Sunday, August 29, 2010

Couch to 5K

Couch to 5k
Okay, it's been 8 weeks since Danny was born which means it's time for me to get my butt back in gear!  Believe it or not I am actually insanely excited to be able to workout again...weird, maybe, but it's the truth.  It's been over a year since I've been out on a run but I still consider myself a runner.  Anytime I talk about running with anyone I still have the runner mentality within me which has helped me realize that I have truly become a runner at heart.  It still is crazy to me because I would never have said that before college but something in college got me going and I gradually built up how long I could run and here I am telling you (again?) that I am a runner

Who else is a runner or wants to be a runner, too?  You know you want to!  Seriously, it's all about slowly building up that ability to run little by little.  That's what I did before and now I'm doing it again.  I found a 9 week training program called a couch to 5k.  I do great if someone tells me what to do and I do it so I'm excited for this.  I'm gonna take my time so I *hopefully* I stay healthy and don't overdo it.  I believe anyone can do it.  I just finished workout number 1 which was a 5 minute walking warmup, and then alternating 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes.  I'm going to run a total of three times this week so I have to do this same workout two more times.

I decided to try and get out and run tonight to kick off this whole couch to 5k thing right.  So many things went through my head before I even got my shoes on...what am I going to wear? ...is it too hot to go out? ...maybe it's too late? ...I probably don't have to start tonight, right?  I told myself I was going to just do it and I did.  Running felt so good at first, and 60 seconds is no problem.  I told myself to take my time running so I could keep it up for the 20 minutes.  It makes a huge difference to be able to stop and walk before starting up again.  I have to say the first ten minutes were easier than the last ten minutes but I just kept going and got it done.  

I've got a few goals for myself, 
here they are:
1. Complete the couch to 5k training program 
- one workout at a time!  
So far: 1 down, 27 to go!
2. Do pilates or strength training on my off days.
3. Register for a 5k on October 31st.
4. Decide and work on my costume for the race!
5. Convince at least one other person 
to run with me on the 31st!

I'm completely ecstatic to get back to running.  I've never felt more healthy than when I have been running.  My breathing is much easier (I have asthma), my body in general feels stronger, and it's such a great cardio workout when it comes to monitoring my weight.  So who's in?  Whether you live nearby or far away you can run with me on October 31st!  If you want to do it, I believe in you.  If you believe in yourself, give this a try.  I'm sending you all my running love!!!


  I'm hoping to pick my race sometime this week and I'll let you know which one I pick.  Any suggestions?  Or if you're not near me, which race did you decide to sign up for?  


4 comments:

Alison said...

Remember... I am beautiful, I am strong, I can run a marathon!

Good for you! One step at a time!

Go for it and have fun!!

Unknown said...

YAY! I loved this post. You are so ready to get out there and run!!!! I know you will do awesome on your 5k. There is a half marathon I'm thinking of running on Oct. 31st as well. If I don't run the half I will find a 5k I can run that day, so we can be "running together" even if we are in different states.

Way to go Jen. You can do this. I have been running for a long time and still remind myself, "I'm a runner. And I can do this." Every time I leave my house for a run.

Robert Benassi said...

You're a motivator. That's for sure. Sil is joining you for sure. I will try. The costume idea sounds like fun!

Emily Jane said...

Way to go!! I am not a runner YET... but I hear you on taking it one step at a time. I'm just the sort of person who needs things NOW and I don't always have the patience for the time it takes to build up to things. You're going to do amazing on your Couch to 5k!!