day111: C25K - W1D2
I just finished week 1, day 2 of the Couch to 5K Running Plan and I feel great. It was definitely easier than the first workout and when he announced it was my last run interval, I couldn't believe it. I think doing it in the morning and wearing shorts helped, as I did it in the afternoon with the sun beating down on me and wearing pants last time. I walked extra for a total of 2.5 miles in just over 37 minutes. Next time I am going to start with a half mile warm up walk (about 7-10 minutes) so it is easier for me to walk/run a total of 3 miles. At this pace, I should be able to complete next weekend's 5k under 45 minutes (my initial goal). By the time the Disney 5k comes around on 5/3, I should be running 2 miles in the program, so I should only have to walk up to half of that 5k. My goal is to be able to complete the Run for the Trees 5k on 5/24 jogging the whole time with little to no walking, as it coincides with week 9, day 1 where I should be running 3 miles with only a 5 minute warm-up walk. This of course assumes I do not have to repeat any days in the program (I plan to repeat any days in which I can't complete the required jogging times).
If you are interested in trying this out (it's a great way to start even if you do not think you are a runner), here are some excellent resources to get you started that I'm using:
-- C25K Running Plan - This sites describes the program and what to do each of the 9 weeks.
-- C25K Checklist - This site is just the chart of the 9 week program with checkboxes to track your progress. It uses a browser cookie so it remembers what you checked from one visit to the next.
-- C25K Podcasts - One of my biggest worries was how I was going to keep track of when to run, when to jog, and when I had done enough intervals. These podcasts make it super easy and include workout music to keep you motivated.
So who's with me? I know we can all do this!
Comments and faves
maclauren70 (50 months ago | reply)
Wow - congrats!!! Love this shot - love how you are framed by the trees.
I hate running so I doubt I would do it - although when a friend of mine started 365 almost 2 years ago I thought she was out of her mind - so you never know....
Kitzzy (50 months ago | reply)
Thanks. I used to think I hated running too, but it turns out I was just horribly out of shape. At the current phase in the program, I am only running 60 seconds at a time, for a total of 8 minutes and it is getting easier. I am actually enjoying it!
I think what really sealed the deal was doing that 2 mile race. Even though I walked most of it, I jogged a bit here and there and sprinted at the end. It was such a rush that it really motivated me to continue to get in shape and become a runner.
My dad used to run marathons and I would love to follow in his footsteps even though I never imagined I could. We had a family BBQ yesterday and it was great talking to him about it. He had a heart attack about a year ago when he started running again, but I think hearing me talk about races has him wanting to start again. He needs to check with his doctor to see if he can give it a try, even if at a slower pace than he used to. It would be amazing to be able to run a race with my dad.
only1geekette (50 months ago | reply)
Thanks for sharing this. Another friend of mine also did the Couch to 5K program a year or so ago. I've had the link favorited at the top of my bookmarks for a while. Its my goal to use it once all the snow has melted here. Thank you for the other resources. I plan to use them. I also was worried how I'd know when to stop running.
I'm suprised I'm losing about a pound a week with no excersize right now. I'm hoping once I start this program I'll be able to work off a bit more. I am so very out of shape.
Thanks again for sharing this. I hope to start it in a couple weeks. :)
only1geekette added this photo to her favorites. (50 months ago)
Kitzzy (50 months ago | reply)
only1geekette, glad someone can get some use out of these resources. It will be neat having someone else doing it and following along on the progress. I am sure you will do great. Adding physical activity to lose weight should certainly help. What are you doing now, dieting? The one side effect this has is that now I am more hungry, but if I make the right food choices, that should not be a problem. Good luck with your weight loss and fitness goals!
only1geekette (50 months ago | reply)
I'm pretty much just watching what I'm eating, doing alittle bit of the weight watchers points, but not really, I'm using it more as a guide. I dont want to eat much things that are over 4 points. And eating lots of healthier things. I've cut soda out and a few other things. And switched to popsicles instead of ice cream. I've found I love melon flavored ones.
Kitzzy (50 months ago | reply)
That's basically what I started doing too (watching what I eat) and just being active every day. I've cut out soda, fried food, and most candy (I eat some here and there or granola bars with chocolate or slim-a-bear/skinny cow ice cream because I know I can't give them up entirely but can control them). I am sure you will see an even bigger drop in pounds once you start the program. And what a great time to start when you can document it all during the 365days project!
typej (50 months ago | reply)
25K run? u are crazy. but maybe crazy enough to pull this off...
Kitzzy (50 months ago | reply)
LOL not 25k, C25K stands for Couch to 5K
lil 1/2 pint (50 months ago | reply)
(i like your pictures. ::smiles::)
Kitzzy (50 months ago | reply)
lil 1/2 pint, Thanks!
kelsokraft (50 months ago | reply)
Nice picture.
I'm only W2D2, it is tough, but I'll make it. Good Luck on your 5K.
Seen at Couch to 5k
Kitzzy (50 months ago | reply)
kelsokraft, thanks! Good luck with the program. I think it just keeps getting easier, but lets see if I say that when I am on week 5 :)
val*jean (34 months ago | reply)
I started over again with this and am doing Week One/Day Two in a few hours. It's always inspirational to see all your blogged progress. :)