Couch to 5k is too easy. What’s the next step up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you able to run 5K non-stop? If so, there is a pace builder app which helps you improve your 5K time/speed (with the help of interval training). It’s very good, I highly recommend it.

What app? I want to step up from 5K to 10K in the mornings. I'm looking for an app to help me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve always liked shall Higdon’s free training plans.

Me too!

[Anonymous]

"So I’m not fit. But I’m also not a couch potato. I tried the couch to 5k today and it was too easy. Is there a step up or something slightly more challenging? Or should I stick with it seeing that I can’t run a 5k quite that easily."

The point of any of these things is to change your behavior for the rest of your life. Challenge does not play into it. Frankly, the longer you improve the more you will improve.

Adding in extra challenge is the first step toward injury, stopping, and truly being a couch potato.

I was winning my age group in local races. I had been running no less than 6 days/wk and 30 miles per week for a year. I signed up with a highly respected coach.

The first thing he did was cut me back to 5 days per week and barely 20 miles per week.

He did this because, while my training was good and included lots of different workouts, he was going to improve it by adding in a bunch of types of workouts I hadn't done in years.

Despite his efforts, about 2 months after starting the new training I got injured during the first cold snap last winter.

Even after 2 months I was still at 5 days/wk and had not run 30 miles any of those weeks.

Changing your body takes longer than you think, there is no reason to rush.

Good luck