Happy New Year! A new year brings new resolutions which for so many (including myself) are about reaching those health and fitness goals. I realize it’s the end of February but it’s never too late to start working on yourself. That’s why I wanted to share with you my experience doing C25K. Couch to 5K is a running program to get you from laying on the couch to running a 5K (3.1 miles) in 8 weeks. The first time I was introduced to it was when my mom did it back when I was in high school, but I hadn’t tried it until recently. I absolutely loved C25K and I hope you will too.

The reason I started C25K was to help me lose weight. For months I had been counting calories with MyFitnessPal (which I highly recommend), but I wasn’t making any significant progress. That’s when I thought I needed to start exercising regularly.

Why Did I Choose C25K? 

1) I had seen my mom do it and be successful with it.

2) I liked how it eased you into running. 

3) It wasn’t a huge time commitment, most days under 30 minutes.

My Results

The program recommends running three days per week, but because I wasn’t completely new to running, I decided to run 5-6 days a week instead. That worked for me but you should consider your fitness level and do what works for you. I started the program on December 6, 2019 and on my first day I couldn’t wait to walk after running for one minute at a time. I ran on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, no excuses. I finished the program on January 10, 2020. During my 5 weeks of C25K I lost six and half pounds, which I think is pretty good considering it was during the holidays haha. Now, a month after, I can run to and from Bailey’s football games (approximately 5 miles)! It’s amazing to see and feel how fast the human body adapts with continued exercise. I promise if you stick with it, you’ll be impressed.

What I Wish I Knew Before Starting C25K:

Wear Running Sneakers. Seems obvious, but I wore Nike Roches for the first month of the program and my knees were killing. Investing in sneakers is investing in yourself, and you’re worth it.

Be Self-Motivated. It’s always more fun to run with family or friends, but if they cancel on you, you have to stick to the schedule and go by yourself.

Make a Playlist. Having songs that motivate you to keep going is so important. One song I’m loving right now is Pump It Up by Endor.

After completing C25K, the idea of going for a run still isn’t my favorite, but I definitely feel the benefits during and after a run. I’m not still doing C25K since I completed it, but I still run at least once a week. Not only does your body improve, but also your mental and emotional health. If you feel stressed by work, school, family, etc., running is great for stress relief. C25K has changed my life for the better, I hope it can do the same for yours.

Let me know in the comments if you have tried the program or if you have any other recommendations, I would love to try them!