On January 2nd I took the plunge and started the Couch to 5K running program. Every other day, I lace up my Nikes and pull my hair back. I grab my iPod and car keys and head over to the trail. The buds go into my ears and a woman with a beautiful British accent tells me to walk briskly for 5 minutes. Music plays while my body warms up.As of yesterday, I am in week 2 of the program. The British woman {I'm calling her Abigail} tells me that it's time to start jogging. "Jog for 90 seconds and I will tell you when to walk again, 3-2-1-GO!" She is very encouraging. How could you not listen to an accent like that and be invigorated? So I jog.
The music picks up and I find my rhythm. When my legs think they can't go anymore, I boost my confidence with thoughts like, "You always feel great when the session is over!" or "Don't quit now, think of the muscle you are building to melt away the fat!" So I push through. Abigail chimes in around this time and says I should continue with a brisk walk for 90 seconds. So I walk. Briskly.
The pattern continues for 20 minutes. Abigail cheers me on...then suddenly it's over. Another day of the program is behind me and I look forward to the day after tomorrow when I do it all over again.
As the days pass, my body is stronger and I hold my head up higher. I smile and nod at the people on the trail getting their exercise in and I'm proud. I'm already down 5 pounds and I will not stop. I will complete this training.
For well over a year I've been saying the typical, "I just don't have time to work out!" Well I do. We all do. A half hour every other day is not much to give up. Just this past weekend, two of my sons joined me. I don't have a jogging stroller, so I put him in the regular stroller. He got fresh air and I worked out. My other son who is 11, ran right along with me. Win/Win/Win!
I have a goal. Not a weight loss goal {I have one of those too but that's not for today} but a goal of running a 5K at the end of March. I will be finished with this program the first week of March and will continue to train until the 5K date approaches.
March 20th baby. It's on!
I just ate two KitKat bars. I think I'll go hit the elliptical now:) Thanks for the motivation and good luck on achieving your goal! You're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteI've been doing the Couch to 5K for three months now and I'm still only on week 6. I get distracted and then have to repeat weeks. Better than nothing though, I suppose. Keep at it! :)
ReplyDeleteI think I need to try that!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl. A walk of a million miles starts with 1 step right? You are actively pursuing your goals. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteO.M.G!!!!So proud of you! I actually dragged my ass away from the keyboard and did pilates today for first time in 3 months! Whew!
ReplyDeleteYou kick ass!! That is all.
ReplyDeleteThat's neat that she's in your ipod telling you what to do!
ReplyDeleteYou will do amazing!