Anonymous wrote:I believe there are gradient programs - novice/beginner, intermediate, advanced. If not, and I'm mixing that up in my head it's definitely Hal Hingdon. Google and there are all sorts of programs prepping you for a race, and then I know that program definitely has levels, so you can be a novice to a 5k, but then you can do advanced timing work, like sprints/splits, etc.

+1. I trained to run a marathon with one of his programs. That was some 15 years ago with no previous marathon running experience.

I like Couch to 5K, and I would just do it - but you could also skip a few weeks in the training plan and jump in at the week you think would be good for you.

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

Either start in the middle of C25K

Or get their next one. 5k to 10k (or whatever it is called)

If you can run a 5k, you don't need it. If you can't, skip a week or so and see how it goes. It builds up.

You can start a few weeks in if need be, but if you can't run 5k, it isn't too easy. The first weeks don't feel difficult.

Find where you are currently within the program (about to run 10/15min, 2miles, etc) and start there. The only way it's "easy" is if you can run 3.5+ miles.

I believe there are gradient programs - novice/beginner, intermediate, advanced. If not, and I'm mixing that up in my head it's definitely Hal Hingdon. Google and there are all sorts of programs prepping you for a race, and then I know that program definitely has levels, so you can be a novice to a 5k, but then you can do advanced timing work, like sprints/splits, etc.

Go to Day 2 and keep going. It gets more difficult.

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.

Anonymous wrote:It gets progressively more challenging. Trying it just once isn’t really the point.

This. Week 1 is supposed to ease you in.

You should stick with it. I found the first two weeks easy and then it does get harder. The program works. Was able to run a 5k immediately after it and within my goal time.

It gets progressively more challenging. Trying it just once isn’t really the point.

Huh? If you can't run a 5k that easily, then couch to 5k is not "too easy."

If you can run 10 straight minutes easily, then perhaps start the program somewhere in the middle? Or start somewhere and build your way up.

But if you're having trouble running a nonstop 5k, then it's far from "too easy" for you, or not challenging enough. Just move a little ahead in the program.

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.