This weekend in Iowa was a beautiful little taste of spring. High 50′s was just enough to get me excited for the possibilities of getting outside to exercise. The rest of the forecast this week looks amazing. (Ignoring the rain chance for today)

Hell to the Yes! What better time to start something I’ve been putting off for a long time – running. I must admit, I’m a little scared to take this on again. Three years ago, I ran my first 5k after completing the c25k program (*My 5k recap, complete with video. Of me crying. Apparently the video has been deleted. I wasn’t very tech-smart back then ;) )

The Couch to 5k (c25k) program is great for beginners, and free! It’s a training schedule that takes you from not running at all (hello couch) to being able to run for 30minutes or a 5k in roughly 9 weeks. When I did the program back in 2009, it took me more like 12 weeks. Which brings me to my current fear. Totally failing this time around.

Yes, I did it once before. But, but, but. . . in 2009 I was doing the whole “just starting to lose weight” thing where, because of drastic changes in diet (ie not eating bingeing on fast food 4x a day) the weight was practically falling off. I was down to 230lbs when I started running. It was hard. Beyond hard. It tested me more mentally than physically, but the physical challenge was no joke. When you weigh that much, every pounding step on the concrete can be torture. Currently, I’m in the 260s. That’s a solid 30lbs more. I could argue that I’m healthier and fitter this time around, even though I’m heavier. Which would be true, but weight is weight.

Can my knees handle it? Will I have to take longer this time? Will I even be able to complete it at all?

I want to do this, and part of me needs to; the part that’s been frustrated with this long plateau. If I can do this, it proves something. It proves that I’m still moving forward even if the scale isn’t moving down at the pace I want to see. I am slightly relived (yet incredibly sad) that The Color Run I wanted to participate in reached capacity the same day registration opened. Crazy, right? Since that 5k is crossed off my list of possible races, my first one will be in September when I run at Fitbloggin. I am beyond excited to see my friends and have them root me on. I’m hoping to be able to run the whole thing with out stopping, something I’ve never ever done.

Plenty of time to start back at the beginning, and move past the mental block I have on running. I just keep repeating my mantra : Be strong, be fearless. Be strong, be fearless. Time to stark walking the walk! ;)

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Here’s my training schedule for the week

 

 

It’s always difficult to have that “back to where I started” feel to any challenge. I know it’s going to be pretty humbling for the first few weeks; trying to get back my running legs. I’m glad for once that I’m not starting over in the weight department! Tina’s bootcamp is really making me feel like I’m on the right track in the weigh-loss/strength department. Running is a whole different beast, and hopefully one that will be conquered in the next 12ish weeks! So here we go: Week two of bootcamp, week one of running!

 

Talk to me! What goal have you been scared to accomplish? Ever used the C25k program?

 

– Emily
Be Strong. Be Fearless.

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categories: Running18 comments

  • http://www.courtneynorman.org/ Courtney

    Girl, you can do it! I never considered myself a “runner” at all. I started with the C25k a few years ago… and I have just kept going! I ran in a marathon in January and am currently training for a half-marathon. Just keep going, one step at a time!

    • http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

      That’s amazing, Courtney!!
      To hear that you’re training for a 1/2 is completely inspiring to me. I would love to get a 1/2 and full marathon under my belt someday. One foot in front of the other, right? :)

      • http://www.courtneynorman.org/ Courtney

        Exactly! The hardest thing for me when it comes to running is trying not to compare myself to other people (isn’t that the truth in everything?!) When I see someone bragging about running a 7 minute mile it makes me want to curse. I typically stay around a 14 minute mile. I have to remind myself that when I started running (30 lbs ago) I could barely make it under 20 minutes! The thing that pushes me is beating myself. I may not cross the finish line first on race day, but I will cross it and feel great about doing it. If you need any advice or encouragement let me know! 

  • http://guessimarunner.com/ Lindsay @ The Reluctant Runner

    I am also contemplating getting back into running. I ran for a couple of years and always found it very boring and never got good at it. Just before I gave up, I started the C25k program, which I think is very good. If I had started with that from the beginning, I think that my running experience would have been totally different and much more enjoyable. If I do start running again, I will definitely use C25k. Good luck!! 

    • http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

      Thank you!! I struggle with finding a lot of joy in running … the whole “runner’s high” never came to me. I’m hoping the more weight I lose and the healthier I become that will change. Otherwise (like you said) it’s kind of boring! 

  • Lara Renton

    Running is hard work, but it really is worth it!

    • http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

      I couldn’t agree more! :) I love the feeling of finishing a run. Just have to keep reminding myself that when I don’t want to get out the door.

      • http://www.courtneynorman.org/ Courtney

        Even a few years later… and even though I do love running… getting out the door is still the hardest. And the first mile sucks almost every time. Your body wants you to give up so its going to make it hell. Once your body understands that you aren’t going to stop it usually gets easier. but not always. one of the fun things about running, every run is different!

  • Jennifer Yandle

    I have never worked with a trainer and that’s what I’m doing with Tina right now. Today is actually my first day and I’m scared to death they I won’t reach my goals. I really hope that I get back to where I was strength wise. I need a healthy body. I started the C25k program a few years ago but I just am NOT a runner. After the first two weeks I got Achilles tendinitis and was stuck swimming and exercising biking for a month. Now I definitely choose lower impact cardio! 

    • http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

      Tina is awesome. I’m sure she’ll be there for you with your fears! I feel the same way – sacred to death about not meeting goals. But hey, the fact that we’re even trying counts for something!!!

  • http://www.theoneandonlyliz.com/ Liz

    I just went to the c25k website and saw that they have podcasts to go along with the program. Have you tried any of those? 

    • http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

      I have used podcasts! I googled around a bit until I found one that I liked the music style of. Or maybe it was free on itunes. Either way! It’s perfect because then you don’t have to worry about checking a stopwatch for the switch times, it just prompts you. There’s also a few ipod aps that do the same thing , where you can play your OWN music with them! 

  • http://domwillrunforbeer.wordpress.com/ Dominique

    I started using the C25K program last year and didn’t finish the program due to an injury.  I’m excited to hear about your experiences and hope it will motivate me to get back on that running horse!

    • http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

      Thanks, Dominique! I hope you do try it again :)

  • Tracy Carroll

     You got this, girl!

    • http://www.FitandFreeEmily.com Emily

      Woo! Another running buddy for Fitbloggin! :)

  • Jess

    I’m so excited that you’ve decided to start training with Couch to 5k again. I did this program last year, and it helped me to actually finish my first ever 5k! Then I was injured with bursitis in my hip (painful!) and it took me a couple months to recover. By then, I was used to not working out and winter (mild though it was) had set in and I got lazy. One of my goals this year is to run in three (3!) 5ks. I finally decided on my races, and I’m excited to get back into running again. Two are in June, and one is in October. Though, depending on how I’m feeling…I might even register for a fourth!

    Running is something that I always hated in the past. I used to run in cross country and a little in track, and I hated every single step that I took — with a passion. But I think what held me back is feeling like a failure. I came in last place in almost every single race that I ever ran (I can only think of one where I wasn’t last). Everyone else on my team was soooo much faster than I was and many of them even made it on to State. It was disheartening. Comparing myself to my teammates really held me back.

    Then last year I saw a lot of people in the fitness community mentioning C25k, so I took a look and tried it out. And I didn’t let myself get bothered about other peoples’ progress or times, just mine. What a difference it makes. While I still dread and hate every single step that I take, I can’t help but feeling pride and happiness after my runs are over (usually about 20 minutes after my runs are over and I’ve finished being a puddle on the floor feeling like I’ve just died).

    You’re doing such a fantastic job with your workouts! Keep it up!

  • Erin

    Em you can do it! I just started running..ok…jogging again. I haven’t done anything since September (my last 5k) and I went to the running trail last night. I did so much better then I thought I would…probably around Week 3-4 for the C25K training program. It makes a difference the second time around because you have done this before and you know you can succeed!