Recently, I started Couch to 5K (and when I say recently, I mean this week)! It is a system designed to get you in shape to run a 5k (3.1 miles) in 9 weeks. With a total of 27 workouts, each week is designed to get you accustomed to being able to run without stopping. Week 1 starts with a brisk 5 minute walk, followed by intervals of 60 seconds of jogging & 90 seconds of walking, and ending with a 5 minute walk as a cooldown. Each week slowly increases the amount of running while decreasing the amount of walking.
I had thought about doing it many times before, but what did it for me was a trip to the lake a few weeks ago with my husband. The lake is beautiful and has a great trail around it. Runners, walkers, and bicyclists alike flock to this trail daily! We’d been there once before, but decided to venture there again one Saturday morning.
I felt so confident as we walked toward the trail! David looked at me and asked if I was ready. I sure was! We were off, jogging and taking in the scenery. Since he’s taller and has much longer strides than I do, he quickly got ahead of me. And about 20 seconds later, he got further and further ahead because I had to stop. I was out of breath! I couldn’t handle it, and we’d just started! Oh boy, did I have a long journey in front of me!
I learned the importance of cross-training that day as well. I go to the gym and put in 40 – 50 minutes on the elliptical so I was surprised at my lack of endurance while running.
By the time we’d both finished the trail, almost 4.5 miles later, I was sore, tired, red in the face, and hot. Because of my inability to truly run, my poor husband’s run was limited due to waiting for me at some points. I determined that I wanted to go back to this trail sometime over the next few months and conquer it!
I researched Couch to 5K again, solicited feedback from Facebook friends on their experiences, and finally put it into play this week. I am praying that I am able to commit to these workouts. I want to run! I will still do the other cardio & strength training on the in-between days, putting me at 5 days of cardio per week. Nothing wrong with that!
Using the RunDouble app is a huge help. It prompts me when to run and when to walk, lets me know how many intervals are left, and tracks my pace and mileage. Using GPS, it also tracks the route that you run.
If all goes well, I should be done by the end of August. And hopefully, by then, I can go back and dominate that trail!
A Learning Wife 
Hello, Jennifer!
It’ll be rewarding when you get back in shape. I was running before, but now have migraines A LOT, and one of my triggers is vigorous exercise. Unfortunately! I’m taking it easy again, walking briskly and slowing down when I have to. Just wanted to say “hi.”