about a "modicum of being in shape." I lied. I flat out lied. I started the Couch to 5K (C25K) running program today.
Oh. My. Goodness.
Nothing can make a person feel more out of shape than getting out of breath during a 60 second jog. I seriously didn't think I'd make it to the end of the first 60 seconds. When those chimes rang and I heard the command to "WALK," I'm not sure I've ever been more relieved. I thought I was going to cry, to throw my ipod, to just out and out quit when I heard that the workout was half over. ONLY HALF OVER!!! What the hell?!?!?! I actually briefly thought that perhaps my ipod had been paused for a while or something. It had to nearly be OVER, not just halfway over. I was dying.
I did it, though. For the entire 30 minutes. In fact, by the end, I was kind of surprised that it was time to stop. It sure felt like it.
But I stuck it out. And when my ipod told me that it was cool-down time, I was actually a little surprised. That second half, like the second half of a tank of gas in my van, went a lot faster than the first half.
I won't lie and say that it felt good. But it did get a little easier. I still ached longingly for each "WALK" segment. The running never felt easy, but it did become less horrific. Still bad. I actually hate it and nearly always have, but I did it.
I'm pretty committed to finishing the entire 9 week program. I'd like to like running. I used to say the same thing about fish. I wanted to like fish. I tolerate it now. I've found some enjoyment in it. I've started to look forward to it and choose it as a food option over other foods that I've always liked. This experience with fish gives me hope for running.
Day 1 of Week 1 of the C25K program done. If nothing else, I'll not have to do it again:)
Update: right after originally posting this entry, I was playing Majong at www.pbs.org, and uncovered the most appropriate quote from The Buddha:
There are only two mistakes one can make along the road of truth: Not going all the way, and not starting.
2 comments:
Dawn,
That's awesome! I really like the quote at the end. Another quote I use to motivate myself is from Dr. Martin Luther King: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." I've used this when starting a new running plan, but more often when I start on a 'ok, I'm really going to keep the house organized and decluttered THIS time."
dawn, that really is awesome. I've always thought it would be good to like running, too, but no. Any serious cardio I do will have to be on a bike, in a pool, or somehow not involve that kind of impact on the bod. Be careful and mindful of your knees and hips, etc - I'm sure you already know that.
Post a Comment