C25K

On August 3, I started the Couch to 5K program (C25K) which is designed to help non-runners train to be able to run a 5K (in theory...really, it will get you to run for a straight 30 minutes, which *should* get you through a 5K).  Historically, I have despised running.  I always hated the first day of high school soccer practice when we'd have to run a mile - mainly because I never trained and always took forever.  I didn't mind sprinting and short runs, but to run distance?  Nope, too boring.  Over Christmas, we purchased an elliptical and I have used it to work out, but not consistently.  So, after seeing people talk about C25K on facebook and I read a blog by someone who trained with it, I decided to try it out.

Surprisingly, I LOVE it.

But it also frustrates me.

I have done a total of 7 workouts - which puts me at Week 3, Day 2 for my next run.  The program is designed for 3 workouts each week and a total of 9 weeks to get you to your goal of 30 minutes straight running.  The first about 7 weeks are a combination of walking/running, which I really like.  It's tough, though.  For me, a non-runner, at any rate!

There are a couple things I really like about the C25K program.  The first is that you can transfer a playlist of your own music to the program so that your music plays the entire workout.  The second is that the program informs you when it's time to switch from running to walking, so you don't have to constantly look at it.  The third is that you can have a GPS program enabled which tracks your distance and pace.  This is probably my favorite feature, but also the most frustrating.

My best workout was my 5th.  I went 2.31 miles and my run pace was 9:39/mi and my walk pace was 15:04/mi.  My worst workout was my last one, because my distance went down to 2.12 miles.  My run pace slowed as well.  That's the most frustrating part for me.  I want to keep improving, so when I slide back I get frustrated with myself.  BUT - I completed the workout.  I paced myself a litte slower during the runs because they were longer stretches than the previous two weeks and I wanted to ensure that I completed it.  I'm doing my 8th workout tonight, which will be Week 3, Day 2.  I know to push myself a little harder this time.

My goal is to be able to run 2.5 miles by my 30th birthday.  I'm not going to set a time limit or anything, although I hope it will be around the 30-minute mark.  My second goal is to try and run a 5K this spring. 

I am still a little skeptical of the program because I have to admit, I really like being able to count on the walking portions.  I'm not a fast runner and I don't believe I ever will be - but if I know I can walk to catch my breath, I'll run a faster pace.  Which is why so far, the run/walk combo has been perfect.  I will do it, though.  I have two months and two weeks to build myself up to this.  I will do it. 

The program has been addicting.  I went three days without running last week and I really missed it.  I actually look forward to it and feel as though it's a competition with myself.  I get down a little on the days I lose, but I've been working on turning it into a positive and focusing on the fact that I have completed each workout without breaking the routine.  My workout is consistently over 2 miles each time, which is something I never thought I'd be able to do. 

Two months, two weeks. 2.5 miles.