Why I Run

As I have just started running, I am finding it difficult to actually complete three runs a week. Maybe a list of reasons that I run will help, so here goes…..

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#1. I have paid good money to run a 5K in less than 10 weeks.

#2. Running is one of the best butt-kicking, calorie-blasting workouts around. I mean, really, have you ever seen a fat runner (one who's been doing it a while)?

#3. I can do it anywhere. Inside or outside. Traveling for work, on vacation, snow, sleet, rain, hail? Yep, you can still go for a run.

#4. No pricey gym membership required.

#5. Exercise has been shown to help keep the mind sharp and might also protect the brain against Alzheimer’s.

#6. For a whole host of feel-good chemicals that are released in the brain.

#7. I can bring anyone along, my kids and/or my dog.

#8. It doesn't matter how you do it, it only matters that you do it. The only bad run is the one you didn't take.

Jogging, Week one; Weigh In, Week Four

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THIS WEEK'S WEIGH IN: 1.8 lbs gained!

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 4.8 lbs

STRUGGLES & CHALLENGES:

I am not sure that what I did last week could be called jogging, but, nonetheless, it's over. One week done, 11 more to go.

That first day, Monday, I could only run an average of 30 seconds at a time and then I would walk about two minutes to catch my breath and build back up my energy.

What's worse, on Wednesday, I could only run about 15 seconds at a time.

I felt so bad about how I did, that I only claimed that as walking on My Fitness Pal.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Jogged twice.
Kept off almost 5 lbs so far.

MILESTONES:

I have lost my first pounds.

NEXT WEEKS GOALS:

Lose 1 lb.
Walk/exercise three days.
Drink 122 ozs. of water every day.

Do I Really Need a Jogging Stoller?

I have read lots of differing opinions.

Some say "absolutely, yes," some say "nah," others say "only if you are an avid runner."

So, I thought that I would try it myself.

I have a "regular" stroller in which the front wheels lock. That was the biggest tip that I found. Lock the front wheels.

So, on my first week jogging, I locked the front wheels and proceeded to jog with the boy.

Where we jog is a paved and fairly flat path in town called the Greenway. It's beautiful and only has one hill, but has two wooden bridges on our stretch of path.

The turns didn't take long to get used to. The hill is a bear, but my outta shape butt probably has more to do with that. The first bridge wasn't a problem. BUT....

the second bridge doesn't exactly flow into the pavement seamlessly. On my first run, I started jogging, hit the second bridge, the stroller bucked, my kindle jostled and my water bottle went over the side. Not just the side of the stroller, but the side of the bridge. So, on the way back, I had to climb down to retrieve it.

Now, I could see how the amenities of a jogging stroller could be a benefit. The wrist strap would keep the stroller from escaping on the downhill part of the run and the handbrake would probably come in handy too. 

I imagine that the smoother ride of a jogging stroller would probably add to my performance, but, lets face it, I am training for my first 5K and I am one week, two sessions, into jogging. My performance at this point would bite with or without the jogging stroller. The whole point of getting one would be just for the boy's comfort (and maybe a little bit of ease in dealing with the second bridge...)

What Have I Done?

In a moment of temporary insanity, I registered for a 5K! For over a year now, I have felt called to do this. I am not sure why....my failing health, my spreading waist line, my decreasing stamina...but it has been on my mind over and over and over.

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Well, a friend of mine posted about a local run called a ColorVibe 5K. I am excited, but oh so scared. I got to sign up for an incredibly low price and had to move quickly. My hubby's only prerequisite was that I train for it....ummmm....yeah.....I don't exercise. I despise exercise!

So, I have to plan it out....thus, my research.

From what I have been able to find out, the first step is to set up a plan, so here goes....

Next, register for a 5K. Check. Excercise and training are two different things. Exercise goes on and on and on. Training has a definitive time frame and a goal in mind.

Then, get a good pair of running shoes. I have a couple of pairs. They aren't the greatest, but hopefully they will do.

For me, a good sports bra is most likely going to turn out to be a must, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there...

Now, it's time to start running, which starts tomorrow. Since I am not a runner or even a walker, I will have to start with where I am at rather than where I want to be. Too many people pound the pavement too hard and injure themselves or have no fun and thus, they burn out on running quickly. My plan is to do a combination of running a walking gradually increasing the amount of running.

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Always warm up and cool down and stretch prior to and after running. Each week, run three days with alternating days off to rest and/or strength or cross-train. While you are running, you should be able to talk. If you can't talk or are huffing and puffing, then you are probably running too hard, pace yourself and remember to breathe.

I plan to follow the Mayo clinics plan to train for a 5K in 7 weeks. Now, I have about 12 weeks to train, so I have plenty of room to repeat weeks if necessary, etc.

This week, Week 1

I will run for 15 seconds and then walk for 45 seconds.

Monday           Run/walk 30 minutes

Tuesday           Walk 30 minutes or Strength or Cross Train

Wednesday     Run/walk 30 minutes

Thursday         Walk 30 minutes or Strength or Cross Train 

Friday             Rest

Saturday          Run/walk 3 miles (4.8 km)

Sunday            Rest, Walk 30 minutes, or Strength or Cross Train

5 Week Fall Challenge

I am joining the 5 Week Fall Challenge over at Peak 313 Fitness. I am excited and terrified all at the same time. I have never been on to join these challenges, however, what better was to jump off my weight loss than to join in on a challenge?

All you need are one or two sets of weights, an exercise band (similar to this), and a big exercise ball. 

If you care to join in, just click on the button below. The challenge starts September 10th.