About this Blog

I started this blog as a record of my journey in learning how to run. I hope my experience can help you too in your mission to get off the couch, start exercising and lose that extra layer.

My posts are honest and personal. I have divided them into three sections that comment on my emotions, the physical run (jog!) and tips for next time to help me improve my performance. I hope you can use these ideas to encourage and help you along in your couch to 5k journey.

Please share your experiences, ideas or questions in the comment section of each post.

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Thursday, 24 November 2011

Week 1, Day 2

(Tuesday 5.30am)
"I Am Learning How to Run"

Emotions (before): 
"Sore, so sore!" My 'evil' side of my brain kept telling me, "You better just sleep in."
"No, if I skip one day, I will never do it again."

Luckily, my better half (of myself) motivated me to open my eyes and I put my running gear on. I was even more nervous this time to get started because I knew what to expect. I was scared I was going to fail. Especially because my muscles were still a bit sore from day one. I made a mental note I would not try and go as fast this time and I will jog at an easier pace.

The run:
I did it! I am so happy! It is amazing how much of a high you get from achieving something that was a challenge. Just making that one decision to get up has made my day. As I noted before, I did not go as speedy as my first run, but I still jogged and got my heart rate up.

I was so surprised how fast the session went. I did struggle on the last run, but when I was just about to slow down, I heard "Only 30 seconds left of this run," and that was just enough to motivate me to want to finish it.

I am finding myself so happy with my achievement I am sharing it with others. To keep going, I have decided to say "I am learning how to run," not "Trying to lose weight." I have never in my life been able to run and now I am learning how. The want and drive to learn how to do something is more encouraging to me than just trying to lose some kilos. I want to keep going.

Tips for next run:
  • Wear a headband to hold in headphones.
  • Take the time to stretch, before and after. Do not slack off on the stretching! 
  • Further on that, schedule 10 minutes before and after the session to stretch. Find an area of your home that is relaxing where you can quietly warm those muscles.
  • Always prepare your training clothes and water the night before. Make any work lunches the night before also. Don't give your brain any excuses of why you can't go, "Because I have to do..."
  • Drink a glass of water before the session.
  • If you aren't feeling it, don't skip it! Just go at a slower pace. You will find you will get into it once you have started.
  • For the ladies: make sure your bra straps are properly adjusted! Nothing worse than a slipping strap!

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