I ran!???!!

Well I did my first "Couch to 5k" training session today.  I ran for the first time in almost 3 years (and that was only a couple of times for a brief couple of minutes and before that it had been YEARS).  And I am pleased as punch to say that I didn't die!  For those of you that aren't familiar with this program, it is about a 30 minute walk/jog that you do 3 times a week.  It is designed to gradually train you to run a 5k.  I have heard great things about it from several friends that have done it.

I have been "mentally working out" for a while now....thinking about getting started that is.  I worked from home today so had the perfect opportunity to get started over my lunch hour - no one to see me after I became a hot and sweaty mess, no toddler to try to entertain and prevent from interrupting the session 500 times, and the actual motivation to do it so I decided to give it a shot.

The week one session is a 5 min warm up followed by 20 minutes of alternating 60 seconds of running followed by 90 seconds of "recovery" brisk walking and finishing with a 5 min cool down walk.  I made it through 4 "running" sessions (out of 9 - yes I actually created a spreadsheet to figure out how many there were.  Yes, I am a geek!).  While I was hoping to be a trooper and make it through the whole first session as planned, sadly that wasn't the case.  I did keep going but I changed the last 5 runs to an increased walking pace.  Surprisingly it wasn't my breathing or heart rate that was causing me trouble to run, it was my calves - they were on fire!!!

I feel like for a first attempt this could be chalked up as a success.

• I did it and got started (for me, that is a miracle in and of itself!)
• I didn't get discouraged and quit
• I actually don't completely detest the thought of doing this again (just partially...j/k actually not bad)

So for those of you that are looking for something different, I suggest you try this.  Info can be found at this website - http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml.  Also if you google "couch to 5k podcasts" you will get results of sites where you can download playlists that will tell you when it's time to run/walk.  I used one recommended to me by a friend and I can't imagine trying to time it myself!!!  There are also phone apps that will time it for you and tell you when to switch and you can use your own playlist for music.  It just depends on what your style preference is.

I think my favorite part about this was it was only 30 minutes.  To me that seems much more do-able, tolerable and repeatable than a 1 hour walk/jog.  So here's to hoping I can actually get my butt up off the couch and do this again on Sunday.  Hold me accountable folks....I need it!!!

Until then, I am looking forward to completing my first (of I hope many) 5k (this one will for sure be a WALK) with my mom tomorrow morning.  It should be a nice day.  I will be sure to post a pic.