The 10K Trainer.

Last Thursday I hit a pretty big milestone, I completed the 10K Trainer!

It did take me a little longer than it should have but the important part is that I made it through the program. Not only did I make it through the program but I finished it running a bit more than a 10K.

If you’re thinking about getting into running, or getting back into running I HIGHLY doing the 10K Trainer. The first eight weeks of the fourteen week program are the C25K Trainer so it’s great if you’re just starting out too. Had I realized that I might have skipped C25K and just used the 10K Trainer.

Over the course of the 14 weeks of training, I’ve really developed a love for running. Sure, I don’t always want to go out and run and some days I have to kick my own ass out the door, but once I get out there I am free. Just me and my music in the mind clearing fresh air.

How does it work?

If you’re not familiar with the C25K or 10K Trainer programs here’s crash course.

First you need to download the app on your phone. I love that it’s a FREE app and probably one of the best free apps I’ve ever had.

It’s interval training. You start out doing more walking than running and you gradually increase the amount of running you do with each workout, each week. By the end of the first eight weeks you’ll be able to run a full 3.1 miles without any walking breaks. By the end of the fourteen weeks you’ll be able to run 6.2 miles without taking a walk break.

I see you saying you’d never be able to run that far. YES YOU CAN!!!

If you stick with the program and are lucky enough to stay injury free, you’ll be running a 10K in less than four months.

Hell, if I can do it anyone can.

Now what am I going to do?

I have to admit that I’m a little nervous about having to come up with my own plan. I can say that I’ve taken what I’ve learned from my running friends and Women’s Running magazine and I have a plan but it’s not the same as that little voice telling you what to do.

I’m running in the Broad Street Run on May 5th and right now my longest run is only 7.35 miles. More than 2 and a half miles to get up to 10. Scary!

I did pick up a coach willing to help me out which is both exciting and intimidating. As soon as I get my shoulder checked out (another story for another day) I’ll get started with him.

From Broad Street I’d like to try a half marathon or even a full marathon. I don’t think I’ll ever become a marathoner but I’d like to say I’ve done at least one. It’s on the bucket list.

My main goal is to stay injury free so I can keep pounding the pavement and enjoying my runs. While I’m still a far cry from a calm person I feel much better now that I’m out there doing something. Of course the few pounds that I’ve dropped are helpful too.

How about you? Do you love to go out for a run? Have you been meaning to start running but just haven’t “found the time”?

C25K Graduate

It took me a little more than eight weeks, complements of the holidays, but I finally graduated the Couch to 5K program.

I have to say that the week 8 day 3 run was amazing. As I completed the workout and heard the words in my head (through my earbuds) that I was finished, I felt such a feeling of accomplishment. I had set a goal and achieved it and it was an amazing feeling.

My C25K graduation run.

So much of what I do is for the boys, Bill and the family in general, to do something that was only for me was kind of nice.

So what’s next?

I’m moving on to the 10K Trainer. It’s a 14 week program that takes you from the couch to a 10K (6.2 miles). I’ve already completed the first eight weeks by doing the C25K so only 6 more weeks and I’ll be running a 10K with ease…I hope.

I’ve also set the goal of doing twelve 5K races this year. It seems like a lofty goal but really it’s only one a month and in the spring and summer I could easily do one a weekend.

Oh, did I mention that I also want to run in the Broad Street Run this year? A super fast ten mile race in Philadelphia. Not sure I’ll get into that since they’re doing a lottery for entrance but if I can’t get in I’ll find another ten miler.

Then on to my ultimate goal of the Disney Half Marathon in 2014. The thought of running 13.1 miles through all of the Disney parks sends chills down my spine. I have such a love for Disney World, running a race through it would be a dream come true.

Until all that I’ll take it one day at a time and try not to get sick or injured.

Do you have any fitness goals for 2013? How about a fitness accomplishment?