Couch to 5K Week 1

I have been wanting to exercise for a LONG time, but I really dislike exercising, so it's been a struggle. I know it is important, and I also feel the affects of not exercising (out of breath going up stairs, unable to actively play long with my son, feeling like 'bleh' a lot of the time, etc.). I want to be healthy, I want to give my body a fighting chance to have a long life, and feel good living it. I also really want to run the temple to temple 5k, I've walked it the past 4 years.

I've tried various things, but have yet to stick with any form of exercise for long. The other day I had a break through, I need a buddy. I really don't like being alone. As much as I hate to admit it (it feels like a sin) I actually started to enjoy running when I ran with a companion on my mission. So last Sunday I asked my husband if I could join him for part of his runs; he likes to run by himself, gives him time to think/reflect and such. He suggested that instead we do this thing called "couch to 5k." We found an app to download that goes through 8 weeks of running/walking sessions, and by the time you are done you should (hopefully) be able to run a 5k. You do the 30 minute sessions three times a week. The first week is 5 minute brisk walk warm up, then alternating between 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of brisk walking, ending with a 5 minute walk cool down.

We started on Monday (May 22, 2017), and it was kind of rough. My legs started getting itchy and tingly and I had to drag myself to run the last time. John and Baby John did great. Wednesday was better. My legs weren't tingly, but I stilled struggled the last few run times. Friday I did even better. I tried to push myself, when John would say 15 or 10 seconds left during a the 60 second run time I would find something ahead to push myself to run to even if the time ran out before. John also helped by encouraging me to run faster during the last couple run sessions. Keep pushing myself to run farther and faster.

Thankful the first week is done. Thankful my husband is doing it with me even though he can already run a 5k. Thankful my son seems to enjoy the running in the stroller. Thankful we got a membership to the Provo Rec. Center so that when it is cold in the mornings we can run on the indoor track. Thankful that I am healthy enough to do this. Thankful that the temple to temple exists so that I have a greater motivation to do it in the short time frame. Thankful for the app which makes this process so much easier than simply running until I can run no longer.

The next thing is working on eating healthier. My challenge is I like chocolate more than most things. When I get stressed, I like to eat. When I get bored, I like to eat. I like to eat. Baby steps right?