I began thinking about starting a running plan after reading a post from a friend that said she started running. I was interested mainly because I always read Cyndy's posts and she is so athletic. I have always admired that. I should have jumped on her athletic swimming team back in elementary school, but I was too afraid to fail so I never did. Anyway, fast forward to August 2010, after reading Kelly's posting about running, I started asking questions. (To be clear, I have never been a runner, the best I can do is an exercise DVD, bike riding or walking on the treadmill.) My friend Kelly let me know that she had begun a running program called “Get Running.” She gave me the specifics of the plan because I did not have an iPhone so I couldn’t use the application directly. Well, about 2 days later my husband gave me an iPhone so that I could have all the applications that I wanted. That was the beginning.
My first day of running was August 29, 2010 and I was scared, very scared! I got on the treadmill with my water bottle ready and began my running journey. For week 1 of the plan, you warm up with a brisk walk for 5 minutes, run 1 minute and then walk again for 1 1/2 minutes. (Repeat this pattern 8 times). Well, I made it through, but I thought I was going to die!! I could not believe how hard it was. It was horrible! I did this same routine 3 times that week to complete the week 1 schedule. The whole week was killing me; I was so upset that I could possibly be so out of shape that the running was killing me. Well, after talking to a few different people and then realizing that my treadmill was on the highest incline that it can be (thanks to Jillian Michaels), I fixed the problem. I finished week 1 desperately hoping that the next week would be easier.
I also wanted to mention that every time I run, I send a little note to a friend so that she knows I am running and so that we can keep each other accountable. This helps A LOT!
Week 2 began on September 6th, and this time I was feeling much better while running. During week 2, you run for 1 1/2 minutes and walk 2 minutes ( repeat 6 times). I made it through and I felt great that I was able to do it. I was such a great feeling that I was actually excited to get on the treadmill knowing that I was going to be running.
Before I knew it, I was on to week 3, which began on September 12th. This time, I had to run for 1 1/2 minutes, then walk for 1 1/2 minutes, then run 3 minutes then walk 3 minutes (repeat twice). I wasn't sure that I could run for 3 minutes without resting but I did it! I was so excited; running even makes it feel like the time is passing much quicker.
Week 4 began on Sept 19th, which was during my 10-year Anniversary Cruise!! It was amazing and fun all at the same time to run on a treadmill as you felt the rocking of the seas. I was very proud of myself that day. That was also the first day I had to run for 5 minutes without a break. I was nervous but I did it! This running journey has been great. My family is very proud. My mom even comes over and sits with me while I run sometimes so that the time feels like it’s passing even more quickly! Thanks to my family for the support!!!
On the 20th of September, Cyndy sent me a note saying how proud she was of the running that I was doing. This was a very nice surprise and made me even more accountable than just having to message my running buddy. Now I have two people checking on my running and there was no way I could let two people down. Thank God for my running buddy and Cyndy (we can call her the athletic Coach!)
One day during this week we ate burgers, fries and milkshakes and let me tell you, it was very hard to run. That was really the first day since I started the running that we ate junk and it was painful when I was running! However, I think it was good because it made me realize that I must pay attention to my foods so that I can run with ease.
Having great friends and family who support you and say “great job” and “keep up the good work” makes all the difference! Just knowing that someone is wondering if you did your running makes you run so you don’t let them down. Thanks guys!
Week 5 came along and I was supposed to run 8 minutes without resting 2 times! Oh boy…but I made it!!! The next thing I know, it was day 3 of week 5 and I had to run for 20 minutes without a rest. Also this week I had music and it made all the difference! A few great songs and I was running right along not even realizing how fast the time was passing. To be honest, I did not think I could do it, but I did! It was amazing. I was very proud that I did it.
So that brings us to now. Today was week 6, day 1. The workout was 5 minutes warm up, then run 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 8 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 5 minutes, finally followed by a 5-minute cool down. Today’s was a little more work with the stopping & going, but I pushed thru it! I had my water and my music and I just ran.
I personally haven’t felt any changes in my clothing yet, but my sister came today from the Lake & she mentioned that my butt had shrunk! This made me happy. Even if I haven’t noticed yet, at least someone else did!!
I am excited to finish the whole program by the end of October and then continue to run. Hopefully I will be running alongside Kelly & Cyndy in an easy 5k! That is the goal. Then, we will work towards the next goal.
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