So, I guess I should start at the beginning. My first experience with running was 6th grade cross country, I wanted to quit after 1 week! My parents, being the responsible people they are and trying to not raise a quitter made me stick it out until the end of the season. I still didn't put much effort into it and usually by 10 minutes into the meet I was walking. What I'm trying to say is...I AM NOT A RUNNER. So if you're looking for a blog of someone who loves to run and gets that runner's high, keep looking. This is my brutally honest, slightly witty (if I do say so myself) experience with being a beginning runner.
I have let myself get out of shape since high school and in March of 2010 I had a baby boy. I decided I need to be healthy for him and myself. I began working out with a trainer in August of 2010 and have seen some results with that, but I needed more cardio. One fateful day she had me do sprints, and I had this strange feeling. I wanted more, I wanted to become a runner. So here I am today...I went to my normal workout this morning and got in some great weight lifting and a little cardio and after checking out some beginning runners programs online I finally settled on The Runner's World 8-week program. It seemed simple enough for my new-mom brain to remember and easy to fit into the busy schedule of an 11-month old. On a side note, this kid has more social events and activities planned than I do, is this normal? Anyway, after navigating nap times, grocery shopping, book keeping, cooking, and other responsibilities of a "housewife" 30 minutes of running, 6 times a week seemed manageable. Plus, who wants to over do it right away? I'll be following the Runner's World program to build a base and then from there add miles and time, eventually competing in local 5ks and who know, maybe a marathon? HA
This afternoon I laced up my new running shoes, put baby boy in the stroller and we were off. Luckily, I live in an area with lots of paths and areas that are great for running and we didn't have to go far to find a great location. Now this program seems so simple, run 1 minute, walk 2 and repeat 10 times. 30 seconds in my lungs were burning, my heart was pounding, and I didn't think I could make it. I know you're thinking, "Wow, she's seriously out of shape!" Well, I'm not trying to hide it. I have never been so happy to hear the timer on my phone when my first minute was up. Somehow I completed the 10 total minutes of running and made it home without collapsing. Tonight, I'm exhausted my muscles ache and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's 30 minute walk.
Oh and if you're interested in seeing my program here's the link
The Runner's World 8-Week Beginning Runner's Training Program
