An Update on my Athletic Pursuits

Well, I made it from the Couch to the 5k. In a fit of feeling awesome, I went and researched 1/2 marathon training schedules. I put the start date on my calendar.

And then I went back to the couch and stayed put.

Until July 16, when my google calendar buzzed to alert me that it was time to start training. Grr. So I printed off the schedule, stuck it to my fridge and mapped my 3 mile run for Tuesday (Note: I left the map on the counter in case Rob or EMS needed to find me).

Tuesday's run wasn't too bad, but I felt it that night. Today was a shorter 2-miler, but added on to yesterday's run it was hard. I thought I had a streching/strengthening day, but it turns out I was wrong and I need to do 3 miles tomorrow. I am not sure if I will be able to walk tomorrow afternoon.

The good news was I found a 51% discount on my 1/2 marathon registration, so if I can't make it, I will feel 51% less guilty.

Wish me luck!

Couch to 5K to Crazy

One of my good friends claims that one of her interests is "taking up and quitting new hobbies at a record pace."  And I kind of feel that way too, which is why I haven't said anything on the blog about this yet.  But I'm almost 5 weeks in, so I feel committed.

A recent newest internet sensations in the workout arena has been a running plan called Couch to 5k (C25k).  Great idea, no?  A plan that takes you from couch potato to running a 5k in 8 weeks.  The problem is I have started this plan no less than 3 times in the past, and never made it through week 2.  I have this habit when it comes to work out plans (See also "Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, where I never made it past day 4). 

So I started it up a couple of weeks ago, and with the exception of a week where everything was green with pollen and I was feeling bad, I've stuck with it and will complete week 5 tomorrow.  The work out slated for tomorrow is  "Warm up for 5 minutes.  Run for 20 minutes.  Cool down for 5 minutes."  I may die.

But the reason I am staying on this plan (and then hope to do the accompanying "Bridge to 10k" plan) is that I have signed up for the See Jane Run half marathon October 9th.  That's the "crazy" part of the title of this post.  Like I tell people, I've always wanted to be a runner.  They talk about this 'stride' they hit where they can run for miles and miles and not even realize they are working out.  I WANT that.  I've never gotten there- generally I spend most of my work out time looking at my watch and wondering when it will be over.  Also, runners have really good bodies.  I want that, too.

So when a few friends of mine decided to do the See Jane Run half, and I realized it was far enough out that I could feasibly accomplish getting prepared for it, I jumped on the opportunity.  And honestly, I'm kind of excited about it!

I am also excited about what I'm going to do today-- go get fitted for a new pair of running shoes.  Because let's be honest, the best part about taking up a new hobby is buying all the new supplies.