A couple of years ago I started running with the Couch to 5K program which helps people start running 3-5k regularly. I found it to be quite transforming. I have never been much of a runner, despite the fact that I’m physically active and enjoy swimming, hiking, dance and weights. Running just never spoke to me.
The Couch to 5K program was a revelation, starting with interval runs to help build endurance. The first week you do eight 60 second runs, and in between you have 90 seconds of walking, it’s quit regulated. I downloaded some podcasts which made sure my music was the right BPM. The announcements would tell me when to run and when to walk. There are also a number of apps you can download ( free – $2.99) that will track everything from distance to speed to calories burned.
To be perfectly honest, the first day of my first ever run since middle school, I was 50 seconds into my first run and I couldn’t quite decide if I was going to throw up or pass out but as I only had 10 more seconds, I thought “if I can survive 2 simultaneously whining kids I can get through 10 more seconds of running!” and by the time I had finished the thought it was time to walk again!
Over the course of Week 2, it became a lot easier. I didn’t always move up from week to week and sometimes I stayed a little longer on a week when I felt I wasn’t ready to move up. At Week 5 I became stuck, life took over and I got a little lazy.
My New Year’s resolution for 2013 is to complete all 9 weeks of the Couch to 5K. One of the changes I made to run in the morning rather than at night as I did previously. I find I don’t put it off because the weather is much cooler at 8:15 am in California. I’m on Week 2 and will probably stay for a second week before moving on to week three.
What new years resolutions did you make have you stuck with them so far?
If you want to join me you can find out more about C2 5K here
Sunny Sleevez 
Congratulations! My story sounds similar to yours. One of my resolutions is to run the Santa Barbara International (Half) Marathon in November. I’m not a runner at all–got my black belt 7 years ago, but really nothing of athletic consequence since. I decided to use the Couch to Half Marathon program. Great program. Good luck! I look forward to reading about your progress.
Wow good for you, Santa Barbara is gorgeous too!
Im getting there, fine this very encouraging!
Congrats. I hope you do well. I love running, body willing . 🙂
I love couch to 5K. I actually use an iPhone app called C25K. I’ve made it up to Week 6 but have had to go back to Week 4 for various reasons in the past few months. But I’ve lost 20 lbs, the running has totally changed my body (and my mind in a lot of ways), and my goal is to run (really run!) a 5K in May. Kudos to you for trying it!
That’s brill, I have yet to shift any lbs but I suspect that has more to do with those (not so) occasional treats that also need go!
I tried the app last time around but found it annoying. It might have changed since then so I’ll give it another go. Keep it up 😀
Keep up the good work. I ride in an 18-wheeler now, and I trying to figure out how to turn it into my personal rolling gym. 🙂
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