I am getting more adventurous with my fitness plan. A few weeks ago I began researching running and how to incorporate running into my exercise routine. The problem is I have not run anywhere for over 20 years, so I had no idea where to begin. Its not like I can put on running shoes and just start running and not pass out before I get to the end of my street. I am a little intimidated by the prospect of actually running but excited at being healthy enough to run.
After looking at several different plans for how to start running I chose to go with a simple plan that incorporates intervals of walking and running. Over time the goal is to increase the amount of time spent running and decrease the amount of time spent walking. The plan I am following is designed to get you running for 30 minutes straight in just 8 weeks. The plan I am using can be found here.
I decided that I am going to work on week one for two weeks. I know it sounds wimpy but I have a few reasons for making this decision. First I started the plan on Thursday, and I would really like my plan to start new each Monday. I am also going out of town for a wedding and will be working the plan in a different climate and course. So I felt that it would be best to actually do week one for two weeks.
On Thursday, I put on my running shoes and headed out the door. Week one is a short warm up followed by three cycles of 6 minutes of walking and 1 minute of running and a short cool down. It felt great to go through the cycle. It was a wonderful feeling to actually be able to do the 3 cycles. On Friday and Saturday I also, worked through the cycles. However, on Saturday I increased my run time just a little bit just to see if I could push myself. It felt great to finish up day three of this training.
Next week will be a little harder to incorporate this new activity into my life because I have to go back to a conference for work and then out of town for a wedding. I am determined to complete week 1 again this week in the evenings after the conference and while on our vacation.
I am not running marathons yet, but what I am doing is a start.
*photo from stock.xchang
Tags: exercise, how to run, running