Couch to 5k

This week was my first week of training to run a 5k. As I wrote about before, I'm hoping to be ready to run a 5k by the beginning of May, possibly making the Klompen Klassic in Pella, IA my first race (this depends on my class schedule; I might have to choose another race to run).

Two observations after my first week back:

First, I downloaded these podcasts to listen to while I run. They were put together by a guy who did the C25k training a few years ago. Essentially he lined up a bunch of techno music and interjects when it's time to walk or run or cool down. Last time I did the C25k I was using this kitchen timer to clock my running because I was too cheap to buy a sports watch. I had to run while clutching this ridiculous Formula 409 promotional fridge magnet timer in my hand. I would constantly be glancing at my timer to see if it was run time, walk time, etc.

Now I just space out, running or walking and listening to music (which is decidedly "Night at the Roxbury" clubbing-style, but that's okay for running) and not really thinking about the time. It makes the run go much faster.

Second, I think my thyroid issues were affecting my running from the very beginning last time. I just got the results of my postpartum blood test back, and my thyroid is within normal limits. I can tell. I no longer feel like I'm going to suffer cardiac arrest just from climbing a flight of stairs. I don't have constantly aching muscles. I can fall asleep and stay asleep (that's unrelated to my running but still nice).

Now that I'm not actively plagued by my pesky thyroid, I feel like my only encumberance to my running is my general lack of fitness. But that's what I'm running to amend, right?

Running!

I started Couch-to-5k this week, and will post more on it Saturday, after I've finished the first week's run.

Is it a bad sign that I'm so sore after the very first run that I can't walk normally? I'm lurching around the house like Frankenstein, here.

First Week Back

So I've been doing this DVD for about a week now (again, not every day; I have done the first workout five times now) and I'm pleased with two things: 1) I can tell a difference in my endurance already, and I might be crazy but I think my abs look more toned; and 2) I'm still winded and feeling "pushed" during the workout, and feel pretty sore after, although not as sore as the first couple of days. The reason I want both these things is that I hate a workout that I quickly outgrow, that no longer seems to be doing any work. If I'm going to stick with this DVD I want to feel pushed every time. That's why I'm glad there are several workout levels, too. When level one finally stops giving me that feeling, I can move on to the level two. Incidentally, I don't anticipate that happening anytime soon, as I am a wimp.