For What It's Worth


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Couch to 5K progress…

A few people mentioned that they would like me to keep them up to date on my New Year’s Resolution of trying to run a 5K in 2013. I first posted about it here.

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I'm using the Couch to 5K phone app recommended by a friend.

Week #1: 5 minute walk/warm-up, 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. ~ I can’t even tell you how hard this was for me. I feel like I need to preface this by saying I eat really well and I’m in good shape so it shouldn’t have been so bad but my cardio SUCKS. I was sweating, wheezing and bitching like a baby at the end of my 20 minutes.

Fast forward to week #7: 5 minute warm-up walk, 25 minutes of jogging. ~ I DID IT! I can jog for 25 minutes!! And even sort of carry on a conversation.

I can’t lie though. I don’t enjoy it yet. Almost every workout is hard for me, even though my stamina and breathing are getting much better. I don’t feel that peaceful vibe with the wind in my hair lol that I hear runners get. I’m just praying to God it will end soon. I do feel better after though. The sense of accomplishment is awesome and I think the rest will happen over time.

I have two weeks left before I’m running a full 5K. I start week 8 Sunday….jog 28 minutes.

I try to alternate where I run so I don’t get bored. we do have quite a few gorgeous trails to run on in my county. I mix up my playlists, buy myself cute outfits as an incentive Smile Whatever works I say.

Any running tips for me that might help me enjoy it more? Has anyone else had this issue and got over it with time?

I signed up for a 5K in July. It’s called The Color Run. It sounds like a fun way to complete my first 5K. You start out in a white t-shirt, then get splattered with color when you reach each Kilometer.

From their website:

“How does it work?
The Color Run™ event pretty much has TWO SIMPLE rules: 1)  White shirts (any mostly white T will work great) mandatory at the start line.  And 2) color plastered EVERYTHING at the finish!  Runner/walkers begin the 5k at the start line like a brand new pristine coloring book. By the end, they look like they fell into a Willy Wonka… tie dyed… vat of colored goodness. We are the creators of an all new paint race phenomenon!”

I’m almost there! It hasn’t always been easy but I’m doing it. Somehow by putting it here on the blog I feel accountable and it has helped keep me motivated. So I’ll probably keep posting when I hit a milestone.

20 comments:

  1. Next week we are having the same event here. 5 kilometers (more than 5 miles haha) it looks like fun!! But too expensive :(

    I used to be pretty damn good at this running/exercise and had great endurance, now not so much. College ruined my life, I never had time to exercised and now meeeh running is boring LOL. But I would love to try and see if I can make it :P

    Good luck to you!! You're doing great, 25 of jogging that's BIG! Keep it up the good work ;)

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    1. Geez, my comment makes no sense!! O_0 First, I didn't notice that what you're running are kilometers and not miles (you guys don't use the metrical system so it's confusing, sorry). It was too early for me, apparently LOL. Anyway, you know what I meant, I hope haha. Good Luck, you can do it...now I feel like a total slacker, thank you very much!

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  2. You are awesome. I love the irony that I'm reading this while drinking coffee, wearing yoga pants that I have no intention of doing yoga in, while sitting in a comfy recliner. Perhaps I'll be inspired to give it a try.

    Congrats on your progress!

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  3. Karen, that is awesome!!! C25K is a great program to get into running. The runner's "high" definitely takes some time to feel, but once you're hooked you'll not want to give up running.

    I'm still trying to finish the program myself. But this is my year!!

    Good luck with the running. =)

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    1. I feel great after but not during yet :-)

      What week are you on?

      We can do it!!!!

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    2. I was on week seven...but am currently out with a bum ankle at the moment.

      Yes, we can definitely achieve the completion of C25K!! =)

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  4. Cheering you on and congrats for trying a color run. I need to get my butt in gear and do a 1/2 marathon and run too :)

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  5. Go you! :D
    I would be the same, cardio, no I may be sort of fit but not when it comes to everything

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  6. Go Karen! I'm so glad you got into this. The Color Run sounds awesome! I restarted my Couch to 5K regimen last week after being sick/deadline-crushed all of January. It's a lot easier the second time around, lol.

    As for runner's high, I get it every time I'm not running uphill. ;)

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    1. I'm so glad you told me about this app. The slow and steady increase works for me. If I tried to run even 10-15 minutes to start I would have just quit.

      I want the runner's high damn it!!! lol

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  7. YAHOOOOOOO! Keep up the awesome work! A lot of people are doing Couch to 5K and seeing results. Stick to it. :)

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    1. I am. Even when I absolutely DO NOT WANT TO DO IT I make myself because I know I'll lose all my progress. That's why I signed up for the 5K too - more incentive to keep going.

      I know you're working out a lot too now. It's hard but worth it.

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  8. I really Love This Post.. It is very informative and helpful... Thanx for Sharing Such a nice Post Keep it up...
    Mother care

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  9. Yay for you!!!
    And I know what you mean. I get a fair amount of exercise, but whenever I run, I feel like I'm about to die. Then, you know, eventually that runner's high kicks in.
    Can't wait to hear more about your progress!

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    1. My runner's high kicks in HOURS later. SO not worth it lol I WILL do this though.

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  10. That's so awesome that you can job for 25 minutes! I'm still in the walk/run interval stage and I admire all your hard work and determination. Go you!

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    1. It's not easy - even 8 weeks into it but I manage to complete it each time so hang in there!

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  11. I am looking to start this program hopefully this week. Are there any tips you can give me to help me prepare?

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    1. I would say don't try to rush ahead and don't worry if you are barely running at the speed just above a walk at first.

      I did it with my husband and he was much better than I was at first but he ended up skipping ahead and needed to go back and do it like they said. I was SO horrible the first week I never imagined I could complete it but somehow you just do each week.

      You don't need to be a high speed runner. The goal is to just keep moving forward. It does get easier. Good luck!!

      Oh & good shoes! lol

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