If you read this or this, you know I’ve been meaning to start running for some time. Actually, I did start, a few times, so I should say… I’ve been meaning to keep running.
The first day of a new exercise program is always the slowest and most painful. It is also the most exciting. Through the pain in my shins and my heavy breathing, I was excited on my first run last week. I was excited about the possibility.
The Possibility of…
- running a 5K this summer
- meeting friends for a run
- running through the Wasatch mountains
- training for a sprint tri
- proudly wearing this shirt
- experiencing a runner’s high
- participating in one of the most minimalist sports
- barefoot running
- a stronger heart and smaller waist
All of those things are possible if I keep running and that is pretty exciting. I’m using an iPhone app called Couch to 5k. It’s a guide that trains you through walk/run intervals so that after 9 weeks, you can run for 30 minutes. It’s a free app that gives you prompts to walk or run. You can even play your own music while you run.
Oh, and about my running shoes…
I don’t really have any. I am using old cross trainers to get started. In my former life, I would have had a brand new running wardrobe before I even broke a sweat. Some say, you should buy new workout clothes to motivate yourself. I am motivated by possibility. If I want to run after a few weeks in my not made for running shoes, I’ll buy running shoes. Until then, I’ll run with what I have.
I’m just starting but here’s whats happened so far…
- Run #1 – After a brisk five minute warm-up walk I alternated 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes and then had a five minute cool down. It doesn’t sound like much, but it was a challenge. Actually…it was torture.
- Run #2 – Two days later, I completed the same run. It was a little easier. It wasn’t amazingly fun, but it wasn’t torture.
I completed the “lean” version of P90X recently and I can tell you that the first day of running was like the first day of P90X. It was hard on my body and my mind. Like most beginnings, there was some uncertainty in my ability, but every day it got a little easier. Like most middles, there were ups and downs, but I kept going. The best part is that instead of ending, it turned into something else. The strength and confidence I had from completing P90X gave me the momentum to run.
Momentum turned to possibility.
Reading Recommendations
Fuel Your Run the Tarahumara Way by Matt Frazier
Marathon Roadmap, The Vegetarian Guide to Conquering your first 26.2
I know many of you are runners or aspiring runners. Any advice for me?
New to Be More With Less?
