...to running 5K that is. Most days, when I get done running, I am amazed that I could actually do it...that I could run! All my life I thought I HATED running. Well, I did HATE running, mostly because I couldn't do it. With my asthma, and the fact that I never really tried to run, when I was forced to do it I was miserable! I would go out of my way to avoid it...as in skipping school (playing sick) when it was time to run the mile in gym class. I did this in middle school AND college. I would say high school but now that I think about it I didn't have to take gym class in high school. As long as you were involved in one season of sports in your whole high school career, you were given the freedom to leave gym class to those who actually liked it. Anyway, I don't think I ever ran the mile, EVER. That is how much I hated it. Avoiding it in college in my Lifetime Fitness class was a little more tricky and I have to admit I did things I am not to proud of all in the name of avoiding running around that track four times. Nope, me and running were not friends.
So I am not sure what inspired me two years ago to start running. I was trying to lose weight after I was done nursing Caleb and somehow I decided that running would be good for me. Fortunately, I found the couch to 5k program and although it was hard at times, it was manageable and I found success.
Once we joined the fitness center here in town I knew that it was time for me to start again. And you know what? It is soooo much easier this time! And while it is still WORK and I don't always eagerly anticipate my trip to the treadmill, I can honestly say that once I am done I am so glad I went and I feel so good.
| Week | Workout 1 | Workout 2 | Workout 3 |
| 1 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. |
| 2 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. |
| 3 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
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| 4 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
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| 5 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking. |
| 6 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
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Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2-1/4 miles (or 25 minutes) with no walking. |
| 7 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes). |
| 8 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes). |
| 9 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes). | The final workout! Congratulations! Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes). |
I am half-way through week seven right now -- running 25 minutes with a five minute warm up and cool down walk, for a total of 35 minutes on the tread mill. So excited to be doing it...and to be enjoying it!
So for those of you who think you hate to run and you can't do it...give it a try! If I can do it, I am SURE that any of you can! The first time I did it I had to repeat a few weeks (knowing I wasn't ready to move on yet) but I kept pushing through. Here is the link in case any of you want to read more about it. COUCH TO 5K RUNNING PLAN
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Anyway, good scrapping buddies, did you see the new design of DIGI SHOP TALK ? Shannon and Lauren did such an AMAZING job! I love the fact that the gallery and the forums are now integrated and that there are avatars in the gallery! I also love seeing a few LO's on the homepage every time I go. I really don't spend much time in the gallery (heck, I don't even post there very often) so it is good to see a few LO's and leave some love. Gorgeous work, ladies!
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Six steps down, a bazillion to go. Yep, Levi can put together six steps in a row! It was kind of sad, though. Jason was at work the other day when he did it and I realized that he had never missed a milestone like that. We have always worked together so he has been there for every new thing our kids have done. But sneaky little Levi, he was standing next to a chair and I was on the floor and I turned around to say something to Alaina and when I turned back around he was walking! The funniest thing about it is that you can just see how proud he is of himself! Sweet little guy!
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I didn't do much scrapping this weekend. I was busy with my stuff at SBG and just having fun with the family. I did whip up two super-simple, super-fast LO's last night. I need to do more, though. I rarely shop for new digi supplies but in the last few weeks I have bought more than I usually do in a few months! (DST ladies...STOP enabling me! I do NOT need more stuff!) Anyway, I need to start using all the wonderful stuff I have picked up. I need to use it because there is so much more that I have been eying and I really try to use what I have purchased before buying more! Anyway, here you go:
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Alrighty, I am off. Busy day today...We have Alaina's gym and swim class, then Jason is being super sweet and staying home with the kiddos while I take some time out by myself! I really need to do some clothes shopping. This is not me being materialistic...this is me in desperate need of new clothes. I RARELY shop for myself and the state of some of my spring and summer clothes is beyond unacceptable! I don't have a lot of money to spend but I have to pick up a few things, especially a new swimsuit. I won't even tell you how old my swimsuit is...you wouldn't believe me. I HATE swimsuit shopping with a passion and so I have just continued to use the one swimsuit I have actually liked. I don't really care for the pattern anymore but the cut is wonderful. But it is simply not usable anymore and my kids really want me to swim with them. Wish me luck!
After shopping we are hoping to dye some easter eggs and then Jason is cooking a yummy steak dinner tonight! Mmmm....
Have a great day! And thank you all SO MUCH for all the nice comments on here and at DST, for the emails, and for the kind words about my templates and especially about the grab bags. I truly love giving (it is my main love language) and I love to see people get excited over little things! So your words mean so much to me...I love to see you all giddy over something I have done. It makes me want to give more. So thank you all very much. We all win here!
Janet! You do outdid yourself with that fab grab bag!!! It's amazing! And you are great!! Thanks!
Also thanks for that Couch to 5K link right now I am currently on the couch!! LOL
Have a great day and fun with the easter egg coloring I need to get to that this week also!!
Posted by: Liz | April 02, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Good for you for sticking with the running - that is GREAT - I need my treadmill back - LOL - then maybe I would have tried it b/c I am definitely on the couch - LOL! Please do make a trip to MI if you can sometime - we so need to meet!!! Congrats to Levi too for walking - how fun is that?!!! Love the LO's - if those are quick and simple then WOW!!! Good luck shopping - do show what you pick up!
Posted by: MandaKay | April 02, 2007 at 10:18 PM
Hi Janet,
When you shared the couch to 5K program awhile back I decided to try it. I am now ready for week 6, but I think I need to say on week 5 awhile longer. I can't quite do the 20 minutes with no stopping yet. But I am so surprised that I can go as long as I do. It's been great to slowly build up the time each week. Thanks for your inspiration. I have always been intimidated to try to run very much, I prefer brisk walking! So thanks again for sharing this plan. And THANK YOU for the April Fool's grab bag. So great! I already used part of it last night. I love your creations. And I love the pages you shared today. Have a good day! Melanie in CA
Posted by: Melanie Kendall | April 02, 2007 at 11:39 PM
WTG on the running Janet!!! I just started the couch to 5K last November and I was ready to run a St. Patty's Day race, but I started having sciatica pain. :( So now I am aiming for May. It's amazing how just taking a couple weeks off from running really sets you back! I too used to HATE running, but now it's ok- I hope in time that I learn to love it. :)
I hope things are going well for you at SBG!
God bless!
Posted by: Laurie G | April 03, 2007 at 07:15 AM
Check your email for a birthday surpise! P.S. Good job with the running!
Posted by: Erika | April 03, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Haha, my email address is wrong in the comment above, I'm a dork.
Posted by: Erika | April 03, 2007 at 08:23 AM
Awesome grab bag schtuff! :) And thank you for the couch to 5K program.....that should get me off my arse. I hate running with a passion, too....but I had to do it when I was in college for crew. Ugh! My only goal then was to get through the running part and NOT come in last, ever. LOL :)
Posted by: Rona | April 03, 2007 at 10:15 AM