Run Ashlee, Run!

Our Journey to a 5k

     Originally I had asked Nick not to tell anyone that we were going to attempt to train for a 5K. And my intention is not to create any guilty feelings for anyone but ever since I can remember I have been poked fun of for the way I run. I don't think there's anything wrong with the way I run but it definitely isn't running with grace. So when I started mulling over the 5K idea a few weeks ago, I thought that I'd keep it a secret until I was confident that I actually had a chance in completing a 5K; at least until I knew that I had built up enough endurance and strength to run at a consistent pace, and physically be more fit, then I would let people in on my secret. But as Nick and I went out for our first day of our 8 week training program, we talked about the reasons why we should share. I shouldn't be insecure with who I am and what I look like when I run, all that matters is that I get where I have set my mind to and that's to finish a 5K -- no matter how long it takes to train for it and no matter how long it takes to finish it. We want to cross that finish line and be proud of what we have accomplished. We also believe that in sharing, we'll gain some outside support and encouragement from our family and friends. Encouragement that we will need in this new adventure. Neither of us are in the best physical shape nor do we live the healthiest lifestyles. This is our adventure and we will have our ups and downs, but we will learn to adapt to a running routine (our training routine), with running we will need to learn how to supply our bodies with the nutrients and energy it needs, and in general, in running we will gain a healthier life.
  
    Throughout the past week Nick has researched different styles of running shoes and we have read about different training programs and chose the one that we think would be most suitable for us. Ideally we would like to run a 5K in the fall together, we don't know if this will actually happen but we are aiming for it. We picked an 8 week training program from Runner's World and we are actually excited about it! There were some feelings of nervousness before we ventured out tonight for our first run, but we put our minds over the matter and accomplished "Day 1". We felt great after our 30 minute training tonight, felt excited about what's to come. We realize tomorrow that we will probably be sore and achey, but we know to keep pushing forward. Here is what "Week 1" will look like for us:

Monday: Run 1 min; Walk 2 min; Repeat 10x
Tuesday: Walk easy 30 min
Wednesday Run 1 min; Walk 2 min; Repeat 10x
Thursday: Walk easy 30 min
Friday: Run 1 min; Walk 2 min; Repeat 10x
Saturday: Run 1 min; Walk 3 min; Repeat 10x
Sunday: Rest

This program comes from a Runner's World book that we found at Schuler's today, it's really encouraging and I feel motivated by what it has to say. The book is titled "Runners World: Complete Book of Beginning Running", written by Amby Burfoot. The book has different sections devoted to training, mental health, nutrition, and the training programs. It's written on a more personal note with words of encouragement and it's written for all types of runners.

"It's often the most unlikely people who make the best running-success stories"

So Nick and I are set on making the most of our running story. We have new running gear, a positive mindset, and each other to encourage and motivate when we don't feel like getting off the couch.

I may run like this...but I am going to run that 5K!