Since going to a once-a-week riding program after a couple years of 4-6 days per week, I found my fitness level plummeted. Fast. And because I don’t have an option for riding more often right now, I decided to start running (again).
When I started running over the summer I just kind of…started running. No plan. Just run until I felt like I was going to die. Take a walk break. Run some more. Be sore for three days after. Repeat.
This time, I decided to try the Couch to 5K (C25k) app. It’s a program that takes you from couch potato to being able to run a 5k in 8 weeks. It has been so great! I’ve been completing the 3 runs per week along with my riding lesson. Keeping up with that New Year’s goal of exercising 4x per week!
Last night I completed the halfway point of the app. I’m proud for getting this far! It has been easy, to be honest. I mean, the running can be hard. It can suck a lot, actually. But sticking with the schedule hasn’t been hard. (Absurdly nice weather makes it easier!)
The runs slowly build each week. The first week was run 1 minute, walk 1 minute, repeat for 30 minutes. This upcoming week (week 5) will be run 5 mins, walk 3 mins, repeat 2 more times.
I really like this app. It’s easy to use and I can tell I am getting fitter. I can run farther, recover faster and overall I just feel better. I definitely recommend it as a companion to riding if you want to get fitter but don’t know where to start with running.
Centered in the Saddle 
I go to the gym three or four days a week. I only do a bit of cardio ( treadmill /elliptical) for maybe 10-15 minutes and then upper body on machines, arms, back, etc and some core also hips and upper legs. Having had both hips replaced I have to keep the hip muscles strong. As I am older I find Iloose fitness fast if I do not keep up this routine and then I ride badly because I get tired. Onwards! Onwards!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! One of my New Years resolutions was to work out as well, I might have to try this app!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great one!
LikeLike
I ride four or five days a week (it used to be six, and we’re getting back there), and try to run on the days I don’t ride. Often I simply don’t have time for that (which is why I didn’t ride in the first place). I also did a couch to 5k program a while back because I legitimately could. not. run. to save my life, and I knew I needed to be fitter. Hopefully once it stops storming regularly I’ll be biking to campus again, which always helps with the fitness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Biking is awesome, too! I miss riding so often but having a way to stay motivated to exercise is so helpful.
LikeLike
I have thought about getting this app because a friend uses it and I need help for when I actually get out there and make myself exercise. That was part of my new year resolution for the exact same reason as you………..I have not been doing so great with that so far. I am totally going to get it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s seriously so easy! I struggled with this resolution at the start of the year, but when I got this app a month ago, it became much easier to get out and do it. I even started to look forward to running!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this app! I think it’s really well done and is way better than trying to keep up with the intervals on your phone or stopwatch. That said, I completed it once, ran two 5Ks, and haven’t run since. 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I seriously want to be a runner. But I suck! Maybe this is my new solution. Glad it’s working so great for you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Try it! I was terrible before but now I feel lol I’m getting much better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I keep wanting to try this app, but it is so hard to start! I am putting it on my goals to get started this weekend. Thanks for the extra inspiration!
LikeLike
You got this, girl! It’s not so bad once you get started. I have hardly even had any soreness, which makes it much easier to stick with it. Let me know how it goes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have seriously just inspired me to try the C25K again!!! Good for you for doing cross training 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do it! It has been so helpful and easy. I can’t believe that I actually enjoy running now!
LikeLike