C25K: Week 1 Workout 1

Yes, I know you are re-reading the title of this post.

The WIOG who has faked a fall in gym class to get out of running the mile will be attempting the C25K.

This past weekend, my best blogger and real-life friend C from Everyday Polish asked if I would be down to run a 5K with her and I said YES on a whim. Why? Besides loving any excursions that C and I have together, deep down I have always wanted to be able to run. I feel like every super fit person out there runs as part of their fitness routine. So before I could talk myself out of committing fully, I downloaded The Chubby Jones Podcast by Mia Jones that C sent me and Suz's Couch to 5K Running Podcasts. Our goal is a race in October. 

*** Please note that Suz's Couch to 5K has some cursing in the music... and the web address isn't the most... errr.... polite. But I loved the music. I am not really a techno-journey type of gal, so I needed to Hip-Hop/R&B to get me to pound it out on the treadmill.***

Both of these podcasts instruct you through 9 weeks of training to result in being able to run a 5K, or 3.1miles, straight. I plan on alternating between both each week so I don't get too bored. If you want to see what happens written out you can check out THIS website, but I guarantee you that it is easier to listen to the podcast while running instead of reading a paper. I plan on using the C25K to jump start my weight loss in 2012. I was searching the net for results on how people did with weight loss during the C25K, and it seems like it really depends on your actual diet while you are running. If you don't watch your calories, like with any weight loss program, you won't lose any weight, but you will still enjoy the benefits of increased endurance. I've been religious about counting calories on MFP, so I feel like I should be able to drop some lbs! 

How did my first day go, you ask?

It went surprisingly well! I am pretty sure it was the endorphins because I was so excited to be back at the gym though. I used a week 1 workout form Suz's Couch to 5K Running Podcasts and the upbeat music kept me going. It was 60second of running, mixed with a 90second recovery walk.. repeated throughout about 20 minutes with a 5 min warm up and 5 min cool down. I hit the 1mile mark at around 17 minutes which was much better than I had expected, but I still have awhile to go. 

I had knee surgery in December 2011, so running is hard on my knees, but with the proper strength training and stretching, I should be alright. I made it through the 1st workout and I am still smiling. I even did 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer after I finished stretching.  2 more workouts to go until I complete the first week! 

For now, I am going to use this as my challenge to start off the year. Feel free to join me if you like! It's always more fun to run in a pack!