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”?

This isn’t the first time I’ve sung the praises of Longwood Gardens. It truly is one of our favorite places to go, of course it’s helpful that it’s right around the corner.

Here, in no particular order are our top five reason for loving Longwood Gardens.

1) It gets us out in the fresh air. The kids love to run around outside but often get bored if they’re in the backyard. Longwood offers them a place to play that is much cooler than our backyard. If you’ve seen our backyard you’ll know that’s saying a lot.

2) There is plenty for the kids to see and do so they NEVER get bored. Between the Children’s garden, the tree houses and all the other interesting things going on we can see something a little different every time we visit. Whenever I ask the boys if they want to go to Longwood they ALWAYS say yes!

3) It’s three minutes from the house. Something close to home AND fun, talk about a win win for someone with active little boys. There is very little planning that needs to go into a trip to the gardens for us.

4) Everyone is so friendly! You know when you go places and there are people working that must hate life because they’re so miserable? I have NEVER found anyone at Longwood Gardens like that. Every single employee is friendly and more than willing to talk to you about whatever it is you happen to be looking at. They’re also extremely knowledgeable and full of fun facts. The best part…They’re great with kids.

Even the cat is friendly at Longwood Gardens!

5) No matter what time of year it is there is always something to see. I overheard an employee telling another employee that they have two seasons at Longwood Gardens, fireworks and Christmas lights. I thought that was a great way to put it. All summer long there are fireworks and fountain shows. This summer we were lucky enough to have a magnificent light display by British artist Bruce Munro. Nothing short of amazing. The wintertime is great to visit the awesome train display and of course the lights.

We love Longwood Gardens and have been members there for a past few years. If you’re local, buy a membership and go often, you won’t be sorry you did.

Not local? Do you have any fun places like Longwood Gardens near you?