Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Plod on

I'm in the middle of Couch-to-5k.  It's a running plan for beginners, intended to take you from couch potato to 5k runner in 9 weeks. 

I got through most of the program last year, and "ran" (jogged/walked) the Run Through the Jungle 5k to benefit the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, a really awesome place, check it out - it's about a 1.5 hour drive from Indy).  I finished in 39:29, but the course was a little short...keeping on the same pace with 3.1 miles I would have come in at 42-43 minutes. 

Fairly soon after the race I stopped running altogether, but I've started from the beginning now and am determined to become a (slow, plodding) runner.  Long term goal:  to participate in a half marathon at Disney.

I decided, since I'm a bit heavier now than I was when I did this program last year, that I would take 2 weeks for every 1 on the plan.  So it's taking me twice as long, but I still feel like I'm getting a good workout for someone who was sedentary 8 weeks ago!  I might give up the 2-week idea a little farther on in the program, but for now it's working well.

Last night I started Week 4 - intervals with a total of 16 minutes running.  I use the term running loosely, of course...I set the treadmill at 4 mph and jog.  I'm not worried so much about speed at this point, just stamina.

I plan on signing up for the same race this year.  Maybe if I'm dedicated I can finish in better time!  I should start keeping track of my miles so I have an idea of my pace.

3 comments:

DaRee J. said...

I am also doing the c25k! I also had to start again after taking two weeks off for health reasons. I started back at week 3 and working on my form as I went. My form has helped so much that I am doing much more than the plan says to do. GOod luck to you! Each day is a great opportunity to improve! Have fun!

DaRee J. said...

Oh and I also started out running at 4.0, I can now run at 4.2 and only about 5 min at anything higher! So your not the only one running at that speed!

Dana said...

Thanks Daree :)