I hate running. Like, if running were a person, I'd punch it in the face. But what are you gonna do. So I'm totally fine with walking a 5k. And when I hear 3.1 miles I think 'Oh, that's not so bad', but my body thinks 'we're gonna dieeeeeeeee'. Currently, I'd say I'm in the worst shape of my life. I've never been crazy athletic to begin with, being plus-size and all I avoid throwing myself around when I don't have to, but I've decided this needs to change. For health reasons, self-esteem reasons, etc. So: a marathon.
Of course, I can't just go from irregular exercise to a marathon aficionado. I need to train. Even the word makes my head hurt! But if everyone else can do it, why can't I? If there's one thing I'm trying to work on (among the many others) it's my discipline/willpower. So, instead of exercising all over the place, without an actual plan, I've decided to work through the Couch to 5K program.
Couch to 5k is a running plan that's designed to get you off your ass and in fit shape. You train 3 days a week for 9 weeks, with sessions ranging from 30 - 35 minutes (including warm-up/cooldown). Supplemented by cross training (fitness classes, swimming, etc.) on your off days. The training plan looks something like this:
Today was my first session. And I tried my hardest not to go. 'Oh, it's raining!'; 'I should wait til July, make my first day the first of the month'. But I knew if I waited it would never happen. So I went. In the rain, and an hour and a half earlier than my usual wakeup time. Anyone who knows me will tell you I LOVE my sleep. Anyway, I downloaded the C25K app to my phone, so the autovoice would tell me when to warm up, alternate between walking and jogging, and when to cool down. Today's session:
5-minute warm up (brisk walk)
Alternating: 60 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking
5-minute cool down
Total Workout: 30 minutes
During the session, the running was hard. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't the duration - I was only running 60 seconds at a time. But like I said, throwing that weight around..It's hard on the knees, hard to want to bring it all up into the air. And even though it was a short workout, I felt like I'd done a lot more than if I'd only walked for the same amount of time. So tomorrow, I'll like go swimming at the local 24, and back to training on Wednesday. Of course, all this training won't help if I don't change my eating habits. I know for a fact that will be one of the hardest things for me to do. But as long as I take it one step at a time...
This whole thing started Saturday when I went to The Crucible, a workshop based art center where everything taught deals with fire or gasses. I went with my family to sign my sister up for a welding class, and decided impromptu to take an Intro to Neon class. I LOVE neon lights, think Vegas and glow sticks. And as we were home that evening (mom lamenting how every time we go anywhere she winds up spending more money than planned), I realized once I had my new light skills and could trick things out, there was a marathon I totally wanted to run: Electric Run.
I've never been to one, but it's essentially a nighttime marathon/music/light show that looks absolutely amazing. I discovered them earlier this year, but was in no shape to participate. However, they're having one an hour away from me at the end of this year and, if I can get my behind in shop, I'd love to participate. You're allowed to walk it - and frankly that's probably what I'd do - but I'd love to invite friends, go as a team. That said, with most of my friends more in shape than I am, I'd like to be able to run it - at least parts of it - if we so chose. And I could go alone - and maybe I would, even - but it seems the type of thing you want to do with friends.
So, all this to say I'm determined to do this training, and at the end of these two months I should - will - be able to run this awesomesauce marathon. If you're reading this and I know you, or you're in the Cali area and want to participate - and especially if you want to C25K with me, let a girl know. Wish me luck and stay tuned for more! #fancyfabulousfierce
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