The Couch to 5k training plan is a running schedule for beginner runners to train them to run a 5k (or 3.1 miles) after a month or two.
It is a wonderful plan to help people get hooked on the healthy habit of running—and has done so effectively for years.
However, there are a bunch of common couch to 5k mistakes that new runners make that means they don’t complete the full programme.
We want to help you avoid these common running mistakes so that you can complete your Couch to 5k plan and continue on your (hopefully) lifelong journey of running.
In this article, we will discuss:
- What the Couch to 5k running plan is,
- Who the Couch to 5k running plan is for,
- The top 7 mistakes to avoid when running a Couch to 5k training plan
So, let’s get started!
What is the Couch to 5k running plan?
Sometimes abbreviated as C25k, the Couch to 5k plan was invented as a free running program by Josh Clark about twenty years to help non-runners get off the couch and start running.
Since then, there have been countless iterations of the C25k program and it has motivated millions of people to start running.
Most of the Couch to 5k running plans are 9 weeks long and begin and run/walk intervals.
There are many versions of the plans available to meet your fitness level.
Here at Marathon Handbook, we’ve developed our own 4-week and 8-week Couch To 5k Training Plans – we’ll get into the details of those a bit later!
Who is the Couch to 5k running plan for?
Couch to 5k is a program for beginner runners or runners who have taken a long break from running.
Most Couch to 5k running plans feature a gradual increase in walking and running over two to three months.
The plan involves doing walk/run intervals – gradually, the time spent walking decreases and the time spent running increases.
Check out 8 more practical Couch To 5k Tips here!
The ‘run’ intervals don’t need to be done quickly – simply jogging at a slow, comfortable pace is enough!
For those who can’t get into a jogging rhythm – either due to not being active, or perhaps overweight, then we recommend a walking training plan to begin with before tackling Couch To 5k
7 Couch to 5k Mistakes Runners Make and How to Avoid Them
To help you stick with your C25k plan and become a “runner”, we spoke with running experts and coaches about the biggest Couch to 5k mistakes to avoid.
Mistake #1: Picking the wrong Couch to 5k training plan
As noted, there are many different types of C25k running plans and they are not a one-size-fits-all.
Therefore, when selecting a Couch to 5k running plan, you need to pick one that meets you where your fitness level currently stands.
The original 9-week C25k plan is actually unnecessarily long for quite a lot of people – if you have some base cardiovascular fitness (perhaps from other sports or simply living an active life), it’s likely your body will adapt quickly to the walk/run intervals.
This is why we’ve developed a 4-week C25k plan, as well as an 8-week plan (our equivalent of the original plan).
Related: The 10 Percent Rule: Is it a Valid Way to Increase Mileage?
Mistake #2: Ignoring their body
One major mistake people make when starting Couch to 5K is not listening to their body.
“If your body is telling you that it needs a break, then take one.
This might mean not pushing yourself through the last 3 minutes of the workout just because you wanted to finish the time set, explains Paul Warloski at Simple Endurance Coaching.
Marathon Handbook founder Thomas Watson advises runners to adjust their training schedule if they are feeling tired or burnout.
“If they feel it’s getting too intense then repeat a week – or take a break – rather than keep progressing with more intense workouts – it’s not a race!” he says.
This is perhaps the most common of the couch to 5k mistakes we see – it is so easy to get caught up in training that people ignore small issues and allow them to accumulate.
Related: Here’s The 6 Worst Things To Do Before A Run
Mistake #3: Being inconsistent with their training
One of the biggest mistakes all new runners make is being inconsistent with their training.
The key to being a successful runner is being consistent with your running—that is how physiological adaptations occur.
“People start really well, run two or three times per week for a couple of weeks, but then they stop, miss a few weeks, and try to pick up where they left off.
Unfortunately, your body doesn’t work like that,” notes coach Parry.
Your body needs consistent training stimulus to cause it to adapt.
If you’re constantly stop-starting you’re not providing your body with what it needs to actually improve.
Avoid this mistake by being consistent.
Stick with the plan.
If you miss a week of training, rewind a couple weeks and start from there.
You can always add more training sessions over time to build good habits. Pick a plan you know you can commit to.
Related: Couch To 5k Treadmill Guide
Mistake #4: Progressing too fast
A lot of runners pick a training plan and get super excited and over-zealous to start.
“Then they let that excitement get them into all sorts of trouble,” says Parry.
What’s the trouble?
While your cardiovascular fitness may increase rapidly, your bones, joints, and connective tissues do not advance at the same rate.
Thus, progressing too quickly is a surefire way to injury.
Instead, runners should hold on to that excitement, and progress a small amount each week.
Following a proper Couch to 5k Training Plan will account for this, and not overload you.
Runners should not also run too fast – this isn’t a race, it’s all about building to the point of being able to run a 5k continuously.
It’s another of the most common couch to 5k mistakes!
Once you’ve got to that level, you will have established a firm running fitness base – from which you can start to focus on new goals, such as running a 10k, or getting faster!
Related: How Long Does It Take To Run a 5k?
Mistake #5: Not warming up (or cooling down)
Going right along with jumping in too quickly is not taking the time to properly warm-up and cool-down before and after each run.
Couch to 5k runners who do not take the time to do this are also at risk for injury as well as decreased performance.
To warm-up, do some dynamic stretching and mobility exercises.
Activate key muscle groups with an example routine like this:
10 air squats and 10 lunges on each side and then walk for 5-10 minutes before you jog.
For cooling down, walk 5 or ten minutes at the end of your training session, then do some static stretching and foam rolling.
Related: Marginal Gains: 9 Ways to Level Up Your Running
Mistake #6: Forgetting to cross-train and lift weights.
Speaking of mobility work, Couch to 5k runners should not forget to cross train.
This includes mobility work, strength training, and other cardiovascular activities such as cycling or using the elliptical.
“The original C25k plan makes no allowance for cross-training, which is a huge omission.
People who are total beginners have a lot of adaptation to get through and doing some light mobility, strength, and stretching can help work out knots and fix and imbalances,” says Watson.
This is why the Marathon Handbook C25k plans have optional cross-training and rest days.
Strength training is often overlooked by runners and that is a huge mistake, too.
Learn all you need to know about strength training for runners in our guide.
For more on cross training, read our comprehensive Cross Training For Runners guide.
Mistake #7: Comparing yourself to other runners
As a beginner runner, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap with more experienced runners. This is a huge mistake for Couch to 5k runners.
New runners need to remember that trying to rush fitness by running too fast or too much will likely only sideline them.
They also need to remember that everyone progresses at a different pace and comparing can only lead to the feeling of defeat.
Instead, C25k runners should put blinders up and focus on their own training. Track your fitness and be proud of your own progress.
The Marathon Handbook Couch To 5k Training Plans
4-Week Couch To 5k Training Plan
Who’s It For?
Active people – perhaps you don’t run regularly, but you’ve been a runner in the past or do other cardiovascular activities regularly.
If you start this plan and find the weekly jumps too big, move over to the 8-week plan!
Check out our full guide with training tips here.
8-Week Couch To 5k Training Plan
Who’s It For?
Non-runners!
If you haven’t run in recent memory, and you want to give your fitness a bit of a boost…this is the plan for you.
Listen to your body, and if it begins to feel too much, repeat a week, go back a week, or take a week off entirely if you feel you need it.
Everyone’s path to a continuous 5k is different, but with some dedication (plus perspiration) you can get there!
Check out our full guide with training tips here.
If you want help with your running goals, check out the Marathon Handbook How to Get Started Guide!
