Couch to 5K

[LuGoJ]

I apologize if there is already a thread about this, please move if necessary.


My wife and I are thinking about starting the couch to 5k program. Has anyone else done this? Is it worth trying? Is it safe for people that haven't really exercised in years? She has been exercising a few times a week for the past 2 I almost never exercise aside from walking to work every morning, about 20 minutes.

I have also found a few variations, would one be better than the other?


http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
http://www.fromcouchto5k.com/articles/training/the-couch-to-5k-training-plan/

 

[xstayfadedx]

The couch to 5k is doable... Even if you haven't exercised in awhile. Just start off slow and even if you have to pick up walking before you do the whole couch to 5k. You want your body to get use to exercising once again and speed walk when you feel comfortable. You can do this for a week or so and then start the couch to 5k thing... Stretch before you do it and remember you're going to be beat when you do the sprints but with time it will get easier. Just don't over do it because you haven't worked out in awhile.... So don't expect to be some marathon runner right away... Don't even expect to sprint a 100 meters without being out of breath but again with time it will become easier... The couch to 5k does work but the intervals can sometimes cause more injuries so again make sure to stretch and not push your body too far... I was in track since 6th grade and all the way up until I graduated high school.

 

[LuGoJ]

Thanks for the feedback, will keep that all in mind!