Couch To 5k

I signed up for a 5k!

It’s been a goal of mine for awhile. I’ve wanted to get back into running and I’ve also been wanting some kind of goal to work towards. It doesn’t have to be a huge goal (like Hood To Coast was) but something that I can focus on. When I first started running about 6 years ago, I never followed any kind of training program. I just ran/jogged/walked as my body allowed. Sure it probably wasn’t the most ideal plan but it worked.

This time around I’m going to give a plan a try. I’m currently fluctuating between 1.5 and 2 miles at a time. Usually there are walking breaks and I’m certainly NOT a fast runner when I do run. But after years of injuries and false starts I’m okay with being a slow runner. Being able to run at all is worth more to me than being fast. I no longer have that super silly drive to be faster than I know I should be!

So the 5k I signed up for is this summer. It’s hosted by the local Parks and Rec and they have a $5 series! It’s mainly for families but I like the price. $5 to run a 5k is right up my alley. That way if the time comes and I’m not able to run the whole thing I won’t feel to badly about walking part of it.

The Plan

I found a copy of the Couch to 5K plan here. I’m guessing that these three workouts are the running plans and other days of the week are cross-training and rest days–or at least that’s what I’ve seen in the past but it’s been ages since I looked at a running training plan.

I’m going to use the plan as a jumping off point. I’m already kind of doing week 2 or so–when I run I usually do it for around 20-30 minutes tops. I am probably going to do this plan 2 days a week instead of the 3 because I know my body and running three days a week is pushing it right now.

I will keep the other cross-training workouts that are already a part of my regular gym schedule–swim one day a week and do yoga one day week. Once my elbow heals entirely I will return to weight lifting and probably do that twice a week. This is another lesson I’ve learned over the years–to be a good, healthy runner you need to lift weights too! The mistake I made years ago was neglecting that and my body was unbalanced and that lead to injury.

The 5k I signed up for is in mid-July. If it goes well, there’s one in August I’m considering signing up for as well. I don’t want to schedule too much stuff in August and September because I have a feeling that when it gets closer to the wedding my time will no longer be my own! Time will tell. Also, my friend Robyn agreed to run it with me so that will be fun!

Wish me luck!