Couch to 5k to 10k

I just completed my first week of a group running program, and wanted to give it a plug for those in the same position as myself. This program and many similar are terrific ways to try to set some goals for yourself when all your other efforts have failed.

For those that work too much, like myself, or just don’t have the motivation to get to the gym enough, also like myself, these motivational running groups are a great way to get on track. While I still have a long way to go, the first week has been more successful than anything I’ve tried in recent years.

For those who do little to no physical activity, a fairly popular and newer program called couch to 5k is terrific. Over 12 weeks you can literally go from watching Seinfeld reruns all night to running a 5k race. Since I have done a small amount of running in the past, I skipped to the next step, but I know many people who have done great on the couch to 5k program that are currently in the one I’m doing, 5k to 10k. Check out the program details for couch to 5k. It involves very little running at first and just builds your endurance. Find a group in your area and check it out.

If you are like me, you make an earnest effort to go to the gym. Unfortunately it varies between 1 and 3 times a week, and involves treadmills and machines and sometimes less than half an hour. Maybe you got off work late, or the weathers bad, or you’re sleepy. And then when you do have that breakout week, you take it as an excuse to eat and drink like like it’s your birthday everyday. Then you’re further back then when you started and it seems too big a task to even bother again. The problem is accountability. If you skip a workout or 5, only you know, and apparently you aren’t going to scold yourself since it was you who skipped it in the first place.

The 5k to 10k program is designed to get you in 10k shape in 12 weeks. They start with 25 to 30 minute jogs , and after a month build to 35 to 45 minute jogs, and 4-5 mile runs on Saturdays. Compared to what you’ve been doing it takes a lot of discipline, but the group offers the encouragement you need.

Winter is the best time to get started since it has the most excuses to not get outside. I got up on a Saturday at 645 am to run 3.5 miles today. No biggie for many people, but for me it was a world away from where my mindset was only two weeks ago. And it was 34 degrees. I don’t do 34 degrees. Well, I didn’t use to.

So for the many people like me who have good intentions, but no time or motivation, check into one of these groups. You’ll thank yourself for it and for the 12 weeks after you’ll have a goal in mind. Crossing the finish line after your 10k (again, if you’re like me) will be a huge accomplishment for you, and you’ll find that running is mostly mental. As an added bonus, you’ll get into great shape and lose weight. That accomplishment will carryover into many other things you do, so there’s no reason not to at least give it a shot.

On to week two.