"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1b-2
Today I took a leap and started my journey to be a jogger. I know, you're probably laughing right now, even I think it's ridiculous. Because I DON'T RUN. Like, ever. If a wild animal was ever chasing me, my strategy would probably be to fall down and play dead. It would have a greater chance of success than me running away.
But I did it anyway. I'm really making it a major goal of this season of my life to get in better shape. Not only to get a better shape (I'll admit, that's a big part of it) but also because regular exercise has many health benefits. I have the time now to make exercise a priority, and so I am, because I'll probably never get this chance again to form the habit.
That being said, this is going to be hard.
I've been walking a mile three times a week for the past 2 weeks in preparation, because I knew that just jumping into running without easing myself into it would be a bad idea. And even still it was difficult.
Week 1 of the Couch to 5K program has the person alternate 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes, with a 5 minute walk for warmup and cooldown. That doesn't sound too hard right? I was able to complete the whole workout but I was pretty wiped by the end. And I'm pretty sure I'm the slowest jogger on the planet. Also, my shins hurt. Already. Isn't that something that seasoned, hardcore runners are supposed to get?
If this program can actually get me to run a 5K straight through in less than 5 hours, it will be a real live miracle. I prayed before I started that I wouldn't give up, and the verse above popped into my mind. "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus..." I've always loved that verse, won't it be cool to apply it to actual running? Well ok then, I guess I'm going to do this thing!
When you run do you land on your toes? That is the correct form - but some people land flat footed or on their heal, which is incorrect and can cause you shins to hurt. Also, during the 60 seconds of running, make sure it's not a sprint....just a light jog (that can also help with the shins). If you ever want someone to train with on the weekend I would be happy to oblige (sp?).
ReplyDeleteHmm I may be landing flat footed, I'll try to see next time. I'm definitely not sprinting, my pace is like a turtle. Thanks for the offer! Maybe when I get to running a little longer at a time we can run together, that would be fun!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I don't mind stopping and walking in between running - it's actually good for your heart to rev it up then bring it back down.
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