I am wanting to do this. But I want to be sure I get the best program out there. Which if any did you use?

I loved couch to 5K. It's really easy to follow and only requires three days per week. I really felt ready to run my 5k at the end.

I'm using the Get Running app on my IPhone. I'm currently on week 6 of 9. It's super easy to follow. You'll get hooked!!

Sadly I have to admit that I am a C25K Failure . 

C25K Is a really great program and I probably would have done better had I not tried to start it so soon after surgery. 

C25K is basically a preset interval training program to get you to a 5K distance in 9 weeks.  It involves running 3 days a week. Interval training is nothing more the n time for x pace.  The nice thing about C25K is the pace is determined by you, so you don't have to worry about well I can't run at 6mph.

There are a lot of benefits to training with an interval based program the main ones being:

1) Confidence you start small and build a foundation then add to that foundation.  The more you do it the easier it gets the more you can do.
2) physiological stuff.  Your body probably doesn't have the requried systems to sustain fast paces for longer distances. Good news this has nothing to do with being overweight since these systems are developed by running most normal people who don't run don't have them either.  These are things like the capilarries required to deliver oxygen rich blood to your muscles, Lung capacity, Cardio endurance.  All of these things are built upon and increase as you run so interval training will actually help you build these systems.
3) The intervals are very doable and predefined so you don't have to struggle through your own program like I did.

What did I do?  I did intervals just took me a lot longer to get to the 5K infact I still do intervals but the distances or times are greater and the paces are faster, so no matter how good a runner you are intervals will always help you get better.

I started my program walking  .1 miles then running .1 miles and did this for about 4 miles. It took me what seemed like forever to be able to run 3 miles without stopping to walk.  then when I was comfortable I would increase my run distance by .1 miles  this is probably why it took me so long because I was adding distance and not time.

So I would say do the C25K as many people have had success.  I would also say go get fitted for shoes at a running specialty store if they don't put you on a treadmill then don't buy your shoes based on their advice!

Find a race in your area that is 12-13 weeks out and register for it now!  Remember the goal of your first race isn't to run it in x minutes (well some people do that), but rather just to finish.  There is a huge sense of satisfaction and victory in just crossing the finish line.

Lastly I would say join the Exercise and Fitness Forum and post to our daily workout threads.  Yes some people are posting massive miles and gym time but our attitudes are in such a place that everyones workout is equal.  We don't care if you ran 1 mile or 10 miles we are proud of everyone for what they do.  Probably the best forum on this site and you will get some massive inspiration to do more.

Good Luck!

I also forgot to add that you will come to learn that runners for the most part are really awesome group of people and happy to see people of any level doing it. Yes you will come across some douche bags but I have never met a friendlier group of people.

I have started running 5k Adventure Races.  The first one was in Minneapolis.  It was called Go Commando.  It is a 5k obstacle course.  They are a lot of fun.  I do not run for time, just to finish and be a part of it.  I run with others that have had WLS.

Next year we are running one called the Tough Mudder.  A longer and more challenging course.  But these are things I could not do before the surgery.  I use them to help remind myself why I had the suregery. 

Good Luck.

Ditto to all Paul said...I am an avid runner but didn't use C25K...did it on my own on a treadmill...and I can still remember the first time I ran a mile without stopping!

**and I don't claim to be a fast runner either**

I'm a fast runner, when it is from the treadmill to the toilet!

I just started it this week. So far so good. If you have a iphone they have the app for it. So you don't have to watch the clock. It tells you when to walk and when to run. I hope to be running the 5k turkey trot race they have here on Thanksgiving morning.

I am doing the C25k program for the treadmill (for now).  I determined from the start I would stretch each week out for a month.  I switch levels (weeks) the first of each month.  My goal is to be able to run a 5k by surgiversary date (next May 6th).  Also I am now running it 6 days a week and not skipping days.  So far so good.  By stretching it out for a month it gives me more time to work on increasing speed and playing with inclines.  I was originally alternating running days with weight days, now I run each day and divide my weights up after  running (one day legs, the next day arms, back and abs).  This give me a little over an hour workout each day and it's really do-able.