Starting Over

A few months ago I started this most wonderful running interval program called the C25K.

C25K means "couch to 5k". It boasts it can get any couch potato to running a 5k in 9 weeks. I was thisclose to being that couch potato turned runner.

I was at the gym 3 days a week running on the treadmill. I got to running 25 minutes straight. Yep. Me. Running for 25 minutes.

A few weeks later I participated in Weight Watchers walk-it challenge (you got a cool charm if you did and who doesn't like positive rewards for hard work?).

I was the over zealous participant who thought since I was a "runner" I could run this thing no problem.

Man was I one over zealous Chick. I ran. Then walked. Then ran again. Then decided to stick with walking.

Didn't I say this C25K program worked?

I am not wrong. It does work! My problem? I was a treadmill runner. Not a pavement/outdoorsy runner.

Treadmills=set pace you work with. Forgiving support while you run.

Pavement= setting your own pace, not so forgiving support while you run.

My cure? Starting the program over. I hate starting things over. This is why I only read books once. That is why I usually give up on projects and then just start new ones.

That was the old me and I want to become the new me. This new me means I need to stop giving up.

I am determined to become a C25K graduate. I am determined to run a 5K sometime in 2010. I will get there!

If you are interested in the C25K program click the link above to learn more. I know many who are doing it and can't believe that their once sedentary selves are active and running!

Beating the Plateau

Plateaus, or "hitting brick walls" can be very frustrating when you are trying to loose weight! Especially when you think you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing.

About a month ago I hit a "brick wall" of my own. Each week I was loosing maybe .2 pounds a week. Yes it was a loss but I still thought I should be loosing more.

While weighing in at my Weight Watchers meeting the lady behind the counter told me, "Maybe you are hitting a plateau."

She gave me a book on plateaus and I decided to read through it.

The first thing I read that I know I should try was to look back and see if anything has changed with my eating and/or exercise.

I reflected and realized that during my weight loss weeks I was measuring everything I ate. I also consumed at least 5/6 servings of fruit and veggies a day.

During my "brick wall" weeks I was getting lackadaisical over measuring. I figured I could "eye" everything and it would be right.

I noticed that I was eating half the fruits and veggies I usually consumed.

The week after that meeting I made sure to do what I was successfully doing before and it worked.

I don't believe in the mantra that everyone hits plateaus and that you just have to deal with it. It is more of a time to reflect and make sure you aren't slacking in an area that was successful to your weight loss.

If you feel you have hit your "brick wall" make sure you reflect on what you are doing. Do you need to exercise more? Are your eating habits the same?

Change up your week with what you think you need more of and maybe that will work! Don't let this period stop you from pushing on! Persevere and you will be happy that you did.

My Get Up and Go is Gone!

At last weeks Weight Watcher's meeting the leader said how as we get older we suck the fun out of exercising.

When I was a kid I couldn't wait to get out and ride a bike.

Running around and playing chase was the first thing I thought about when I woke up.

I look at my daughter and the highlight of her day is when her teacher takes them out for P.E.

At what age do we as adults take the fun out of exercise?

Is it the word "exercise" that does it in?

There are so many ways to get moving, but why is it so hard to just get up and do them?

Even though I have been running I still have a hard time getting excited over it. It feels more like a chore right up there with laundry and cleaning.

I think it is time to start thinking like a kid in order to make the thought of getting out and exercising more fun.

C25K Week 1 Days 1 & 2

I know what your thinking C25what? No it has nothing to do with Star Wars (that would be C-3PO).

C25k means Couch to 5K. It is a running program to get us lazy couch potatoes to running a 5k. Don't be crazy it isn't meant to get there overnight. It is designed to build you up slowly over a 9 week period. Best yet it only takes 30 minutes. We all have 30 minutes right?

This program can be purchased on itunes and put on your ipod or IPhone.

I got this app for my IPhone months ago and never touched it. I kept telling myself, "Oh I will do it next week" or "Tomorrow will be the day".

After starting getting back on track with my eating healthy habits, I decided I needed an exercise plan as well. I LOVE the gym, but with Chick 3 sometimes I just can't make it. I am also not one to exercise inside (Chick 3 is an awesome distraction) So, for Christmas Santa, I mean my wonderful Inlaws got me a jogging stroller.

This week I got motivated by a friend, who has 4 kids (2 being twins) who went for a C25K run. I thought if she can find the time than why can't I?

Tuesday I went for my first run and have decided to blog my progress.

C25K Week 1 Day 1:

Of all days to pick to start. my smart ass picks a 80 degree weather day.

I pull out the stroller (this almost deterred me since it isn't light), get Chick 3 situated, and off I go.

The first few intervals I feel great. Then halfway the heat hits. Did I mention I didn't bring water? Yeah smart huh.

Towards the end I am ready to crawl on the ground while trying to use my raspy voice to yell "water water". Emma wants down, so that gives me the "Just walk, who will know?". I pushed through it, because I did not want the habit of giving up when things get tough. Came home drenched head to toe. I bet I smelled real nice as well.

I was determined to go the next day because I knew it had to get easier.

C25K Week 1 Day 2:

This was done today. My legs were a bit tight when I woke up but I forced myself to go.

Today I waited for Chick 3 to nap, so I could get a better route going. (Rooster was home so you can put down the phone)

I figured that on another 80 degree day I could beat the peak heat and would be safe.

Do you know that more people are out at about 10:30 am than about 1 pm? I bet they loved watching my 90 second walk/60 second run. Actually they wished they had the motivation to do it just like me.

I got through the first half a bit easier, by the end I wanted to quit. Again I pushed through.

Oh yeah Wednesday is trash day. Not a go smell the roses while you run kind of day. *PU*

It has to get easier right?

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Click here--> to learn more about C25K

I am living the Weight Watchers life! Click here to learn about the program --> WW