I’m kind of considering starting a Couch to 5K program.
I am NOT a runner. I have NEVER been a runner. Back when I was a cheerleader, I ran half a mile every day for five years, and I never got used to it or enjoyed it even a little bit. I pretty much hated every second of it. And then those times we had to run for extra conditioning or punishment was usually excruciating and pretty much all-around awful.
However, I’m thinking of taking up some very light, minimal running in order to vary my exercise routine. Right now, I do zumba twice a week, and somewhere around two bike rides a week. And I love both of those activities. But something lately has just been pushing me towards running. I honestly have zero idea why, because the thought of “going for a run” usually horrifies and disgusts me.
Lately though I’ve been hearing about a lot of others who have tried this type of program, and only have good things to say about it. Fellow girls who also basically despised running, but who are enjoying this program, are the ones inspiring me to even entertain the thought.
I haven’t completely made up my mind yet though. I need to do a little research of my own and see how the program works. I want to know exactly what they expect of me, and in what time frame they expect it. I need to be able to believe in myself and my ability to do this before I go downloading some new apps and lacing up my tennis shoes.
I know some of you, my dear friends, are runners yourself – have any advice for a new “runner” starting from scratch? And for those of my dear friends who have actually done one of these programs – would you recommend it? Are you glad you did it? Do you think I can actually do it too??
Please share your thoughts with me! They will be much appreciated! :)
9 comments:
Halie DO IT! I
I have NEVER been much of a runner either but when John and I moved back in February I found out that we had moved smack in the middle of runners heaven! In 2 months I went from hating running to running 2 miles without stopping!! I actually find myself WANTING to run when I'm sitting at work AND being mad when it rains because I can't run!! Last week I tripped and fell and work and scraped up my knee pretty badly and have been unable to run ... and I've found that not running is negatively affecting my moods and making sleeping at night harder!
There was never a "decision" that made me want to become a runner, I just went outside and ran one day ... and then the next day ... and then the next day, and everyday I would run a little further than I had before.
Best advice: don't be hard on yourself and don't make your running schedule too rigid or you will hate it. Run until youre tired then stop and walk... and then run again (you actually burn more calories run/walking then you do just running).
If youre ever in Orlando call me - I would LOVE to have a running mate!
GOOD LUCK!
Halie!
Kevin and I started "running" this week.
We're doing an 8 week program.
This week we do three sets of walking for 6 minutes, running for one. So every day we're out for 21 minutes. Next week we'll walk for 5 then run for 2. And so on until we can run for 21 minutes straight, then we hopefully continue running more as we go!
We're finding that we're more inclined to get out there since it's not so discouraging because we've set goals for ourselves that are obtainable.
Good luck!
i KNOW you can do it! naturally i am little biased for saying that running is wonderful- but i honestly believe you would like it once you started and that you will be surprised how much you can accomplish! do it. :)
Go for it! I had never ran a day in my life before starting couch to 5k! It is a fabulous way of building up to running! Admittedly, I still haven't finished the program (shin splints! Ouch!) but when I was doing it actively, I felt so good!
(Sent this way by BBN! I LOVE your blog name by the way!)
When I started running I also loved it! Granted, I started in Oct. when the weather in Florida is prime for running. Unfortunately though, every time I run my hip hurts really bad so I've had to cope with the fact that my body just doesn't like it. My advice is listen to your body! Don't push yourself too far and "running through the pain" isn't always a good idea. Start slow. I didn't do a couch to 5k program so I think it actually made it more enjoyable for me because I never gave myself an agenda. I said I would go out for a run and when my body wanted to stop, I'd stop. If you do too much too soon you'll burn yourself out and end up hating it. Also remember that every step is a victory! Good luck!!
That was all really helpful advice Nicole! Thank you so much. :) I like the idea of not having an "agenda" actually. So maybe that's the way to go. I just don't know how much motivation I will need - that's why I was thinking about doing something that's already set, in order to have some "goals" to achieve...
What's funny is that I think we were probably commenting on each others' posts around the same time :) Also, I like that idea of run/walking in "sets." I'll have to see about that one...
Yes Jenni - you are far too biased, but I definitely appreciate your encouragement and faith in me!!
I'm afraid of things like shin splints as well! And I know it's gonna kill my knees. Actually, I'm just afraid of any pain that I'm certain running will cause...
And thanks for checking out my blog!
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