Several people have asked me how I started running, followed with several excuses of how they can't run because of time, knees, pain in the side, etc, etc, etc...
First, let me explain that I have never been a runner. Even in elementary school running the mile was not an easy thing. I've gone in spurts during my life where I would walk to exercise, but never kept it up. I get bored and you have to walk for so long to really make it count.
After going to a wedding in September where we saw a bunch of old friends, I was embarrassed at gaining so much weight since I saw them last. That weekend I did an Internet search 'how to start running.' I found several websites, but the one that stuck out was the Couch to 5K Program. I thought that's really where I am...the couch! So that Monday, September 21, 2009, I started Day 1.
See next post for the Couch to 5K Program.
Now, if it seems too complicated...here are some tricks. There is a FREE podcast from iTunes called Couch 2 5K by Robert Ullrey. It's music (sort of techno) with Robert telling you when to walk and run so you don't have to look at your watch every second. The podcast is a MUST HAVE. Don't pay for the Couch 2 5K app., the podcast is free!
I also use Runkeeper. It is a FREE app for iPhones that keeps track of your distance and uses the GPS to do a map of where you went.
It is very easy to use the podcast and Runkeeper together. If you want to know how, send me a message.
Here is how it worked for me: I did the 9 week program (which took me 11 weeks to complete). I had to repeat week 3 because of knee issues and week 9 because of foot pain. I watched what I ate. I set a goal (www.coolrunning.com lists races all over the country) In 6 months, I've lost 50 lbs, run two 5Ks and one 10K. After finishing the program, I now run 5-6 days a week (usually 3 miles each day with 1 long run a week '4-6 miles'). My next goal is to run a Half Marathon in the fall.
The ONLY things you need are tennis shoes and some music or the podcast!
I guess I can call myself a runner now. I look at the weather to see if I can squeeze in a run before a storm, I run in the rain, I run in below freezing temps, I run in my neighborhood and I LOVE it!
First, let me explain that I have never been a runner. Even in elementary school running the mile was not an easy thing. I've gone in spurts during my life where I would walk to exercise, but never kept it up. I get bored and you have to walk for so long to really make it count.
After going to a wedding in September where we saw a bunch of old friends, I was embarrassed at gaining so much weight since I saw them last. That weekend I did an Internet search 'how to start running.' I found several websites, but the one that stuck out was the Couch to 5K Program. I thought that's really where I am...the couch! So that Monday, September 21, 2009, I started Day 1.
See next post for the Couch to 5K Program.
Now, if it seems too complicated...here are some tricks. There is a FREE podcast from iTunes called Couch 2 5K by Robert Ullrey. It's music (sort of techno) with Robert telling you when to walk and run so you don't have to look at your watch every second. The podcast is a MUST HAVE. Don't pay for the Couch 2 5K app., the podcast is free!
I also use Runkeeper. It is a FREE app for iPhones that keeps track of your distance and uses the GPS to do a map of where you went.
It is very easy to use the podcast and Runkeeper together. If you want to know how, send me a message.
Here is how it worked for me: I did the 9 week program (which took me 11 weeks to complete). I had to repeat week 3 because of knee issues and week 9 because of foot pain. I watched what I ate. I set a goal (www.coolrunning.com lists races all over the country) In 6 months, I've lost 50 lbs, run two 5Ks and one 10K. After finishing the program, I now run 5-6 days a week (usually 3 miles each day with 1 long run a week '4-6 miles'). My next goal is to run a Half Marathon in the fall.
The ONLY things you need are tennis shoes and some music or the podcast!
I guess I can call myself a runner now. I look at the weather to see if I can squeeze in a run before a storm, I run in the rain, I run in below freezing temps, I run in my neighborhood and I LOVE it!
I have to tell you that im going to do this! I am so proud of you! You are an inspiration! I was doing so good before maddie...I have no excuses, she is fixing to be 6 months!!
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