Couch-to-5K is broken because a real couch-level beginning runner can’t even do the first day. Here’s my suggestion to making Day 1 go smoothly for yourself as a new athlete.
5k
Beginner’s Guide to Start Running and Stick with It
You don’t need anything but running shoes to start running. But having some basic gear can make a big difference and keep you going.
Super Simple Half Marathon Training Plan (9-12 Weeks)
This is an easy and simple 9-12 week half-marathon training plan with no gimmicks that worked to get me a sub-2hr PR in my first 13.1 race. Just 3 days a week!
Stop Trying to Learn How to Run Faster
Running is an endurance sport, and the slower you are, the more punishment you have to endure. Slow runners are the real superheroes of the sport.
how to start couch-to-5k and pick running shoes (health hacks 024)
I get asked how to start running a lot. A lot. I love this question because it’s easy to answer: use Couch-to-5K or a program like it. But there’s a problem. C25K is hard. Like really hard. Especially if you’re not a runner. Even more so if you’re not active at all, and you’re just starting out with fitness and exercise.
two weeks of awesomesauce (health hacks 023)
The #runstreak has lasted 2 weeks. 14 days! Wahoo! I could not have done it without y’all. I want you to know that. You’re awesome. For realsies.
#runstreak day 9: follow-up and community check-in
Today’s run was pretty easy. A 9:27 mile, and my heartrate never went over 165, really. Not that I noticed, at least. And that’s awesome. Recovery runs aren’t meant to tax you. They are just there to keep you moving and making sure your body doesn’t wither away into a lifeless husk.
#runstreak day 7: Proper Running Form (Health Hacks 018)
I finished 3.1 miles at 9:55 minutes per mile, but I had to push myself at the very end to keep that pace. I was running faster than that overall, but my walk breaks took my average pace down. I pushed too hard, and almost had an asthma attack on the road.
#runstreak day 6: yoga on the side (Health Hacks 017)
The streak is gonna keep going. The streak has been one of the best things that’s happened to me in a long, long time. Y’all’s support for the streak has made it wonderfully enjoyable. And I just can’t bring myself to stop.
#runstreak day 4: Food, Running Shoes, and Monkey Feet (Health Hacks, episode 015)
Day 4! Woo! I only ran a mile today, but I did it faster than I did yet: 8:54. I look forward to when my typical mile time gets down to the 7:50-8min mark again. That’s always a good boost to my confidence.