Couch to 5K
Well, I guess it’s official. I’ve been running. OK – only 3 times so far, but still! I’ve gone with a program called Couch to 5K that seems custom-made for round-boys like me. The goal is to gradually build your endurance over a 9-week period, so that you’re running 5 clicks (continuously) at the end. It’s flexible enough that you can slow down, repeat weeks, etc., to match you ability and pace. My main goal is to regain some level of fitness. I can’t remember the last time I could run 3 miles without stopping – I bet it’s been 15 years at least. My secondary goal is to lose weight – I need to lose 60 pounds, at least. They say “Concentrate on the fitness aspect, and the pounds will follow” – we’ll see. I’ve lost about 5 pounds, the last 2 weeks.
I’m cautiously optimistic. And I do have some differing sources of motivation and inspiration. The C25K Forums are full of examples of people fatter than me, who have smoked more than me, who hurt more than me. Their success stories are an inspiration. My wife worries about me, so I guess the least I can do is help ease her mind and try to forego a heart attack. My daughter is out of shape for a kid her age – she’s done a “half-routine” with me, the last 2 times out. I’m proud of her! Co-workers like Mindy and Jessica run road races and do triathlons – who am I to whine about sore shins? My boss Nancy is the consummate “health enthusiast” – heck she’s so thin, she’d have to stand twice to make a shadow! Last but not least, fellow blogger Farrah has embarked on a similar fitness quest.
I’ve never been a runner. Not in the military when I ran fairly frequently. Not in High School, where I was a pretty darned good rugby player. Strength is a different matter. I’ve always been a relatively strong guy though. I’m certainly not as rugged as I used to be, but I’m no milquetoast either. Will keep you posted on the running thing. If you need a better visual as you read, imagine a rhino lumbering through the neighborhoods in Remington Heights….
[...] you may have read this post over a month ago, where I declared that I had started running. I thought it may be time for an [...]
July 10th, 2009 at 6:34 am