Couch to 5k--Still Trying

I'm still trying to complete the Couch to 5k program, but I'm using it slightly more as a "suggestion" now as opposed to a strict program.  I'm not giving up though and I'm not making excuses!  I'm just trying to balance accomplishing a goal with having self-compassion, as in not pushing myself into feeling uncomfortable.

The reason I'm using it as a "suggestion" is that some days I'm just more tired and can't complete the whole program and other days I'm more energized and want to do something more rigorous than what the program plans.  This past week I only went to the gym on Wednesday and Thursday.  (We did a LOT of walking over the weekend though).  On Wednesday, I intended to do the program, but I couldn't complete the last 5 minute run.  On Thursday, I was feeling more energized and also wanted to see how long I could run, so I warmed up by walking for 5 minutes and then jogged for 14 minutes!  My previous record time was 10 minutes, so I was quite proud of myself!  I was aiming for 15 minutes, but I just couldn't do that last minute.

I think if anything, doing this program has without a doubt increased my endurance.  I remember that early on in the program it was really difficult for me to jog for 3 minutes and now I can do 14!

Couch to 5k Progress

I think when I wrote my last update on the Couch to 5k program I was feeling pretty discouraged.  I had attempted to do the first day of week 4 and failed.  I began thinking, "maybe I'm really just not a runner in this life."  I was thinking about giving up since I wasn't super passionate about completing it anyway.  But for some reason, I just couldn't give up on it that easily.  I felt that I hadn't fully given the program, or myself, a fair shot yet.  I wanted to practice some compassion towards myself also and not push myself to do something that makes me so uncomfortable.

I decided that I would continue week 3 until I felt comfortable with it and just walk on days when I didn't feel like doing the program.  On Monday, I decided to go to the gym to walk and watch Bachelor Pad.  I was walking at a pretty good pace and actually got an urge to jog (call me crazy).  I actually ended up jogging for 10 minutes straight!  That has never happened in my life before!  Granted, I am jogging at a slower pace than I was before, but about 1.0 mph faster than my walking pace.  On Wednesday I gave week 4 of the Couch to 5k program another try, setting my jogging pace to be a little slower than when I initially tried week 4.  And I did it!  I am so proud of myself and feeling more confident that I actually can do this!  I hope to give it another try Friday...not sure if I'll have enough time yet.  I also have my 2nd acupuncture appointment Friday...then picking up our friends at the airport who will be visiting from Wisconsin.  Looking forward to a fun weekend!  

Couch to 5K Update

On Sunday I started week 4 of the couch to 5K plan.  I was supposed to walk for 5 minutes, run for 3 minutes, walk for 1.5 minutes, run for 5 minutes, walk for 2.5 minutes, run for 3 minutes, walk for 1.5 minutes, then run for 5 minutes.  It was HARD.  I actually didn't complete it.  I did the program up until the last 5 minute run and there was NO WAY I would have been able to finish it, even if my life depended on it, or I was being chased by a pack of wild boars.  Seriously.  I was at a crossroads whether to give up on the program or keep doing it.  I think I decided I'm going to go back to the week 3 program until I feel more comfortable with that one before moving on to week 4.  For now, I'm going to keep trying. 

Update on Couch to 5k Program

I finished week 3 of the couch to 5k program.  This week, as part of the program, I was supposed to warm up for 5 minutes, run for 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run for 90 seconds, walk for 90 seconds, run for 3 minutes, walk for 3 minutes.  I was able to do this 5 times in the last week.  I must admit, the last 3 minute run is quite difficult for me.  I'm supposed to start week 4 today, which includes a 5 minute run in there...i don't quite see how that is possible at this point, but I'll try it.  Like I said, I'm so not a runner.  I also use the term "run" loosely, jog is probably a more accurate word.  I did buy myself some more workout apparel this past week--3 sports bras and 2 pairs of shorts, so maybe that will motivate me.  I hope to start week 4 today but we are going into NYC to see Cirque du Soleil at Radio City Music Hall.  So if I don't start today, I'll start tomorrow.

I'm super excited to see Cirque!  We saw the Beatles Love Cirque show (which I HIGHLY recommend) and Mystere in Vegas earlier this year and loved both shows.  I think this one will be just as good!