Okay, another title for this entry could be “tooting his own horn.”
Dig this – last night I ran for 20 minutes. Without stopping. Yes, me, lard ass, who a month ago had a hard time breathing after 90 seconds of anything faster than a walk, made it twenty minutes.
So excuse me for a moment while I say “hell yeah!”
I have a long way to go. Long like crossing the Atlantic in a rowboat is long. But damn I’m glad I made it this far.
Kym was asking the other day about what my schedule is like; it changes each week right now, so here’s what my next week will look like:
- Sunday:
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)
Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) - Tuesday:
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes)
Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes) - Thursday:
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2-1/4 miles (or 25 minutes) with no walking.
Last week (the one I just finished yesterday) was similar, but on Sunday I did three five minute runs, tuesday was two eight minute runs, and Thursday was a 20 minute runs. So basically I’m ratcheting up by a couple minutes here and there (which adds up, of course)
The whole program is explained here and is called the “Couch to 5K plan.” The idea is that by the end of nine weeks I’ll be ready to run 5K. The first week or two was much more walking than running. The idea is to get yourself used to the motion without burning out or getting hurt – so far I’ve had tremendous success on all of this. Not only did I run 20 minutes last night, but I feel fine today – not sore, able to climb stairs, etc. I normally run in the mornings (cooler, less traffic) but couldn’t yesterday morning, hence the evening run.
And for any of you still reading? Here’s a bonus photo of some weenie warmers. You’re welcome.
