Couch to 5k

Every year for the past several years I have wanted to run the Komen 5k. The one in Toledo is in the fall and the one in Columbus is in the spring. Well, I have either been getting married, working, prego, or something but this year Mike and I have committed to running it (not walking, running). Yikes! I haven't ran since sophomore year of college (2001-2). Mike on the other hand, has been running for almost a year now and can do well over a 5k.

My Aunt Kathy and cousin, Brooke have been extremely successful with the couch to 5K program so, I have decided to follow that too to gear up for the Komen run in May. I decided this a few weeks ago and decided I would start after Christmas while we are here in Bowling Green at my mom's house. I figured I don't have any excuses here: there are tons of people around to watch the boys, I don't have to worry about my neighbors seeing all my flab shaking when I run, my Aunt Kathy supplied me with the podcasts that tell you when to run and when to walk, I bought some snazzy new running clothes but, oh crap! I forgot my shoes. You know the expression, "walking in someone's shoes..."? Well, I actually ran in somebody's shoes. My Aunt Kathy was gracious enough to let me borrow a pair of her running shoes while I am in BG.

Sunday I went for my first "run". Week one of the couch to 5k starts with 5 minutes of brisk walking, 8 intervals of running for a minute walking for 90 seconds, and then another 5 minutes of walking for a cool down. I was really proud of myself for actually running all 8 sets and pushing through. It was super cold and overly windy and some kids where yelling at my from their bedroom windows but I did it!

I have decided to run on Sun/W/F. I figure this way I will have 2 days off after starting the new week (each week gets a little more difficult until you reach the 5k). I'm going to stick with doing the 25 minute workouts until I get comfortable with running and then I will check to see my actual distance. I used up my Christmas money on new headphones for the iPod and running clothes so, now I have to do it. I don't have any excuses - not even the famous, "I don't have anything to wear"! I would however, like people to ask me how it's going. I promise to be honest. I think this will hold me to it even more.

Mike and I are making exercise and healthy eating a priority. We are not going to diet or cut anything out but we are going to try to control our portions and make healthier choices. We also have promised each other time for working out. We want to be healthier to feel good about ourselves, be active parents, and drop a few pounds too!

I am excited about running the Komen May 16. I just found out you can register as early as January 2nd! (Let us know if you are interested in running it too.) I think it will be a nice tribute to my Grandma. She was always one to encourage me with the things that I was pursuing so, I think she would be proud.

If you are interested in the Komen race or couch to 5k here are some websites:
http://shepherdweb.com/lab/2007/Couch-to-5K/Couch-to-5K.html
http://www.komencolumbus.org/race/