Thanks to The Agnostics Wife and Alise Write I was motivated to get back out and get running. It’s been about six months since I last ran. Well let me be honest about it. What I do isn’t exactly running; it’s jogging. But hey, at least I’m out there.
I’ve never been much of a fitness buff. The first time I really attempted to get in shape was October of 2009. That’s when I started the Couch-to-5K program. It has you jogging a 5K in 9 weeks. When I decided to get back out there I thought I’d have to start back over at the beginning, but I didn’t, which I was excited about. I started at Week 3 and just did Week4/Day 3 a few minutes ago.
I was hot, sweaty, tired, and completely invigorated. I forgot just how awesome it was to feel like I’d accomplished something when I could say I’d done a week. I don’t have one of those fancy smartphones or iPod Touch devices so I have to time myself the old fashioned way-with a stopwatch. In the middle of the first 3 minute run I thought my lungs would collapse, did the 90 second walk, and settled in nicely for the next 5 minute run, 2.5 minute walk. Then I had to do it all over again. The second 3 minute run wasn’t bad, but by halfway through the second 5 minute run I wasn’t sure I’d make it. I wanted to know where the heck the oxygen was!
I almost didn’t get back out there, though. My big, black, clunky sports watch that had a heart rate monitor, and several different ways to time yourself, and a stop watch, and all sorts of other stuff that I never could even be bothered to figure out they did died on me. I’d been telling myself for three months I was going to get started again, yet I procrastinated until it’s hot as blue blazes outside. Any excuse I could come up with would do. Until I forced myself. Then I get out there and it isn’t so bad. In fact it’s liberating and empowering. I’m going to run….umm….jog a 5K in September.
What about you? Do you procrastinate, find excuses not to do things only to remember it’s not so bad once you’ve done it?
Out From Under the Umbrella 
June 24, 2011 at 9:52 pm
That's awesome! The past few months I've been running 10-15 miles per week on my treadmill. Then my husband and I walk about 3 miles most evenings when it cools down. I also lift weights a couple of times a week. It does feel great to be in decent shape, although I have to work a bit harder at it now than I used to. I find that (1) feeling good, and (2) fitting into my clothes are fairly effective motivators. : )
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June 25, 2011 at 3:15 am
Yay! I'm itching to get back out there and start again. Hopefully this time without a leg issue, though it's been bothering me some today:(Now you are motivating me to make sure I get back out and start again, that is after my leg heals.
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June 25, 2011 at 8:54 am
I don't procrastinate as much as I pine over not being able to do the things I used to. I played sports from the age of 8 to age 35. Health problems have robbed me of the ability to run, to play. I always enjoyed playing or running strenuously. The clearness of mind that comes when the entire body is engaged in a physical activity…
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June 25, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Most definitely. I do that all the time.Congratulations on the new exercise regime!
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June 25, 2011 at 11:52 pm
@CD,I really need to get into a routine of doing some exercise, like walking, on the days I don't run. You are absolutely right about the motivation. It does make me feel so much better than when I'm a couch potato.===============================================@the AW,I hope you can get back out there soon! But not before your leg is completely healed. Thanks for motivating me to get off my lazy butt and get moving!===============================================@Bruce,I read your post over on your blog about dealing with chronic illness. I'm so thankful not to be dealing with that and my heart really goes out to you and others who, through no fault of your own, can't get out and really enjoy everyday activities most of us take for granted. {{{Hugs}}}==============================================@Lydia,I wish it were only the running I procrastinate about. :~)Thanks!
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June 26, 2011 at 12:18 am
I have never done anything athletic in my life until I began running 10 years ago. I am still at it. In fact, I am planning an 8 mile jog for tomorrow morning. I am addicted to it. It keeps me sane in a crazy busy world. Keep jogging DMA! Maybe I will run into you jogging the hills sometime.
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June 26, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Hooray! I love seeing how folks in the virtual village inspire and motivate one another. My crushed up iPod is my new "why I don't wanna do this" thing, but I think it will still play music (I'm not sure as I gave it to my bff last night so I didn't just chuck it on the ground and finish the job) and run the running app I downloaded, so back at it tomorrow!Best of luck to you!
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June 26, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@HeIsSailing,Glad to have you back! I'm not athletic at all. I used to hate to sweat. I do find the jogging pretty addictive, which is why I'm not sure why I procrastinated on it. I can see myself building up to a 10K, maybe even a half marathon at some point. ==============================================@Alise,Thanks for stopping by. I've been inspired by quite a few of my iFriends. What kind of iPod did you have? I couldn't find an app that worked with my iPod Nano. It has a stop watch on it, but you can't play music and operate the stop watch at the same time and I don't think I can do the jogging without the music. It helps me pace myself plus it gives me something to think about besides the fact that I can't breathe. LOL!
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June 27, 2011 at 11:01 am
Awesome! I did the couch to 5 k program last year and it was so cool to accomplish something I thought would be impossible. Now, this year, I'm a couch potato again! Time to get back out there I think…
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June 27, 2011 at 5:43 pm
I have an iPod touch, but you could probably find a podcast with music to download that would allow you to run and listen. Obviously with those you can't listen to your own music, but you might find one with a mix that you like. (Just not that first one that I downloaded that started me running at 2 minutes the first day out!)
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June 27, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@Michelle,Yay! Another couch to 5Ker! Since I'd never been able to run even a mile(we were supposed to do that for a phys ed grade in high school) I really did think it was impossible. But I decided to do something impossible. Plus it's a fantastic stress reliever. Do it, get back out there! :)================================================@ Alise,I went on a mission and found Podrunner on iTunes. It's a podcast that has funky music at 142 bpm and a little tone that lets you know when you walk and when to run. Fantabulous! It's so much easier when all you have to do is listen for the little sound.
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June 28, 2011 at 1:10 pm
The key to exercise (in my opinion) is to find something you enjoy. If one hates running, it becomes impossible to maintain consistency. I’m glad you find it enjoyable.I’ve run for more years than I care to admit. Always as a means to stay in shape and/or indulge in extra calories. Last fall, a friend of mine took up running. She is (to say it mildly) extremely competitive. No matter what endeavor she picks up—soccer, ping-pong, volleyball, etc.—she jumps into with full force, vigor and spirit.After running for a few weeks, she signed up for her first 5K. Being susceptible to peer pressure (and as a means of encouragement), I joined in, also signing up for my first 5K. Needless to say, I’ve become hopelessly addicted.[It is SO bad, the family is going on a small vacation in a few weeks, and I looked up a local race, so my son and I will be racing while on vacation. We are also doing the Warrior Dash while on vacation. Look it up. Laugh.]We’re now running 10K’s. I have my eye on a 1/2-marathon, but I’m contemplating that one hard.As for watches…this past Father’s day I broke down and bought a Garmin Forerunner. Absolutely love it. Gives the time, distance, pace, elevation, heart monitor (haven’t used). The best part is it downloads to your computer the entire run, including a map.Ah…you shouldn’t have posted on running. I could talk for hours…
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June 28, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Oh, I see, you're a thrill-seeker, DagoodS! LOL! The Warrior Dash actually looks like a blast. I wouldn't be ready for that for a bit, but I'd LOVE to do it! So, are you wearing a viking helmet? A winch's dress? Tell me…inquiring minds want to know.I really do enjoy running. Can't wait 'til the 5K in September. I have no aspirations of winning, but it would be an accomplishment for me to finish. I may go to Disney World with some running buddies later to do a 10K.
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June 28, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Good job! Keep it up!My older sister tried the couch to 5k thing, and, well, decided she really, really hated running. 😦 She got up to week 3, maybe day 2, and sat there for several weeks.I procrastinate a lot at times. It normally has to do with those yearly chores, like cleaning up the garage. :-p
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June 29, 2011 at 2:56 am
TWF,I can see how running wouldn't be for everybody. Like DagoodS pointed out, it has to be something you enjoy or you won't stick with it. I just like the sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Those pesky spring cleaning jobs! I always procrastinate on those, but when I get going I always wonder why I procrastinated. It's never as bad as I think it's going to be.
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June 29, 2011 at 6:23 pm
good for you! I've never been athletic, but did this a few years ago and ran two 5k runs…it was a wonderful feeling to have accomplished this. I definitely noticed improved energy through the day and my resting heart rate went down. I hope to start all over after this pregnancy and work up towards 5 k. Hopefully it won't be as difficult, but I wonder what a 9 month break will do! I purchased a 40 heart rate monitor at Costco that works well.
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July 1, 2011 at 5:34 am
Dma, You've got me inspired. I jogged for 30 minutes today. I may do a blog post on this topic! Hope your jogging is going well.DagoodS,I looked up the Warrior Dash out of curiosity and showed my husband. He thought it looked like great fun and is now trying to get a couple of friends from work to join him in completing it. You'll have to blog about the experience. I may have an interest, but I admit I'm freaked out by the idea of leaping over flames. I'd like to know what that is actually like.
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July 1, 2011 at 11:12 am
@LAC,I thought after not running for six months it would be really hard, but it hasn't been bad at all really. Though having a baby may make it a bit more difficult. I'm not sure about that.@DoOrDoNot,It's going great! I looked up the Warrior Dash, too. The youtube clip was pretty cool. I think I'd really like to do that, but I'm still working my way up to it. I hope DagoodS posts about it, too. The leaping flames part looked a little questionable to me as well.
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