Works for me Wednesday - workouts

This is a first . . . my first Works for me Wednesday post (ironically, my inspiration hits during a bloggy break from that meme, so this will have to wait a month to be part of that if I decide to resurrect it at that time)
. . . my first time to have two brilliant ideas in one week (after all these years, my husband's ability to come up with a solution to anything with MacGyver-like instincts is finally rubbing off on me)
. . . my first time taking a picture of an old sock


So, here is my brilliant idea number two . . . In the morning I enjoy going running three to four days a week, more on the great program I use for that in a minute. My husband bought me this nifty refurbished Ipod thing that I actually know how to turn on and off and push play on (beyond that I am mostly lost, oh I do know how to turn the volume up, too). Problem is, I don't like holding it in my sweaty little hands while I run. The clothing I wear running has no pockets, and I already carry a water bottle and the dog leash, with the dog at the other end, and trying to hold one more piece of equipment wasn't working well. This week I figured out that if I take one of my little one's missing partner socks I can tuck the ipod inside the sock and tuck the sock into my waistband. This has worked amazingly well for a spare pocket where none existed.

Now, as for my routine . . . I did this last summer as well and loved it. I couldn't keep it up during the school year because my schedule was too stretched already, but hopefully this year I will be able to maintain it. I came across this through an internet search last year and it is amazing how you can truly go from totally out of shape to running a 5k comfortably in just a couple months. Here is a more thorough description of the plan and getting started. I truly believe almost anyone could do this. If you can spare 20-30 minutes 3 days a week you could be running 3 miles in about 8-9 weeks time. Right now I am on week four so after my warm up I run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes, walk 2 1/2, run 3, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes and cool down a little bit. My goal this year is to settle in around 2 miles. I know I could do more, but that fits my schedule better and still gives me a 20 minute workout.

The great thing about this couch to 5k program is I hardly ever feel like I'm really pushing myself. You work up so gradually that you hardly notice the increase in run times. I think the first week might be the hardest, but almost anyone can run for 60 seconds with a little motivation. Last year I could not believe the day I first ran three miles. It was almost too easy! I got up to almost four miles before the school year started and I didn't have time again.

Of course, before you start any exercise program you should check with your doctor. I love being more active though. It gets my dog out for her exercise, keeps my energy levels higher, and I definitely feel healthier.

Hopefully some encouragement to some of you to get moving or keep moving. I would love to hear from others how they fit exercise into busy schedules.

Comments

Courtney said…
A number of years ago, I also did couch to 5k and thought it was great. Your post is so timely, because I have been considering starting it up again.
amy in peru said…
I am doing this and it's all because of this post!!! :)

Thanks for the encouragement, seriously.

Amy
Trujillo, Peru

I posted about it today:
homeschoolblogger.com/amada

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