1 post tagged “training”

Back in February I started the Cool Running Couch to 5K (C25K) training program. In short the aim of the C25K program (quite obviously) is to take a newbie runner and to gradually build them up to a level where they are able to run continuously for 30 minute (or about 5Km) over 9 weeks. Without putting a to fine point on it I came into this program a little bit under-done in the fitness stakes and carrying a little extra weight ... OK, I hadn't moved faster than a slow amble for about 15 years and my BMI had me firmly in the obese category. On top of the poor fitness and excess lard I recently slipped over into the naughty forties so a quick call to my doc was in order. Doc confirmed that I should go for it and as such there were no more excuses for me to fall back on.

The C25K program was a roller coaster ride for me, some weeks were easy where I blew through the program goals with no problems at all. Other weeks were painfull, physically debilitating and emotionally draining, I would hit a brick wall on what would be a minor goal and get really dissapointed and demoralised over my inability to achieve even simple goals. As an example, in week 4 the program has 3 running intervals, a 3 minute, 5 minute and 3 minute run with walk breaks in between. When the time came for my 5 minute run I crashed out miserably on every attempt. My confidence plummetted and I was ready to throw the program. I distinctly remember the negative self talk, "I CANNOT do this", "I am NOT a runner", "I'm to old and to fat" and every variation on these themes in between.

At some point after a third failed attempt at the week 4 run I had a mental revelation and I realised that it didnt matter if I couldnt manage the required run right then and there, I could simply try again next week. In short I worked out that  not being able to complete the run was not a failure, not completing the run did not hurt or effect anyone. In fact, the only way I could fail is if I chucked the program and went back to the couch! With this new mindset I simply reset myself and restarted Week 4 again the following week and sure enough I managed it quite comfortably. In the end I had to repeat 3 weeks (W4, W7 & W9) so in the end (and with a weeks holiday in between) the whole program took about 13 weeks.

Over the time I was on the C25K program I dropped about 6kg (12-13 lb) and really felt terrific. I had found something that I could do that I enjoyed that allowed me to lose weight while making me feel good and calmed my stressed out brain. 

NEXT: The middle: A goal is set, Disaster strikes, Rehabilitation