I tell my kids to try something before they tell me that they do not like it. I mean REALLY try something, not just sort of sniff at it and declare it a “no go.” But see, I have being doing just that all my life with running. I have declared it to be something I would never do. I could not imagine that I would be any good at it, let alone actually enjoy it, so I just never even tried. Over the last few months, I have met so many people who are into running. As they were all around me in the states, I finally was introduced to the Couch to 5K program. It is made for people like me who have never run in their lives besides a quick jog after a rogue toddler now and again.
With my interest mounting, I took the opportunity to get fitted for proper running shoes, bought myself one outfit (including bra and special socks) then just downloaded the app…and I was off. Seriously. I couldn’t believe it either! I actually cried when I completed the first run. I cried out of pride, exhaustion, and shock at how happy I was. Happiness…who knew exercise caused that? Hush, I had read about endorphin rush too, but really, do you believe everything you read?
The next day I was sore and I realised why the app has you start running every other day or even just 3 times a week. The rest and recovery is all part of the regime.
I never knew that I would crave the solitude that I get with running. I mean, I knew I did not like the crowded gym, and it never occurs to me to call a friend for exercise over a glass of wine, but I did not put it together that the best part of this whole new habit would have nothing to do with endorphin rush. I am alone. Simply alone in my cave of music. Simply alone in the big open world. Some days I feel like I don’t have three kids, but rather one loud octopus for all the limbs I have constantly wrapped around some part of me. On the days that the kids are all at school, I have so many little bits of things to do that my mind is fractured into a bunch of busy pieces. I am grateful to be able to work from home doing what I love and to have all those healthy kids, but with new ideas coming to me in the shower and a notebook for creative brain floods by my bed, I hardly ever settle my mind. When I run, my mind is free and I really feel like I could do anything. Pretty powerful stuff that I would never had known was out there for me if I had not just shut up the sarcasm and headed outside.
So listen up kids, Try it, you might love it.
Doing your own Couch to 5K? Let me know! We can cheer each other on!
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I did it years ago and then stopped running but have decided to give it another go because it works! Have been using the downloads off this website as the background music is far better…. http://runningintoshape.com/5k-training-downloads/ . Good luck!
I tried, slowed down, tried again, but have stopped. Here’s why, http://semanticallydriven.com/2012/08/i_stopped_running_but_its_okay.html
At least you tried and have found something you like!
So happy for you. I wish everyone would run. The world would be better for it.
Good for you. I just finished the Dutch/Belgium equivalent and I love it. I’ve tried before but somehow never managed to go further than running 8 minutes. Now, when I realised how much I love running outside and being alone, just like you described, I finished all lessons and I’m running 30 minutes strait….who whould have ever thought that
As soon as my midwife clears me for exercise I will be starting the Couch 2 5K program. I’m hoping it will help with my post partum depression. Cheers to trying new things!
Take care, PPD is a horrible thing to deal with…I know!
I have started the C25K program too. I never thought I’d be a runner (and still have my doubts!), but I have started making huge changes in my health which is the main thing! I now attend the gym 2 nights per week and swim another night. I have more energy and feel less stressed and am quickly becoming addicted to exercise! I have signed up for Triathlon Pink (www.triathlonpink.com.au) in Melbourne in January and am so looking forward to it! Hoping to raise some much needed funds for the NBCF (Mum is currently battling breast cancer) and achieve a personal goal at the same time!
That’s awesome. Just read more about it on internet. I just started gym week ago and my goal is running too. I’ve download the app now and hope starts soon!
I just started running again this morning. I was doing the C25K in the spring, but then it got too hot for me. (We moved to Florida last year – still not used to the heat/humidity when it comes to exercising!) I, too, enjoy the solitude. And the complete “me” time. At home I’m always distracted by everything that everyone needs. Or what they left lying around the house, etc. I’m considering a half-marathon in February. Mostly because I’m stupid, I think, but just to keep me motivated. We’ll see…
I’ve never been a runner either and I’m still not one! I still have the app on my phone but struggled to go past week 3! Now that the weather’s getting a whole lot better, I might just start it again
thanks for the inspiration!!
Janice (@janny81 on Instagram)
well that’s it! i’m giving it a go … everything your wrote resonated … so here we go!
I just started this today! I had decided to give it a go over the summer, but had a random severe illness that through all my summer plans off. Finally started today, and am hoping that, when I have brightly colored new shoes and it is not raining, I will feel more inspired.
But I was certainly proud of myself!
It’s the solitude – I don’t run but I get the need to be alone.
I graduate from the program tomorrow! It’s pretty amazing, my first week, the one minute runs were killer, and now, I’m running 30 minutes straight. Granted, I’m slow, but it feels fantastic knowing I could barely run down the block two months ago, and now I’m running full miles. Time alone with my music is great too, you end up REALLY concentrating on the song I’m listening to for encouragement. Congrats on starting it and finding out you like it!
I can’t wait…it is amazing to build up to something you can’t do at the moment!
I did it too. Totally like you: never thought I could run. Seeing other people run even made me feel slightly sick. But then, I don’t know, it started to seem intriging and I wanted to give it a go. I downloaded the app about 7 weeks ago and completed the program on Wednesday with my first 5k run (5.3k to be precise) and it felt like one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I’ve never ever liked my body but I’m starting to be a teeny bit proud of it now. Today, I get to do my first “all on my own” run, with no-one telling me when to stop or start. i’m a little bit scared. A bit scared that i’ll loose motivation without a clear schedule to tell me how long to run for. Only time will tell. After making it to a 20 min straight run, I went out and bought a Nike+ watch. I LOVE it! When I get home, I plug it into the computer and it shows me my run on a map, including pace, calories, total distance, and any records I’ve broken (fastest mile and so on). If anything keeps me going, I think it might be that. It’s so gadgety and cool makes me feel like James Bond!
Rachel, your post inspired me – thank you! I have been running a bit here and there, but your post reminded me to look at it from a more positive perspective. I’ve made more of an effort to run lately, and each time I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.