I started a running program today with Anna. We both had babies recently (me in January, her in March) and we're both breastfeeding. When you're breastfeeding, it's important that you eat enough calories for your body to keep up its milk production, so when trying to lose weight, you don't want to do it by cutting calories. Instead, Anna decided she should start an exercise program. She found this running program called "Couch to 5K" which is designed so that even the most out of shape person can, in 9-10 weeks, successfully run a 5K. She told me about her plan and I decided to join her in this endeavour.I've always liked running, just never been any good at it. Maybe I didn't know how to start and got burnt out and discouraged easily. I too could lose a little baby weight (although I think it's more about toning for me at this point). If we do it together, there's a better chance of success...I have a hard time finishing what I've started. And I believe when it comes to exercise, Anna is the only person who is the same amount of out of shape as I am, so we're starting from the same place working toward the same goal. Although, now that we've both done the first workout, I realize that I'm probably the most out of shape person I know!
The first week of workouts in this program is 3 times a week. You warm up with a walk for 5 minutes, then alternate 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes, then you cool down with another walk. I got on the ball and made a podcast of 1. Beatles songs, and 2. Ben Folds songs complete with bells indicating the times to run and walk. I had no idea what to expect, but I figured the program IS DESIGNED for people like me who aren't in good shape so that we can be successful. Besides, what do I have to lose?
Anna started last night due to a scheduling conflict and the weather and when I talked to her she gave me a little more confidence by telling me she felt like the 60 seconds of running were really easy and short and the 90 seconds of walking were really long. She said it was pretty easy. So, I went to bed confident that I would be empowered and full of confidence at the end of my workout in the morning. And before I knew it, I'd be off to running my 5K with no problem at all!
It's probably important to note that Anna lives in Oregon where it's NOT over 100 degrees daily. And when I went running this morning, I took Sadie and was pushing the stroller.
It was so much harder than I anticipated! I literally wouldn't have made it if I had even one more running interval. The last 90 seconds of walking, I think I spent 60 of it with my head below my heart, trying not to pass out. I went as soon as I woke up, but it was already 7:30, so I'm sure it was over 80 degrees outside! But I DID run all the intervals...they just took me all the way to my limit. I just might need to do week 1 twice :)
So, readers, what do you think? Should I push through or should I go for week 1 twice? And who wants to join us and do the C25K themselves?
I'm proud of you for finishing. You really will be at a disadvantage because of the weather. I think you should wait to see how you feel at the end of week 1 before deciding to do it again. We will do it!!
ReplyDeleteI like it...I am not a runner...like you I prefer the pool...however with little ones that is not really feasible for me. I need to lose some weight and would love to try this. I can't run to save my life. Where did you find the program?
ReplyDeleteSo a few thoughts for you. I have been running for a while for my job and am in the middle of a training program myself.
ReplyDelete1) It is hard to run in AZ. I was just out there for a week and it didn't even get over 100 and it was still very hard to run. I was not able to run as far or as fast before getting tired. It probably won't work for your schedule but the best would be for you to run real late at night (not the safest) or early in the morning before the sun was up.
2) Pushing a jogging stroller while running sucks. It is nice in theory and if it is the only option you have there is nothing you can do but it seriously makes running 10x harder. Something I have learned from experience and talking with true runners out there is how much pumping your arms actually helps you run. When you are pushing a stroller you can't pump your arms. If there is anyway that Brian can watch Sadie while you do this it will be a lot easier for you.
3) Do the program at your pace. The program I am on is 12 weeks. Week 1 is the same as week 2 and week 3 is the same as week 4. I'm in the middle of week 11 and I am still doing the week 4 schedule. The race I have chosen is the end of August so I have plenty of time. Find a race that gives you plenty of time to prepare and you can spread out your training for your pace.
Remember, the fact that you are out doing something is a success!