So I think I’m finally starting to really enjoy running. I really think it was because of the 21 day running challenge I created for myself. You can read more about that challenge here but basically I set a goal to run every day for 21 days in hopes to develop a running habit. I ended up missing 4 days out of the 21 but I think running is actually becoming a fun habit for me. Who’da thunkit?
I’m the type of person who used to despise running and now I’m really loving it! I actually dropped the weights for the past 3 weeks to focus on running and eating a bit better and I’ve lost over 4 pounds. I wanted to try and lean out a bit and then hit the weights hard again. I’m really missing my lifting workouts!!!
Anyway…
My First 5K
Last Thursday I actually ran my very first 5K! No lie. I swear. My oldest son has karate on Thursday evenings which is when I usually get my workouts in so Thursday I decided to run in the morning instead and I ran a complete 5K! This was the first time in my entire life that I was able to run a 5K. I’m normally doing HIIT once or twice a week but this running every other day stuff for the past 3 weeks (+ the 21-day challenge before that) has REALLY helped me step up my running game.
I basically started to run and I set a goal for myself to run for 2.5 miles that day. My previous recent best was 2 miles of steady running and I wanted to beat it. As soon as I got to the 2-mile mark, I just made the decision to go for a 5K and I did it! I set the speed on my treadmill to 6 mph and I set the incline at 2% and I ran for the full 3.1 miles!
MY FIRST 5K TIME: 30:58
Running is definitely getting easier for me too. I used to struggle just to do 1 mile and now it actually feels good to run a couple miles. I tend to really mix it up so I don’t get bored though – I’m constantly messing with speed and incline settings to vary each workout. I’ve been doing 2 HIIT workouts per week and 1-2 steady cardio workouts per week. All that running has paid off in so many ways!
I know what it’s like to struggle with a cardiovascular workout program which is why I used to focus on HIIT, but now I’ll definitely be incorporating some steady in there each and every week. It’s liberating. It clears my head and I’m able to just put all my energy and focus into my running. As a mother of 4 children I don’t get to focus on ME too often so I really cherish my running time.
Running Tips to Get You Started
In case you missed it, check out my How Can I Start Running? post to learn a few tips and tricks to help you start a running program and hopefully stick to it. If I can do it – YOU CAN! Trust me. (I would say “good luck” but it’s not about luck! You need inspiration, motivation and commitment! I’m hoping that I’ve helped at least a little bit with the first two.)
Are you up for it?