Couch to 5K

I have never been a real big fan of routine exercise unless we are talking yoga.  I could do that 5 times a week if only I could go to a studio and practice with people.  Have you ever tried to do yoga with cats around?  I assure you it adds a whole other dimension to your workout.  That being said, I have surprised myself with taking a recent interest in running.  Anyone that knows me would probably recall me poo-pooing the whole idea of running at some point in fitness conversations.  "Why would you want to do that to yourself?"  "How can running that long be good for you?" "You want to do a marathon?  Are you on drugs?!" 

I think having a kid puts your health in perspective.  I have been more physically active since having him and he isn't even walking yet.  It's only going to get harder from here on out.  I want to be the mom that can keep up (somewhat) with my kid(s) and enjoy spending time with them playing and running around.  And personally, I am tired of being the person who seems to be the only one who is struggling when we go for a hike or similar activity. 

So I have heard a lot about this program called "Couch to 5K" which inspires people like me who are essentially couch potatoes when it comes to running and getting them the ability to run a 5K.  They have a 9 week program which gradually walks you through the beginning and works you up to a 5K distance/time.  Straight from the web page: "Too many people have been turned off of running simply by trying to start off too fast. Their bodies rebel, and they wind up miserable, wondering why anyone would possibly want to do this to themselves."  Oh hells yes I may have done that once or twice. 

My problem always was finding a running partner that was actually at my pace.  Don't they say to get a workout partner to make you accountable?  Silly idiots.  I would tell people, "Umm, I am not very good at this and I don't run fast."  I would eagerly be greeted by "Oh me either!  It'll be fun!"  And so off we go and I was always the one, without fail, who wanted to die 10 minutes in.  I would think, ok, if this is my "this is really hard" and they are still moving and getting on with what appears to be at least 75% more ease than me, I must really suck at this.  Which eventually leads to - why bother?  Talk about demotivation.

So I have finally said, screw this, I'll figure out how to do this on my own and for ME.  So I finally looked into the program which is spelled out pretty clearly on the website and gave it some serious thought.  I was finally kicked in the rear when I found a 3 mile path that went right by our door.  Ok, this is it!  To really talk myself into this, I did the whole 3 miles walking and figured out the absolute maximum time it would take to complete.  For some reason my brain works better if I can plan out the maximum time rather than the actual time.  So I did the 3 miles in just under an hour so I knew that it would probably take less time than that for any workout and thus could form a plan of attack.

I have completed 3 weeks (although it's taken me about 5 due to weather and other nonsense) so far and I am excited and scared to start week 4.  I thought running for 3 minutes was a huge accomplishment, 5 seems a bit of a leap.  I might be repeating week 3 for a while.  But that's the beauty of this program.  You can set your own pace and expectation level. 

I think it's amazing I am still attempting any of this.  I got out in the coldest crappiest weather (for here) in the middle of February including one day in the cold rain, and I still want to do this.  I think spring is going to be down right delightful after what I have been out in.  At the end of the day, I want to be able to go out for 30 minutes, 3 times a week and get the recommended fitness box checked.  Do something to prolong my youthful years and if I loose weight and build muscle tone, all the better.

As a side note, I think it's hilarious how much physical activity can cost you once you think you really want to be "into it".  I am going to get fitted for a pair of running shoes for the first time ever.  I usually just pull a pair off the rack and say, ok, close enough!  But apparently, having the right shoes (and more importantly, the right fit) help a lot.  Since I am still going on this, I figure I can go ahead and make that investment.  And of course, buy new running capris and various other accessories.  Although I will say, March appears to be the time to buy fitness things because it's all on clearance now.  I guess if they didn't get you for New Year's Resolutions, they have already lost their top profit margin period.  Hahaha.

Happy trails!