Thursday, October 20, 2011

Couch to 5K

I mentioned a couple months ago that we had a little weight loss competition in my family. Whoever lost the biggest percentage of weight won the pot. Shane decided he wanted that pot so he started training for a half-marathon. He did win the pot, and he did finish the race.

He is a much happier guy when he is consistently running.

I didn't win, but I lost a little weight by upping my Zumba classes and getting white flour out of the house. Still, I've plateaued big time. I need to start doing something new.

This week I started Couch to 5K. I keep hearing from people it's a great way to get the beginner runner started gently.

Have any of you tried it?

My first run was good. I did it first thing in the morning and it kind of exhausted me for the rest of the day, but I think that was because I was up at 6. And I have insomnia, so that means I only got a few hours of sleep. I am going to try for later runs from now on.

It's a 9 week plan so I would be done a couple weeks before Christmas. I have a treadmill if it snows. I have an Enell bra which is a lifesaver for well endowed ladies. I have good running shoes.

Running just seems hard to me. But too many people say it's a game changer for them. I'm going to figure out what all the fuss is about.

I've included the first three weeks of the running schedule in case anyone wants to join in the pain fun.

Wish me luck!

13 comments:

amydear said...

Good luck! Running keeps me sane, seriously. If I lived near you I would help you get to that 5K. I hope you enjoy it.

Jenny said...

Good luck!! I am on week 4 of Couch to 5K (even though I started in early September...hmph), and am really liking it. I am actually looking forward to the next time I can get out and run--which will be this weekend since my husband is out of town. And I'll have to check out that sports bra.

Jessie said...

I feel like I can do anything when I run. It makes me feel strong. Best of luck to you mama!

xcdenke said...

Good luck Nat! You will do amazing!!! Don't forget, walking can be just as good for you and a lot safer on the knees. Also, my personal fave is Pilates!! Get the Marie Winsor Pilates and you can do it from your home or take a class. I lost 5lbs the first week I did it! I'm not trying to talk you out of running, but there are other options on the days you really don't want to run. :)

Nama said...

Hooray! After several failed attempts at becoming a runner, I printed out a couch to 5K program, signed up for one, and did it all. Almost 2 years later, I've ran two half marathons and am training for my third.

Now, the hard truth: it was an incredibly difficult process. It was MONTHS before I felt comfortable running 3 miles. But I kept chugging away, and now, I mostly feel okay running 3 miles. :) Running never gets easy, just not as hard. But yes, experiencing the accomplishment of finishing your first race (and then first half marathon) is a complete high that has kept me going!

You can do it! Just keep it up, even when it's hard. The change will happen, but it will be slow. Good luck!

Candice said...

Good luck! You can do it!

Heileson Family said...

Try and find a friend to do it with. Somebody at your level. I did that years ago and wow what a difference it made to have a friend to run with. She helped encourage me and she did a shorter triathlon because of running together and I ran a 190 miles relay. You should try a boot-camp class too. Those kick your butt and help you lose weight and tone your body. I got to one 3 days a week and we never do the same thing so I am working out all parts of my body at different times and so my body never gets used to it. I literally get my butt kicked each time I go. I love it though and I have even had people tell me how awesome I look and how amazing my arms look. Most gyms have classes. Good luck.

Liz said...

That's exactly where I started, couch to 5k. I LOVE it. I'm to the point now that when I don't run I really miss it. I never thought I'd say that, I'm far from athletic. Are you going to try any races? My sister and I are looking for 5ks in the Boise area. Quick tip (kind of a "duh" but it's taken me this long to figure out)running makes you hungry. Really hungry, so keep watching what you are eating.
Good luck!

TroxelTribe said...

Natalie, I have a lot of experience in this department which I won't go into right now, but I promise that you can lose weight just by following one rule - Eliminate all added sugar in your diet. Ok, I didn't say it was an easy rule. However, if you're serious about it, eliminate all added sugar (your first trip to the grocery store will STINK) and you'll see results. Also, add in more lean proteins (ckn, eggs, fish, etc). If you decide to do it, email me and I can give you a better idea of what you can and can't eat, what you're in for, the reasons behind it, and my experience if you want.

lesleyannaustin said...

I started doing a similar program here at our church, a bible study called Run for God. In 12 weeks our class will be running a 5k downtown Chattanooga.

The Escobedos said...

My husband and I read Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman and we both lost lots of weight, before we even started exercising. I went 10 pounds under my goal weight, and we both felt great. Amber read it too and totally changed the way she ate.

Colorado76Gal said...

Good Luck!!! I used Couch to 5K when I started running and it was the best thing I ever did......

Jenn said...

Ok you've inspired me :) I'm going to do it too! I've been so lazy lately and running has never been my thing. I can swim forever, bike, bootcamp, weight train but running has always been boring and blah and hard to me. I'm totally in!!! Wish we could actually run together!

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