What is Couch to 5K?

I'm also posting this on the general forum, but my question is:

What is a Couch to 5K?

I've seen several people mention it.... Is it a training program? Can someone offer a good link or information to it? I've never been much of a runner, but am interested!

I've just started working out post-op, but am looking into some fitness ideas.

Thanks!

Couch to 5K (or C25K) is pretty much a training program that progresses someone from sitting on a couch to running a 5K. The basic theory is to start walking and add short running stints. Gradually increase the running segments until you are running most and eventually all of 3 miles.

A google search will give you a bunch of programs and they are all essentially the same.

As the other poster mentioned it is a training program that helps the unfit progress to being able to run a 5K.  I am doing it right now.  You start out your work out with a warm up.  then you walk for 2 minutes and jog for a minute...alternate walking and jogging for 30 minutes.  It sounds deceivingly easy but I sweat my but off.  

The good thing is you can progress at your own speed I am redoing week one because I don't think I am ready to progress to the next week.  I can redo week one 10 times if I want.  The nice thing is I down loaded the Couch to 5K onto my iPhone so I can take it with me every where I go.

http://www.c25k.com/

 I just completed week 5 day 3!!! First one I had to do twice.  But at still 240 pounds..I don't um sweat it too much lol!!!! well more then the buckets rolling down my back.

I just finished week 5 day 3 too yesterday too!!!  It was a huge jump in terms of running (a whole 20 non-stop minutes!)  but I am proud to say I did it and had energy left over too.  

 I'm using the program from coolrunning.com.  I'm in week 2.  Good luck!

Stephanie E

www.c25k.com

The easiest way is to buy the app on iTunes and get yourself an armband for your iPod/iPhone.  Its super easy.  You run when they tell you, you walk when they tell you.  Total no brainer.  I like it because I don't have to over think anything.  It is a very gradual program that takes you gently up to running a decent amount - 3 miles - in 9 weeks.  

Everyone's given you your answer here. I used the coolrunning.com site. I 'graduated' on my 4 month surgiversary, and completed a 5K race in just under half an hour. It's an interval running program that can take a true couch potato (me) who has never run and get them to the point of being able to run for a full 3.1 miles!

Check it out, and don't be afraid. Running/Walking speeds are individual, and the main point is to get your body moving.

Best of luck.

Chad