Couch to 5k – Week One
For those who might not have heard about it, Couch to 5k is an eight week program designed to help non-runners prepare for a 5k. Since I’m planning to run the zombie 5k in March, I started the program this week so I’ll have plenty of time to get in shape 🙂
It’s basically a walk/run interval program to begin with, and you’re supposed to do it three times a week. This week I did it on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
On Monday, I took Ricky (our 60-lb black lab mix) with me, and learned the hard way that he is absolutely not leash broken. We encountered someone walking their big dog in the other direction and he just about dislocated my arm.
On Wednesday, I took Molly (our Boston Terrier) with me, and discovered that she does NOT like to run. It was like dragging a 30-lb weight along every time I started running. I think I actually bowled her over once by accident before I realized how stubborn she was.
Last night, I had DH go to Petsmart for me to pick up a Gentle Leader. I put it on Ricky this morning, and he was not exactly thrilled, but the walk/run went much more smoothly than Monday. So, yay for that!
Also – road kill is gross. It’s still dark when I’m walking/running, and I almost stepped in a smushed squirrel this morning. Yuck.
There’s a Couch to 5k app for the iPhone that is fantastic – I don’t have to time my intervals, I just start the app when I walk out the door and it tells me when to run, when to walk, when I’m cooling down, etc. I’m using the free trial now but I’ll happily upgrade to the $1.99 app next week 🙂
One week down, seven to go – I just hope I can keep up this momentum while we’re in Florida for Christmas.
Sounds like a wonderful way to get in shape and energize yourself. Well, if you don’t include the roadkill. Ick! Keep up the great work, you’ll definitely not regret it. 🙂
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Good luck! I started running when I was a jr in college. My room mate Jenn got me started. I hated it @ first. But lost about 40 lbs and have run 4 marathons since then. I now run 5 days a week and walk 2 days. Just remember when you do a 5K or any race for that matter you don’t have to “RUN” the whole time. You can walk whenever you want. Get good running shoes and good socks! Good luck and keep
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us posted!
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Interesting, never knew there was such a thing. YAY for you!
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I want to start this! Didn’t know they made an app for it. Great tip!
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I did the C25K program and can now run consistently for 3 miles without stopping. It took me longer than 8/9 weeks to complete the program as I would have to repeat a couple of the weeks in the program. I did week 6 twice and week 7 twice. But it’s a great program! Yay for you! There is also a great facebook page for it that is very supportive.
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I’m so excited for you!! But I have to say you’re brave taking any dogs! I tried to do it many years ago and it just kept interrupting the pace of my run because the dog did’t want to run straight… and I didn’t have time to train him to do that. I found it much easier to just go on my own… But that’s me 🙂
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Good for you! I tried that same program but I’m so freaking lazy that I stopped. I want to get back into it, though, especially since I won’t be seeing my trainer anymore.
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My boobs don’t allow me to run anymore.
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