C25K: Week Four

This week, the longest run was five minutes (there were two of them). With the first run of the week, it was a struggle. I made it through, but it was difficult. By the end of the week I felt pretty accomplished, which I think is the point of the program. Week 5 is going to be a challenge. I feel like I say this at the end of every week. However, I know this is definitely true because one of the three runs (they're all different instead of repeating the same run three times) is 20 consecutive minutes. I think it's the third run of the week--so my hope is that this week will build up to that run. I guess things are ramping up because this coming week I'm basically halfway through the 9 weeks--so that just means that  the rest of the program is going to be pretty difficult. My sister says it's all a mind game. I'm hoping that is the case. I'm still a little worried.

C25K: Week Three

Another week done!

So, lets talk about running for three minutes straight. It wasn't "hard" per say, it wasn't easy either. My biggest thoughts all week were: "Wait, why am I doing this?", "Seriously... why am I doing this?", and "Is it over yet."

There were only two three minute runs this week.

At this point, three weeks in, running isn't necessarily fun. It's not like playing tennis, which I enjoy very much. Running feels a little like a chore. I'm hoping this is because I'm still in the beginning stages (and because I'm doing it on a treadmill instead of outside). I'm determined to complete all nine weeks though, so maybe in the end it will be fun. Or at least I won't feel bored by it. I'm hoping that it gets easier as well.

I'm trying to build my stamina. My legs don't hurt, but I do tire quickly. So, hopefully that improves in the coming weeks.

This week I clocked 1.5 miles in 27 minutes.

I have no idea what week 4 brings as far as the cycle of walking/running, but my sister tells me that I'll be running more than walking. I'm nervous about this, but I've made it so far!

C25K: Week Two

Week two is now complete!

This is the first week that I actually listened to the podcast while jogging ("running" might not be an accurate verb at this point). I didn't listen to the podcast on week one because it's a headache to download music to iTunes and then to my iPod. Everything is set up on my old, slow computer, so I wanted to try it on my own first and then download all the podcasts at once. Now I don't have to time myself, which is nice. It would be nicer if I actually jogged outside rather than inside, but I'm not quite ready to tackle hills.

The first run on Monday was a little difficult, but only because I didn't put enough time on the treadmill, so I had to keep adding minutes, which made it feel endless. Runs two and three went faster and were a little easier. I still feel optimistic about the next seven weeks (nine weeks total). My sister is also doing the program, but she's one week ahead of me. I was asking her what to expect, but when she mentioned running for three minutes, I kinda freaked out. I know it's all in my head, but running for just three minutes seems impossible. So, I told her I didn't want to know the breakdown of week three. I don't want to get psyched out.

As of week two, I'm clocking 2 miles in 33 minutes. I like watching the mileage tick by.

So, on to week three.

Now... if I could just get a handle on some of my food choices, the scale might start moving down again. But come on! Sometimes you just have to have a turkey burger and fries from Bobby's Burger Palace (followed by delicious frozen yogurt). :) It could be worse, I guess.

In other news: I had about 60% of my hair chopped off today. It's very short, but that's mostly due to the salon styling. When I do it myself it'll be shorter (and bigger). I felt like I was in a rut and needed something different. This is definitely different. Hopefully I won't hate it when I have to do it on my own.

Couch to 5K: Week One

One of the worst things about my childhood was having to do the mile run once a year. I know it sounds stupid (and trivial), but when you're a fat kid and everyone else is finishing LONG before you...it has a way of killing your confidence. And I've always been sensitive, so it REALLY killed my confidence. I felt like a failure each time I tried to run. I cried a lot. I hated it.

So, for years I avoided running or doing anything that involved a lot of physical movement that would draw attention to myself (showing anyone else how difficult it was for me to complete). Or anything that I assumed I would fail at (ie, running).

I've been on a journey toward healthiness for a year and a half now (I'm one pound away from a loss of fifty). Recently, while walking, I've had the following thought: "I could probably start jogging now."

Shocker.

I've always been one to trust my body, so.... I decided to tackle a couch to 5k running program last week and successfully completed week one (three 20 minute run/walk sessions). At the end of each I actually felt like I could do a little more. I'm really proud of myself. This is no easy thing for me... but it's breaking some preconceived notions about my ability. I can totally do this.

I'm on to week two. It's definitely more of a challenge, but I finished the first run of three and didn't die. I say that's a big achievement.