Let's Talk: Couch to 5k

Sunday 11 October 2020


Running was something that I always loved to do. Albeit that first run in a while, when you have ruined your usual running routine. That run is never fun. I used to break up my revision in university with exercise, and usually my first choice would be to go for a run. I love the excuse to go out and get some fresh air and to test yourself. I had lost my way with it since finishing university and then it was straight into full time work, which did make it all the more difficult. 


Then I thought, why not try the Couch to 5K app? For those of you who don't know what this app is, it's basically a weekly plan including different lengths of runs, which build you up over time, therefore, you will eventually end up running for longer if you complete 3 runs within the week. You start with running for 1 minute, and then a 2 minute walk for example, and on the last week of the training, you run for a full 30 minutes no walk. I think you get the idea. Essentially, having a personal trainer (ish) in your ear for the duration of your run, telling you when to start running and when you can have a walking break. 



I thought this would be the best way to get back into the swing of it. This way I wouldn't go in all guns blazing for the first run, cause myself to be super stiff for the next week, and then decide I am going to pack it in again. I set myself the challenge.


I am currently on week 7 of 9 weeks and I can tell you, that I feel like it has truly got me to like running again. It's so nice to go for a run after working all day, to get outside and enjoy it, even if it is raining. It's also great to have a routine, and although I don't stick to the 'go for a run every other day' depending on the day I have had and how tired I am, but I am surprised that I have managed to make it a habit. I have been running for 7 weeks!!



If someone had told me that after 7 weeks of doing the Couch to 5K app, that I would be running quite happily for 25 minutes solid, with no break, I would have laughed. But I feel that breaking down the runs and starting small, really has had a great effect on my mind and body when it comes to running for longer. I hate the initial thought of going for a run, but I love the accomplishment that you feel when you're finally through it, and you know that you get that rest day the next day.


One thing I have also enjoyed, is trying new routes. Running in the wood was so pretty and an easy way to keep your mind off of the task at hand. After my 9 weeks, I am going to try and keep to a routine, even if it isn't a solid 30 minute run each time I go, I will be chuffed to say I actually completed the training on the app, haha. 


Have you tried Couch to 5k? What do you think of it? What's your favourite way to exercise?

Amber X

12 comments

  1. I am so glad this app has worked for you got you into running again! I tried to couch to 5K and found that it did not agree with me at all, I have a very all or nothing personality so I wanted to do it everyday which of course did not end well. I'm thinking about trying it again and taking it a bit slower like it tells you too haha!xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

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    1. I totally get how the structure of Couch to 5K may not have been best for you - it definitely is more of start of slow and steady sort of approach. I'm more than sure that there are other things out there that may be a better match! If you do give it another go, I would love to know how you get on xx

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  2. wow - this is quite the feat! I absolutely hate running, but I recently found a track a block from my apartment that I will be using to get my steps in.
    Jenna ♥
    Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin

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    1. Ooo that sounds intriguing! Would love to know how you end up getting on :)

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  3. I really want to start getting into running, so when I eventually pluck up the courage to go outside and run, I'll definitely have to give this app a try. It sounds really good!

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    1. If you do decide to give it a go, let me know how you found it! I love that the exercise includes a warm up and a warm down walk. This helps so much with not feeling stiff and horrid the next day. You got this :-)

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  4. I did that 5K challenge at the beginning of lockdown and I did start getting into running but I did not pace myself, I just went all guns blazing into doing a 5K. I don't think I'd be able to do it again tbh, so the couch to 5k sounds like a better option! xx

    www.iridescentplaces.com

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    1. As did I, and I can say that I was so stiff after it haha. It's worked out really well for me and my routine! Would love to know how you end up getting on if you decide to give it a go!xx

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  5. So many Couch to 5k apps, which one did you use (and like)!?

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    1. On the app store, it's called "One You Couch To 5K", it's the one that is supported by the BBC :)

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  6. Wow, that is such an amazing achievement, you must feel so accomplished! I tried Couch to 5k once during lockdown, but even found the first run far too difficult - I decided it's definitely not the sort of exercise for me, haha! x

    Erin / Everything Erin

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    1. I was 100% with you there after doing that 5k during lockdown, haha. But the Couch to 5k makes it much more realistic, and I definitely think I could have a good crack at a 5k now! x

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