How did you hear about C25K: - Couch to 5K
Please select one:
What a superb concept
This is an excellent programme to encourage people into exercise and improve fitness.
I had decided to take part in the Race for Life this summer with my daughters who kindly suggested that as I had never ever run, we could walk it instead of run it. They are both fit and healthy and running isn't a problem for them. I felt that I should at least see if I could run, not wanting to let them down and asked for help. My daughter had already recommended C25k a few years ago to a fellow student when she was at uni, also an absolute beginner and she now runs half marathons! So I had a look at the website forum and realised that even at my age,58, it may just be possible. I started the programme at the end of January, graduated in April and am consolidating running 5k with the C25k+ podcasts which I really enjoy. I'm looking forward to July when I shall proudly run alongside my daughters. It has been a wonderful experience and at times I still can't believe the difference these past few months have made to how I feel - in every aspect of my life! Hence my name "SoSurprised"! Thank you Laura. I shall definitely keep running!
I had decided I wanted to be able to run for 1 mile, so I googled How to run and choose this website because it was part of the NHS.
A brilliant idea, and something that could be extended to schools as an after-school-club?
My consultant suggested I get more exercise to help me gain better control of my blood sugar levels ( I have recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes). I was searching through Podcasts looking to find anything to help and found C25K . I graduated in April and managed 7k for the first time this week with the help of the 5k + podcasts. I have recommended the programme to anyone who will listen, including my GP and my local pharmacist. It has made such a difference to how I feel all round. Thank you Laura!
It's changed my mindset, too. I have a bit more self esteem.
Hi,
Why isn't local running club or athletics club an option?
thanks
Lynda
Worrying the 'doctors' is the tiniest little sliver of the results 'pie'.
I am on two other Health Unlocked sites for CLL and Bronchiectasis and found this by accident. I was already an active runner and was not sure if I should join but I find it both inspiring and lovely to hear about people getting involved in running.
I was doing a distance learning course on nutrition about a year ago. I was researching and came across the NHS Live Well site then I found couch to 5k and thought the idea was good but not for me. Funny how you can change your mind within a year!
I think quite a lot of slimming clubs recommend it. I heard about it at Slimming World.
I'm amazed that doctors don't recommend this plan to their patients, although it is clearly promoted by the NHS website. Exercise is a good all-rounder for health, from anxiety and depression through to weight problems, cholesterol and diabetes, and C25K doesn't cost the state or the patient a penny. What is the NHS waiting for to stick posters up in waiting rooms?
Learnt about the programme from Gary S
Since graduating I have given my doctor a poster, as she new nothing about c25k
Looking through healthunlocked and NHS choices for information about depression and anxiety 3 years ago. I decided to give this a go. 3 years down the line, now much better physically and psychologically. I ran 3 x 10k last week, Monday Wednesday and Friday. My next race is on Sunday 30th.
I started a month before my 63rd birthday, just to see if I can still run (since childhood!) and how far I would get. I've just completed week seven and feeling great! If I can do it, anyone in good health can, it's just gentle jogging.
This is really an excellent way to get back to fitness - thought at 61 I was too old... but now... well, I am only on week one.
Hello, My name is Scott.
Why I found C25K.
I want to be around with my wife for as long as I can. I must live a healthier life.
I quit smoking 6 yrs ago because I wanted to be more active. We wanted to go hiking, play Basketball with our son, go salmon fishing with our grandson and spend as much time enjoying life together before her disease says we can't do those things anymore.
My wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008. It started off with migraines, blindness, numbness and the occasional foot drop or extreme muscle twich. Currently these days are so unpredictable. There are days when she can not walk or get through a day without the pain of an "MS Hug" or Neuropathy. We cancel many scheduled plans with family and friends because of this crippling disease.
Today we volunteer weekly at our local MS Chapter and every year thousands of people know who we are at the Annual MS Walk/Run. In 2016, we will not only be at the walk but represented in the 5K run as well.
On November 18th I started C25K.
In my first week I got an injury and couldn't run for a week. I have healed and started again where I left off. I will increase my efforts in order to make the January 1st, 2016 Resolution 5K Run and Polar Bear Dip.
MY WIFE HAS NO IDEA THAT I AM RUNNING IN THIS EVENT.
She believes I am running to stay healthy, which is true. What she doesn't know is that I am Running for Her and that I will always run for her.
I will be running in a 5K each month for different charities to show our appreciation to those who have donated to our cause. This is the least we can do to thank the many who have joined us in our fight.
I know we exercise for our health and well being. But WHO do you run for? What motivates you? I look forward to reading your stories, post, trials, but most of all your successes.
My name is Scott and I'm Running4MyWife.
I came across C25K some time back. I had a look at it. And I thought that I will never manage it.
I tried a few other programmes like one by Hal Hogdon.
Nothing seemed to work.
And one day, the girl at local run4it suggested C25K again.
I thought, well, let's give it a go. What's the worst that can happen?
And here I am. Nearly 12 weeks into C25K and I have graduated and now running 30 mins 3 times a week!
Running outdoors is still a challenge. But I am sure I will get there 
It's a family affair! My niece ( 30 years younger than me!) had just completed 5k and was starting to tackle 10k. She inspired me to have a go and I'm now running for 30 minutes a week and have done 2 x 5k Park Runs . Couch25k is one of the best things I've done since turning 60 . I feel fitter and happier. My niece is now working towards 20k but not sure I'll get that far. Laura told me to tell others about the podcasts - my sister-in-law is now also running 3 x 30 minutes a week . My mum who is 85 can't do the running but has been inspired to walk every day and is feeling the benefit .
Carol Kirkwood 😄
Finally had got a phone with internet access, was browsing through free apps and saw the programme. Thought it was a load of Tripe - read the reviews to see the howls of outrage about it from Innocents who had tried it. Read one that said "Well, I did it! Sure it felt like my lungs were coming out my nose but I did it!"
The lungs/nose thing I instantly identified with - and that and being at a profoundly painful low in my life and knowing I had to do SOMETHING to put some point in the days got me started
I had heard about it a long while ago, probably on brakfast TV. Over the years a few friends have done it - I chatted with one of them last week at the Race for Life, and have decided to give it a try. And instead of mulling over whether I thought I could or couldn't do it, I signed up as soon as I got home. If I'd left it, I just wouldn't have done anything. I immediately announced my intentions on Facebook, so now I've committed, I have to do it or look a right plonker! That's pretty good for the motivation!
