Be the Change

Starting Over

This is my third (or perhaps fourth) attempt at the Couch-to-5k program. *sigh*

The important thing is that I keep trying, right? I mean, even though I stop and start, I'm still exercising.

There are a few factors that make me think I'll finish the program this time:

1. I'm running outside now. Wow, what a difference! I honestly thought jogging in place would be the same thing as jogging outside or on a treadmill. I was so wrong! I ended up sort of hopping from one foot to the other, usually on my toes. I think it kept my calves tight the whole time, and I ended up very sore! My ankles, calves and shins were really hurting using that method. Now that I'm outside, I have a little soreness the day after a run, but by the next day, I'm ready to run again!

2. I'm running with my sister! Twice now, we've gone running together, and it's awesome to have a partner! We're trying to run together on weekends. We'll be running together during races, so it's good to get used to running with someone else.

3. My first 5k race is coming up! June 26th is the race in the town near where I grew up. It's called, "The Loop," and features what they call, "mild hills." I know better than that. They're going to be tough. I can't wait!

So yesterday, I finished Week 2 of the training. I wanted to share some things I learned and some things that help me get through each session:

Gum is a great way to keep from getting thirsty. I can't carry a water bottle when I'm running, so this helps me a lot.

Music is great, but finding a good tempo isn't easy. If the beat is too fast, I can't run to it without exhausting myself. So those dance remixes don't always work. Finding a good playlist takes time.

Finding a place for your keys while you run can be tricky. I drive to my running locations, so I only need my car key with me. The key is on a keychain ring, and I attach that ring to a sturdy hairband which goes around my wrist. Other ideas: Tying it to a shoelace or putting it in mp3 player holder thingy if there's room.

Some people can eat right before they run without a problem. I definitely can't. If I don't wait at least 2 hours after eating, I get horrible stomach cramps. I'm going to try experimenting with small snacks to see if I don't have to wait that long, though. It's difficult for me to go that long without eating anything. (By the time I'm finished my run, I'm starving and dizzy, usually.)


When my sister started running last year around this time, I thought she was nuts! She kept talking about shin splints, charlie horses, and other pains. I kept thinking, "Why would you do it if it causes that much pain??"

But now I totally understand.