Couch to 5K

This post is going to be more of a reminder for me of what I am committing myself to- running! I have been agonizing over a workout routine for awhile now, and have decided that I am going to give it a fair shot. I have always HATED running, but I've never given it a decent chance. I stumbled across a running blog (by accident, even!) and found it inspiring enough to do my own research and make a commitment. Right now I am going to write down all the things I have learned and need to remember about running before I start. So here goes:

1. Get fitted for a GOOD pair of running shoes.

2. Get a sports bra. 'Nuff said.

3. Since I am going to try morning runs, I am going to need to eat something light beforehand due to a history of low blood sugar. Homemade granola, half-bowl of oatmeal with flax, half a banana w/ peanut butter, energy bar, fruit and nuts, saltines with peanut butter, etc.  Whatever it is it needs to be a small amount so it's not heavy when I'm running.

4. Drink lots of water beforehand and bring water with me.

5. Might want to eventually get a small, sporty back-pack to carry certain things with me.

6. I'm going to start running three days a week and NOT push myself too hard. That's what I usually do and probably why I end up hating it.

7. I keep reading about women who were on the fence about running, then once they run their first 5K they are hooked. So, I am setting a goal to enter into a 5K race sometime next year! I am sure Dave will run it with me- he ran one in 2011 but couldn't run it again this year because it was the day after our wedding. :) I will also ask a couple other friends if they want to join- training as a group is always a good thing! The Fifth Third River Bank Run is the big one in Grand Rapids, but next year it is on our anniversary so we will have to see about that! If we don't do that one, there are always others, even just in Lowell! I would really like to do a color run if they have one next year :)

8. Stay consistent. If I am going to make this work, I am going to need to do it at the same time of day while I first start out. I plan on running three days a week, with a rest day in between, until my body gets used to it.

9. This is the program I'm using to start!

I think that's it for now! I have it all written down for me to come back to before I start this Friday- wish me luck!

Here's a little inspiration, just in case I decide to talk myself out of it in a couple days:


"If you're tired of starting over, stop giving up."

"Thinking about it won't do it, dreaming about it won't do it, only doing it does it. So go do it, now!"

"If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done."

"The more I run, the more I love my body. Not because it's perfect, far from it, but because with every mile it is proving to me that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible."


Lindsay