Couch to 5K
April 17, 2012Written by Cathy Baker, mom of two amazing girls, from Missouri
So, confession time. I am that girl who did NO team sports in High School. Never exercised. Ever. When my husband I began dating we took up mountain biking. I also enjoy hiking and swimming for recreation. But to purposely ‘work out’ to be ‘in shape’ – nope, not me. However, as my body is aging, my metabolism is slowing down and my middle is expanding, I’ve been attempting to be more purposeful about exercising – and honestly, failing more often than succeeding. I say all that to say, I actually ran my first 5K race two years ago…with the brilliant help of a little program called Couch to 5K (aka C25K)! And then I ran a 2nd 5K race that Fall with my then 9 year old daughter.
*Side note: My daughter trained through national Girls on the Run Program – I highly recommend this amazing program! Their website says this: Girls on the Run® is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.
She was proud she beat me across the finish line! And then un-athletic me – quit running. No excuses, just laziness. I’ve done a little bit here and there, but my body needs so much more.
Well my daughter is in Girls on the Run again. I tried to convince her to have another running mentor for the race – but no, she insisted that I run with her! How can I say no to that – my almost middle-schooler wanting to spend time with me? A chance to be healthy? So here I am, once again doing Couch to 5K program. The thing I love about this running philosophy – is that it works – I constantly feel success in this 9 week training program that takes you from no running to completing a 5k! I’m on week 3, and it definitely feels easier this time than last time. I just hope I can motivate myself to keep running after the race, so I don’t have to start over again.
A good website I’ve found is C25K, which is a collection of websites about the C25K program – I appreciate their links to several C25K podcasts. The podcasts definitely contribute to my success – since they put the program to music. As I listen, it tells me when to walk, when to run, and gives motivation along the way. I use Ullrey’s free podcasts, but there are many others out there too. Also, I did a quick search of C25K at the itunes store and there are several free apps and resources to download too!
Here are a few motivational sayings that have inspired me of late…
So, what are you waiting for? Do something healthy for your body today!
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Heidi Farmer
on April 17, 2012 8:48 amI had a wee bit of a heads up on this last night, and TODAY I have my podcast ready to go and I start immediately after preschool drop-off. Who’s with me??!?
Heidi farmer
on April 17, 2012 10:05 amWell, just finished my first day and it felt FABULOUS!! Totally doable,even easy. Also was able to enjoy a beautiful day outside. I think this is going to work!!
Cathy
on April 17, 2012 9:16 pmYay! Good luck to ya! You should look for a 5k race 9-10 weeks from now and register now – that’s good motivation to keep going too! 🙂
Christine
on April 18, 2012 7:33 amC25K is an excellent program, highly recommend it to everyone! 🙂