Abandoning C25K

Yes, you read it right.  I'm not doing the Couch to 5k or 5k101 program anymore.  Don't take this to mean I'm giving up.  Not at all.  In fact, I'll get to that in a minute.  But I am done with the structured training.  I have tried this program twice (I mean, REALLY tried twice...I've probably started about 5 or 6 times) and both times I just couldn't stick with it.  The first time, I thought it was because I was timing myself and it made me obsess with the clock.  This time, I tried a podcast thinking having someone to tell me when to walk and run would make it easier and I could just focus on form and breathing and not dying.  This so wasn't true.  I would hear Fred (That's what I named the voice of the program) say "You're doing great - only a minute to go," while I was running and think "Are you freakin' kidding me Fred?!?!  Another whole *%$! minute?!?!  I'll never make it."  It was terrible.  So Monday when I just couldn't bring myself to do it, I walked...adjusting the incline.  Wednesday, when I was committed to get back to my running program, I still just couldn't bring myself to listen to the techno music and Fred patronizing me as I attempted to run.  So I did my own thing.  I ran for 4 minutes and walked for 2.  I made it 1.8 miles in 30 minutes.  Not bad.  I think it was a good program at the start...got me pushing myself more than I thought I could but now I think I can do that on my own.  I want to run for 30 minutes without stopping.  I want to run a 5k - run it, not walk it.  That's my goal.  I'll just keep inching up until I get there, watching the Kardashians or E! Investigates or whatever while I do it. 

All that rationalization aside, I am signing up for my first 5k.  This gives me a "due date", so to speak.  I think I need that deadline to keep motivated.  I walked a 5k in 2009.  It took me 1:15.  I want to run this one in 45 minutes or less.  That's shaving just a half hour off the walk.  Let's keep in mind that I'm also 40 lbs lighter this time through and actually preparing in some way.  The walk I did was just that...a fun little walk that required no prep on my part.  Not this time.  This one's at the Phoenix Zoo so there are some hills and what not.  It's March 26th.  So I have exactly almost one month to add 1.5 miles to my workout.  I noticed the treadmill has a 5k run workout.  It adjusts the incline and you adjust the speed.  I think this is going to be my golden ticket to achieving my goal.  Staying on top of my workouts is key.  So I'm looking to "run" (I wonder if the day will ever come when I'll feel comfortable just saying RUN and not putting in quotes since what I do now certainly can't be considered running...anywayz) 3 days a week and then do Zumba on Saturdays.  The Zumba is just fun and is good cardio.  You need good cardio for running too, right? 

I've also set a birthday goal.  Not sure if I had mentioned this and I'm too lazy to go back and look.  As I've mentioned in the past, I don't do weight goals because I find them deflating if I don't hit it.  That's why I have 5k, 10k and half marathon type goals.  But for some reason, I felt I needed a birthday goal so here it is.  By June 27th...my 30th (yep...big 3-0) birthday...I want to lose another 18 lbs.  That gives me 122 days or 17 weeks. I know that doesn't sound that ambitious to most of you.  That's a measly pound a week.  But for someone who doesn't lose as fast as others, I think it's realistic and if I surpass it, so be it.  That would put me at 170 lbs.  I honestly cannot remember the last time I was at that weight.  So to be turning 30, weighing less than I have in YEARS will feel pretty darn good.  I've even added a Birthday Goal ticker...I must be serious about this.  LOL.

And with that, I leave you with a C25K Friday Funny...