Thursday, June 28, 2012

Couch-5K= death of me!

About 9 months ago, I started having the recurring dream that I was running in a marathon.  I didn't think much of it until about the 5th time it happened.  I took it to be some sign that I needed to do something about my health.  The problem is, I HATE doing things alone, ESPECIALLY when it's something like working out.

I talked to my friend from work several times.  We've both wanted to become healthier, but just lacked some of the motivation needed.  She told me about this "Couch to 5K" program she had heard of, so I did a bit of research on it.  There are several variations, so not all will be the same.  But they all have the same principal...get you off of the couch, and in good enough condition to run a 5K.  i.was.interested.!!!!!!  We agreed to try the program together.  The one we are using is supposed to have us ready in 10 weeks.

And so began day 1.  I must remind you that I am almost 36, and I am over 100lbs over-weight.  I haven't done anything faster than a walk pace in close to 20 years.  I'm as out of shape as they come, and now I'm supposed to RUN?  So we set off.  I'm not going to lie, it hurt.  It hurt a lot.  Basically, you walk for 90 seconds, run for 60, walk for 90, run for 60.  And you repeat this for 25 minutes.  They don't even start you out small.  We both completed it though, and continued to walk for well over an additional hour after.

Day 2.  It's 99* outside, with a heat index upwards of 110*.  It's sick hot.  But I know that if we lose a day, we will lose all motivation.  So after working a double, we met up and took off running.  Despite the heat, today went much better on my body that the first day, though I did get a really bad cramp.  But we both succeeded, and I am pretty damn proud of us.

Tomorrow it is supposed to be warm again, and I'm not even going to lie, I'm pretty sore.  So, we have agreed to just meet up after work and walk.  Im afraid that if we go a single day without some sort of work-out, we will fall right into our old habits!

And so I'm now home and showered.  I stopped by the store for some fruits to snack on, and I am now ready for bed.  Wish us luck!

1 comment: