So this guy has NEVER been a runner. I was the guy who doubled over during the 600 yard dash in High School. Yep, that was me, the one everyone was picking on.
So why at 40 did I get the idea to try the Couch to 5K running program? I haven't a clue. :) The truth shall set me free. Actually, as part of my transformation, I've needed to find a cardio exercise that I enjoy. I've been beating up the poor elliptical machine at my gym. I'm so big and have so little rythym, that the elliptical machine bounces like a tire that is out of balance when I'm trying to go fast.I thought that setting a specific cardio goal would help me stay motivated in that regard. So I am going to try my best to run (probably run/walk) the Monument Avenue 10K on April 2nd.
I know what you runners are thinking---there is a Couch to 10K program, but I am much closer to the couch than the track. Today was my first day and I downloaded the Couch to 5K Coach from Apple ITunes (it's a free download by the way). You can download the new program for each week. So toay's program consisted of a five minute brisk walk, then switching between a 60 second light run, and 90 second brisk recover walk, and then another 60 second run for 20 minutes, and then finishing with a 5 minute brisk walk to cool down. I'll skip a day between runs, and I'll do this set three times and then I'll downlaod the next week Coaching program and the runs will lenghten, the recovery walks will short, until I can run the entire time.
I haven't run in many many years, so as I set here tonight watching the Pro Bowl, my hip hurts, my legs are tight, and my shoulder hurts (not sure how you do that by running but I managed to do it). But I feel good to hurt so bad because after weeks of putting it off, I just went out and did it.
The best part? As I was finishing the 5 minute brisk walk and was approaching home, I saw my 9 year old son in the drive way waving his arms and cheering me on. You would have thought I was finishing a marathon, but it was nice to have such a perfect little fan.
Have a GREAT WEEK my friends.
Wow, great goal and I bet you do it! The interval running/walking reminded me that I have a weight loss mode built into my treadmill that I can start. I used to love to run, but six heart stents later, I'm only on brisk walking right now. I bet the prep for your goal really accelerates weight loss. Congratulations on your current success btw!!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry at all about a pound gain now and then. You are doing pretty intense workouts it sounds like and will probably be buidling muscle. We gain a pound for so many various reasons that have nothing to do with our food intake.
I haven't tried the Myoplex. I use Andrew Lessman's Secure replacement powder which is full of vitamins and nutrients, and I like that it has no cholesterol.
Keep up the great work and good luck with your training. Thanks for the heads up about the free download too.