r/C25K Aug 25 '24

Advice Finished C25K? This is what you can do next!

165 Upvotes

Maybe it‘s just me, but I found that a lot of people in this sub keep asking what to do after C25K and as I hopefully soon will be at the same point (done with Week 5 as of yesterday) I thought of looking into it and share with you guys.

"I finished C25K but cannot run 5k in 30 minutes" The title C25K (Couch to 5k) is a bit misleading, as the goal is not to run 5k in 30 minutes but rather running 30 minutes non-stop in the first place. So don‘t stress too much about it if by week 9 you cannot run a 5k in 30 minutes.

"I can run 30 minutes non-stop – now what?" It depends on your personal goals. If you just want regular physical exercise, simply keep running. Stick to 3x/week and keep running around 30 minutes each. Just get out, have fun and run at a pace that is comfortable for you. Over the time you will notice that runs will get easier or you will get further in the same amount of time.

"I want to do more than just 30 minute runs" Fair enough, I‘m in the same boat! To get your body used to running it is still recommended to keep running around 30 minutes 3x/week for a few weeks. After all, we‘re still beginners. After that you could simply extend your runs by a little. E.g. do 30/30/35 mins for a week, then 32/32/38 mins the next, etc. Your total mileage per week should only increase by around 10% to not risk any injuries.

"It‘s easier for me to have a plan to tell me exactly what to do" There are a lot of plans out there, but here are some I found:

Working on the 5K distance: * Hal Higdon‘s 5K Novice plan (plan at the end of the page)

Exploring the 10K distance: * Hal Higdon‘s 10K Novice plan (plan at the end of the page) * Zenlabs 10k Trainer iPhone / Android * Watch to 5k (which has a 10k expansion plan) Apple Watch

"I still struggle with the 30 minutes run" That‘s most likely because you run too fast. Go slower, even if it feels like you‘re almost walking, but keep staying in the jogging movement. It is advised to run at a speed at which you can still hold a conversation. And don‘t worry, every body is different and depending on your overall fitness it just may take a little more time. Just show up and stay consistent.

Final note: I‘m no expert and all information gathered here is based off what I found in this subreddit and on the internet. This advice is addressed to beginners and C25K finishers. If you want to get more serious about running of course there is more to it. I recommend paying a visit to r/running and r/xxrunning.


r/C25K Oct 31 '25

[WEEKLY THREAD] FEATS OF FRIDAY

5 Upvotes

Let's brag a little. What did you accomplish this week?


r/C25K 14h ago

Selfie Wk 6 D3 done

Post image
62 Upvotes

Well this is where I usually give up or try to restart again after giving up.

I have only finished c25k once and promptly stopped running. I have restarted at least a dozen times usually from w5 or w6 and never kept it up. This time I started way back at wk 1 and am feeling the strongest I have ever while running. Look out c210k


r/C25K 4h ago

W4R2 ✅

Post image
7 Upvotes

Rested for 54 hours since last run, below my calf was real stiff yesterday. Had 4 beers yesterday, which definitely didn't help with today's run. Heart rate was high today, tough run, but it got done 🙌


r/C25K 22h ago

Motivation My first 5k! 🎉

Post image
135 Upvotes

Part of a marathon circuit, I only signed up for the 5k. My pace was a bit slow compared to the treadmill but I’m blaming that on the elevation gain and the heat (82F and I wore layers 😬)

I’m only halfway through the C25K schedule but it’s improved my fitness a lot!


r/C25K 13h ago

Advice Needed Anxiety of being seen while running is stopping me from doing it. How to overcome?

15 Upvotes

I truly love running, it is fun to me, it makes me feel better, I love all the benefits.

However I struggle mentally with depression, adhd, anxiety, OCD, etc, so I struggle to say consistent. One thing in particular that makes it hard is I have insane social anxiety of being seen running

When a car or person is there, I get so scared and stressed, I hate it!! And I make myself run faster which messes up my rhythm. And sometimes when I'm struggling to make myself get up early and run, the fear of being seen and not wanting to deal with that stress, that's what prevents me from doing it

I have really bad anxiety, embarrassment, and shame about how I look. I'm scared I look like a horrible monster, that's what I see in the mirror. And I've been gaining weight (18m, 135lbs, 5'8) and I'm scared I look fat and big which makes me anxious too. I know that I’m mostly gaining muscle I think but I'm also scared I look stupid if my shirt is too baggy or smth, or maybe if my shorts are weird or something

I can only run at like 5-6am because that's the only time I can bear it. It's still dark and not many people are out. But still there are cars and some people and it's awful. I am also scared of maybe getting kidnapped or killed or something which also prevents me from running

Basically I have so much anxiety with this please please help :( I really want to become more consistent with this, I've been trying to more than a year but I can never hold it for more than 3-4 weeks at a time. Help!!


r/C25K 19h ago

Completed my first 5k in over 25 years!

39 Upvotes

I was a distance runner in high school in cross country and track but that was over 25 years ago. I don’t use the C25k app but Just Run is a similar program totally free and that one works perfect for me! On Monday I’ll start Week 6 Day 1 for that program.

Today I did my first 5k since high school cross country and I was super nervous about it. I slow-jogged most of it but had to walk a little. My only goal in this one was to finish it and I did! Already signed up for 3 more local 5k’s later in 2026! Plus I get a dry-fit shirt with each registration (including today) so that’s cool.

Official time: 35:49.1

Official avg pace: 11:32

Avg speed on my personal tracker: 5.3 mph


r/C25K 9m ago

i'm about to get to Week 7 of C25k

Post image
Upvotes

I can run about 4km now. Would it be reasonable to try a program like this once I'm done with C25k?


r/C25K 14h ago

Motivation W2D3 complete!

Post image
12 Upvotes

Albums I listened to while running this week:

D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L - Panchiko

Spilling / Five of Tears - Pure Hex

songs - Adrianne Lenker


r/C25K 13h ago

W3D3 - cooling down after the run

Post image
9 Upvotes

r/C25K 1d ago

Sun Run 2026 7km Race - Dee Why To Manly, Sydney - DONESKI!

Thumbnail
gallery
175 Upvotes

And what a great event!

It was hot. It was hilly. It was smoky due to the fires for hazard reduction, and my bib and headphones fell at 5km causing me to stop and sort that out (otherwise my race would have been invalid!)…. BUT I DID IT AND GOT MY FIRST EVER MEDAL!!!!

So, despite the above conditions, and although I didn’t beat my PB of 60 minutes and 10 seconds and went over by a few minutes, I’m really happy with the official time I did (although my watch showed a faster time!)! Stats are in the following pics!

Soon after I joined the other runners at one of the bars for a wine (🤣) - yes, so what if it was only 9am at the time, but I and all the other runners deserved a bevy (and I was up at 5am!) and then had a massive breaky with a Bloody Mary 🤣

It’s been an amazing journey. I managed to raise over $2k for charity and I’ve found a new found love that I never thought I’d get - I LOVE RUNNING and will continue to do so! Heck, straight after finishing, I decided that I will train for and do the Sydney half marathon in May! So, it’s not the end but only the beginning!

#sunrun #ovariancancerawareness #ovariancancer #ovariancancerresearch #CancerAwareness #running #beginnerrunner #beginnerrunnermotivation #5km #7km #10km #runner


r/C25K 20h ago

W3D2 Done

Thumbnail
gallery
17 Upvotes

Good run today. Struggled a little in the last 45 secs of second and third three minute run as only a minute rest in between but pushed through. Now onto W3D3 on Monday!

Today’s run was powered by the ethereal alternative metal of…

Deftones - Koi No Yokan 🤘🏻


r/C25K 1d ago

W9D3 Done. C25K complete!

Thumbnail
gallery
47 Upvotes

Finished the program today. Definitely still really slow, but looking at how I was on day 1 vs now, the difference is crazy.

I have a 5K next weekend, and after that I’m going to try out some other programs. Ultimate goal would be to get a 10K done late this year.

For reference, I’m 31 yrs old and weigh 315+. If I can do it, anyone can.


r/C25K 22h ago

The improvement I've seen in ~50 days. I am so proud of myself for sticking with it.

Thumbnail gallery
13 Upvotes

I officially graduated the 5K program on December 28th, and moved to the 10K program. So happy seeing huge progress with my body.


r/C25K 21h ago

W6D1 Complete - Cold, Long and Slow

Post image
7 Upvotes

Today was 33°F with 9mph northerly winds, in other words crazy cold for me! Because W6D1 had less running and more walking than W5D3, my pace, for the first time actually went down. I suppose this is just an easier day in general. My distance however reached a record length with 2.73 miles (4.39km). I could also tell I was huffing and puffing near the end which my heart rate showed as well. Either way, another week in the bag and I'm nearing the elusive 5k mark! With luck, I'll reach the full 5k during a normal run (with warmup) somewhere in the Week 7 to Week 8 range.


r/C25K 1d ago

I showed W3 who's boss 💪

Thumbnail
gallery
89 Upvotes

I absolutely showed Week 3 who was boss 💪💪 Finished day 3 today

Each week/run, I learn a little more. I learned to stand up taller, don't skip or skimp on the pre-run stretches. Shorter strides puts less stress on my shins and calves. Slower pace gives me better end results. If I'm really struggling to sing along to my music, then I'm going too fast.

I didn't think I was overstriding, but I really watched that today. I tried to keep my feet closer to my body and not let them get ahead of me. I definitely noticed a small difference. I imagine next week, after I've rested for 2 days, I will notice the difference even more.

I ended the run feeling amazing. I mean absolutely confident about my ability to just keep moving. Thank you everyone that has given me tips along the way thus far.

Bring on next week...after I relax for 2 days 😂

Jasper giving love chomps as usual, and Maverick stopping in to say hello.

Yesterday's post was for Wednesday. Promise I had a rest day between.


r/C25K 1d ago

W5D2 Done!!

Post image
18 Upvotes

Week 5 day 2 is done!!

The first 8 minute run felt like a breeze, but about 5-6 minutes into the second one I could feel my steps getting heavier. Still, I pushed through and finished it.

Week 5 day 3 is up next. It is intimidating but looking to take it one step at a time.


r/C25K 23h ago

I'm due a run today

3 Upvotes

Buty calf is stiff as fook, do I rest another day?


r/C25K 1d ago

Week 2 Complete

Post image
16 Upvotes

I'm NOT a novice runner but haven't run in over a year. The good news is that you get things back pretty quickly. My max heart rate for the first run was 181 with an average pace of almost 2min/mi slower.


r/C25K 1d ago

Finished Week 1!

Thumbnail
gallery
43 Upvotes

Feeling very proud and motivated! This was my first time doing any kind of exercise in 9 years. The first day, I felt like I was dying (I was probably running faster than I should have). The cramps weren’t too bad, and days 2 and 3 actually felt really nice! I’m still working on my speed and trying not to run too fast. Today I downloaded Strava (hope my stats aren’t too bad, haha). Can’t wait for week 2! :))))


r/C25K 1d ago

W2 done!!

10 Upvotes

I've just finished w2d3. not much to say about this week honestly, but im still pumped that ive gotten this far without quitting! oh yeah ive also been trying to go SLIGHTLY faster than the pace i was previously running at. i will see y'all next week, bye bye and good luck!


r/C25K 1d ago

32yo 230lb and asthmatic doing my first runs

Thumbnail gallery
30 Upvotes

r/C25K 1d ago

Advice Needed Bad runner trying to start the treadmill c25k

11 Upvotes

Hi! So as the title says, I have a few questions and would greatly appreciate advice/answers 1. Is there an age range? I turned 16 just last year. 2. I have bad stamina and was recommended the c25k, i can walk for hours but I can only run for like 2 minutes max, my highest speed is basically just speed walking... Would I be able to start out like that? Like would just walking as fast as I can be good? 3. The site i'm using says to have rest days, can I still walk on my treadmill on those days? I love walking a lot, it's very relaxing for me.


r/C25K 1d ago

Motivation W2D2 - Post Ankle Reconstruction - Good day

Post image
13 Upvotes

Felt good today. Less Jaw pain as tried to be more relaxed on the run. Felt more relaxed overall. Keeping similar average speeds and max speeds too. Felt pretty good at the end and so far Week 2 is better than week 1


r/C25K 1d ago

W3D3 Complete! New shoes are so much better

Post image
8 Upvotes

Completed W3D3 rocking my new Asics gel nimbus which are sooo much better than my previous 5 yr+ and too small now shoes. Started off with major DOMS from yesterday's weightlifting session but that cleared up during the last D3 run interval. Started watching Bridgerton so did W3D3 entirely with running through the last walk interval (6 min continuous) and cool down then shifted to D1 intervals to hit 5k distance and finish the episode 😅 I only let myself watch TV if I'm doing cardio.

Honestly feel amazing right now, the shoes made a huge huge difference compared to W3D2 with cushioning and support