Couch Runner
I am going to share a secret. For the past few weeks, I have been trying something new at the gym. Running. This is a secret for lots of reasons. I have never done it before, it might not last, and I may never, ever run outside for fear of being seen in the light of day. Unless, of course, I do, and then I will let you know. But for now, I am secretly trying out this new "running" business thanks to a crazy little thing I found on the Internet called "Couch to 5K."
And let's define "running." So far, it's small intervals of walking and jogging. But it's increasing.
I have to hand it to the folks at coolrunnings.com. It's a good program, if it actually got me running. Me, the girl who has always said that running is for thieves and children. Well, that actually sounds like something my friend Cindy said and I adopted, but I wholeheartedly agree. (Or. . . maybe it was "sneakers are for thieves and children" which is why I had to buy new shoes. I had no sneakers.) And a new bra, but that's another topic entirely, and one not for the aforementioned children. . . but I digress.
ANYWAY, I did find my feathers slightly ruffled at the "couch" part of this workout title. I might not be Bruce Jenner (before he married the mother of those crazy Kardashian girls,) but still, I'm not really jumping into this straight from sitting on the couch 24-hours a day. "Couch to 5K?" Instead, I like to think of this as "Christy to 5K," but I'm a little self-centered. Should you choose to take this on, you might like a different name. Suit yourselves, obviously.
This evening, at the gym, my iPod was tuned to my inspirational playlist. (See previous blog entry : "Crossed Wires.) I found myself running just a little faster than I was last week. The music moved me spiritually, and I was listening to the lyrics instead of watching the clock. Was it possible that I was running AND filling my soul at the same time? I've spent YEARS walking endless treadmill miles, watching the tick, tick, tick, of the treadmill timer, just waiting to be finished with my session. And tonight, it felt like I was running toward something, completing something, filling something. Hmmm. . . could this turn into a 5-Pray?
When I was finished, I stretched, said my goodbyes, and left for home. I figured I could let you in on my secret. I mean, you might be one of my running friends one day, and now you can say, you knew me when. . .
And let's define "running." So far, it's small intervals of walking and jogging. But it's increasing.
I have to hand it to the folks at coolrunnings.com. It's a good program, if it actually got me running. Me, the girl who has always said that running is for thieves and children. Well, that actually sounds like something my friend Cindy said and I adopted, but I wholeheartedly agree. (Or. . . maybe it was "sneakers are for thieves and children" which is why I had to buy new shoes. I had no sneakers.) And a new bra, but that's another topic entirely, and one not for the aforementioned children. . . but I digress.
ANYWAY, I did find my feathers slightly ruffled at the "couch" part of this workout title. I might not be Bruce Jenner (before he married the mother of those crazy Kardashian girls,) but still, I'm not really jumping into this straight from sitting on the couch 24-hours a day. "Couch to 5K?" Instead, I like to think of this as "Christy to 5K," but I'm a little self-centered. Should you choose to take this on, you might like a different name. Suit yourselves, obviously.
This evening, at the gym, my iPod was tuned to my inspirational playlist. (See previous blog entry : "Crossed Wires.) I found myself running just a little faster than I was last week. The music moved me spiritually, and I was listening to the lyrics instead of watching the clock. Was it possible that I was running AND filling my soul at the same time? I've spent YEARS walking endless treadmill miles, watching the tick, tick, tick, of the treadmill timer, just waiting to be finished with my session. And tonight, it felt like I was running toward something, completing something, filling something. Hmmm. . . could this turn into a 5-Pray?
When I was finished, I stretched, said my goodbyes, and left for home. I figured I could let you in on my secret. I mean, you might be one of my running friends one day, and now you can say, you knew me when. . .
You can do anything you put your mind to, girlie! Love the blog, love the running, love the birthday girl!
I like to say, "I only run if someone is chasing me with a knife." But, you know I'd run anywhere with you...knife and all.
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Christy,
I did the couch to 5k program last summer! I had NEVER run a 5k before and I did it! Follow the program and DON'T skip ahead and it will work. Good luck! Good for you!!!!
Susan Smith
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I love this blog!!! Why does running look so easy for some - it's not for me ....why not? children do it everyday......why can't I do it without my knees aching?!? Why don't I loose 5 lbs a week? These are hard questions.......I guess the answer is just to RUN, GIRL, RUN! Love you - Cin
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