What comes before Couch?

[Drum Dave]

Beginning my journey to recovery (long story) and my cardio is shot. Used to have stamina out the wazoo but now it's long gone. 

 

So I started Day 1 and couldn't finish. The mind is willing but the flesh is weak; my legs gave out and I couldn't get enough breath to keep going after Run 3 of 8 on today's Day 1. 

 

I've read suggestions on other threads to just run every 3rd run, or redo Day 1 over and over until I can finish it. I appreciate the intent but that's incredibly demotivating. This app is called "Couch to 5K". Does it really consider the "couch" someone who can run for a full minute, eight times? If that's "couch" is there a setting or a premium offer or another app by the same development team that'll get me from "Barely Alive to Couch"? 

Thanks all 

[RoseGale]

In this instance the "couch" is a generalized term to reference anyone that may be leading a sedentary (not active) lifestyle to begin with. It's difficult to define what this means to different people because of the wide variety of individuals who use the app, so don't be discouraged! There are many variables to consider like age, weight, experience, and lifestyle (what you do for work). I, myself, walked exclusively for about a year before I attempted to dive into a 5k protocol. Even then, my body was greatly limited in the beginning in terms of stamina and mobility (and I'm still in my 20's). 

Nowadays I prefer running for cardio but have to limit the number of days I do it because of the incredible load it can put on your knee joints. If your body isn't accustomed to this stress it's best to tone it down and work your way up to it. In terms of the motivation, you could use that first day as your first goal to reach and create steps to achieve it. Try not to compare where you are now to where others are in their journey, it's simply not fair to yourself.

IE: First day walk for the 30 minutes and see how you feel. Turn it up if you have the energy and wherewithal. Next day, start your walk and attempt a 30 second run. Gauge how you feel and perhaps attempt a second 30 second run, or even several 15 second runs. You'll know what's best for you based on how you feel and energy levels. The only rule of thumb is to seek progress day to day.

The intent of the app is to give you an idea of where to start and steps toward progression.  The start point in the app isn't necessarily your start point and that's a-okay! Gives you something to work toward in the future :) 

[Drum Dave]

So I thought an update was due. I fought through the demotivation and ran anyway. I took all the advice and repeated Day 1 over and over, allowing myself to walk during most of the day's 8 runs. 

And when I did walk through a one-minute jog, I chose to see it not as a failure but as part of the process. Each jog was a success, whether or not I could do many of them. 

My first Day 1: Barely survived 3 of 8 runs. 

Nearly three weeks later: For the first time I actually jogged for all 8 one-minute runs of the Day 1 session. It was messy. I was out of breath. But I did it. 

Happy running to all y'all. 

[Crabapple]

The program is not realistic for true couch potatoes and it certainly is not realistic for people with serious health problems. The best rule of thumb is to run when you can, walk when you have to, and don't over do it, even if it means you can only go 5 minutes in a session.

[LittleDoctor]

So happy to hear about your progress, Drum Dave! I just downloaded this app and did my first Day today. I definitely had trouble with it, and had to skip one of the runs because I was so out of breath, but it’s so great to see what persistence allowed you to do! Really motivates me to keep at this. 

[RobinAZ]

This was my exact question and I am encouraged by your progress, thank you!!

[Ms Speech]

I hope you are keeping up on your health journey!

[Gavinaugh]

This is highly motivating for me as I’m just starting my journey this week, keep going at it DAVE!! 

[Zhrug Thiltran]

On 7/19/2020 at 3:14 PM, Drum Dave said:

Beginning my journey to recovery (long story) and my cardio is shot. Used to have stamina out the wazoo but now it's long gone. 

 

So I started Day 1 and couldn't finish. The mind is willing but the flesh is weak; my legs gave out and I couldn't get enough breath to keep going after Run 3 of 8 on today's Day 1. 

 

I've read suggestions on other threads to just run every 3rd run, or redo Day 1 over and over until I can finish it. I appreciate the intent but that's incredibly demotivating. This app is called "Couch to 5K". Does it really consider the "couch" someone who can run for a full minute, eight times? If that's "couch" is there a setting or a premium offer or another app by the same development team that'll get me from "Barely Alive to Couch"? 

Thanks all 

gotta push yourself. you will be surprised what you can do.

[mirandasd]

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