Spring has seemed to put a spring in my step, so I thought the timing was right to finally see if there’s anything to all this C25K business.For the uninitiated, C25K stands for “Couch to 5K”, which evokes the image of a gentle program where you’ll slowly and gradually evolve from a fat TV-watching toadstool into a lithe marathon sprinter.
I had my doubts about the whole thing because I was burned pretty badly by the whole Y2K experience, you know when the calendar hit 2000 and all the computers and ATMs were supposed to go kablooey. I was so afraid that my laptop was going to get the Millennium Bug that I took a hammer to it and destroyed it myself. I’ll go ahead and admit that that was a bad call on my part…
So it was with a sense of apprehension that I approached C25K. Truthfully, I expected Day One of the program to skew toward the “Couch” part of the equation. After all, this is something geared at beginners, isn’t it?
Here’s kind of what I was expecting…
- DAY ONE – Stay on the couch for four hours, but make certain you do not fall asleep during the entire time.
- DAY TWO – Stay on the couch and watch a television show about running.
- DAY THREE – Walk down to the mailbox and back. Get on the couch and take a nap.
- DAY FOUR – Rest day.
- DAY FIVE – Walk for one minute, think about running for one minute.
- DAY SIX – Nap day.
- DAY SEVEN – Egg neighbor’s house and run away as fast as you can. Walk for thirty seconds. Nap on couch.
Running for a minute at a time? And those 90-second walking intervals that incorporate alien “fast-forward” time technology so that they only last 15 seconds or so? And the street where I run only comes in miles, not kilometers. What do I do about that? Huh? Huh?
I guess for the time being, I’ll just take it all in stride…
By far the BEST C25K post I've read to date. Excluding my own, natch.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I like your C25K program waaaaay better than the "other" ;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Jack. I have no doubt that you will master it in record time!
I have to say, you almost nailed my first week on the program (all but the egging) lol It's a good program, though one I'm not participating in anymore.
ReplyDeleteNow this I can do :D
ReplyDeleteDo you have a race in mind?! You should. Races are addictive, I warn you.
ReplyDeleteI want me suma dat:
ReplyDelete'alien “fast-forward” time technology'
Maybe I could crunch through.
I think I hear a new program in the works created by you.
ReplyDeleteLove your twist on the C25K, lol! Tell us more about your workouts, I know you hit the gym pretty hard, but tell us what you do! Maybe a "Work it Out: Jack Sh*t style post someday!
ReplyDeleteI like your C25K program - seems to be something I could actually do. My street does come in KM so I should be OK.
ReplyDeleteY2K - I am in the IT field, what a mess that crap was (my condolences to you for your laptop). Had to stay up all night to wait for nothing to happen. Not one of my best New Years Party! :) LOL
I think anyone can work up to a 5k footrace, and it's an exciting journey from the damn couch.
ReplyDeleteSecretia
I think if I'd done your version of C25K I wouldn't be dealing with stress fracture recovery, LOL. That said, C25K is awesome. I *will* finish it. Once these stupid legs heal and my ortho gives me the go-ahead. Urrrgh.
ReplyDeleteHey Action Jackson, I'm starting C25k also. Today in fact. Right after my nap, errr, I mean work!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking into this program to.. After today's bad time I need to step it up!!
ReplyDeleteC25K is a great program, that I think you'll learn to enjoy. Wife and I did it last summer and I struggled with Day 1. At the end of the summer we ran a 5K. A great experience. Yesterday I went out and ran 4.4 miles, something I could never imagine doing when I started C25K. Long story short...it works.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I could've sworn the C25K regimen included frantically searching for change and stray peanuts under the cushions.
ReplyDeleteMove to Canada. We have km on our streets.
ReplyDeleteI love this program - wish my knees would let me get past week 2..I am so looking forward to your hilarious telling of your C25k adventures :)
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about starting the C25K myself. I may have to mix your version in with the other version :)
ReplyDeleteVery funny!
ReplyDeleteC25K started my love/hate relationship with running.
It was the first time in my life that I jogged and liked it because it broke it down into small steps I could follow and complete.
The guy's voice kinda reminded me of that painter guy on PBS that always painted "happy little trees".
I am currently on the couch to walking 5K program. Your plan looks like it could be a lot more fun.
ReplyDeleteKeep on running!
I'm on week 4 right now. At first I thought there was no way in hell I'd be able to jog more than 90 seconds. And that "fast forward" walking time is absolutely correct.
ReplyDeleteBut yesterday, I "jogged" (I'm as slow as a snail on crutches) for 5 whole minutes. Twice!
Getting more endurance sneaks up on you. You know, like getting fat, but in reverse.
I was too impatient with programmes like this for taking too long. I just wanted to get fit as quick as possible (reasoning that the shorter it takes, the less pain I have to go through).
ReplyDeleteI can't actually remember how long it took me to get to 5k, but I can remember how long it's taking me to get past 13k!
If you can convience the c25k people to redo the program with your idea of it, I will totally start over!
ReplyDeleteI have no doubts in my mind that you will be running marathons soon Jack :-)
ReplyDeleteGood luck Jack! I'm staring at a pile of snow and more coming down...there will be zero running for me until it's melted...and I've had a nap. Cuz you know, that's how I roll.
ReplyDeleteGood luck I am sure you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI'm on week one, today is day 3...there def is a lot of jogging for a beginner huh?
ReplyDeleteI looooved this post...please keep us posted on how you're doing!!
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI started with the C25K program a few years ago and restarted it probably 3 times. It really does work if you stick to it. I just ran my firs marathon on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I like your version of the C25K, easier to start that way.
Although I do love your version, I have to admit that the "real" C25k program is what first got me to even attempt to run. I'm not a runner, but it inspired me by breaking it up into manageable parts.
ReplyDeleteIf you're really going to do it, that's great. But I suggest signing up for a race first, to give you something to remember why you're suffering.
Remember, I did five 5k's last year, and if I can do it, anyone can.
:-)
Your plan sounds like way more fun than I remember mine being...
ReplyDeleteLol! Good luck with the program, Jack.
ReplyDeletelol, day 4 rest day...
ReplyDeletecouchiness...ahhh, those were the days.
I think at one point I had couch butt...you know, that shelp where you but has notched into the shape of where the couch cushions meets the back of the couch.
Good luck on the couch to 5k thing.
and to be honest, I am now seriously anticipating your next weigh in. I want to see how your weight lifting has panned out after one whole month.
I am going to incorporate some toning next mnth.
I hope it shows some real progress...maybe not weight wise...but in tone.
Post a picture....you did take a before picture didn't you.
engrish is my first language...that third line should read 'that shelf where your butt has notched' There...better
ReplyDeleteI admire those who do it. Running is not my thing. I much more enjoy beating myself up in tae bo. Do you think if I changed my photo to Billy Blanks anyone would notice?
ReplyDeleteYeah, was is it with that Alien time switch? Good luck with the C25K!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I had to adjust this program too.
ReplyDeleteRun? even for 1 minute? You're joking, right?
I'm still working up to walking kinda fast.
Good luck...I don't like any programs or anything that makes me think about it too much. When I finally started running I just did it. I ran then walked, then ran, then walked. I tried not to hurt myself and at the same time pushed myself a little farther each time. I've done several 5Ks in the past five years.
ReplyDeleteyour version does sound pretty awesome! you know, it's great to shake up the routine a bit to keep things fresh, so look at C25K in a positive light and enjoy!
ReplyDeletejust lol. wish id tried that version!
ReplyDeleteI too have considered the C25K but I think I'll lose a few (read 50) more pounds first! Way to go, Jack. Can't wait to see how you like it!
ReplyDeleteThe scary thing about doing a 5K is that then you start wanting to do longer races. Who knows in what crazy direction that could go for you?
ReplyDeleteThis is hilarious! I've been watching people on this...seems like a great tool!
ReplyDeleteI AM SO JEALOUS OF THOSE PINK POODLE STIR STICKS THAT TJ GOT I AM SCREAMING AT YOU ;-)
ReplyDeleteI hope I am not the only person that understood the Y2K part! Ridiculous & felt like you did!
ReplyDeleteThe rest.. too funny!
I never did couch to 5k, but my program looked more like:
ReplyDelete1. Run a mile, just about collapse.
2. Take a few months off
3. Run a mile and a quarter, just about collapse.
4. Run a mile and a quarter, walk half a mile, run another quarter.
5. Find a dusty old treadmill at my work's gym and keep increasing my distance until I was able to run 3.1 miles! Woohoo!
...I like your program better...
I totally remember Y2K. Hubby and I spent it at the office making sure the computers survived.
ReplyDeleteI love C25K. I did it once from Jan to March on my NordicTrack. I am doing it for real now. My podiatrist recommended going slow until I get my orthotic, so I did week one twice and will do week 2 twice. This is the first high impact exercise I have done in 15 years. I am also learning Chi running to hopefully protect my feet.