Thursday
Mar182010
Run for it
Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 04:00PM
Today I started Week 3 of the Couch to 5K training program. I had to run in three minute stretches, and I honestly didn't think I'd be able to do it. During Week 2 it was only 90 seconds at a time, and even that was tough (I'm so not a runner and I'm very out of shape apparently!), so three minutes was intimidating. When I got home after work, every fiber of my being didn't want to run! I wanted to get into pajamas and eat friend potatoes on the couch. But I put on my running gear, stretched a little, and headed out.
And I did it! It was actually the most satisfying run I've had so far.* I decided that whenever I get tired and my legs and lungs hurt and I want to stop and walk, I'll think of how one time my dad ran a 25K with a giant blister on his foot that popped and bled through his sock and filled his shoe. Or how another time he ran a 25K with a blown-out knee just after turning 50. Or I'll think about my mom who lives with chronic severe pain and has to use a cane to walk any distance more than the length of her house.
It worked for me this time at least. Got me through three minutes. We'll see how successful it is as the running increases.
*Don't worry, I'm not turning into one of those "running is euphoria!" people. It still sucked. But it seemed to go faster than previous workouts and I felt pretty good afterward.
And I did it! It was actually the most satisfying run I've had so far.* I decided that whenever I get tired and my legs and lungs hurt and I want to stop and walk, I'll think of how one time my dad ran a 25K with a giant blister on his foot that popped and bled through his sock and filled his shoe. Or how another time he ran a 25K with a blown-out knee just after turning 50. Or I'll think about my mom who lives with chronic severe pain and has to use a cane to walk any distance more than the length of her house.
It worked for me this time at least. Got me through three minutes. We'll see how successful it is as the running increases.
*Don't worry, I'm not turning into one of those "running is euphoria!" people. It still sucked. But it seemed to go faster than previous workouts and I felt pretty good afterward.
Reader Comments (9)
That's awesome! Congrats on getting through the 3 minutes. I'll be starting Couch to 5k at the beginning of May (I walking 3-4 times a week until then to build up my stamina so I don't fall over). It's great to hear what inspires you to push through when you want to stop.
Dude, my favorite part of this is that you said you wanted to sit on the couch and eat "friend potatoes."
Please for the love of GOD do not change that typo. I am just picturing poor little friendly cartoon potatoes running away in fear. . . Can't. Stop. Laughing.
Still think it's totally awesome that you're doing this. Your parents are superheros (but we already knew that didn't we...) I didn't think you could look any more beautiful than you do now, but if you keep this up, I bet you'll be simply radiant in June!!
I was mortified when I saw that. But for you I'll leave it.
This is so awesome! I am so glad to see you doing this. I don't know why. It's the nerdy I-like-to-run dork in me I guess.
Three minutes is tough. Especially after only two weeks of working up to it. Good for you!!!
And, I totally agree. Your parents are superheros! Awesome people (and I haven't even met your dad, but still)!
That is awesome! You are so inspiring. I need to get back off the couch myself. Your parents are amazing.
Nice job!
And I'm with you in that running totally sucks. What I love about it though is how I feel aftwards and that I can see a progression in my endurance fairly quickly (and it seems you're also seeing it in yourself!)
[...] my motivation earlier this week, there’s no way I’m running in this [...]
I kinda know what you mean. Though I have never gotten anything but pain from running, I do know that just getting up and moving can make you feel better. Keep at it, you'll be kicking ass in no time!