You know what my LEAST favorite form of exercise was up until 8 weeks ago?
Yep. Running.
I HATED running. I would rather fold laundry. Clean dishes. Change dirty diapers.
I have no idea what the heck inspired me to start running. I mean, I did put “run a 5k” on my bucket list, but I didn’t think I really meant it.
Apparently, after a night of dinner at my friend Katie’s house, my little bucket list item was about to become reality.
We decided that we were going to start running together. Neither of us liked running. Neither of us had ever ran a race.
In fact, I couldn’t have ran 30 feet if you asked me too. Seriously. I tried running to the neighbors one day to chase the dog and almost died. That is how OUT OF SHAPE I was.
We recruited our friend Kelly, who does not love running either, to join us. Peer pressure sucks! 🙂
Katie, Kelly, and Me
Luckily, there are other people out there that were willing to give us some direction! Thanks to Kara for sending us a program we could follow. It wasn’t Couch to 5k, but from what I hear, it is pretty similar.
10-WEEK TRAINING SCHEDULE
From Runner’s World
Run Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Take Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday off. Each workout is 30 minutes.
Week 1
Run 2 minutes,
walk 4 minutes.
Repeat 5 times.
Week 2
Run 3 minutes,
walk 3 minutes.
Repeat five times.
Week 3
Run 5 minutes,
walk 2.5 minutes.
Repeat four times.
Week 4
Run 7 minutes,
walk 3 minutes.
Repeat three times.
Week 5
Run 8 minutes,
walk 2 minutes.
Repeat three times.
Week 6
Run 9 minutes,
walk 2 minutes.
Repeat twice, then
run 8 minutes.
Week 7
Run 9 minutes,
walk 1 minute.
Repeat three times
Week 8
Run 13 minutes,
walk 2 minutes.
Repeat twice.
Week 9
Run 14 minutes,
walk 1 minute.
Repeat twice.
Week 10
Run 30 minutes.
We didn’t follow it exactly, but it did help guide us in the right direction. We probably only ran 3 times a week at the beginning. And we skipped Week 7, 8, & 9 and went straight to week 10 “run 30 minutes”, but only because my first 5k is THIS weekend and I needed to know I could run 30 minutes straight without walking!
Week 1 was the hardest. After 2 minutes of running we were spent! But, once we got passed the first few weeks I can honestly say that it has been FUN!
Monday night was the first time we actually tracked our distance and we officially ran our first practice 5k! It took us 32:25 minutes! I can’t say if that’s good or bad because I have NO idea. All I know is that we made it without walking! It was a great feeling!
Do I dare say that I actually LIKE running now? I NEVER thought I would call myself a “runner”. It’s so much easier to do WITH other people and I am thankful the three of us girls have created a support/motivational system for each other.
This weekend I will be running with some of my college besties in the AIDS run in Chicago! Super excited! Although I am a little worried because Amy is a marathon runner (eeek!) and Jen has been running 5k’s like it’s her job! I hope they will agree to run at my slow pace.
Katie, Kelly, and I have plans to run a 5k in November!
Moral of this story: If you think THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY you could run 3.1 miles, I challenge you to try this program! Find a friend and make a commitment to run at least 3 times a week! If I can do this….ANYONE can!
Way to go!!! I did the same thing a few years ago and ran a half marathon. Unfortunately, I got pregnant and haven’t run since. Your post today is putting good running thoughts in my head. Thanks!
That is awesome!!! I was the same way a few years ago and now running is my saving grace! It helps clear my head…crazy how addictive it is!! You should be very proud of yourself 🙂 Best of luck this weekend!! I am sure you will do great!!
32 minutes is a very respectable time especially for your very first 5k. You should be very proud!
Good for you! After the second member of my family was diagnosed with lymphoma my hubby and I decided to join Team In Training and run a Marathon. I had not run AT ALL since I was 10 years old. And there I was 4 months later completing 26.2 in under 5 hours. Addictive it is. Two babies (three pregnancies) curbed that addiction quick for me thou although maybe I should put back on the shoes. Running with people is the only way to go for me. All the best to you in your 5K!
Yay, Mandy!! I KNEW y’all could do it!!! Just like you said, If *I* could successfully do this program, ANYONE can. The hardest part is making the commitment and sticking to it (and for me, waking up at 5 a.m.). I re-started this in January after having Nora and have run a 5K and 10K this year … my first half-marathon is in about a month!! Can’t wait to hear about your race this weekend. Oh, and I think your time is fine. My “training pace” is about an 11-minute mile when I’m running 3+ miles. And you’ll run faster when you’re running a race, I’m sure. I finished my first 5K in 31 minutes. You’ll do great!! (And I’m not surprised to hear that you already have plans for another race … it’s addictive!) 🙂
Congratulations! That is so exciting! I did the Couch to 5K program last summer and started to really enjoy running. I am looking forward to starting back up after the baby is born. All the cute running accessories are a plus too! Good Luck on your 1st 5K!
I am not a runner…I have always hated it…but started a little over the summer and since hubby got home a few weeks ago from his deployment…we have been running together and love it…can’t wait to run or first 5k together soon! Great job!!!!!
you are SO a runner! What an inspiration. I’ve always wanted to be a runner, maybe when I’m done with the law school app process, I’ll throw this in my list. I can’t run farther than to the corner, though. lol
John Bingham said, “If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”
I pretty much love that quote 🙂 And yes…running is FUN…and yes…it is ADDICTIVE! Just wait until you run this race this weekend. You will be hooked, hence my ten 5Ks this year 🙂 Can’t wait to see you!!!
Amazing! You are a real inspiration! I am going to start running. I keep saying it but your motivating me. Great work mama!!
Jen, I needed to read that quote. I *still* don’t consider myself a runner most days, and I run 20+ miles a week. What’s up with that?? Think I’m gonna borrow that quote and read it often – thanks!!
We kinda rock….well not me (lately) just you and Kelly! 🙂 Wish I could be there this weekend, but next week, LOOK OUT! I’m back!
This is awesome! I wish you well this weekend. Sounds like you will do fine. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Great!! What a wonderful accomplishment! XOXO
Awesome! Just finished my first 5K last weekend…and like you, never thought I would be a runner. I’m excited and already signing up for another 5k in December.
I agree with the rest – great job! I got back on the path (so to speak) when my daughter decided to do Girls on the Run last fall … there’s some motivation! if your 9-year-old is running a 5k you feel obliged to as well!
I love this post! I just started running myself and ran my first 5K today! I agree with everything you said in the post! I too used to get winded just going up the stairs lol. I can’t believe how I actually enjoy running now and want everyone else to know they can do it too. It’s a great feeling!!