Couch to 5K

I know someone that started on that program years ago and is now running half marathons pretty regularly

It's a gentle progression into cardiovascular fitness and running. It works. It's good.

If it's a true "couch" to 5K, then definitely stick with it. Most people don't realize that jumping into distance running can cause injury to the joints even though they can complete the distances. I'm trying to convince my friend of this who is jumping from running a few 5Ks and one 15k to a half marathon in the span of a month.

It's how I started years ago. It didn't hook me into running like I am now, but it builds a good foundation for mentally getting through longer runs. I'm running half marathons regularly nowadays.

Can yo give a general breakdown of your training plan?

I started running about 10 years ago (I'm 50). I was a sprinter in high school, but had some knee issues, therefore I assumed I couldn't run. Finally, I said i'd give it a try and a ran my first 5k years ago. Been running more now. However, I wasn't a fatass before, so I wouldn't call myself a couch potato, but I wasn't in the shape I was in in high school, either.

It’s good. I’m starting week 8 soon, and I hadn’t run in many years when I started. It really does ease you in.

My advice: Stick to it. You will feel progress within a week or two. Always take the time to do the warmup. It helps (I learned the hard way). Finally, don’t run on consecutive days. The day off between stages is good for you.

Is it a feasible cardio workout if you’re also lifting every other day? Or should it be a primary exercise plan as opposed to primarily being used as cardio?

For SURE, I basically use it for that exact reason, as my cardio. I don't really like running so the structure and lady on the app motivate me to run for my cardio.

Think of it as guidelines similar to the Code of the Pirate Brethren.

It worked for me and was nice to have something to get started with.

Follow it loosely and take some break days if you feel like you are over doing it. If you feel like you can do a little more, go for it but try not to progress too fast.