~ Couch-to-5K App Update ~
That little blue square above is what started it all…well, actually, it was the multiple children, no time for ourselves and Ben & Jerry that really started it all…but, we are going to give credit to the App because that is just more fun.
Several weeks ago we let you in on a little secret, both Melisha and I started running using the tools in the Couch-to-5K app. It says that if you follow the guidelines (bascially, interval training), then you will be able to run a 5K (which for those of us who don’t convert metrics in our heads, is 3.1 miles) in just 9 weeks. “No way!” was my first thought too. And, “I am NOT a runner” was my next thought. But you know what? My friend Joann– whom you all know and love because she has shared zillions of Walgreens shopping trips on here — convinced me I could do it. So I did. I started running. Well, to be honest, it starts you out with a 5 minute warm up, then a quick jog. Melisha, being the supportive friend that she is, committed to doing it with me!
So here is a little update (and a photo from my app):
The other day, I received an email from Sports Authority that Asics, the running shoes I use, are on sale for $79 from $115 and sports bras are on sale too (yep, if I’m gonna commit to do this thing, I need the right equipment!) and figured I might as well let you in on how I am doing and what I am using to reach my eventual goal. I found Nike Sports Bras for only $20 ($8 if you are a size small) and when you order online, you can get $10 off any $50 purchase or more (good through Sat. 5/11). Click HERE to shop!
Plus, I thought it was only fair to mention that I have been wearing special reflexology shoes by Kenkoh (yes, they are slightly expensive) that help with lots of ailments. When your shins are killing you because you haven’t run in YEARS and have now decided to train for a 5K, these babies are your saving grace. Kenkoh’s are $99 on Amazon (use Swagbucks to reduce the price) or $89.95 (after 10% off discount, if you are a new customer) at Overstock.com.
The best trick? I downloaded music to my Android from iTunes using an iTunes Synch App that allowed me to load my “playlist” so that I can listen to music while I run — anything to keep the momentum and sustain the drive to keep going. The app is free so long as you only use one playlist which is fine with me. Maybe one of my “rewards” along the way to the 5K will be to pay to upgrade and import additional playlists! The app is called Synchtunes and is available on Google Play. My kids are loving it as well! They are excited to see my progress and take turns going with me each time! It has become a great family activity except I can’t talk to them the entire time because I am just trying to breathe, but that should improve over time…lol!!
Here’s the thing…go at your own pace. I was literally gasping for air after the first run. It felt GREAT, because I had accomplished something I never would have thought I could do right now. And Melisha had the best idea, she said, lets stay in the “week 1 level” until we can really do it all the way through, before we move on to the next level. Genius! It took me 2.5 weeks but I felt so proud and saw such a difference in my stamina and my endurance from that first run (only 19 days prior) that it inspired me to keep going! Level Up! The app totally talks you through everything…all you do is hold on to your mp3 player and when it says “time to jog”…start jogging! Then it will tell you “Shew! Brisk Walk!” and then you can Praise Jesus that you made it!! Be sure to check the “vibrate” setting to help you with the clues in case you don’t hear them because you are singing too loudly 😀
Are you feeling inspired? Want to join us now? Melisha will update you with her progress over the next week or so! I can’t wait to show you the “before” and “after” photos (when they eventually become a reality)!
Get off the couch with the Couch-to-5K training app from Active.com! Spend just 30 minutes, three times a week, for nine weeks (maybe a little more if you are like me), and you’ll be ready to finish your first 5K (3.1-mile) race in no time at all! Couch-to-5K is $1.99 for iPhone and $2.99 for Android.
You can get there with Couch-to-5K! Let us know if you are training along with us!
