C25K W1D1

I have always envied runners. Always. I think it looks like such a great way to not only get in shape but take off the day and decompress. However, I have never enjoyed doing it myself. I tried running for a bit with a girlfriend in college, but it did not work out. I just wrote running off as something I just do not do. Until I found a new inspiration.

My fantastic friend Tara introduced me to the world of the Couch to 5K Plan. You may have heard of it. Quite often today people I talked to about it had either heard of it, tried it, were thinking of trying it, or know someone who has or is doing it. Crazy. Well, I looked into it, and started week one, day one this morning. Woo!

The premise of the program is pretty simple. In nine weeks, you work your way up to being able to run three miles. It starts you off slow because the mistake of most new runner is jumping in too quickly. So this week, it is a five minute warm-up walk, then alternating 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking, then a five minute cool-down walk. In total, the workout is about 30 minutes. Each week is designed for you to run three days, with at least a day break in between. This week, my goal is Monday, Wednesday, Friday. As my schedule gets crazier, I am sure I will switch up the days.

I figured I would give this a shot not only because of my envy and my respect for Tara, but also because running is such an easy way to work out anywhere. This summer is bringing with it a bit of travel, both professional and personal, and while I love my Wii workouts, they are not exactly portable. Of course, I also love a challenge. First the 30 Day Challenge with the first EA Sports Active, then the 6 Week Challenge with EA Sports Active More Workouts. (And add in blog challenges and such.)

So yesterday I downloaded a suggested podcast to get me going from another woman who has done the C25K Plan. It may not be all my favorite music, but it got me going this morning. Plus, not having to time myself because she tells me when to walk and run is much easier. I do really see myself doing this to really run a 5K, but who knows. I really just want to find a new way to be active.

Now I have joined the world of want-to-be runners. I also hope to be a support (and get support from) Tara...and it seems Susan may be joining the ranks as well? I had a thought today that maybe we could blog together about it, or find some form of online support/sharing venue as we all live in three different states. Although I am not sure I will stick to blogging each day I run. We shall see.

Nonetheless, here's to running!

Sidenote: I joined a new blog challenge today. Blogging at least once a week for the rest of the summer. So far, the other participants are:

Critically Acclaimed (Justin)
Pocket Susan (Suze)
Finding Focus (Richard)
Exchanging Keys (Regina)
Waiting on the World to Change (Tara)

And no word on this year's May challenge winner yet. I will keep you all posted.