Two weeks ago I started a running program called The Couch to 5K Running Plan. I used to hate running, I mean really, really HATE running. Even when I was in the best shape of my life in high school I hated running. I always felt like my lungs were going to explode, and everything burned. I really needed a good way to get back into shape and drop the pounds that I have accrued after four pregnancies. I knew that in general running burns more calories than any other exercise. So I started The Couch to 5K Running Plan.
The Couch to 5K eases you into running for thirty consecutive minutes over a span of nine weeks. You start off with week one walking for five minutes, then you run for sixty seconds, then you walk for ninety seconds. You repeat the running/walking for a total of twenty minutes, then cool down.
I just finished my last run for week two, and I'm feeling great! I am just running around my big backyard area. It is hilly, and bumpy, and the grass is too long, but it beats sitting on the couch. I knew that if I had to drive myself to a track it would never happen. And I'm not confident enough to run on the road yet, I look too goofy when I run. So, I'm sticking to the backyard, at least until I am done with my nine weeks.
I started off asking my husband Ryan to run with me to keep me motivated. It worked really well that first week when I tried every excuse in the book to get out of running. Ryan wouldn't let me give up. He also bought me a really expensive pair of New Balance running shoes. I think the shoes are the biggest motivator! Forget the increased cardiovascular health, lost pounds, bragging rights......I don't want the crazy expensive shoes to go to waste! I hate spending money, especially on something other than books and farm animals! So I am making sure to get my money's worth out of those shoes, even if it makes me skinnier in the process.
So, if you've been considering starting an exercise program, give the Couch to 5K a shot. It works for me.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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11 comments:
Excellent! I will recommend that site.
I have done about 5 5K's and now I am getting ready to train for 10K. It's a good exercise :)
I started running in April using First Day to 5K- very similar to Couch to 5K!
Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks for the tip. It is just what I needed. I have always wanted to run, but I am horrible at it. I really want to try this!
Good for you! I've started the Couch to 5K program three times, but I have yet to finish it. The first two times, I found out that I was pregnant right around week 5. I don't think it was a side effect ...
:)
i'll have to check it out. running seems to be the best thing out there for girls like me with "thick" legs. just hard to find the motivation.
Way to go! Runnersworld.com has really great programs for all levels! So when you advance (which I just know you will) check those out.
And my bf wasn't much of a running partner either, but keep it up!
i'm doing it too, except i changed it from a 9 week program to an 18 week program since my 5k is on thanksgiving day. i'm on week 7 for me which is week 4 of the program. so far, so good.
good luck!
Okay, okay. People training for a marathon scare me. A 5K...maybe.
I've been doing this too! Did you find the free podcasts that will tell you exactly when to run and walk? I don't think I would have done it if I would have had to keep up with the time...
Good job, Ashley! Stick with it- never, never, never give up!
Lots of love,
melanie
Hello Ashley, I really enjoy your blog. It has a lot of useful info. I wanted to make my own strawberry jam but never got around to it. Anyway I tagged you, if you don't mind. Head over to my blog for the info.
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