Chariots of Fire

You've heard me moan and groan about wanting to get into better shape and to stop being squishy, as well as throwing out promises about working out.  Granted Life gets in the way a lot but last night I took a major step in the fitness department.  Now it may not be much for some, but for me, it's beyond huge.

I went for a run.

I don't run. 

Unless it's after my child or away from someone with a weapon.

But I did.  I started on the Couch To 5K program and downloaded the iPhone app which made it SUPER easy.  I did everything I was supposed to and didn't cheat once.  And with each running segment I felt myself gain more and more endurance, of which I have always been severely lacking.  I'm more of a strength girl as opposed to cardio.  But my heart and lungs need to start holding their own so I thought I'd try this, and plus it's all the rage with my friends online and I'm nothing if not easily influenced.

My goal is to stick with the program which consists of running three days a week for nine weeks at the end of which I should be able to run a 5K.  And that's what I want to do.  It's so beyond anything I would ever consider myself capable of which is why I plan on doing it.  Pseudostoops said she'd run a race with me (which for her would be more like a brief jog as she competes in half marathons in NOLA but hey, I'm happy for the company and support) so it looks like this is my new goal.  I have no doubts that it will be hard, and I'll slip up here and there and that's okay.  I put too much pressure on myself to do things perfectly or not at all which causes me to stop.  Quit.  Make excuses as to why I can't continue on.

I have faith in myself that this time I will see it through one way or the other.  I'm not stepping on a scale because for me it's not about numbers.  I just want to look and feel better so as long as that happens, the weight isn't an issue.  Plus, let's me honest, it's a great incentive to have to go out and buy new clothes.

Let's see where this takes me.  Besides to the Advil because yeah, I'm feeling it today.

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I have a new post up today at Craftastrophe with the freakiest doll you will ever see.  I also had a guest post up at Work It, Mom! last week about planning and surviving a toddler birthday party.

Comments

[bessie.viola]

That's so awesome! I have faith in you & am here to cheer you on. I love runners and hope to someday join their ranks.

[pseudostoops]

Woooohoooo! I cannot WAIT for our 5K. It's going to be great. And remember: I started running- a year ago. Just one little year! And before that I couldn't do it at all! And I slipped up and slacked off all the time in the beginning, and that's totally okay.

[Val]

Good for you! You can do it! I'm debating getting into running. I usually hate it, but if I can find my groove, well, maybe it won't suck. I have been swimming laps for just over a year now, and my lungs and heart are better for it. And I've lost about 12 lbs, which, is not huge, in a year, BUT it's 12 less pounds I'm squeezing into clothes and hulking out of bed in the morning. :)

[Clarabella]

Good luck! I have had to start over several times due to injury issues, so I hope you are spared those! But if you do run into shin splints or sore knee or whatever, just remember to give your body time to heal. All this is to say, even if it doesn't go as planned, it's still worth it! I feel better every time I'm able to get a run in, even though this 9 weeks is turning into 19 for me.

[el-e-e]

Woooo! I tried starting that program right before I got pregnant the first time, and never went back to it. But, yeah. Awesome. GO go go!

[Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks]

I didn't start running until I was an adult. And never considered myself a runner until I thought it'd be fun to train for a marathon. Seriously, it can be addictive!

Once you figure out what's your best pace, the stamina and endurance will come with time. You'll know when to push yourself and when to pull back. And hopefully you'll have a lot of fun!

[alice]

hmm, sounds like i really need an iphone. i mean, it would help me get in SHAPE!

[Terri]

Running was such a joy for me. Yes you feel horrile at first, but once you build up to about 30 min. at a time or more, it's incredible! I promise! You can just cruise all over the neighborhood with the feelings of energy, power, and freedom. I totally second the part about watching out for overuse injuries. Most people aren't as unlucky as I am though!

[Julia]

That is a great and totally achievable goal. Remember no one says how fast you have to run those 3 miles. Plus, there is usually a lot of energy from the other runners and the crowds to help push you along.

[Equipoise]

That program is WONDERFUL! I just know you'll do well on it and accomplish your goal! I'm going to start it again after this baby is born. Until then it's yoga and walking. :D Good luck!

[Sarah Lena]

So proud of you! You'll do great at this and see amazing side effects. Hang in there.. if I can do it, anyone can!

[kristin c.]

I'll run with you too my love!

[Anne]

I downloaded that app a month or so ago with plans to try it after April 15th...and now my foot is in a cast. Which is convenient, as I'm still so attached to the "C" part of C25K. ;) So last night was the first day and you're that sore? Yikes. I was hoping the first day at least wouldn't result in too much pain.

Good luck with your goal!

[Eleanor's Trousers]

Good luck- thinking of joining C25K myself if I can drag myself to the running shoe store. Looking forward to hearing how it's going.

[Lisa G.]

Happy for you that you're getting back into it! I'm excited for 5K season this year! :-) I'm doing one this weekend (the Fox Trot run by the Batavia Mother's Club--and I'll get to visit with my friend Val, who's a member), then in June, Val and I are doing Bud's Run in Carol Stream, near our high school alma mater, Glenbard North. Then there's the Fall Colors 5K at the Morton Arboretem. I highly recommend that one although it's extremely crowded, because usually there's fun family stuff going on at the Arboretum after the 5K (like the scarecrow walk, build-your-own-taffy-apple, and a free wine tasting), and the runners get into the park free that day as part of their registration. Which 5K's are you planning on doing?

[Kate]

I am the exact same way with the "have to do things perfectly or not at all" and have to constantly remind myself that slip-ups here and there don't have to totally derail my training.

Good Luck!! You can do it! I can't wait to hear about your race day!

[Marie Green]

I'm on week 2 of the C25k... well, after tomorrow I'll be on week three. I've done the program before, but never signed up for a 5k, so this time I'm going to do an ACTUAL 5k. How far into the program are you? We should totally be running buddies. Online running buddies, that is.

Also, my effing CALVES. Actually, my shins! They are so STIFF! Even when I go out for a run, I feel like they never completely loosen up. I'm a bit sore other places too- for example, I tried to kneel down to bathe my girls and had to stifle a loud OUCH. =)

[Air Jordans]

Enjoyed reading this and would rather examine my own life and see where I am.Thank you v much for sharing...

[Melissa]

I feel your pain--I started the C25K back in February and made it through week 6 or 7 (I decided to take a break due to frustrating post-baby weight issues, BUT I do plan to get back to running). I never in my life thought I could do it, but there I was, running over 20 straight minutes! Wow, was that a high. And I am not a runner, so if I could do it, anyone can.

The first week or two left me really really sore, but after that, it went away for the most part. Just to give you hope. :) You can totally do this! Hang in there!

[Kate]

Yay for you! I just did my first 5k yesterday and it was great. I'm training for a 1/2 marathon and I seriously have my doubts about being able to run the whole thing, but I'm trying! I've never been a runner either and had to keep swallowing a lung when I ran my first whole mile, but since then there's been Progress!

Stick with it, it does get easier, it does actually become kinda fun even and the health benefits are great. You'll never regret doing this for yourself.

[jessica]

I always go by how my clothes fit. You are right, it's a number that is it, just a stupid number

[Jen Rudolph]

I'm doing Couch 2 5K also. So far, so good, although I've spent 3 weeks on week 2, day 3 :-0 The thought of running 3 WHOLE MINUTES frightens me. Good for you - getting started is the hardest part!

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