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What should I do after Couch to 5K?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 08, 2026

A common first step is to simply add another day of running to the week. Instead of running three days a week like you did during Couch to 5k, start running four. Once that starts to feel comfortable, add in day five. Eventually, you can even work up to six days a week.

Is there a follow up to Couch to 5K?

The answers are yes and no. There are coaching apps for runners who can already do 25 minutes. One of the best is Nike Run Club, which is slick and also free. It will map your route and monitor your pace, has the option of virtually running with other people, and gives you plenty of the customary congratulations.

What is the best app after Couch to 5K?

Best Couch to 5K Apps

  • Cardiocast (Free) iOS / Android. ...
  • Zombies, Run! ...
  • Start to Run 5K (Free) Available on Garmin fitness devices. ...
  • Nike Run Club App (Free) iOS / Android. ...
  • Charity Miles (Free) iOS / Android. ...
  • Strava (Free) iOS / Android. ...
  • Map My Run (Free) iOS / Android. ...
  • My Fitness Pal (Free) iOS / Android.

Where do I go after a 5K?

You've Run A 5k - What Next?

  • Step up to the 10k. If you are thinking about stepping up in distance and running a 10k you will already have a good base from all the training you've done for the 5k. ...
  • Aim for a 5k PB. ...
  • Try a shorter distance. ...
  • Try a half marathon or marathon.

Is Couch to 5K good for weight loss?

Couch to 5K helps people run a 5K.

It's not designed to help you lose weight or build a body you're proud of. It's also a temporary program that lasts a certain number of weeks until you run your 5K.

44 related questions found

How long does it take to lose weight with Couch to 5K?

Couch to 5K is a program to take you from zero to running 5K in 9 weeks. It's not a weight loss program. You will get fitter, but if your diet remains unchanged, you need to run 35 miles to lose one pound of fat. Even by week 9, the Couch To 5K Plan is only 90 minutes of running per week.

How many calories do you burn in Couch to 5K?

For one, the runs weren't very vigorous. I burned an average of 258 calories per run or just under 900 calories per week. According to Mayo Clinic, you need to burn 3,500 calories to shed a pound of fat.

How should I train after my first 5K?

If you've just nailed your first 5k, we suggest starting with the 4-day plan. This will give your body adequate rest periods in between while you work on building stamina.
...
Options:

  1. 1-hour Yoga or Pilates.
  2. 30 minute – 1-hour cycle.
  3. 30 minute- 1-hour swim.
  4. Spinning class.

Why have I put on weight since running?

You Might Be Experiencing Swelling After A Hard Workout

The body immediately works on healing those microtears (part of the muscle-strengthening process). To do that, it sends excess water to the area to help the healing process, which can then show up as water weight gain after running.

Is 36 minutes a good 5K time?

Factors such as age, sex, and fitness level can influence your 5K time. Many runners complete a 5K in 30 to 40 minutes, and many runners are satisfied with their time if it's around this benchmark. The average walker finishes a 5K in 45 to 60 minutes.

How do I increase my running distance from a 5k to a 10k?

Here are some tips to help you transition smoothly from a 5k to 10k:

  1. 1: Develop the Distance Steadily. ...
  2. 2: Rest & Recover. ...
  3. 3: Cross-Train. ...
  4. 5: Do One Long Run Every Week. ...
  5. 6: An Endurance Session Once A Week.

What happens if you miss a week of Couch to 5k?

If you have only missed one week and you found the previous week okay, then you could carry on where you left off. If you found the week before your week off a little hard, then repeat it before carrying on. If you have missed a few weeks, it is always better to go back, rather than forwards.

How do I train for a 10k after a 5k?

8 tips to transition from 5K to 10K

  1. Build up your distance gradually. Building up to a 10K takes time so don't expect to achieve too much too soon. ...
  2. Take rest days. ...
  3. Cross-train. ...
  4. Stretch. ...
  5. Do one long run a week. ...
  6. Do a threshold session once a week. ...
  7. Set yourself a goal. ...
  8. Stick your training plan on the fridge.

What do I do after Couch to 5k Reddit?

Once you've finished C25K, it's best to mix things up: short, easy runs to build base, a long run to build aerobic capacity and endurance, and after several months of base building, intervals and tempo runs to improve speed.

Is Michael Johnson still on Couch to 5k?

Bereft that Michael Johnson will be leaving the couch to 5k app in June.

What is C210K?

Created by Zen Labs, Couch to 10k (C210K) is a free mobile app that eases beginners and takes them over the course of a 14-week workout schedule to experienced runners capable of completing a 10k (half marathon) run. Couch to 10k is the sequel app to Zen's original Couch to 5k (C25K).

Does running tone your stomach?

While most runners don't run solely to get abs or tone their body, it can be a nice side benefit of the sport. While running is primarily a cardio exercise, it does strengthen and tone many muscles in your body, including your abs.

What should I eat after running to lose weight?

Here are 5 of the best foods to eat after running when your goal is weight loss.

  1. Beet salad. Beets are rich in nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of hunger-controlling fiber, making them a great addition to any salad. ...
  2. Watermelon. ...
  3. Hummus and raw vegetables. ...
  4. Veggie omelet. ...
  5. Apple or banana with peanut butter.

How many times a week should I run to lose weight?

Burning Calories

If your goal is to lose weight generally, you should run about 3 or 4 times a week on alternating days for about 45 minutes. On rest days it is still crucial to engage in some form of exercise. Moving and burning calories are key! Most people overestimate the calories they burn on a run.

What will happen if I run 5km everyday?

By running a 5K every day, you're likely to see improvements in your muscle endurance and potentially in the size of the primary muscles used while running, like your quads, hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors and calves.

How many times a week should I run 5K?

For beginners, most experts recommend running three to four days a week. If you've been running for a while and know how to pace yourself, you may be able to up that total to five days a week.

How do you breathe when running?

The best way to breathe while running is to inhale and exhale using both your nose and mouth combined. Breathing through both the mouth and the nose will keep your breathing steady and engage your diaphragm for maximum oxygen intake. It also allows you to expel carbon dioxide quickly.

Will running reduce belly fat?

Studies have found that moderate-to-high aerobic exercise like running can reduce belly fat, even without changing your diet ( 12 , 13 , 14 ). An analysis of 15 studies and 852 participants found that aerobic exercise reduced belly fat without any change in diet.

How long does it take to see results from running everyday?

Aerobic fitness

If you're just starting a new running routine and were previously inactive, you can see improvements in your cardiorespiratory fitness within four to six weeks. If you've been running for a while and you're trying to get faster, it may be a few months before you see any noticeable gains.

How many days a week do you do Couch to 5K?

Couch to 5K has helped thousands of couch potatoes run their first 5K. 30 minutes per day, 3 days per week, 9 weeks long and you're 5K ready.