Thursday, May 19, 2011

C25K: Week One

I did it! I officially completed week one of the Couch to 5K plan!!!

To be honest, I had my doubts. Most of you already know that I tried the plan before and thought I was going to die after day one and gave up. And, I have a pretty convincing track record of saying I'm going to do something and not following through. Not the best character trait to have, but hey, I'm being honest here. So, Sunday rolled around, the day I had planned to start and all I could think about was if I would actually do it. I had my qualms and I had some excuses lined up but I knew it was time to quit making excuses and go for it. I was only hurting myself by not following through.

I took Abigail to the park for an hour on Sunday afternoon and when we got back home, I changed clothes before I could change my mind. I only have a cheap umbrella stroller, not ideal, but it's all I had to work with and since I wasn't making excuses, I buckled Abigail in, put in my headphones, found the C25K podcast on my iPod, and headed out the door. After the five minute warm-up walk, came the first run...and it wasn't too bad. It definitely got harder as each run came up and as I fought with the umbrella stroller but before I knew it, the last run was over and it was cool down time. I had made it! I finished day one! Once we got back inside, I took stock of how I felt. Even though I was a bit winded, I didn't feel anything like I had felt that first time. I actually felt pretty good which then led to feeling great because I was so proud of myself.

I couldn't wait for Tuesday and my next run but I knew I couldn't do it again with that umbrella stroller. Well, really, I would have if I had to, but my wonderful husband agreed to watch Abigail and the baby I sit for and I headed out about 10 AM that morning. It was the perfect day for a run. The weather was cooler and the humidity was way down. It was so much easier and when I was done, I didn't feel pretty good. I didn't even feel great. I felt exhilarated, empowered, and energetic!

On Tuesday night, I went to Walmart for some groceries and decided to splurge on a few things for myself...a sports bra, some athletic socks (I had been wearing two pair of Ryan's socks), and a cute running outfit. I was so happy that the tank top had a media pocket. I really want to invest in an armband for my iPod but these tank tops are great! I was READY to run on Thursday.

Who am I? I HATE to run! At least that is what I thought. I'm sure some weeks will be tougher than others but I am determined not to give up! I WILL graduate from this program.

Well, I'm on central time and for me, it's still Thursday. So today, my husband watched the kids again and I went out and did day three. My legs were a tiny bit sore and it was warmer out today and the humidity was back up. It was a bit tougher than day two but not as bad as day one. I finished and I finished well. Oh and I looked cute doing it!


I'm ready for week two to start on Sunday!!! Did I just say that? :)

Another bit of fitness news: we got a gym membership today at an awesome gym in town. I'm so excited to try some new fitness classes and take advantage of the outdoor pool this summer. They offer childcare for two hours a day while you work out which is perfect for me to be able to go to the gym in the afternoons and I can enroll Abigail in swim lessons without any additional cost! Yay!

I went and saw a movie with my friend tonight and when I got home, Ryan had a jogging stroller waiting on me! I was SO happy! Goodbye cheap umbrella stroller. It was nice knowing you!

Oh and I've decided on my first 5K. I'm going to do the Critter Run in Dothan, Alabama on July 23. It's near my parent's and my mom is going to do it with me. I filled out the registration form today. I have to send it in with my money next week. Just another incentive to finish this program! I can do it!

~Jessica

4 comments:

  1. Alright Jessie, tell me more about this Couch to 5K plan... u know I'm knocking on 40's door; but from how u are describing it, I think I might could do this. When I first started WW I was 189 lbs, (Yes, u read that right) with a 4'10" frame (Yes, u read that right too). After keeping the weight off for ten years, I am slowing packing it back on. I have started trying to keep the candy from attacking me, but haven't really found the right repellant. I'm not a veggie eater either (well, VERY VERY few). But hey, I think I can at least give this a try. I'm going to go google it before my alarm goes off telling me I haven't been to bed ALL night AND it's time to get ready for work. Yes, I know that sleep is just as important for a diet as eating the right foods... but, I sleep next to Snore 'n' Roar. My back just can't take the couch any more and I can never get comfortable on the guest bed. Getting in bed with Matthew has never been an option b/c I'm really not into playing the part of a punching bag. I usually wake Trace up and send him to find another place to bed down. But, being the kind and gentle soul that I am (yes, you read that right too), I came to the living room to wait him out. Then I got sidetracked with malware on my laptop, and that was all it took. Keep me posted on the program and ur progress... you might just be able to get me off the couch (well, out of the Lazyboy anyway).

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  2. I am so happy , for you. I will have to let you know closer to July if I can make the trek down. Its right at 800 miles, and gas is really expensive. So....we shall see....

    Hannah

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  3. You better keep it up! The Husband bought us a walking machine and I am drawing motivation from you!! :)

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  4. way to go Jessica! I keep forgetting to buy earphones for my ipod. I'm going to give this plan a whirl.. it's really a mind thing. Sounds like you have it in your head to do it.. so it will get done! Congrats on the Critter Run.. and Rosie too! awesome!

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