Couch to 5K: My Progress Journey

There’s a reason why I only made two goals for the entire year. One goal was to write 52 blog posts in a year (notice I did not say I will write one each week;) ) and the other was to run a 5k in its entirety. Running a 5k has been on my radar for more than a decade. While I have participated in 5k races, I have yet to run the full distance of a 5k. Read along as I chronicle my progress journey.

Why a 5k?

I played sports from middle school through high school and then participated in intramural sports in college. After college? Nothing. I have dabled in working out here and there but nothing consistent. When I attempted a 5k about 10 years ago, I liked the thrill I experienced from running. Fast forward a few years to 2021 and I really tried to completely run the 5k distance (I quit training just shy of actual completion – ahh!). It is difficult to describe the breakthrough I had mentally while running. Ever since, I have been wanting to push through and actually run the entire 5k distance.

Running is a healthy habit I enjoy adding to other healthy habits that I have been trying to incorporate in my life this year. You can read about some healthy snack ideas I am eating here.

How’s it going?

In a word? Slow. To be honest, my body feels different at 45 then it did at 42 and 35. I have aches now in places that I’m not sure if I should or if that is just middle age. Currently, my left hip hurts while running. I’m using the C25K app (Couch to 5K) and very much appreciate the prompts it gives me to alternate between times of walking and running. I need that prompting to keep going. Left on my own, I’m not sure I would follow through.

Another support I have realized is crucial for my completion? My dogs. Taking my labradoodle and poodle along with me on my walks/runs helps me ignore any pain or discomfort I might have while I pay attention to them.

What are the benefits?

Even if my body has pain or discomfort, I truly feel better physically and mentally when I complete a C25K session. My dogs also get the benefit of multiple times a week exersise. I’m halfway through my training and feel like completing my goal is a real possibility. I like that I have given myself the whole year to complete this goal.

Here lately my kids have joined me on my “walks” and I love having their company. We usually go out in the evenings and while it is still hot, it is better than in the heat of the day.

Stay tuned for my updates on this goal! Do you have a similar goal for this year? If so, it’s June – how are you progressing? I would love to hear from you 🙂