In January 2016, I decided I was going to run a 5k in 2016 – this was something I had read somewhere about setting a goal to run, paying the fee and then training for it to ensure you followed through. So I did. The Race For The Cure is May 14, 2016 for Breast Cancer and I am signed up to run it. I needed a training plan – I saw many recommendations for a Couch-to-5K plan that was very successful. Not being a runner at any point in my life previous, this seemed like a good way to start. I found the plan here – Couch-to-5k – and began to follow it. I have a treadmill at home, so I started running/walking according to the plan on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I purchased a pair of Aisics running sneakers and off I went.
I was still doing the 21 Day Fix, PiYo and P90 workouts on the non-running days.
It was tough at first, but I was surprised I was able to follow the plan. I found some weeks hard and repeated them when needed. I was very careful to stay at the pace suggested by the plan so as to not hurt myself. 3 months later, I am up to running a little over 2 miles without walking so I am almost at the 3.1 miles I need for a 5k. I went to Fleet Feet in Syracuse, NY a couple of weeks ago and got fitted for running sneakers and bought a pair of New Balance 880v6’s that I have started running outside in.
I use my Fitbit to track my heart rate, and I use MapMyRun on my iPhone to track my distance and where I run. I purchased a set of Bluetooth headphones – Plantronics BackBeat Fit Bluetooth Headphones and set up a list of about 100 songs I like to run to – classic rock and metal.
I am progressing better than I thought I would. I find I enjoy it now, and I am amazed that 6 months ago I got winded walking and today I can run 2 miles…
