When I started the Couch to 5k running program in February I was looking for something that would motivate me and push me to do something that I've never done before. This time around the Couch to 5k program was exactly what I needed to direct my fitness program and give me a new hobby to enjoy.
A little history, in college I tried the C25k program through the third workout when I gave up on it, I wasn't a runner in my mind - it wasn't for me. "I only run if someone is chasing me, " was my motto if anyone asked. I would jog occasionally or walk fast on a treadmill but I never would run. I didn't think I could and I never pushed myself to try something outside of my comfort zone. I was content walking and felt that I didn't want to stress my knees or participate in high-impact exercise. This time around though I wanted more, I wanted to accomplish for the first time in my life something that wasn't me - I wanted to be an athlete.
I started the program after two weeks at the gym with 90 minutes of cardio and the first few weeks weren't bad. Especially after I found Suz's podcasts at
Kissmyblackass.org! The turning point of where I considered myself a runner was week five with the three five minute intervals sandwiching two three minute intervals. I realized I enjoyed the five minute intervals where I ran more than the three minute intervals where I was walking. My legs felt better when I ran and I felt like it was more enjoyable than walking. I arrived at that mentally challenging 20 minute interval and did it twice before moving on and feeling like I had actually conquered the run. To be honest I was completely intimidated about the 20 minute run and had just about psyched myself out about it when I stepped back, took a deep breakth and just went for it. When I ran with my husband and I was able to run at intervals and just keep going - it made me feel like I had really accomplished something. It truly is a simple program and you're able to run after just nine short weeks. Now when I go for a run I go for a brisk warm up walk and then just start running. I have a whole world that has opened up to me because I was willing to try something outside of my comfort zone.
You can find the Cool Running Couch to 5k program
here and if you'd like more information on the program (including forums) check out
c25k.com. It's a great program and I highly recommend it to anyone who is wanting to get into running - it never increases your distance too quickly nor fatigues you.
I started the program after two weeks at the gym with 90 minutes of cardio and the first few weeks weren't bad. Especially after I found Suz's podcasts at Kissmyblackass.org! The turning point of where I considered myself a runner was week five with the three five minute intervals sandwiching two three minute intervals. I realized I enjoyed the five minute intervals where I ran more than the three minute intervals where I was walking. My legs felt better when I ran and I felt like it was more enjoyable than walking. I arrived at that mentally challenging 20 minute interval and did it twice before moving on and feeling like I had actually conquered the run. To be honest I was completely intimidated about the 20 minute run and had just about psyched myself out about it when I stepped back, took a deep breakth and just went for it. When I ran with my husband and I was able to run at intervals and just keep going - it made me feel like I had really accomplished something. It truly is a simple program and you're able to run after just nine short weeks. Now when I go for a run I go for a brisk warm up walk and then just start running. I have a whole world that has opened up to me because I was willing to try something outside of my comfort zone.
You can find the Cool Running Couch to 5k program here and if you'd like more information on the program (including forums) check out c25k.com. It's a great program and I highly recommend it to anyone who is wanting to get into running - it never increases your distance too quickly nor fatigues you.