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Post by omaklackey on May 10, 2012 22:46:17 GMT -5
So for almost six months last year I was working out at the Gym. I never thought I would like a treadmill but I loved it. I was going two and three times a week depending on how much I worked. I felt better all over, my self esteem was better, I was happier, my blood pressure lowered and it totally turned my husband on. I had even graduated to running and not just walking. Summer came along and suddenly we stopped going because we were swimming instead. That was a year ago and I still haven't gotten back to the gym. How do I get myself to go. Its so stupid. There is no negative to me working out! So how do I get myself to go back. I did get really discouraged because even though I said I didn't do it to lose weight I thought I would. When I didn't lose even a pound after six months of that I was pretty bummed, however it was totally worth it even without the weight loss. What incentive will make me get back to it? My sister used a marathon (five K) to get herself off the couch. Does anyone have a suggestion?? I guess I'm pretty "reward" orientated so if I can think of something to work towards it will help me a lot? So I'm open to any ideas (other then weight loss since without my estrogen I haven't been able to do that). There is a marathon in Sept called the autumn run and another in about three weeks but I don't have a clue how to "train for a marathon". I just know I want to feel better and this is one step that will help me do that.
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Post by Karen on May 11, 2012 4:57:10 GMT -5
I assume by the title of your post that you're aware of the C25K running program (from the couch to the 5k)? If you do a search for it, you'll find it. It's essentially a 9 week, 3 times a week running program that starts you running in 1 minute intervals and guides you through all the way up to a 5k. That's how I initially started running 10 years ago and I had several frieds start that way, too. Perhaps you're already aware of the program, but if you're not, a Google search will bring it up. When I have a workout schedule and milestones, I do well. Perhaps it'll work for you?
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Post by semicolon on May 11, 2012 5:46:19 GMT -5
I did the Couch to 5k program when I first started running back in 2004. I was not a runner at all, and it was great. We picked a 5k road race (that's 3.1 miles for the non-metrics out there) that ended in beer for extra incentive about 12 weeks from when we started the program (my husband and I run together- that is also a good incentive). I have to say i am a big supporter of training outdoors but realize that's not for everyone. If you do train on a treadmill just remember running outdoors can feel a little harder. Go for it!
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Post by 1234 on May 11, 2012 9:57:43 GMT -5
I think the hardest thing to get over is that feeling of "I haven't done this for a while and I'm bad for not doing it." I think it's awesome you're thinking about this again. I don't know about incentives, because I go crazy if I DON'T run, but I think finding a buddy to do it with you or setting a goal of participating in one of the local walks/runs is helpful. More than that, just knowing that each day is a new day, and whether you exercised the day before or not, or the last year or not, doesn't matter and doesn't mean anything about who you are as a person. You can always start again.
I don't know about any of the running/training programs, but I do know that there are lots of them. Couch to 5K sounds as reasonable as any! I think anything that alternates walking and running and gradually increases the amount of running and decreases the amount of walking is good.
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Post by omaklackey on May 11, 2012 13:48:01 GMT -5
The couch to five K is a little confusing but apparently you can get an app that helps tell you when to run/walk etc. So a marathon is a good incentive then? How do I keep training after the marathon is over? I think working for this one in June might get me started but when Summer hits and its hotter I'm sure going to need some incentive. Its stupid that the "feeling better" isn't enough incentive but I just know its not. Whenever I can come up with reasons to NOT do something I will but finding a reason to keep doing something, well that seems a little harder. It could get kind of expensive to hit all the marathons in the area. LOL
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Post by 1234 on May 12, 2012 11:37:42 GMT -5
What if you did it as a summer project with your kids? Your kids are completely old enough to start running--there are all sorts of running programs for children starting out very, very young. I'm sure they would love the extra, focused "mom time" while you all are going through the walking/running together on the couch to 5K program, and might also be the motivation to keep you going. There is NOTHING kids like better than bossing their parents around .
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Post by omaklackey on May 12, 2012 19:06:11 GMT -5
I went yesterday and did a mile on the track. The kids came and I realized how distracting they were. I stuck my headphones in (love my iPhone!!) and got a good brisk walk going. If I do the five K in June I'm going to reward myself with good running shoes. I used my work shoes which are New Balance but I don't want to wear them out! I want them to last until school is done since they are ugly white leather shoes. lol It felt great though and I wasn't out of breath and I didn't have any achy muscles this morning. So I was very happy when I realized I'm NOT as out of shape as I thought and I should be able to get back into it! Yeah! If I can get my couch to five app going I will do it, but If I can't, I will just walk. That couch to five seems confusing to me. How do you time yourself? With a stop watch? or what?
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Post by semicolon on May 12, 2012 21:12:08 GMT -5
If you have a digital watch that counts seconds you can use that, or you can use a reg watch with a second hand. Don't get too bogged down in it, if you walk a little extra here or there it's no biggie. And cheap shoes are just as good as expensive ones, as long as you like em! I always keep my walking/work shoes and running shoes separate, they will wear differently (and I hate bringing work germs home, ew).
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Post by 1234 on May 13, 2012 9:07:25 GMT -5
I don't know anything about iphones but I bet ANYTHING taht there is a couch to 5K "app" that will tell you "walk" "run" etc.? I guarantee at least it has a stop watch feature.
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Post by Karen on May 13, 2012 10:30:46 GMT -5
The app does exist. My friend has it and we've used it before. I couldn't tell you the name of it, but it exists.
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Post by semicolon on May 13, 2012 17:22:40 GMT -5
Here's the link for the iPhone app, but there's also an online version too: www.active.com/mobile/c25k/. I've never tried the app, but my sister has.
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Post by omaklackey on May 13, 2012 20:14:37 GMT -5
I got one of the free apps and used it today for the first time. I only made it through 1/2 of the run/walk thing. Its pretty cool, it just chimes in for walk and chimes again for run. It also tells you when its half way. I did ten minutes until I got my half way "bong" and I had to walk the last ten minutes. I did a mile again but in less time then before and I was feeling the burn from the run (easy jog really) in the back of my calves! I had no idea the difference between running and my usual brisk walk. Ouch! I may dial back the program a bit. It starts with 60 seconds run, 1:30 walk and like I said I wore out at ten minutes. It felt better to have a little more of a burn though. I'm so very out of shape and I have never run even when I was in shape so this is a big stretch for me.
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Post by 1234 on May 14, 2012 10:13:37 GMT -5
It's great you're doing it, Omak. Don't beat yourself up and don't overpush yourself. You'll be surprised the gains you make quickly!
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Post by semicolon on May 14, 2012 17:56:29 GMT -5
You will definitely have some ups and downs on the program (I think the day we ran for 8 minutes I threw a tantrum and declared I would never run again) but if you stick with it you will be so proud! Running is hard. Period. And running with endo is super hard! Exclamation point!
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Post by 1234 on May 14, 2012 19:44:59 GMT -5
Amen, Semi.
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