I am sore this morning. The Referee and I started learning to run. We are seeking to improve our fitness level. Get in shape. Lose weight. Etc.
I do not think I even had a fitness level before. Well, not entirely, because I was real active in sports in high school. But, I'm not in high school anymore. Either is my fitness level.
I am not a runner either. Actually, whenever the topic comes up, I usually joke that I don't run...even when chased!
But, then, I happened upon this Couch to 5K program on the internet. If I understand it correctly, the program was designed by the folks at Cool Running. So, I hope I am crediting the right folks.
I do not think I even had a fitness level before. Well, not entirely, because I was real active in sports in high school. But, I'm not in high school anymore. Either is my fitness level.
I am not a runner either. Actually, whenever the topic comes up, I usually joke that I don't run...even when chased!
But, then, I happened upon this Couch to 5K program on the internet. If I understand it correctly, the program was designed by the folks at Cool Running. So, I hope I am crediting the right folks.
The idea of the program is to get people off the couch and regularly running at the level of a 5K (about 3 miles), in just 2 months. The program starts so basic, that the first week is mostly a walk and jog routine.
I will admit that I tried to start the program a few months ago, and failed miserably. I was shocked to learn I no longer had the coordination to run, jog, or get my body moving as fast in reality as it moves in my mind. Second, I have a need for some major bra support, and that was a painful lesson to learn. Thirdly, I also need good arch and ankle support, because weak ankles and poor coordination do not go well together. I have always been a klutz, and I do not see that improving much.
But, as the months went by, and I continued to workout to my walk-at-home DVDs, I gained a little improvement to my movement. I also found good supportive shoes. And, when I accidentally stumbled upon an extremely supportive bra, my life was changed forever.
As The Referee and I discussed health and fitness, I mentioned the Couch to 5K program for him as well. We decided to work the program together.
The first night we ran, we took turns running (jog/walking) around our neighborhood, with one of our older daughters riding their bicycle next to us. It did not take long to realize that would not be a very safe option. A couple days later, we drove over to nice park that has a big field with a sidewalk "track" around it. We took turns jog/walking the track and supervising the kids on the playground equipment. That environment is wonderful.
Sadly, my fitness level is so low that I am taking 2 weeks just to complete the 1st week level. The program is divided into 9 weeks. On week 9, we run 3 miles, 3 times that week. At first, that was hard to imagine. Now, it seems possible.
For the 1st week, I went 3 times to work out, but I was unable to keep up the walk/jog pace for the full 20 minutes. After the 2nd time I went to work out, my ankles and shins were really sore. I skipped the following evening and went to bed early instead. I think my body was in shock. The rest helped. I can already tell my ankles are getting stronger.
Last night, I went to work out for what would normally be the first workout of week 2, but is instead the 1st workout of me repeating week 1. I am stunned at how much my ability to jog has improved already. I was strong for the first half the workout. I am amazed. I am no longer whining about being so out of shape that I can't even complete week 1.....now I am inspired to actually keep going. Wow.
Even though I never wanted to be a runner, I am drawn to the idea because of it being an efficient way to keep in shape. I know many folks in their 40's who are maintaining good fitness by running a few days a week. I see how it works.
Focusing on fitness instead of weight loss is so much more fun. I did not lose a single pound the entire first week. The Referee gained 2 pounds, I think. He was bummed. I was encouraged because I was already starting to feel better, and my clothes were fitting better somehow. The Referee agreed that was true of him too.
Starting a couple days ago, the numbers on the scale are now dropping daily. It is small drops, but it is drops. I will take it!
....But....I am not ready to discuss my addiction to Mountain Dew! I am going to need a whole different program for that.
I will admit that I tried to start the program a few months ago, and failed miserably. I was shocked to learn I no longer had the coordination to run, jog, or get my body moving as fast in reality as it moves in my mind. Second, I have a need for some major bra support, and that was a painful lesson to learn. Thirdly, I also need good arch and ankle support, because weak ankles and poor coordination do not go well together. I have always been a klutz, and I do not see that improving much.
But, as the months went by, and I continued to workout to my walk-at-home DVDs, I gained a little improvement to my movement. I also found good supportive shoes. And, when I accidentally stumbled upon an extremely supportive bra, my life was changed forever.
As The Referee and I discussed health and fitness, I mentioned the Couch to 5K program for him as well. We decided to work the program together.
The first night we ran, we took turns running (jog/walking) around our neighborhood, with one of our older daughters riding their bicycle next to us. It did not take long to realize that would not be a very safe option. A couple days later, we drove over to nice park that has a big field with a sidewalk "track" around it. We took turns jog/walking the track and supervising the kids on the playground equipment. That environment is wonderful.
Sadly, my fitness level is so low that I am taking 2 weeks just to complete the 1st week level. The program is divided into 9 weeks. On week 9, we run 3 miles, 3 times that week. At first, that was hard to imagine. Now, it seems possible.
For the 1st week, I went 3 times to work out, but I was unable to keep up the walk/jog pace for the full 20 minutes. After the 2nd time I went to work out, my ankles and shins were really sore. I skipped the following evening and went to bed early instead. I think my body was in shock. The rest helped. I can already tell my ankles are getting stronger.
Last night, I went to work out for what would normally be the first workout of week 2, but is instead the 1st workout of me repeating week 1. I am stunned at how much my ability to jog has improved already. I was strong for the first half the workout. I am amazed. I am no longer whining about being so out of shape that I can't even complete week 1.....now I am inspired to actually keep going. Wow.
Even though I never wanted to be a runner, I am drawn to the idea because of it being an efficient way to keep in shape. I know many folks in their 40's who are maintaining good fitness by running a few days a week. I see how it works.
Focusing on fitness instead of weight loss is so much more fun. I did not lose a single pound the entire first week. The Referee gained 2 pounds, I think. He was bummed. I was encouraged because I was already starting to feel better, and my clothes were fitting better somehow. The Referee agreed that was true of him too.
Starting a couple days ago, the numbers on the scale are now dropping daily. It is small drops, but it is drops. I will take it!
....But....I am not ready to discuss my addiction to Mountain Dew! I am going to need a whole different program for that.
Good for you guys! Keep it up.
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