Photo by Procsilas
I can’t believe I forgot to post about this.
Well, actually I can.
I have taken to embarking upon new challenges in a crablike, surreptitious fashion. Then, after they take hold, I start talking about them a little more. It’s my way of not freaking myself out.
The strength training program on SparkPeople that I’ve been following this month is one example of a relatively unassuming transition into a new phase of my weight loss. In fact, this whole weight-loss shebang has pretty much been an unobtrusive yet steady journey toward my goal.
This past week I completed Week 1 of the Couch to 5K program, which is well-known on the internet as the go-to plan for couch potatoes looking to start running. The last time I tried to start jogging (back in early October), things didn’t end well; I gave myself some kind of tibial stress syndrome and as a result had to lay off high-impact exercise for a couple of months. Now that I’m down 35 lbs, I decided it was time to give jogging another try. I didn’t want to actually commit to completing the C25K program, but it seems as though that’s just what I’m setting out to do.
The Couch to 5K program (often abbreviated as C25K) has ample online representation. Here are two links I can recommend, if you’re interested:
- The main site for C25K.
- A very readable chart of the workouts which prints well.
You start out doing walk/jog intervals for 20 minutes, and over the course of nine weeks gradually increase the amount of jogging until you are able to run for 30 minutes in a row, which roughly translates into a 5K for many people. In the past, I’ve run a bit slower than that, but it’s a decent approximation.
I tend to want to downplay my running efforts, and I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that I ran a marathon in 2001. This was before I became obese. Before I moved back down to Texas from New York City. Before a lot of things that went down in my mid-to-late 20s. I went from being a girl who could run for most of the Chicago Marathon to the person who started this weight-loss effort in September, a person who got a backache just walking her dog around the block. It’s hard for me to forgive myself for that, sometimes. I guess I coped with life the best I could at the time, but it resulted in me being over 200 lbs and losing a lot of my energy and willingness to try new things.
Well, here I go again. I honestly don’t currently harbor any secret burning desires to run a full marathon again, but perhaps an official 5K or even a 10K could be fun at some point. How about you? Do you run? Or, if not, is this something you aspire to? I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s one of those activities that’s very liberating in the sense that all you need is a decent pair of shoes to get going.
25. January 2010 at 3:43 PM
I was a runner, both in college and in my 20′s ~ up every morning at the crack of dawn, strapping on those shoes, hitting my stride, coming home literally feeling high. Love love those memories. Then came marriage, kids, teenagers, divorce, and big big changes accompanied by more weight than I want to even admit.
So, the runner lives deep within me, and yah, I wanna run again. Won’t be for awhile, but am hoping my summer or this fall to go for it. Summer, fall or even winter, it WILL happen!
25. January 2010 at 3:53 PM
oh Hilary, please forgive yourself. we all have things that happened in our lives that brought us to the journey now. there is a reason for everything. the fact that you ran a marathon before, that’s AMAZING and something to think about if you ever doubt that you can run again. You have already done it! You don’t need to think about the past and feel bad about it. Learn from it instead!
I have never been a runner, but I did C25K last year and I am totally addicted! I’m not fast, I don’t care if I have personal bests (right now anyway), I am doing it purely because I love the way I feel afterwards! I haven’t even officially done a 5 or 10K yet – I just get out there and RUN. It’s done so much for my self-esteem too. I feel so strong and able to do anything when I’m out there. So good on you for starting again! Who knows? Maybe we’ll run a Marathon together one day ;-)
25. January 2010 at 3:58 PM
Well, I think you already know my answers, hehe. I long for the day when running comes easy…it’s my dream to be able to run long distances (marathons, even). Right now, I’ve just started jogging (at 4 mph)…this morning I was really stoked because I went a quarter mile before having to stop to walk. Baby steps. I’ll get there. And so will you! I do encourage you to continue “accidentally” ;) jogging…
25. January 2010 at 4:21 PM
Congrats on your running! :) This is the first time I’ve heard of the couch to 5K program. Actually, back in October (before I started working with a personal trainer) I found something similar on RunnersWorld.com but I was such an idiot and didn’t stretch properly I go bad shinsplints. That was almost enough to sideline me indefinitely… LOL
I’ve been working myself back up to running. I want to do a 5K this July. I’m finding the more weight that comes off the easier it is for me to run on the treadmill and the better my legs feel. Don’t know about the marathon thing even though it sounds like a lofty goal – but it sounds tough. I’m not lyin’. ;)
25. January 2010 at 5:04 PM
I am SO happy for you!! Isn’t it such a great sense of accomplishment & pride to know you conquered something that you may have never thought possible.
I started running a little less than a year ago. Before that, I couldnt even bare to run the first 30 seconds that the C25K program called for (please note that I did not continue with the C25K program…I ended up following my own thing but I think thats an awesome training guide!). But today I’ve ran 2 5K’s (both late last year), ran 6 miles yesterday and am signed up for a 1/2 marathon in September! For the first time ever in my life, I can call myself a runner.
Each little step, each little push off the ground, will lead to bigger and faster leaps. Not only will your endurance change, but it will truly transform every other area of your life
Keep up the AMAZING work!! xoxo
25. January 2010 at 5:13 PM
Hey, I had no idea you used to be so into running, that is great that you are getting back into it now, then.
I have done multiple tries of C25K, and completed it once but then didn’t go on to other things. I do want to give running another try in the spring, though.
25. January 2010 at 6:35 PM
Well… ummmm… consciously, I have no desire to run. But my subconscious apparently wants to run a 5K, as that’s what I blurted out to several coworkers last week.
So I guess I’ll be running at some point. But not some point soon, I don’t think. :-)
25. January 2010 at 6:51 PM
Do you listen to music when you run? If so, you’re probably familiar with the different c25k podcasts out there, right? They play music, and someone tells you when to run and when to walk. Useful for the first few weeks of the c25k, when you’re switching back and forth.
25. January 2010 at 7:28 PM
I’m definitely trying to increase my running (and other cardio) because I find it is helping with my asthma. I have seen a lot of improvement in this area lately.
Btw, you look fab in your new clothes!
25. January 2010 at 7:39 PM
Hilary – I had no idea you used to be a runner! Congratulations. You know what I think? I think that in this journey of life there are times where we are at the top of our game and times where we struggle to walk the dog. You’ve been at both ends already and now you are working your way back up to your top form. I admire you so much for all you have accomplished!
25. January 2010 at 11:41 PM
hilary, i love running but boy do i know the feeling of letting myself get so out of shape i would hurt myself if i tried. i’ve never run anything close to a marathon; i ran 2 or 3 5k’s and one night when i was kinda cranky i ran 7 miles because it felt good (when i was used to running 4) and ended up hurting an ankle and not being able to run for 2 weeks, oopsy. i ran for several years and my stopping seemed to coincide with my weight gain which culminated in my current position… pretty darned overweight. coincidence? i think not!
congrats on running again! i think c25k is a great way to condition your body and avoid injury. i’m so happy for you!
26. January 2010 at 8:14 AM
You are doing great, and the C25K program is an excellent way to start getting cardio outside of a gym. I try to run/walk at least 10 miles each week, though I’m not always successful. Any start is a good start! Keep at it!
26. January 2010 at 2:23 PM
Yay! You know how I feel about running. :) Honestly, I didn’t USE C25k but I think it sounds very sane. The weather has been so nice, and it’s a great excuse to get some outside time. And there’s just about a 5k a week around here so when you’re ready there will be plenty to choose from!
27. January 2010 at 1:40 PM
I’m planning on doing the C25K myself! I’ve had a nasty chest cold this week, but I’m planning to start Day 1 this weekend. I had no idea you ran a marathon! That’s pretty amazing! Don’t dwell on how far from that you are now, b/c you will be back there again! The idea of running a marathon terrifies me, the fact that you’ve already done it is very inspiring. I love the title of this post too:)