Do the Couch to 5k running plan

Had no ambition to start this program today, but bit the bullet and with the help of my friend Molly I completed Day 1! Woo hoo!! This goal is so important not only for my weight loss, but for my mental health. I never ever thought I would like to run (jog slow) but I have never experienced a high like I do when I am running. I would someday like to compete in a triathalon. 1 more thing to add to my list of things. (O:

thank goodness. I haven’t been doing anything at all, not even walking round the park at lunchtimes. I feel like a total blancmange but it has worked as my knees are much better – only in the last couple of days though. I really want to get back to the programme.

(nearly ashes now) My walking shoes are completely shot (from the inside – too many miles on them) so today I made a necessary purchase: a pair of “Mizuno Wave Alchemy 8” running shoes(on SALE!).

Details:
• supportive, superbly cushioned running shoe for the moderate to severe overpronator.
• SmoothRide Engineered, Composite Double Fan Wave provides the perfect blend of control and cushioning while providing an unsurpassed ride.
• Outsole and midsole platform are engineered with SmoothRide technology which minimises changes in velocity to give the smoothest ride possible.
• Lightweight responsive midsole compound with good durability.
• Shock-absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel.
• Enhanced Fit Technology that works with your foot to provide the
optimum fit throughout the gait cycle.
• Full-length midsole ventilation system reduces heat and humidity
build-up inside the shoe.
• Provides the utmost in breathability and comfort of the upper.
• The most durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high
impact areas and supplements traction at heel strike.
• SmoothRide Engineered, combination solid rubber/blown rubber forefoot outsole design for cushioning, durability and flexibility.
• Removable Anatomically Moulded AP sockliner.

Rather stupidly I went running tonight even though my knees are very painful. Even though the programme allows for a 2 day gap between runs, I am going every other day so I don’t lose momentum/ interest. I ran carefully, slowly, close to the ground. It hurt my knees. And now I can barely walk and stairs are a nightmare. What possessed me? I was already limping on both legs. Doh. What happens now? :(

Aarghh. I ran tonight, this set seems quite easy – the 2 min walk is too long. I am finding that I can’t concentrate on running for 90 secs though, even though tonight it was fine stamina-wise. I kept slowing down and then catching myself. Lol I’ll never win a race! But now I have big blisters on both heels, and sore knees:( I wore different shoes as my others are making me roll in on the right as they are worn out (and not made for running anyway). But I soon felt them rubbing my heels. I am not sure what it says about me that I decided I’d rather continue running with blisters than quit! For the 5 min cool down I took off the shoes and walked home in my socks. I’m annoyed as I had planned to get running shoes fitted tomorrow and now I can’t because of the blisters. Grr! I’m concerned about my knees though. I might see if I can patch up my heels and go shoe shopping anyway as I will be running again on Monday.

I totally rock, week 2 is 90sec run and 2min walk and I did it! My running definitely gets ragged towards the end but I didn’t feel like I had to stop. It was actually over really fast! I weighed myself today, which was an unmitigated disaster but hey, at least I can see how much work I have to do. Thinking positive! (Trying)

I added this goal in August, when I figured I would do it every week and be done by October. Well, it’s October now, and I haven’t exactly taken off like a rocket. I’m still on week one. It’s getting very cold out now, and I don’t think that it’s a good idea to start running around outside in sub-zero temperatures come next month. And I’m not confident enough to go to a gym to go running (I would rather exercise in solitude, thanks). I don’t exactly want to give up on this, though. So I’m not sure what’s going to happen with this. I’ll give it some thought.

I did it! I flag around interval 6 (of 8) and I am not sure it is getting easier. But week 1 is over and I’m really excited to move onto week 2 tomorrow.

I started on week three today and I think this week will be a good one. I had to stop myself from running for a longer period of time than was recommended because I don’t want to get injured or burn myself out so I walked on a steep incline at 4mph during the rest periods to help keep my heart rate up. (When my sister and I were kids we used to make fun of speed walkers… she would have died of laughter if she caught sight of me today.) I stretched for about 20 minutes after my workout then hit the sauna. Hope I can take the rest of my runs with this ease!

Done! It was tough today and I’m not sure why as I had thought it would be easier than Friday, after having done it once. I put gel insoles in my shoes to try to prevent shin splints (too late!) and put tubigrips on my shins, and wore tights to support my hips. So I thought I was better prepared. Hmm. I felt more out of breath and sweatier afterwards so I think I might be going too fast. I am doing 2.5m/4k in just over half an hour.

At the moment I can’t see myself being able to move on to week 2.

However, I have just read about the Disney races! New goal? I think so…