I’m going to go ahead and say it, I’m not a huge fan of exercise. I mean people who do it are admirable, I commend their drive. I do enjoy walking on a sunny day while my kids are at their sports practices to pass the time. Last year a friend of mine and I committed to Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred and completed MOST of it. I’m a more eat in moderation, hope the pounds fall off while I’m watching Survivor on the couch thinking about dieting kind of girl.
Last week a relative called me up and asked me if I wanted to do the Couch to 5K program. I immediately thought of my quitter-mentality when it comes to such huge commitments. I’ve started and canceled my gym memberships so many times in my life I just knew I was setting myself up for failure when I said, “okay I’ll do it with you!” Sometimes my brain and my mouth don’t communicate.
The goal here is for couch potatoes (I prefer the term DESK potato because I do work at home!) like myself to work their way slowly from doing nothing to signing up for a local 5K, complete it and brag about it to friends wearing the participant t-shirt! I haven’t gone running in like 2 decades or more. Mary, my partner says it’s a Bucket List item for her, for me, well I’m not sure yet but I’ll let you know when (if) I complete it.
It’s only a 3 day a week commitment. 20-30 minutes per day with the first few weeks’ running plan is less than half of that time. It allows for baby steps, complain days, and days where you just can’t put yourself up to it. It’s really a great plan and combined with some great helpers like the Get Running App for the iPhone/iPod music can be playing while your app’s motivating audio keeps you on track.
After day 1, I was sore. My shins hated me, my thighs ached, and it hurt to move. After day 2 things got better, my shins didn’t hurt as much, but yes my thighs rebelled. But, good grief have I been hungry! All I can think about is my next meal, I guess that comes with actually burning calories. Today I shoot for day 3 and my first of 9 weeks is done. Mary and I have joined a Facebook group that now has over 21 local members. We’re all setting schedules and working together to achieve this similar goal and the accountability really helps out and motivates!
Will I make it to the end of week 9 or will I take it slower and go for a 12-13 week plan. Will I make it to a 5K this summer?
Follow Up Post: My Couch to 5K Update
I just completed a C25k program myself. I went from thinking I was going to die after a mile to easily being able to run a whole 5k. Now I’m training for a half-marathon. If I can do it (a former self-avowed hater of running), anyone can!
Thanks SO much for your inspiration! Congratulations on your accomplishments!
I also am a quitter when it comes to exercise regimens. Can’t wait to see how to goes for you. I am thinking about doing this program after I have the baby and I’ve heard raves reviews about it!
Glad I found your article on Twitter. Great read. Will be starting the couch to 5k program May 1st. Did a “test run” of the day one work out today. Was able to live to tell about it so excited to get started. Wishing you joy as well as success on your couch to 5k journey!
Scheria aka “Moringa Workout Warrior”
Thanks for the comment! Best wishes to you and here’s to a 5K celebration in our futures!
Good luck! 5k’s are alot of fun.
Thanks so much!
I KNOW you can do it! I did it and now I run because I actually want to! The races are a lot of fun and make all the hard work worth it. Keep me updated on your progress and I’m here if you need any help/advice/someone to complain to. 🙂
Thank you so much!! I need inspiration like you! <3
Wow, I know so many friends who have gotten into running the past few years. Maybe I should give it a try. I am more a yoga girl though so who knows.
What a cute term…desk potato – I like that! Unfortunately describes me all too well.
I’m more of a desk SQUASH really:0. I used to run and loved it…then got pretty sick and hard to walk really. But I do know that baby steps are the way to accomplish ANYthing. So happy you are on the fast “track” to crossing off that bucket list item…but most importantly, investing in your health. It is a hard commitment. I have a daughter who started this and then got pregnant so is on hold. A friend of ours lost over a 100 lbs and runs now. She did a ton of tread mill work first to get up her endurance and work in a “safe” environment before taking to the streets and paths. I am in AWE of her!
Put on 1# for every year we’re married: 24 years tomorrow, so now I want to take off those 24# in a year and see if I can get back into my wedding dress for our 25th anniv. Tomorrow I start. The family already has me failing. Can’t blame them. Ha. I prefer exercising my eyes reading inspirational fiction while I’m exercising my jaws eating popcorn, almonds, pretzels, etc. Wish me luck!
Today is week 3 day 2 and it’s kinda kicking my butt. I never ran before but I’m continuing onward. If other people can do this, so can I. Good luck to you too.
A lot of quotes I hadn’t heard before. Thanks!
I will be trying the program starting on Monday—I look forward to hearing about everyone’s adventure as they embark on this “journey”