Couch to 5K – 2013 style…

May 7, 2013

Last year, Cathy wrote about her Couch to 5K experience and I was thrilled! It was exactly what I needed.

So I eeked my way through a program and I made it to a full 30 minutes of running. But walking seemed so much more fun and the thrill of running (ha!!) wore off.

Fast forward one year. My friend Amy asks about the Couch to 5K and I jump on the chance to gain a running buddy!

This makes all the difference in the world. Since I’m meeting her, no more getting dressed to run and coming up with excuses on the way.

Since I’m running with her, no more wimping out after 15 minutes.

And it’s WORKING!

We’ve also run one 5K so far, with plans to do more.

Again, it’s WORKING!

So here’s the simplified program we’re running:

8 Week Learn to Run Program

Always walk 5 minutes slow and easy to warm up and again to cool down afterwards. Make time for at least 3 runs every week.

Week 1

Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 8 times.

Week 2

Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times.

Week 3

Run 3 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times.

Week 4

Run 4 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times.

Week 5

Run 5 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times.

Week 6

Run 6 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 5 times.

Week 7

Run 8 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 4 times.

Week 8

Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times.

______________________________________

Most programs I’ve seen change the program during the 3 different runs every week. Frankly, this just confuses me.

And I highly recommend finding a Run Buddy. Amy and I just gab, gab, gab and before I know it (most days, that is), we’re done!

It also keeps me honest. Painfully so.

And sign up for those organized 5Ks!

So how is it going for YOU? Have you found a program that you like?

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Category: Brilliant

3 Comments »

Whitney
on May 7, 2013 11:28 am
Looks amazing!
RLR
on May 7, 2013 12:12 pm
Yes, a running buddy makes all the difference! And a goal race helps, too. We have a weekend out of town coming up, so I won’t get in my regular Saturday morning run with a friend. I’m signing up for a 5k in the town we’ll be visiting – it’s not as far as I’d usually run, but I’m committing to be out there!
Marykate
on May 7, 2013 10:41 pm
Go Heidi and Amy!! Having a buddy is the way to go!! I love to walk and gab. I think I lost my running edge – have tried and just cant seem to get back into it. But love the idea of it – great exercise, can do anywhere, no gym needed and efficient!