Day 16: Four Weeks to a 5K

[Carrie] On Counting's "4 Weeks to a 5K" Program

Since my schedule has slowed down a lot the past couple of days, I've had time to think about my exercise routine. To be honest, it's all over the place. I kinda just do whatever I feel like that day, and I know that's just not cutting it. To get the most out of my workouts, I need a plan.

The one thing I constantly find myself wishing is that I was a runner. When my friends who run tell me they are doing a 10k this weekend, or that they just came back from an eight-mile run, I just look at them like they're off-their-rocker crazy. How could anyone ever enjoy running?  It's so hard. I've never had the endurance to run more than a mile or two, even when I was playing varsity sports in high school and in top shape.

However, part of the reason I'm doing this challenge is to do things I never thought I was capable of. To become that crazy fitness chick that gets her high off of working out. To rock a six-pack. To start eating clean and training dirty.

To run 30 minutes straight.

My new goal is that I'm going to be able to consistently run for 30 consecutive minutes four weeks from now. 

And here's how I'm going to do it:

I found a six-week running program for beginners online, and altered it to suit my own needs. As you can see, I shortened mine to four weeks.

Also, since I made a commitment to work out every day, I'll do a light workout - either abs or yoga - on my "rest day" each week.

I'm really excited to start this program. Now, I'll be able to do most of my workouts outside, which will be awesome since the weather has been so great. And hopefully, I'll accomplish one of my biggest goals and be a runner in four weeks!

You can find the link to the original plan here.

 

What I'm thankful for today: A little downtime and some much-needed R&R! After last week's hectic schedule, it was nice to take some time for myself. I not only got a great workout in, but I also had time to take a nap and catch up on my favorite show, New Girl.