Couch to 5K Week 1 Day 1

A few months ago some friends on a discussion board were talking about doing the Couch to 5K running program. I checked out the link and thought, "Well good luck to ya'll."

I'm not a big fan of exercise. I tend to start doing something then quit when I get bored or too busy. My garage full of bikes and yoga mats should prove that. But for some reason while I was awake in bed at 2 a.m. (I blame the baby), I decided one of my goals for the new year would be to complete the Couch to 5K (C25K) program. I downloaded an app for my iPhone that helps you through the program and tells you when to do what as you're exercising ("Start running now," "Start walking now"). I also enrolled myself in an on-line group through Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans - I think this will be an awesome motivator to keep me going and accountable.

On Monday, December 31 I did Week 1 Day 1 (W1D1) of the 8 week (3 times per week) program. For the first week you walk briskly for 5 minutes then alternate walking (for 90 seconds) and running (for 60 seconds). Week 2 switches those two, and then from there the running increases and the walking decreases. I scrolled through the app and saw that in Week 8 it says "just run 2.5 miles." Oh...well that sounds encouraging... But I'll get there.

As I did W1D1 I paid attention to what was not participating so that I could target those areas on my days off from running. My knees especially were cranky with me, so I went through some of my books (that I have a lot of, out in the garage) and Googled and found some things to try. So I'll run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and do strengthening and stretching on the other days.

I sound rather strange to myself, but I'm excited. I came back from W1D1's run feeling proud for not cheating (by walking when I was supposed to run) and energized. I did some "cool down" stretches and took a shower and wasn't tired when it became nap time as I usually do. That was pretty cool.

Daddy told me that today I would hurt but honestly I don't hurt, I just feel the muscles that I used yesterday that I haven't used in a while. It's more of a "Oh hey, there you are!"

On to W1D2!