Couch to 5k – Week 1

August 18, 2009  |  Active  |  , , , , , , , ,

This past Saturday, I completed Week 1 of the Couch to 5K running program. The week started out very rough but ended nicely and left me feeling good about accomplishing something towards better health.

I blogged after my first day (read post) and a couple of things have changed since the post. I am not using the Couch25K iPhone app anymore, as I have discovered RunKeeper.  Runkeeper is like Nike+ but more enhanced with the geeky tech goodness that I like.  I have programmed the C25K program into Runkeeper, so now I don’t have much use for the C25k app anymore, only to track my progress.

I’ve also been using the LiveStrong Calorie Tracker (iTunes Link) to track my daily eating habits, and weightbot to log my weekly weigh ins.

Here is the breakdown of my week:
Starting weight: ?? (Forgot to weigh in)
Ending weight: 198lbs

Couch 2 5k Week 1 Day 1:
No tracking data available as I wasn’t using Runkeeper pro yet.  During my first run, I thought I was going to die.  I was really struggling to get through the running portion after 10 minutes.  Around the 25 min mark, I literally wanted to die.  For the next 2 days, I hobbled around the house like an 80 yr old man because my legs were so sore.

Couch 2 5k Week 1 Day 2:
Had to put this off for 1 day to recoup from my first run.  I didn’t have total downtime as I did a 3K walk with Tracey a day before this run.  No major problems, was getting winded around the 20 min mark.


Couch 2 5k Week 1 Day 3:

I really feel that I accomplished something by starting, I know that it is the first week, but I’ve been lazy for so long, it feels good to start something.

It may seem overkill that I’m blogging/tweeting my progress on this, but I figure that if I put it out there, then I’m responsible for following up.

  • Well done, Edward.

    If you can combine fun and fitness, all the better. Foe example, if you feel better going at a slower pace, slow down. With regular exercise you'll grow stronger and faster. As long as you're out there.

    After 13 marathons I've fallen into a 'fun and fitness' routine that includes a lot less running and more miles on a recumbent exercise bike. It's a low cost way to read or watch TV while complimenting running outside. I'm enjoying the book 'Long Way Down' while pedalling to keep in shape for hockey.

    Keep healthy out there.

    GAH
  • Thanks!
  • rayray14
    Speaking of RunKepeper, I made this video with RunKeeper, Google Earth, Snap Pro X & iMovie:
    http://www.robertandstacey.com/2009/07/tonights...
  • Congratulations on your first week done! I just started the Couch to 5k program yesterday, also using RunKeeper to help make it a little more bearable. Glad to find other folks like me looking to get back into shape!
  • Thanks & good luck with your Couch to 5K!
  • Congratulations on your 1st week of running! The beginning is always very tough. It gets easier the more you run, you'll see. It won't take you long for you to run 5-8K if you persist. Keep in mind the first 1-2 miles (2-3K) of every run are the most painful as your muscles will start to loosen up after that. It takes 10-15 minutes of warmup before feeling really good during your run (and you will). I'm currently training for my 1st marathon and it happens to me for every run ;)
    Keep up the good work!
  • Thanks, I'm really happy with the results. I know that it is a long road ahead, but I'm really motivated to see this program through to the end.
  • iainlaird
    People who write their goals and ambitions down are much more likely to accomplish them.

    I'm downloading these apps now. Keep going Ed! :^)

    - i
  • Thanks Iain!
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