Thursday 31 May 2012

Couch to 5k

I've never ever had any inclination to start running. Ever. I have some vague memories of being forced to do it in school, and that I was always the slow coach at the back at the group. Even when I was recently fairly fit from roller derby, any time we did off-skates training that involved running I would still feel like I was about to collapse in a heap.

So with all this in mind, please be extra impressed when I say that this week I have been for THREE runs - and two of them were before 7am in the morning! (Please be impressed!).


 I was mainly motivated by the hot weather and the desire to do *something* to get a bit fitter before summer properly started. So when Craig mentioned that he was going to try running, I thought I'd join him & luckily stumbled across an ace programme - Couch to 5k.

This trains you over 8 weeks to go from a total running novice to a happy runner who can comfortably complete a 5k. You do three runs per week and they are really simple to start with (which is brilliant as there's no danger of pushing yourself too hard too early and burning out).

Livsmart shoes*

 The first week was sort of okay - my very first minute of running was HORRENDOUS (it was uphill, which didn't help) but it did get easier. The first day of getting up at 6.15am to run before work was also mildly terrifying, but I hadn't realised just how enjoyably smug I would feel afterwards, knowing I had done my good deed for the day!

One of the biggest things I've realised so far though is that I need to get proper fitness shoes! I did my first run in a pair of old converse... which I wouldn't recommend. So I have ordered a pair of Sketchers Shape-Ups which should hopefully help my poor feet out.

I'm going to try and blog about my progress each week (partly just to try and motivate myself!) so I will let you know how I get on!

15 comments :

  1. I really want to try this. I used to try and run when I was at college but was never very good about knowing where to start or anything like that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are quite a few apps for this programme which really appeal to me. It's so much easier when someone is telling you when to run and for how long!

      I'd definitely recommend giving it a go. x

      Delete
  2. If you need any more motivation. You can also turn your morning run into a zombie chase with a fun iPhone app!
    https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha - I saw that! I might download it, looks ace.

      Delete
  3. impressed! A fair weather runner myself (ahem!) though weather not very fair most of the time.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow that's impressive. I've just joined the gym but avoid the running machine because I find it boring and don't think I'll have any stamina but this looks like a great way to train yourself.

    x

    http://www.daniellesdiscerningeye.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, fingers crossed! Running outdoors is nice too, there's so many distractions around x

      Delete
  5. Well done! I love running! Honestly, a good run makes me so happy and even it's better when you've got someone to run with. I've just finished reading Born to run by Christopher McDougall, I highly recommend reading it to inspire your run. I took up running just over two years ago, couldn't live without a run now! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh, this is a good thing to hear! I have a few friends who are addicted to running and I really would love to get to that stage - would definitely make it easier to motivate myself! x

      Delete
  6. Wow well done for doing this and for getting up so early! Good luck with it! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
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