I've been thinking for awhile that I should put myself out there... put my thoughts out into that big black void of the internet so that you guys can keep me accountable. "What?" you say " I just want to read some blogs, I don't want to actually *do* something for someone" LOL
Well don't light up the torches and sharpen the pitch forks just yet... Can you really sharpen a pitch fork? Anyway, it's more of a mental trick for me.... get off the couch a few times a week and go out running with my friend Alex and then on Saturday May 29, 2010 we're going to run the 5k during the Ottawa Race Weekend.
We've been running since about mid June I believe, but I was side tracked a few weeks by some vacation time out east and the occasional day of "I don't feel well, so let's not run". I downloaded an app for my Iphone called Couch to 5k. It closely resembles the Running Room program for beginners. With the blessing of a co-worker who used to work for the Running Room, we've been using that program, but at a really slow pace. It's a nine week program that goes from 0 to 5k. We've repeated the 1st week a lot just to make sure that I was getting a really easy start since I'm about 80 pounds over the weight I'd like to be. Last week we progressed to week 2 and I'm thrilled that I have not keeled over of a heart attack and Alex has not stopped running with me out of boredom LOL
Last night I met up with the Running Room co-worker and she helped me buy a good pair of running shoes. We settled on a pair of Brooks Adrenaline with some snazy teal accents. The shoes are in the motion control category (see the Running Room website for more details http://www.runningroom.com/hm/) and i'm impressed how light they feel considering all the cushionning and support they offer.
We usually run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday depending on weather and shedules.... So far we've run in the heat and a bit of rain, but since we live in Canada... we know the cold will soon be upon us. We are also thinking of signing up for some swimming classes as a good replacement for our 3 sessions a week and on the alternate days I can run on the treadmill at the gym so that when the really nasty cold weather kicks in we aren't obligated to run outside and the swimming will help with muscle building and relaxing all at the same time.
It's hard for me to convey how jazzed I am about this goal i've set for myself.. You have to realize that being overweight all my life I have been afraid of running. Always thought it was so evil and that I would break into a million pieces if I tried it. I've worked out in gyms most of my adult life, followed many diets, lost many pounds and gained many pounds back. All exercise programs and diets seemed to have fallen to the side over the years, but I think this will be different. It feels very different, it's a goal that seems more tangible than just "get in shape" or "lose some weight". That 5k finish line is like a glowing beacon in the distance... and I want to reach it!
Run away with me..... (The Professors)
The tangible goal is better for me, too. It's more measurable, and achievable. We either do it, or we try harder for the next race. But we'll know, by that date!
ReplyDeleteAnd I really agree on the shoes. Mine made all the difference :)