5K Runner: couch potato to 5K 4+

I never write reviews. But felt the need to here. I am a 54 year old male. Hated the thought of running. Thought it was for the young, skinny types. While I had been walking, the thought of picking up the pace and running was the furthest from my mind. Then I hit 240 pounds and hated myself. I had tried this app in the past, but through a combination of apathy and low self esteem, I never made it. But something clicked one day, and I thought I’d give it another shot and see if I could make it all the way and run a 5k. I started in November of last year and found myself impressed with the simple and easy progression of the app. No pressure to kill yourself just get up, commit to a half hour or so and before you know it, you’re done. Then I started to see the pounds drop. Then I started to create playlists on my phone. Then I started buying gear. Then I signed up for a 5k. Then I actually RAN the 5k. I didn’t stop, I didn’t walk. I RAN a 5k! I didn’t come in last, but came in in the middle of the pack in my age group. I came home and signed up for another 5k. And another. I am collecting shirts, medals and realizing…holy crap. I’m a runner. This app got me there. No question. And now I’m training for a 10k. With a half marathon next and hopefully a marathon by this time next year. Try it. Stick with it. You might become a runner too.

This app has carried me through several seasons of life & let me tell you, it’s a game changer. If you feel like you’re not a runner & the thought of running for more than a minute at a time scares the daylights out of you, this IS the app for you. I was always the slow kid in PE on those dreaded timed mile run days & continued to be that person into my thirties. One day I woke up & decided I needed to change my lifestyle. I was two babies into parenthood, weight wasn’t coming off, everything I ate stuck to me, I was tired, yada yada. I started this app in August & by October was running the full 5k. I could not believe it. I felt great. Holidays hit & I fell off the wagon. I did it again. Then I got pregnant & again, fell off the wagon. Once baby was 3 months, I did it again & maintained. One year later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and fell off the wagon once again throughout half of my chemo regimen. But alas, I began the app again while having chemo. Then I took a short break for surgery, went back, & am about to start radiation. I’m still going strong & don’t plan to stop. If a run ragged mom of three young kids who is also in active treatment for cancer can do it, YOU can do it. Quit the excuses & just download the app and give it a try. You don’t fail unless you stop for good. YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS. Happy running!

I started using a Couch to 5K app. I stuck with it for 8 weeks, running three times a week. The routine alternated between running one day, taking a break the next, and then running again. This app, combined with a treadmill, made a huge difference for me. It guides you through intervals of running and walking, beginning with a warm-up walk followed by one minute of running and one minute of walking. Over time, it gradually increases your running time. You'll be amazed at your progress! By week 8, I could run for five minutes straight, with a one-minute walk about five times. I'd pop in my AirPods, put on a TV show or some music, and let the app run in the background. It even gives you audio cues for when to run or walk, and throws in encouraging words like "good job". The only downside is that you need to stick to it. I made the mistake of taking about a month off and had to backtrack to week 6. While I was able to complete the 8 week run, I was sore due to jumping back into it too fast. While a treadmill isn't necessary, it helped me avoid pushing myself too hard. Years ago, I tried the same program without one and ended up with shin splints from overexerting myself. On the treadmill, I could control the speed – I'd walk at 2.5 mph and jog at a light, sustainable 4 mph.