So, the Couch to 5K project? Still running (though there was a little hiatus in that extremely icy weather a few weeks back). It's not fast, it's not pretty, but it is getting outside and putting one foot in front of the other. The programme has you repeating each run three times, before moving up to the next level and every time I go to the next step I am terrified that I will not be able to complete it.
But to my surprise, I have managed and am enjoying it. Half an hour, alone in my own headspace. Time to look at the clouds and the trees and the sheep and the birds. To smell the earth, warming up steadily each day. And an endorphin enhanced sense of having achieved something afterwards.
Coffee Lady taught me a name for myself - a self-quantifier. But if taking a photo on my run, or ticking off the completed episodes in a podcast is what it takes to keep going, there is no great shame in that, is there? Small steps, little goals, tiny triumphs.
VERY impressed.
My chiropractor gave me some 'running' homework before the next appt. (I know!! WHAT THE..?)
I might have to seriously start running again!
Posted by: Monica | 25 February 2012 at 16:03
That's the only way to do it, one step at a time, slow and steady wins the race as they say!
Posted by: Caroline | 25 February 2012 at 16:42
Keep on going! I started out about four years ago, after five minutes I was exhausted! I now run four times a week, am a member of a running club and just love running and enjoy half marathons! If you told me that I'd be saying that when I began I'd of thought you were mad. The only problem is that I know have less knitting time .... !
Happy Running
Fleur xx
You can read about my tales of knitting and running in my new blog:
fleurcotton.blogspot.com
Posted by: Fleur Cotton | 25 February 2012 at 16:48
Well done! Now I know where I went wrong. I didn't have a list to tick. (I haven't run since it got icy)
Posted by: Amanda | 25 February 2012 at 17:24
Good for you...my running is sporadic at best but still just managed to finish week 4 (think I'm behind a week or two).
Posted by: lina | 25 February 2012 at 18:40
Slow and steady will get you there. And I can vouch for the real boost when you complete your first full 5k run. It's amazing. I started when I was 48 and my ambition is to still be running 5k on my 75th birthday..........the kids are horrified!!
Posted by: Carol | 25 February 2012 at 19:32
yeah, keep going! xxx
Posted by: driftwood | 25 February 2012 at 21:26
Well done you :D So what if it doesn't look too good it's happening which is more than many, me included, can say. Happy running :D
Posted by: Annie | 25 February 2012 at 22:24
congratulations!! I've started the same project some weeks ago, and I like reading your experience, so similar to mine! I've also the feeling that I won't be able to achieve the next step, but I also can!!
I'm thinking about a different program after this one! :D
Posted by: Ginesta | 25 February 2012 at 22:54
I've gone as far as downloading the podcasts. Then breaking my iPhone. It was an accident, I swear.
Posted by: Megan | 26 February 2012 at 07:51
Impressed, go for it. The worst bit is getting out of the door. Once you're out it's plain sailing ish!
Posted by: Lynne Kovan | 26 February 2012 at 10:24
I am soooo jealous. Don't think I'll be running for a while after my foot meeting the Le Creuset casserole lid. Keep going and enjoy it - I'll be cheering you on! Think it's back to walking and cycling for me for a while...
Posted by: Janice | 26 February 2012 at 16:33
I'm so impressed with you Ali! You are my role model! I'm quite a bit behind you as I'm only just over half way through week 2 - and like you I am dreading moving up to the next week and doubting whether there is any chance that I will be able to do the increased amount of running - so it is very heartening to have you successfully running ahead of me!
Lucy xx
Posted by: lucylocket | 26 February 2012 at 19:38
It's not raining too much with you, is it?
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 26 February 2012 at 21:26
congratulations!! thank you for sharing article! I've started the same project some weeks ago, and I like reading your experience, so similar to mine! I will continue noticing your blog!
Posted by: may | 29 February 2012 at 05:53
No shame in that at all - well done, keep going :) If I'm swithering about whether to run or not there's a part of me that the Nike logo/branding has clearly penetrated very deeply - the Just Do It motto usually moves me every time I swither. I turn off the brain, don't think, just do.
Love the idea of still running a 5k at 75 years old! I met an older gent mountain biking in the woods yesterday and was glad for a great example, very inspiring :)
Posted by: BetaMother | 29 February 2012 at 20:54
So impressed with your running! After weeks on the computer I'm definitely feeling the need to get out and get moving.
And I love the term self-quantifier. I'm most definitely one too!
K x
Posted by: kristina | 02 March 2012 at 07:51
Go, Ali, GO!
Posted by: Paola | 07 March 2012 at 07:45
Running: 3 injuries - finally gave up after a sprained ankle
Fixed the car so that I can go to the pool in the next town over (the local one's being refurbished): getting eczema on my face.
Tried Pilates: doesn't seem like it is much of a work out.
I think it will have to be swimming plus eczema.
Posted by: UK lass in US | 11 March 2012 at 21:09
Thanks for sharing this link - I really need something to get me moving and this might just do the trick!
Posted by: Aussie Mum | 15 March 2012 at 11:27