Sandy's Couch to 5k

[sandy03]

I don't do resolutions. But I do recognize the need for me to get healthier and stay motivated to keep up good habits.

I have done races in the past, everything from a 5k to a half marathon. But I walked them. And I didn't train. And while I enjoy the atmosphere, I would enjoy it a lot more if I weren't miserable during and after!

I set myself a goal of running a marathon before I turn 27 (26 miles for my 26 years). And I will turn 25 in August. And I'd be doing good to actually RUN a mile. So if I'm serious about doing this, I need to get myself moving NOW.

I have no more excuses because I only work part-time, I don't have to deal with school, it's not too hot, I'm moved into a great neighborhood, and there's no time like the present. So I'm going to try the "Couch to 5k" program.

So basically, I need y'all to yell at me if I'm not updating about my 3 workouts a week or if I even mention the thought of quitting.

I probably also need to work on keeping the lid on the candy jar, but I'll tackle one obstacle at a time!

[gwenshack]

Good for you Sandy! :pompom: I've never been a runner so I just marvel at people who do stuff like this. I will root you on the whole way, I promise! And I'll yell at you if you don't update. Deal? :)

[sandy03]

Thanks Gwen! I'm really not a runner either, so this is going to be an adventure. I have a good friend who really doesn't like running but likes racing, and that has kept her motivated enough that she keeps training and in May is doing an ironman triathlon! Maybe it'll work for me too (although don't look for me to do an ironman!)

[KMS]

I went from being a running hater to falling in love with it and finishing a half marathon in the top third of the runners. I was terrified that I was going to finish dead last! Have you signed up for a 5K yet? That's one thing that kept me motivated...I paid the money and told people that I was going to do it so darnit I was going to do it!

I want to do a full marathon so badly. I am going to turn 26 in a few weeks and I wish that I would have thought about setting a goal of running a marathon before I was 27. That's a great idea!

Good luck, you can do it!

[sandy03]

Actually, NOT signing up for a race is my motivation. Because I like the racing part, and I have done them before without training, so basically once I decide I'm ready for a reward (I figure after about 8 weeks) I will sign up for a local race. There are several here in March and April so I will have plenty to choose from. If I'm satisfied with my performance there, I'll move on toward training for a 10k (there's one in November I have my eyes on), then a half marathon next year, and finally a marathon.

I think my ultimate goal for my marathon will be the 2012 Disney Marathon. Want to do it with me? We've got almost exactly two years to get ready!

[KMS]

I love that being able to do the races is like your reward. That is awesome!! What a good outlook to have!

A Disney marathon would be sooo fantastic! I'll keep that in mind! After Paisley gets here, I have to go back to the chiropractor to finish getting my back worked on and finally get my knee squared away. Once I see where I am with that stuff I am going to figure out when I can start training. What a good way to lose my baby weight.

[savepaws]

Good for you Sandy!

I love the Couch to 5k program! I was on it but gave up when I got pregnant because I had no energy and I'm hoping when I get better (been sick) I can start the program over again. I really don't care if I can run a marathon though, I just like the training part. :)

[melissa1031]

Good for you!!Good luck with the training.

I always wanted to run a marathon.But never did because I was always afraid that I'd be that person that passed out after the 1st mile.

[sandy03]

Tomorrow is Day 1. I have to say, I'm pretty excited. I just hope I can STAY excited!

I have made the executive decision (since I clearly have the authority to do this) that we need a OW marathon team. If we pick a race in a really fun location, it might can also serve as a much-discussed OW retreat where all the non-runners can cheer on those that are doing the race, and everyone can enjoy some relaxing fun time!

But first, I need to get through the 5K!

[mj512]

DH and I started running by doing the couch to 5k program! We LOVED it. There is a podcast that a guy does that goes along with it and there is a new one for each new thing and it tells you when to start running and when to walk.

[ChristineLS]

Tomorrow is Day 1. I have to say, I'm pretty excited. I just hope I can STAY excited!

I have made the executive decision (since I clearly have the authority to do this) that we need a OW marathon team. If we pick a race in a really fun location, it might can also serve as a much-discussed OW retreat where all the non-runners can cheer on those that are doing the race, and everyone can enjoy some relaxing fun time!

But first, I need to get through the 5K!

Sign me up for the cheer leading squad! :pompom: I don't run because I've messed up one of my knees but I'm all for training encouragement :D

I can't wait to hear about the successes I know you'll have :)

[NOTKT]

I'll help cheer too! Good Luck! I need to read more about this couch to 5k program, that sounds great!

[gwenshack]

Good luck tomorrow! Day 1! :w00t:

[WBandMe]

Oh good luck! I started C25K last fall and I never finished it (final exams and general laziness :)) but I've been kind of hanging out at the website lately and thinking of starting up again. I need to wait until it's not so cold because I can't breathe in the cold like this. But maybe in March or April I'll be able to get back into it. Hey, maybe you'll be my inspiration this time around! I'm bringing out my pompons for you!

[sandy03]

I just got back in from my first workout, and I'll be honest - I feel like poo!

Not physically - physically I'm a little tired, but it feels great to get out and move again! Part of my motivation was the fact that my body was both figuratively and literally aching to do SOMETHING.

But mentally it kind of took a toll. I'd love to say that it's too cold and windy or I'm still getting over whatever bug I had last week or the neighborhood is really hilly, but those are excuses which get you nowhere. The bottom line is, I'm in worse shape than even I thought.

The first day is supposed to be a five minute warm-up, then alternate 90 seconds of walking and 60 seconds of jogging for 20 minutes. But after about my second cycle of jogging, I could tell it was too much for my little un-exercised lungs to take. That actually made me feel worse than if I'd had a leg cramp or something because I used to play tuba in the band and had really great lungs. But I guess since I haven't really exercised them to that capacity in almost 7 years, that is to be expected.

But, I did NOT give up, although I must admit I was tempted when I passed the house after my first loop. I think the reason I have given up in the past is because I try to push myself too hard too fast. So I just slowed it down. I still kept going for a total 25 minutes, I just walked it.

I figure I'll walk this week to build up a little and get used to it, then try to add in the jogging next week. At least I'm moving, which is more than I've been able to say in quite a long time!

I also chose another reward for myself after about a month or so - I'm going to throw in a little yoga. I've always wanted to try it but was never brave enough to try a class, so I'm going to get an inexpensive video once I get through my first month of this and have a little momentum behind me.

[gwenshack]

I'm glad you didn't give up. In NO TIME you'll look back on this workout and see how far you've come. You just have to stick with it. :pompom:

It always takes the lungs a little bit of time to adjust to a new workout, so don't feel bad. ;)

[melissa1031]

Oh good luck! I started C25K last fall and I never finished it (final exams and general laziness :)) but I've been kind of hanging out at the website lately and thinking of starting up again. I need to wait until it's not so cold because I can't breathe in the cold like this. But maybe in March or April I'll be able to get back into it. Hey, maybe you'll be my inspiration this time around! I'm bringing out my pompons for you!

Is C25K a real exercise program??

Good for you for not giving up!!!!The next time you work out it'll be a little easier.And it'll keep getting easier.

[sandy03]

The Couch to 5K is indeed a real program! I've seen a couple of variations, but this is the one I'm using.

Sandy's Couch to 5K (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml)

[melissa1031]

The Couch to 5K is indeed a real program! I've seen a couple of variations, but this is the one I'm using.

Sandy's Couch to 5K (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml)

That looks like a great program.I love how they brake down the work outs for you for the 9 weeks.

[mj512]

Hey how are you doing?! Are you keeping up with it? Don't think I/We've forgot about you starting this :) Looking forward to you reporting saying you are keeping with it :)

[gwenshack]

Hey how are you doing?! Are you keeping up with it? Don't think I/We've forgot about you starting this :) Looking forward to you reporting saying you are keeping with it :)

Good call Jacklynn! We promised we'd nag...!

[sandy03]

I apologize for not updating, it's been one of those weeks...

I did get a second walk in on Tuesday. It wasn't exactly what I had intended because it was around the hospital, but it was walking for almost two hours straight! It was clearly working on me because I on Wednesday my calfs were killing me so bad I could barely make it down the stairs from the bedroom!

I had intended to go for a walk when I got home from my regular Wednesday meeting (which is usually around 1). Except I didn't get home until much later than normal and by the time I got settled and ready to go it was getting dark, and the neighborhood is not terribly well lit. I'm still learning my way around so the last thing I wanted to do was get lost in the dark!

I had planned on my third walk for this week to be tomorrow. Hopefully the freezing wind will be on its way out!

[sandy03]

Ok, I admit it, I've been slacking. I've done a little walking, but nothing out of the ordinary or to the point that I could call it exercise.

Thankfully the weather is warming up, the sun is coming out, and I actually WANT to be outside. Tomorrow is another day, so I'm going to try to start fresh!

[gwenshack]

Ok, I admit it, I've been slacking. I've done a little walking, but nothing out of the ordinary or to the point that I could call it exercise.

Thankfully the weather is warming up, the sun is coming out, and I actually WANT to be outside. Tomorrow is another day, so I'm going to try to start fresh!

Up and at 'em Sandy! :pompom: :pompom: :pompom: Tomorrow is a new day. ;)

[NOTKT]

Good Luck Sandy! I'll be gunning for you!