This past week marked the final week of my Couch to 5K training program and they were all big runs - at least that's how they felt to me when I looked at the amount of time I was supposed to spend running.
In the previous week I had pushed myself a couple of times and ran through the 5-minute cool down, which boosted my overall running time to 30 minutes. And I was pretty proud of this but I wanted to make sure it wasn't a fluke, that I could actually do that more than once. So with those last three C25K runs (2 x 28 minutes, 1 x 30 minutes) I was cautiously optimistic of my success but also aware that it may not work out after all.
Turns out I needn't have worried.
The first 28-minute run I stuck to the 28 minutes and was almost able to do it; I hit 20 minutes and needed a quick walking break, so after a minute of catching my breath I ran the remaining 7 minutes. It was a bit discouraging but setbacks are to be expected, right?
The second 28-minute run went much better though; I was able to push through the extra 5 minutes at the end and top out at 33 minutes of running. I also turned on my RunKeeper app to track distance - and I clocked in at 4.9km! While I was a bit disappointed that I didn't hit 5km, I was also completely surprised that I'd even made it that far. Woot!
Then last night was the final run of the program, 30 minutes. Again I set RunKeeper to track my distance and suddenly I found myself running...and running...and running...until I'd topped out at 6km.
SIX FREAKING KILOMETRES!
Given, 0.7km of that distance was my walking warmup but still - I managed to hit 5km!
I gotta say, I'm pretty proud of myself. When I first started the program and had to do some of the first long runs (you know, 5 and 8 minutes) they were HARD. And there were times when I was pretty sure I couldn't do it and that I should just forget it and find another activity. I'm not really sure why I kept going; maybe deep down I was actually enjoying running (and now I can admit that I do enjoy running). Whatever the reason, I'm glad I kept at it. And the humidity has also helped, which is pretty much the only thing I like about the humidity. The warmer air helps make breathing easier for me. It will be interesting to see how the cooler air of fall affects me but I'm hoping I can ride the wave of summer running success into the fall and overcome any obstacles.
Overall I'm ridiculously pleased with myself and I have no problem bragging just a little!
Showing posts with label Couch to 5K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Couch to 5K. Show all posts
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Hot run in the summertime
Toronto summer arrived with full force yesterday. As someone who hates extreme heat I consider myself lucky that the intense humidity didn't arrive until June 23. But arrive it did and since it was hotter than a cave troll's temper and stinkier than an orc's breath, it was a day best spent inside watching The Hobbit and Arrested Development.
It was also the perfect day to catch up on laundry since fabric could hang outside without spontaneously sweating through everything. But around 6:45 pm our neighbour knocked on our back door to alert us to the start of the rain. The laundry made it in but the forecast said there'd be thunderstorms by 8pm. I wanted to run but was waiting for the sun to set, meaning the temperature would drop by half a degree. But with the threat of rain I made the executive decision: I would go running right then.
And I did. And it was hot. And sticky. And hot. And humid. And HOT.
But I made it. It was another 25-minute run and I made it through all 25 burning minutes. And I'm happy to say that the first 18 minutes were easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. Actually, it wasn't until about 22 minutes that it really started to hurt and not just from the heat. Even with the last three minutes full of pain I kept going and it was awesome. (Well, eventually it was awesome. When I was done I was done.)
And because the rain held off, the Beau was able to barbeque. It's just so nice to come home from a steamy run to find burgers on the grill, eagerly awaiting cheddar cheese and anticipating being topped with carmelized onions and BBQ sauce.
Om nom nom!
It was also the perfect day to catch up on laundry since fabric could hang outside without spontaneously sweating through everything. But around 6:45 pm our neighbour knocked on our back door to alert us to the start of the rain. The laundry made it in but the forecast said there'd be thunderstorms by 8pm. I wanted to run but was waiting for the sun to set, meaning the temperature would drop by half a degree. But with the threat of rain I made the executive decision: I would go running right then.
And I did. And it was hot. And sticky. And hot. And humid. And HOT.
But I made it. It was another 25-minute run and I made it through all 25 burning minutes. And I'm happy to say that the first 18 minutes were easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. Actually, it wasn't until about 22 minutes that it really started to hurt and not just from the heat. Even with the last three minutes full of pain I kept going and it was awesome. (Well, eventually it was awesome. When I was done I was done.)
And because the rain held off, the Beau was able to barbeque. It's just so nice to come home from a steamy run to find burgers on the grill, eagerly awaiting cheddar cheese and anticipating being topped with carmelized onions and BBQ sauce.
Om nom nom!
 |
| I don't always grill burgers, but when I do I grill the best burgers. |
Thursday, June 20, 2013
MORE RUNNING!
Last night I went out running again and it was the first time since I've started that I actually wanted to go out. Usually it's all, "I have to go running now to keep up with the progress I've made." But I had planned to go in the early evening and I didn't try to make excuses or spend an hour saying, "I don't want to go running...but I have to."
It was a pretty nice feeling, I gotta say.
It was also a damn hard run - 25 minutes straight. I managed to do it, but it hurt. My allergies may be playing a part in the breathing pains I was having, but by the time I went to bed (4 hours after finishing) my lungs were still a bit sore. Even today, 15 hours later, I can still feel little twinges when I breathe deeply. I will be a very happy girl when allergy season is over. (Wait, when IS allergy season over?)
Even with the breathing challenges, I'm pretty proud of my progress though sometimes I need to be reminded to be proud. The Beau is my biggest cheerleader and after every run, when I tell him how long I ran for, he always responds with genuine enthusiasm and pride. And when I start comparing my progress to that of marathoners (which of course makes my 25 minutes seem like nuthin!) he makes sure I realize that, for most people, running for 25 minutes straight IS a big deal and should be treated as such. It's an accomplishment and shouldn't be scoffed at.
And - you know what? - I agree!
It was a pretty nice feeling, I gotta say.
It was also a damn hard run - 25 minutes straight. I managed to do it, but it hurt. My allergies may be playing a part in the breathing pains I was having, but by the time I went to bed (4 hours after finishing) my lungs were still a bit sore. Even today, 15 hours later, I can still feel little twinges when I breathe deeply. I will be a very happy girl when allergy season is over. (Wait, when IS allergy season over?)
Even with the breathing challenges, I'm pretty proud of my progress though sometimes I need to be reminded to be proud. The Beau is my biggest cheerleader and after every run, when I tell him how long I ran for, he always responds with genuine enthusiasm and pride. And when I start comparing my progress to that of marathoners (which of course makes my 25 minutes seem like nuthin!) he makes sure I realize that, for most people, running for 25 minutes straight IS a big deal and should be treated as such. It's an accomplishment and shouldn't be scoffed at.
And - you know what? - I agree!
 |
| Post-run sunset. Aaaaaaahhhhh. |
Saturday, June 15, 2013
RUNNING!
Last night proved to be another wonderful night for a run. Though there was a point when I almost poured myself a glass of wine but I was strong and went running first - and it was SO WORTH IT.
Last night's run was run one of week seven of the Couch to 5K program and the furthest I've made it yet with the program (last time I did it I topped out at week six). I was a little worried about the run because it was the second long run of the program - 22 whole, continuous minutes. Even though I was scared and worried that I wouldn't be able to do it, I made myself go out. The result?
I DID IT! I RAN FOR 22 WHOLE STRAIGHT MINUTES!
There was even a point where I think I was hitting the beginning of the mythical runner's high, where I felt I could go forever. This was tempered rather quickly, though, by the feeling that I was going to die but then the magical, mechanical voice in my app said "One minute left" (sweeter words I've never heard!) and I pushed through and made it. And it was awesome.
So far I'm only worrying about time spent running, not distance. I know I have to eventually focus on distance but I'm more interested in getting my endurance up. When I ran on the treadmill I was at a 7-minute-kilometre pace. If I'm doing about that outside (and I honestly don't know what my speed is) then last night's run would have put me at 3 km, or 60% of where I need to be for a 5K. (Did I mention I've registered for a 5K? No? Well, I may or may not be doing a 5K that may or may not be in September. Heh.) Of course, throwing out the 60% number takes away a bit from the 22-minute number, but I'm not discouraged by it. I've got lots of time before September, so lots of time to keep building my endurance.
I've gotta say, I was beginning to think that I'd never really be a "runner" of any kind but since I've started running outside it's been so much better. I think I just might be able to do this.
Last night's run was run one of week seven of the Couch to 5K program and the furthest I've made it yet with the program (last time I did it I topped out at week six). I was a little worried about the run because it was the second long run of the program - 22 whole, continuous minutes. Even though I was scared and worried that I wouldn't be able to do it, I made myself go out. The result?
I DID IT! I RAN FOR 22 WHOLE STRAIGHT MINUTES!
There was even a point where I think I was hitting the beginning of the mythical runner's high, where I felt I could go forever. This was tempered rather quickly, though, by the feeling that I was going to die but then the magical, mechanical voice in my app said "One minute left" (sweeter words I've never heard!) and I pushed through and made it. And it was awesome.
So far I'm only worrying about time spent running, not distance. I know I have to eventually focus on distance but I'm more interested in getting my endurance up. When I ran on the treadmill I was at a 7-minute-kilometre pace. If I'm doing about that outside (and I honestly don't know what my speed is) then last night's run would have put me at 3 km, or 60% of where I need to be for a 5K. (Did I mention I've registered for a 5K? No? Well, I may or may not be doing a 5K that may or may not be in September. Heh.) Of course, throwing out the 60% number takes away a bit from the 22-minute number, but I'm not discouraged by it. I've got lots of time before September, so lots of time to keep building my endurance.
I've gotta say, I was beginning to think that I'd never really be a "runner" of any kind but since I've started running outside it's been so much better. I think I just might be able to do this.
 |
| Evening run, FTW. |
Monday, June 3, 2013
A (TV) marathon and my own long run
Every few weeks, the Beau and I are gifted with a Sunday where we have absolutely nothing to do - no plans, no commitments, no pressing house or wedding duties. When these Sundays roll around we do our best to enjoy them in all their lazy, responsibility-free splendor.
Yesterday was one of those Sundays.
Now, it's not very often that the plan-free Sunday is also a house-duty-free Sunday, but we hosted my book club on Saturday night and cleaned up after the party, so there was no need to do housework. Just a couple loads of laundry and we were good for the day.
The weather also cooperated with us, in that it rained on and off for most of the day so we didn't feel the least bit guilty spending the day inside, on the couches (I'm so glad we have two!), watching a TV marathon.
And no, it was not an Arrested Development marathon. Instead, we watched Orphan Black. It just so happened the season finale for Orphan Black was Saturday night and Space, the station that carries the show, ran the entire season during the day Saturday. So we PVRed all the episodes and settled in for a day of excellent TV.
What. A. Show.
Orphan Black is a sci-fi show that centres around a young woman's discovery that she is one of many clones. Who made her, where she came from, why she was made and how she can have her own biological daughter are all explored in the 10 episodes of season one and it is one hell of a story.
But while watching Orphan Black, I kept thinking about running (and not just because the characters do a lot of running, for exercise and other reasons). I wanted to keep the momentum from Friday going but I also knew what was waiting for me in my next run: 20 minutes of straight running. I had hit this point last year when I did the Couch to 5K program and I successfully ran for 20 minutes, so I was also worried about not being able to match my previous performance.
Finally, shortly after 8pm, I made up my mind: I was going for a run.
The biggest change from Friday night to Sunday night was the weather. Gone was the humidity that had helped keep the air (and my airways) warm; now I was faced with a 16-degree evening, complete with chilly breeze.
Normally that kind of temperature is what I love - perfect for walking around the neighbourhood with a coffee. But I had to run and run I did. And I made it - almost. At about the 17-minute mark, I took a 30 second walking break, then ran the remaining time. But only 30 seconds of walking. Otherwise, it was all me, all running, all success.
When I got home, the Beau was so happy and supportive about my progress and corrected me when I said that my 17 minutes of running was probably a warm-up to most people; he said that for the average person, 17 minutes of steady running was excellent and something to be proud of.
So I am proud. And I feel pretty good today, though my lungs are a little tight still from the cold last night. But because I'll be fine, it was totally worth it.
Yesterday was one of those Sundays.
Now, it's not very often that the plan-free Sunday is also a house-duty-free Sunday, but we hosted my book club on Saturday night and cleaned up after the party, so there was no need to do housework. Just a couple loads of laundry and we were good for the day.
The weather also cooperated with us, in that it rained on and off for most of the day so we didn't feel the least bit guilty spending the day inside, on the couches (I'm so glad we have two!), watching a TV marathon.
And no, it was not an Arrested Development marathon. Instead, we watched Orphan Black. It just so happened the season finale for Orphan Black was Saturday night and Space, the station that carries the show, ran the entire season during the day Saturday. So we PVRed all the episodes and settled in for a day of excellent TV.
What. A. Show.
Orphan Black is a sci-fi show that centres around a young woman's discovery that she is one of many clones. Who made her, where she came from, why she was made and how she can have her own biological daughter are all explored in the 10 episodes of season one and it is one hell of a story.
But while watching Orphan Black, I kept thinking about running (and not just because the characters do a lot of running, for exercise and other reasons). I wanted to keep the momentum from Friday going but I also knew what was waiting for me in my next run: 20 minutes of straight running. I had hit this point last year when I did the Couch to 5K program and I successfully ran for 20 minutes, so I was also worried about not being able to match my previous performance.
Finally, shortly after 8pm, I made up my mind: I was going for a run.
The biggest change from Friday night to Sunday night was the weather. Gone was the humidity that had helped keep the air (and my airways) warm; now I was faced with a 16-degree evening, complete with chilly breeze.
Normally that kind of temperature is what I love - perfect for walking around the neighbourhood with a coffee. But I had to run and run I did. And I made it - almost. At about the 17-minute mark, I took a 30 second walking break, then ran the remaining time. But only 30 seconds of walking. Otherwise, it was all me, all running, all success.
When I got home, the Beau was so happy and supportive about my progress and corrected me when I said that my 17 minutes of running was probably a warm-up to most people; he said that for the average person, 17 minutes of steady running was excellent and something to be proud of.
So I am proud. And I feel pretty good today, though my lungs are a little tight still from the cold last night. But because I'll be fine, it was totally worth it.
Midnight run
Okay, fine, it wasn't a midnight run. But it was an evening run (which I'm fast discovering is my favourite time to run).
When I left work on Friday, it was in the middle of a serious rainstorm. But this being Toronto, the rain didn't last long and by 8:45pm, it was still overcast but dry enough to venture outside for a run.
And what a run it was.
I'm still on the Couch to 5K program and Friday night was the second run of Week 5: 5 minute warmup; run 8 minutes; walk 5 minutes; run 8 minutes; 5 minute cool down. I'll be honest, the 8-minute sections had me a little worried but I gave it my best go anyways...and the first one was easy peasy! Not even sure why that happened but it did so I just kept going.
When I finished the second 8-minute section, I still felt really good so instead of cooling down in the last five minutes of the workout, I ran it. That's right - 13 minutes baby! And - AND - when I was done I felt GREAT!
Why it went so well can be attributed to my working at running more regularly but also partly to the humid evening that was Friday. Even with the rain the humidity hadn't dissipated completely and proved an instance where the environment didn't work against my asthma. (Because both exercise and the environment cause my asthma to flare up, it's always neat to see when it HELPS me to breathe.) The humidity helped because it kept the air warm; when the air is cold and I'm gasping for it (like when I run) it causes my airways to constrict more, making my breathing harder. That's why running in the winter can be hard unless I've got a scarf or something over my mouth - but even then it can be dodgy.
But now that it's summer and the air is moist my running is getting on track and it's awesome. And I'm finally getting not just excited about building my strength as a runner but also confident that I can keep going and keep getting better. What an awesome place to be!
When I left work on Friday, it was in the middle of a serious rainstorm. But this being Toronto, the rain didn't last long and by 8:45pm, it was still overcast but dry enough to venture outside for a run.
And what a run it was.
I'm still on the Couch to 5K program and Friday night was the second run of Week 5: 5 minute warmup; run 8 minutes; walk 5 minutes; run 8 minutes; 5 minute cool down. I'll be honest, the 8-minute sections had me a little worried but I gave it my best go anyways...and the first one was easy peasy! Not even sure why that happened but it did so I just kept going.
When I finished the second 8-minute section, I still felt really good so instead of cooling down in the last five minutes of the workout, I ran it. That's right - 13 minutes baby! And - AND - when I was done I felt GREAT!
Why it went so well can be attributed to my working at running more regularly but also partly to the humid evening that was Friday. Even with the rain the humidity hadn't dissipated completely and proved an instance where the environment didn't work against my asthma. (Because both exercise and the environment cause my asthma to flare up, it's always neat to see when it HELPS me to breathe.) The humidity helped because it kept the air warm; when the air is cold and I'm gasping for it (like when I run) it causes my airways to constrict more, making my breathing harder. That's why running in the winter can be hard unless I've got a scarf or something over my mouth - but even then it can be dodgy.
But now that it's summer and the air is moist my running is getting on track and it's awesome. And I'm finally getting not just excited about building my strength as a runner but also confident that I can keep going and keep getting better. What an awesome place to be!
 |
| My neighbourhood, post-run, late in the evening |
Monday, April 22, 2013
Running scared
I'm through the first three weeks of the Couch to 5K program and it's going well. Since I've been here before, I know that I can do it and that it just takes a bit of work on my part to stay motivated and to run regularly. And I could be running more regularly, but I'm doing my best with it.
But I'm also getting scared. It looks like spring has finally decided to join us and I'm worried about my allergies. Last summer, I was making great progress and was all set to do the zombie run when allergies hit and I couldn't breathe...at all...even with two inhalers and allergy medication. And I'm scared of this happening again, of my hard work being negated by circumstances beyond my control.
Normally my fears are irrational as they are the result of me assuming the worst will happen in any situation and then magnifying that by about a bajillion. But this time I know my fears are actually based in reality and - worst of all - there's not a lot I can do about it.
Sure, I can keep running - and I will - but it feels like it's just a matter of time before I'm struck down and forced to start again after months of allergy-induced breathlessness.
And after spring comes the horrible humidity that is a Toronto summer, which also makes breathing hard. Then fall, with more allergens, then winter, with cold air that burns. Now that I'm running regularly outside I don't want to go back in on the treadmill; I love feeling the sun on my face, having the wind blow through my hair, smelling the freshness of spring.
I just have to keep trying (and keep reminding myself to keep trying).
It ain't easy being wheezy.
But I'm also getting scared. It looks like spring has finally decided to join us and I'm worried about my allergies. Last summer, I was making great progress and was all set to do the zombie run when allergies hit and I couldn't breathe...at all...even with two inhalers and allergy medication. And I'm scared of this happening again, of my hard work being negated by circumstances beyond my control.
Normally my fears are irrational as they are the result of me assuming the worst will happen in any situation and then magnifying that by about a bajillion. But this time I know my fears are actually based in reality and - worst of all - there's not a lot I can do about it.
Sure, I can keep running - and I will - but it feels like it's just a matter of time before I'm struck down and forced to start again after months of allergy-induced breathlessness.
And after spring comes the horrible humidity that is a Toronto summer, which also makes breathing hard. Then fall, with more allergens, then winter, with cold air that burns. Now that I'm running regularly outside I don't want to go back in on the treadmill; I love feeling the sun on my face, having the wind blow through my hair, smelling the freshness of spring.
I just have to keep trying (and keep reminding myself to keep trying).
It ain't easy being wheezy.
Monday, April 1, 2013
A beautiful day for a run
Ha, just kidding! Happy April Fool's Day!
Today was actually a terrible day for a run but I still manages to do it, no foolin'!
We're at the Beau's folks for a couple of nights before heading off to Prince Edward County for a few nights. I'm bringing my running gear to PEC but who knows if I'll actually use it so I wanted to get a run in today. It was a frosty -13 this morning an the winds were at 40 km/he and I was damn chilly and my lungs hurt but I'm pretty proud of myself for doing it!
This is what it looked like on my run - brrr:
Today was actually a terrible day for a run but I still manages to do it, no foolin'!
We're at the Beau's folks for a couple of nights before heading off to Prince Edward County for a few nights. I'm bringing my running gear to PEC but who knows if I'll actually use it so I wanted to get a run in today. It was a frosty -13 this morning an the winds were at 40 km/he and I was damn chilly and my lungs hurt but I'm pretty proud of myself for doing it!
This is what it looked like on my run - brrr:
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Couch to 5K and Week 5
So far, I haven't had any problems with the program, especially through the first three weeks. With short running intervals, those three weeks were easy to complete and made me feel like a running rock star.
Week 4 started to get a bit tougher, as the running intervals got a bit longer, but I soldiered through. I was a little winded after a couple of those workouts but I completed them and that's what mattered.
Then came Week 5.
For Week 5, all workouts were different, with the running intervals getting longer with each workout. First I started with three 5-minute running intervals, broken up by 3-minute walking intervals. This was tough but doable and I managed just fine.
Then I had two 8-minute running intervals with a 5-minute walking interval in the middle. At this point I'd never run 8 minutes straight so I was a bit worried. Still, I not only got through it but felt amazing afterwards.
For today, I faced my biggest challenge yet: 20 minutes of straight running. No walking. Just running for twenty. Minutes. Straight.
And you know what? I did it.
HOLY CRAP, I RAN FOR 20 MINUTES STRAIGHT.
By 17 minutes I was starting to feel it. By 19 minutes, I was more than feeling it. By 20 minutes, I was ecstatic to be done. But I did it. I didn't walk. I didn't slow down. I didn't curl up in the fetal position and go flying off the treadmill.
I ran for 20 minutes straight. And I'm damn proud of that.
And I didn't even need my inhaler. I can't remember if I've talked about my asthma before, but I've got it. It would be an easy enough thing to hide behind and say, "I'd be able to run better if it weren't for my asthma." Thing is, there are plenty of athletes who have it, including Olympic athletes, and as long as you manage it properly you can do well at physical activities. It's because of this that I choose to approach my asthma this way: "I manage my asthma with two inhalers to allow me to do the best I can. Instead of using it as a crutch, I see my asthma as something to overcome."
Simple as that.
Although I may have done so well with my run today because of my awesome Olympic pedicure:
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Couch to 5K update
Well hello! I hope you're all doing well this fine Tuesday afternoon!
Remember how I started the Couch to 5K program? Well, I'm still with it. The first three weeks were a little easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy and today I start week 4.
Last week, the running portion of each workout maxed out at nine minutes. Today, I'm facing a running portion of 16 minutes. Given, it's broken up into more manageable intervals, but suddenly I find myself getting into it. And it's exciting!
By the end of the program I should be running for 30 minutes straight. Right now, that feels almost impossible (emphasis on the almost). Really I just hope I can get through this week. Of course it's not going to get any easier (or maybe it will, as I build up strength) but I'm definitely not ready to fail.
I do have to survive those zombies, after all.
Remember how I started the Couch to 5K program? Well, I'm still with it. The first three weeks were a little easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy and today I start week 4.
Last week, the running portion of each workout maxed out at nine minutes. Today, I'm facing a running portion of 16 minutes. Given, it's broken up into more manageable intervals, but suddenly I find myself getting into it. And it's exciting!
By the end of the program I should be running for 30 minutes straight. Right now, that feels almost impossible (emphasis on the almost). Really I just hope I can get through this week. Of course it's not going to get any easier (or maybe it will, as I build up strength) but I'm definitely not ready to fail.
I do have to survive those zombies, after all.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
WW Weigh-In #25
And so it goes. And so it goes.
Last week: 185.8 lb
This week: 186.8 lb
Total gained this week: 1.0 lb
Weight loss target: 181.8 lb
To reach target: 5.0 lb
Sigh. I've been gaining and losing the same few pounds for about two months now - coincidentally, the same amount of time we've been house hunting. As I mentioned yesterday, stress eating has been a thing but now that I've recognized that I'm hoping to defeat it. Still, it would be so much easier if we could just buy a damn house!
I'm still working at finding a way over this hurdle. The Couch to 5K program will help; I did the first workout yesterday and it was pretty easy which will help me keep going. The running I've done in the past is definitely going to help but it's also nice to start at the beginning of the program and do really well - it's that kind of instant success that will help me keep going.
Also, I'm not going to hit my goal weight by July 4, alas. Losing 5 lb in a week is possible, but it's neither healthy nor sustainable. All I can do is keep working at it.
Last week: 185.8 lb
This week: 186.8 lb
Total gained this week: 1.0 lb
Weight loss target: 181.8 lb
To reach target: 5.0 lb
Sigh. I've been gaining and losing the same few pounds for about two months now - coincidentally, the same amount of time we've been house hunting. As I mentioned yesterday, stress eating has been a thing but now that I've recognized that I'm hoping to defeat it. Still, it would be so much easier if we could just buy a damn house!
I'm still working at finding a way over this hurdle. The Couch to 5K program will help; I did the first workout yesterday and it was pretty easy which will help me keep going. The running I've done in the past is definitely going to help but it's also nice to start at the beginning of the program and do really well - it's that kind of instant success that will help me keep going.
Also, I'm not going to hit my goal weight by July 4, alas. Losing 5 lb in a week is possible, but it's neither healthy nor sustainable. All I can do is keep working at it.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Couch to 5K
I've seen mention of the Couch to 5K running plan on Facebook and Twitter so today, when I found myself looking for a good training program for a 5K (that zombie run is coming up) I thought I'd check it out.
It's an 8-week program, which is perfect for me; I now have July and August to get into running shape and then another three weeks before the zombies come at me so with any luck I'll be able to do this. And the workouts are similar to what I've already been doing: walk/run intervals a few times a week, working up to longer running distances.
I thought that I could do my own program if I just tracked it myself but I'm discovering that I like workouts (both weights and cardio) that are structured for me by someone else (namely, someone with more fitness and exercise experience than me). I like having someone tell me that walk/run intervals three times a week will be enough to get me into shape. And I like seeing other people using it - even Jimmy Fallon! - and having success with it.
If you're interested, you can check it out HERE.
I'll let you know how I like it. Really, the only thing I can see impeding me is my own laziness!
It's an 8-week program, which is perfect for me; I now have July and August to get into running shape and then another three weeks before the zombies come at me so with any luck I'll be able to do this. And the workouts are similar to what I've already been doing: walk/run intervals a few times a week, working up to longer running distances.
I thought that I could do my own program if I just tracked it myself but I'm discovering that I like workouts (both weights and cardio) that are structured for me by someone else (namely, someone with more fitness and exercise experience than me). I like having someone tell me that walk/run intervals three times a week will be enough to get me into shape. And I like seeing other people using it - even Jimmy Fallon! - and having success with it.
If you're interested, you can check it out HERE.
I'll let you know how I like it. Really, the only thing I can see impeding me is my own laziness!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)