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
