.

MyAgileHedgehog · 09/03/2026 18:33

I found the 8/5/8 run difficult. I settle into a pace for the longer runs.

HollywentLightly · 09/03/2026 17:53

Well done @MyAgileHedgehog !

I had my first 8 minutes run today. The 5 mins after it felt like months. At least I'd done the uphill bit early so it was downhill and flat when it started feeling really hard. 8/5/8 seems daunting for later in the week 😬

MyAgileHedgehog · 09/03/2026 08:15

I finished it this morning...... I can safely say I am not a fast runner but it gets me out the door and has been amazing for my mental health. My physical fitness and stamina have improved and I am a runner. 😁

MyAgileHedgehog · 07/03/2026 11:33

I did my second 30 minute run... Just short of 5k. I felt every step of the way. Not fun but I finished it. I wonder if I have a bug coming on because I felt like I was putting the effort in but had the style of a cart horse. My heart rate was higher than usual as well.

EdinaTheConfessor · 07/03/2026 10:22

My first 30 min run done today. My watch is telling me I did 4.9km. I did feel like I was flying to be fair.
5k here I come!

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