I can’t believe that today marked the beginning of our 6th week on this program.  Today I ran with my new Camelbak water pack for the first time and I think that, while it takes some getting used to, it will be a good thing to have with me on the longer runs now that Wednesday marks the last interval run.

I thought today would be  a breeze because of Friday’s 20 minute run, but it was still very much a challenge.  Wednesday’s run is two 10 minute intervals.  And then one 25 minute run on Friday.  It’s very important that I get a good night’s sleep on Thursday because I’m convinced it makes a HUGE difference.

With my visor, water pack, iPhone arm band, and nice running shoes – I actually feel like a runner!  Whee!

Week 5 Complete!

We headed to the local park trail, bright and early this morning, and after the 5 minute warm up, ran our hearts out!  I’m so proud of us for getting through today’s run!  It’s a big leap to go from running 8 minute intervals to running one 20 minute interval.  It’s amazing how your body gets in a groove though and carries you through it.

Moving onto Week 6 on Monday.  After completing today’s run, it makes me confident that I can finish this program!

I made a iTunes Playlist with songs I haven’t heard in a long time that I knew would pump me up – so I think that helped a lot too!

Another day – another run!

Today was day 2 of week 5 and consisted of jogging for 8 minutes, walking for 5 and then jogging for another 8.  Good news is that I was shocked when the first 8 minutes was up!  I had miscalculated with my guessing by about 2 minutes.  The second 8 minutes was really hard for me and my ankles but I pushed through it.

I’m so nervous about Friday’s running because it’s the 20 minute jog without stopping but I have to keep reminding myself that tons of people follow this program and it’s the natural progression of things to run without stopping at some point.

The mental aspect of this challenge is just as hard, if not harder, than the physical aspect!

Week 5 of the Couch to 5K program has officially begun!  I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about having to do three 5 minute intervals of running.  I get so worked up over the runs and have to remind myself that I have to at least try.

And you know what?  It wasn’t that bad. There, I said it.

I bought myself a Nike visor that really helped keep the sun off my face.  Every little bit helps!

Day 2 of this week is on Wednesday and consists of running intervals of 5, 8, and 5 minutes.  I’m nervous about the 8 – but I’ll cross that bridge when I get there!

I’m participating in a great program called Couch to 5k. It’s a 9 week program that helps us couch potatoes train to run a 5k.

I got myself a great workout buddy and started this program at the end of June.  It’s been four weeks and I’m still finding the program extremely challenging – but not impossible.

Today’s workout was intervals of 3 minutes or running, a little bit of walking, and 5 minutes of running… and then repeated again.  You don’t realize just how long 5 minutes is until you’re doing something like running.  My body gets in a rhythm but my mind won’t shut up!  I have to constantly push out the “this sucks!” “is it over yet?” “should I peak at how much time I have left?” thoughts and just get ‘er done.

I’m trying to remind myself that 4 weeks ago, I was struggling just to get through the 60 second intervals.  Week 6 is 8 minute intervals.  It’s amazing that you can train your body that quickly to adapt to running!

Monday starts week 5.  Here goes nothing.