Running for my life!

This is me after day 1 of the C25K program. "What's that?" you say, after you thought, "How does a 'program' turn Elizabeth into a tomato?"

Well.... C25K stands for Couch to 5k. Its a 9 week running training program that I started today.

I've never fancied myself a runner, however I know its something I am more than capable of. Mostly I never tried too hard at running (only doing the mile in school when I had to, and even then I averaged 15 minutes) because I always got a stitch in my side. Now athletic Daddy always told me that if I could control my breathing more evenly I could avoid that. Try as I might I have hardly ever succeeded at avoiding the stitch.

So today, inspired by my friend Nicole, I set out for 30 minutes of interval training for running. It goes like this: 5 minute brisk walk warm up followed by 60 seconds of jogging/running, 90 seconds of brisk walk, repeat jogging and walking 9 more times and then a cool down walk. Today I got straight through my first four running intervals, completing the whole 60 seconds each time. Then I got that stitch in my side. I focused on the breathing and gave running a try each time the interval came around, but I didn't complete the next 5 in their entirety. I did however manage to push myself and get through the last interval with no stitch!

The best part about the whole program is that this guy, Robert Ullrey, created a free podcast to guide you through it. Through the magic of itunes and my ipod he tells me when to run, when to walk and gives general encouragement along the way. I understand from Nicole that future weeks look kind of scary, but I think its a good, challenging, scary, so I'm all for the weeks ahead.

I will be back at it on Tuesday!! I am really excited about this whole program. The fittest people I know are runners and I have always envied their ability to run.

I'm so excited, beet red face and all, that I actually came home and have signed up for 2 5k runs!!! Whats the point of all this training if I don't actually put myself to the test with it! The first one is the Race to the End of Summer. It is September 5th at Hellyer Park! That means my first 5k will be on the very trail I run during my training (not that I plan to run there everyday, some variety will be good, but I am sure I will run there alot), plus its right next door so I won't have to pay for parking.

Then I signed up for the Run Forrest Run in November in Monterey. Starts on Cannery Row and runs out just past Lover's Point and back. Should be very exciting!

All of this running goes with previous posts about fitness/weightloss. Still not getting what I want out of the gym, even though my attendance has been better and I have in fact lost a couple of pounds. I am just hoping that adding running into my life will aid the whole fitness process.

Also I now understand what Runners mean when they say that the treadmill/elliptical is no substitute for the great outdoors. Cool fresh air in your lungs beats stale air conditioning any day!

Run for your life!!