Getting off the couch is half the battle! But if a person can walk for five minutes, they will be able to set their goals toward a 5k run in just a few weeks. The many health benefits of taking up running typically outweight the negatives for most. It’s good for the mind and self-esteem. Plus its free to get out and go for a run. The one thing stopping many beginners is they feel like they can’t do the distance. If you struggle with running, how can you ever be a “real” runner? And motivation is also hard, as it can seem tedious in the beginning. That’s where a couch to 5k training plan comes it. This training schedule lays out exactly how many days per week and for how long (time or distance) you should be training. But the best part is the ability to ease into running.
What Is Couch To 5K?
Couch to 5k is a training plan started back in 1996 by Josh Clark of the sports site Cool Running. Clark created it as a plan to get new runners from having no running experience to being able to complete 3.1 miles, or a 5k.
It is a nine-week plan that includes three workouts per week for 20 to 30 minutes. This schedule gets beginners used working out on a consistent basis, while also allows their bodies (and minds) to “get used” to running.
Workouts include a warm-up, running for a short period of time, walking, repeat, and a cooldown. The more the weeks progress, the intervals change for that the person is running more and walking less. By the last week, participants are able to run just over three miles without stopping.
Couch to 5k Plan (Weekly)
Because there are only three scheduled runs in this training plan, it is manageable to get it done during the week when we often have busy schedules filled up with responsibilities like work and family. But some might be worried about planning their week. Here is an example of what a week looks like on this program.
Week 1:
Monday: Run #1
Workout time: 20 minutes
5-minute brisk walk, followed by 1-minute jogging/ running and 1:30 minutes of walking.
Tuesday: Rest day, or yoga
Wednesday: Run #2
Workout time: 20 minutes
5-minute brisk walk, followed by 1-minute jogging/ running and 1:30 minutes of walking.
Thursday: Cross training like weightlifting or cardio class like Zumba
Saturday: Run #3
Workout time: 20 minutes
5-minute brisk walk, followed by 1-minute jogging/ running and 1:30 minutes of walking.
Sunday: Rest day
The Couch to 5k App
Couch to 5k became such a popular and effective plan for many. It has become very accessible in the digital age. Zen Labs launched the accompanying app called C25K. The app is free to download (with in-app purchases) and is very easy to use and track runs.
The Couch to 5k app provides all the workouts and their description each day and week. During the workout, audio cues tell the user when to jog and when to walk. Users can see their progress, the total distance they’ve run and how many workouts are still to go.
Users can also look up local 5k events happening so that they sign up for one as they trash week nine.
Training Specifics
People at all fitness levels can complete the Couch to 5k program. It is specially catered to beginners—getting them off the couch and well on their way to running slowly but surely. This is a great method because it doesn’t overwhelm a new runner or demoralize them when running for a few minutes straight becomes to be too much.
Each workout starts with a five-minute warm-up that consists of a brisk walk. That first workout is a 20-minute session that features one minute of jogging with 1 1/2 minutes of walking. The second week of runs consists of jogging now for slightly longer at 1 1/2 minutes and walking for two minutes.
By week four, the runner is jogging half of a 5k. And it does start to get easier. Week six calls for eight whole minutes of jogging, the longest time yet. But the time jogging cuts down that week to give the body more recovery time. After week 6, it gets even easier since the body is conditioned to be able to run a little longer—and much longer—compared to week one. Week seven starts off with a 25-minute jog, the next week with 28 minutes, and the final week consists of 30 minutes of non-stop running.
And just like that, it’s race day! By this point, the runner is officially a runner and can take part in their first race.
Tips Going From Couch Potato To Runner
Couch to 5k is a great program because it slowly increases the time dedicated to running without being too much on the body. It’s important to stretch before and after a run, warming up those muscles being lacing up. Never skip the warm-up walk for this very reasons. Warming up reduces the possibility of injury.
It’s also a good idea to incorporate a pre-warm up to the warm-up walk. This can include jumping jacks, high knees, and lungs just to get that heart rate up and blood flowing. Just a few reps of each exercise should do the trick.
There are days when the new runner just wants to stay on the couch. The good news is that there are only three days dedicated to running. The other days can absolutely be used as rest days to do exactly that. However, it also helps to include other forms of exercise on the other days. This helps to increase endurance, makes the body stronger, and works out different muscles groups, which can all help to make a runner faster. This also helps keep a new runner on the right path to living a healthy lifestyle.
With that said, diet is also important—not just for weight loss. Runners need to eat smart. This means cutting calories might not be the best idea when going for a run. Instead, think about ditching sugary drinks like designer coffees with caramel and whipped cream and drink more water. Runners need to be hydrated. They also need nourishing foods to fuel their runs. This includes a healthy balance of protein, fruits, veggies, and carbs.
Finally, the best way to finish the program and to keep accountability to by taking that leap and signing up for a 5k nine weeks from the start date. Having a tangible end goal helps to motivate and keep the runner going even when it gets tough. Just remember that all runners had to start somewhere. Making your somewhere start with a program that works like the Couch to 5k.
More Than A Program
Going from couch to 5k is also more than a program. It is a positive lifestyle change that requires to have a different outlook when it comes to our health. It means digging down deep and finding that motivation, even on days we don’t want to run.
A good way to find that motivation on days where it’s lacking is by packing running clothes to change into right after work, creating a new running playlist or downloading that interesting podcast to listen to.
Finding a running buddy is also a great idea because it will keep the runner accountable for their runs since they won’t want to let their partner down, and it provides someone to talk to during the run. This person doesn’t need to be a runner. Talk a friend or family member into starting a couch to 5k program too so both start at the same level.
There is a good chance that once a person finished the program, they will feel like they are truly are a runner. From day one they are a “real runner,” but this program helps the person prove to themselves that they can go the distance. Once this couch to 5k program is completed, the now runner probably won’t be going back to the couch.
Runner can now just go out and run for fun. They can also sign up for 5k races regularly to keep up their running or start a more advanced program like a couch to 10 k or couch to half marathon program.
Gearing Up
As new runners it’s important to get the proper running gear. This includes properly fitted running sneakers. Visit a local running store to be fitted for the right size. More than just sizing, these specialty stores can assess how the foot lands when running and recommend sneakers based on individual needs.
And as important as shoes are the right kind of socks. Running socks should be comfortable. This means being soft, yet breathable. Avoid cotton because this material sucks in sweat. Look for moisture-wicking options to keep the feet dry and blister-free. Options made of merino wool are good for running.
The Rockay Sock is a great pair because it is made in part of organic merino wool, is lightweight and moisture-wicking. It has a performance fit, with compression around the arches for support. These socks also provide lots of ventilation. They feel great and look good on.
Other key gear includes proper moisture-wicking clothing and a handheld water bottle. While it is a temptation to buy just about every running item on the market when shopping online or browsing a running store, stick to the basics until working the way up to the longer distance.
Things To Remember About Couch To 5k Training
Remember that the new runner doesn’t need to be able to run non-stop or even every day to be able to complete a couch to 5k program.
The training schedule typically features three scheduled “runs.” But for these beginners, this means sections of walking and sections of running.
Think about it is a slow and steady mentality wins the race. And in this context, the “race” is the program or might actually be a real race.
Stick to the planned workouts in order to build up the muscle memory and endurance needed to make it to the end.
Remember to have fun! Running takes effort and hard work, but it can also be really fun and freeing. Let go of pressures and stress from the day and use this time to unwind and do something good for you.
Sources
- Cool Running, The Couch to 5k Training Plan
- Wikipedia, C25K
- NHS, Couch to 5K: week by week