Training for a 5K

Well, that got your attention, didn't it? I know what you're thinking... You, train for a 5K? HA! It's OK... I thought the same thing, too. A couple weeks ago I mentioned to a group of girlfriends that I've been wanting to start running, but I'm just not a big fan (yes, I know how to run, I just don't like to do it), and that I'd heard about this program called Couch to 5K, did they know anything about it? The next thing I knew, a spreadsheet was set up (thanks PB!) in Google docs to keep us accountable, and I was waking up at 5 a.m. to run. The program claims that after 9 weeks, you'll be ready to run a 5K.

And so training for a 5K began.

And, if I'm going to be honest, so far so good. It's really not bad at all. Check back with me in three or four more weeks and I might think something different, but it hasn't been horrible yet. Granted, I just finished week one, which consists of a brisk 5 minute warm up walk, then alternating running for 60 seconds, and walking for 90 seconds, for a total of 20 minutes. I live on an island that is exactly 2 miles around, so it makes it really easy. I really have no excuse. I've seen a couple people just drop / shed pounds from running, and that's what really motivated me to want to start running. It's easy. It doesn't cost a lot (although I do need to invest in a new pair of shoes... the ones I have now are not for running, which could explain why my legs are sore... or that could be because I haven't ever run before in my life... it's one of the two). I can do it no matter where I am (I'm thinking about upcoming vacations... you can run anywhere!). And doesn't take a lot of time. Plus, I feel a lot better throughout the day, and I go to sleep a lot easier, too. Don't get me wrong... I'm pretty confident you won't find me running a marathon anytime soon, but I think a 5 K is pretty do-able.

So, this is my plan for the next 9 weeks, and hopefully beyond. I'll keep you posted. If you have any tips for a rookie runner, I'm listening!