Motivation and a Bit of Doubt

I did it!!!!  I registered for my first 5K this morning.  Since I like to keep it real, I will tell you that I am pretty scared.  I have been training using the Couch Potato to 5K program.  I completed Week 8 last night and am now 3 workouts away from completion.  I will also tell you that in this instance, third time is a charm.  The first two times, I didn't make it through Week 3.  The third time around, I slowed down and it has made all the difference.  I won't be setting any speed records, but as has been pointed out to me "if you aren't walking, you are running".

 

Source: healthy-is-the-way-to-go.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

There are two ways to work the program - either timed or distance.  I decided on the timed since that was much easier to do on the phone app.  So with only a week to go before completion, I am up to just about two miles.  Don't get me wrong, I am beyond proud of what I have accomplished. A little over a month ago I was struggling to go even half a mile.  My first 5K is a month from tomorrow and in that time, I have to increase my distance by a little over a mile.  I feel determined, but a little overwhelmed at the same time. 

I am sore today, but need to (and will) get back out there again tomorrow.   Although, I am more determined than ever, there is that little voice asking me if I can really do this.  Can I really run three plus miles without stopping?  Am I setting myself up for disappointment and embarrassment?  I have friends coming to run with and support me.  Not to mention a couple that is driving all the way from Plano to take photos so that I will be able to to preserve the memory.  I don't want to disappoint anyone - most of all myself.  I have worked hard for this!

 

Source: 29.media.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinteres

 



 

Stay tuned...I will do my best to post a couple of updates on my progress over the next month. And please, if you have suggestions or words of wisdom, feel free to leave them as a comment. I would love to hear from you! Have a great weekend!

Source: healthy-is-the-way-to-go.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Third Time Is A Charm

I make goals...and when I make them I don't intend to drop the ball.  I don't intend to fail.  However sometimes it happens .  Such is the case with the Couch Potato to 5K training program.  I have attempted it two times previously and both times derailed at Week 3.  I am choosing to believe that third time is a charm.  Tonight, I will complete the third and FINAL workout for....wait for it.....WEEK 4!!!!  My goal is not to become a runner.  My goal is to complete a 5K....jogging the ENTIRE way.  I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did...the 5K would definitely be included.  Why?  I can't really put my finger on it, but I think until I do it, it is going to eat at me and drive me totally crazy. 

 

So, why is this time going to be any different?  I am not sure, but I am trying to cut myself some slack and truly listen to my body this time.  To be honest, about half way through Week 3 I thought to myself..."here we go again".  I felt so frustrated and wasn't sure what to do to get over that hump.  I got some good advice from a friend who told me to slow down...slow and steady is still running (even if it is at a snail's pace). 

 

 

 

After following that one small (but huge) bit of advice, I am doing much better.  Do I still sweat like a whore in church (oops, was that my outside voice?), you bet I do.  And my butt is worn the heck out, but I am recovering more quickly and not TOTALLY dreading the next workout.  Huge progress in my book.  Oh, and I forgot to mention....there is an APP for that!    The app has made it so much easier to progress through my workout without having to keep track of my intervals.  A peppy little lady on the app tells me when to walk and when to run, all the while my favorite playlist is jammin' in the background.  It sounds crazy, but it is making all the difference!  I am also wearing a heart rate monitor to keep track that I am not pushing myself over the edge.  This time I AM GOING TO MAKE IT.....NO EXCUSES.....NO GIVING UP!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend and be on the lookout Sunday for Week 4 of Sunday Snaps!