I’ve been bitten by the running bug. Surprised? So was I. I first started getting interested in running when my idol Shay Carl of the Shaytards (really, I love him) started running and lost 100 pounds.
Here is an inspirational video he made about running:
Isn’t it inspiring? Shay is starting a Shayloss September 30 Day Challenge on his weight loss channel. One video a day for 30 days! I can’t wait to watch them. Although I’m not trying to lose weight, I’m really working hard to live a healthier and more fulfilling life and Shay has really inspired me in that way so I can’t wait to watch his new videos.
Anyway, on to my running routine.
I knew that I wouldn’t be able to start running right away so I bought the 5K Runner application on my iPhone. It’s like a virtual coach that teaches you how to slowly build up your running endurance. It’s designed to get you to be able to run a 5K in 8 weeks. Pretty good pace for literal couch potatoes like myself. For the first workout (called W1/D1, you exercise 3 days a week on this plan) you warm up by walking for five minutes, then you run for one minute, walk for a minute and a half, run for another minute, walk a minute and a half, etc. until you reach 20 minutes and then you cool down by walking for 5 minutes and stretching. Then as you complete each workout they progressively get a little harder until you are able to run for 35 minutes straight.
I love it! I’m on week 3 right now and find it very challenging and rewarding. I wish I had a treadmill so I could run now but I don’t and it’s raining a lot today.
One thing that I had trouble with though was psyching myself out. I attempted the W1/D1 the first time I kept thinking about how hard it was, how tired I was, how sweaty I was, etc. I ended up quitting and walking home. I attempted it again two days later and quit again. I told Chris that I wasn’t going to try anymore and he was the one that convinced me to give it another go. When I tried W1/D1 a third time, I thought to myself “Chris told me I can do this” and I did it! Since then I’ve learned to think only positive thoughts during my run and I’ve been able to get through it.
I’m only on week 3 right now. I had to skip one week (I walked everyday instead of running so I wouldn’t lose my motivation) because I had a lot of menstrual cramps but I’m ready to start up again now. I found that I actually missed it!
So on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Friday’s I do my run with the 5K Runner application and then on the other days I walked for 20 minutes with my dog Pinky. I’m so excited to be active again! I’ve even gone in the pool with our other dog Xiomy a few times a week as well.
How do you stay fit? Are you working out?
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Kindness is the best accessory,
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I found that running is good for the body it helps to circulate the blood in your body and doing this running it feels really good…
Twitter: RebeccaKSampson
August 31, 2012 at 1:15 pm
It feels great! I’ve really been enjoying it.
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
Twitter: nivi321
August 31, 2012 at 2:16 pm
I just bought a new bike a month ago, I hadn’t riden in years so the first time I had to teach myself to ride again. I kept putting my feet on the ground, thinking i was going to fall off, i completely forgot how to brake and change gears. I was terrible. But i gave it another go and I managed to stay on and ride well for 20minutes around the park. I even went on the road for a while but then I got scared and got off, the streets where I live are really narrow, there is not enough room for a bike and a car. But it felt amazing to be able to ride again, i’m really motivated to go again this weekend. In the meantime I really enjoy cassy from pop pilaties, her videos really help with toning up.
Twitter: RebeccaKSampson
August 31, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Have fun this weekend! Congrats on geting on the bike again!
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
I did a similar running plan last fall and loved it… until I ended up on crutches with stress fractures :( So be careful!!
Twitter: RebeccaKSampson
September 4, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Ouch! Did make your stride shorter, crosstrain, and alternate days? I read I was running with strides that were too long and I’ve been alternating my days with walking the dogs, swimming, and biking. Eek! Hope that doesn’t happen to me, I researched running injuries a lot when I first started out of nervousness. I hope everything healed okay for you!
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
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