accountability! (Couch to 5K)

I started the Couch to 5k program this week! I am a little wary, as I've never, ever liked running, but one of my goals for 2010 was to run a whole mile without stopping. I've never done that - not even in P.E. testing in school - never. I'd really love to be able to go on family runs with Jacob and Charlie (Jacob has been a runner as long as I've known him, and of course he takes Charlie along with him now). I've heard really good things about the Couch to 5k program so I'm going with that. What I really like is they guide you toward increasing your running time slowly. I never do that, and then I get annoyed with running, and then I quit. So I need guidance!

I am going to put up my playlists here - I think that will help keep me accountable, it will give me a good reference for how my running journey (HAR! I am such a sucky runner that cracks me up) is going, and it will keep me from listening to 99 Problems on a loop for every run. Well, it might not do the last one, but maybe it can help.

SO. Today's run - which, I might add, I did despite not feeling well for 2 days, someone please give me a medal!! - had the following soundtrack:

• Lovefool (The Cardigans)
• 99 Problems (Jay-Z) (I'm not kidding, this one is going to come up a lot)
• Bootylicious (Destiny's Child)
• Paper Planes (M.I.A.)
• Add it Up (Violent Femmes)
• Summertime Running (Mos Dub)
• Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones)
• Panic (The Smiths)
• Single Ladies (Beyonce)

I am so not a runner and am glad to have stuck with this for even two days, and a little scared to be putting it out there that I'm starting because now I CAN'T QUIT. It's ok though, I feel great at the moment!

Charlie is too cute during the runs. When I am doing the walking part he gets right behind me and every few steps gives the back of my knees the tiniest of nose-nudges. I guess it gives him a nice chance to herd me along. Always working, that dog!

Comments

[craftosaurus]

You deserve a medal for going for a run when it's new and you don't love it and you've been under the weather! Good for you!

[kirsti]

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." ~ John Bingham

you can do it!

[mick]

Good for you! I did it last year, and I am definitely an ugly runner: sweaty, snotty, and red in the face for hours after it's over. I didn't think I'd ever do it, but I ended up running in two 5ks after completing the program. If I can do it, you definitely can. Also, love your playlist! Bikini Kill's "Rebel Girl" always gets me running, if you're looking for suggestions that rock :)

[lori z]

you go girl!

around christmas time I started the c25k. at about week 6 or 7 my body complained about the increases being too much and I learned how out of balance my core was! regardless, feel free to repeat weeks if you need it. I mentioned the program to a co-worker and now she's running 25 minutes straight!

i need to get back to it too...as I stopped running about a month ago.....so thanks for posting!

[Darci]

This is on my summer To List and has been on my iPod for way too long to not be being used. There is a great iPhone app for it as well.

[Kathleen R]

I just started running myself! The hardest part for me is learning how to breathe properly. I have a friend who has been a great coach. I think all I really needed all along was someone to push me. So maybe if you run with a friend, and have them set goals for you it will be a little easier to make progress. Good luck!

[Vismajor]

I've been running for about a year now & was once in your shoes (on your couch?). I never wanted to run, despite my husband having been a runner for as long as I've known him. I used to joke that I'd only run if I was being chased by an angry bear.

There are some similarities & overlap between your playlist and mine; I'd be happy to email you my current list of running songs... I've got it up to ~90 tracks now. Just let me know! :)

[Gudrun]

I'm the same way when it comes to running.....but I've been making an effort recently too and have been most impressed with my progress....you will be too (with your progress not mine)!

[Ophelie]

I'm on W3D3 of Couch to 5k and I love it! I'm using the fantastic iPod app for the program, it really helps with the timing and keeping track of which days you've done. Every run is more enjoyable than the previous one.

[Lauren]

Congratulations! I was lucky enough to grow up in a running family and, after spending my teenage years rebelling, I am now obsessed. My second half marathon was last month ... it seems hard now, but trust me you will be there someday!

Come join us at the Running with Sharp Objects group on ravelry. It's great motivation for new runners, and you can probably count time spent there as work! Good luck!

[Cadence]

Congratulations! You really do deserve a medal, for deciding to make a change for your health and your spirit, and for sticking to it on days when it's not so easy! I can't wait to see more of your playlists, and it's really great to see you blogging again--we've all missed you out here!

[Siga]

Wow, sounds challenging but fun. And I am sure you'll make it.