couch-to-5k

i know...as if i need to take up another "hobby..." but friends, this is something i've been wanting to do for so long and i finally decided not another day would pass. i would start running today. well, that was last friday! i did a bit of research and found a "couch-to-5k" program. all i've ever done as far as running goes is treadmill stuff. and that's not "running." that's being a hamster on a wheel. it goes, you go. there is a wonderful park in town that i was dying to put my feet to the trails. so, saturday, i went running shoe shopping. i headed to running start in shiloh...and of course, my big ol' feet weren't able to get into any female shoes. (i'm used to it...i don't even ask for female shoes anymore...straight to the guys. you would think 12s would be more available nowadays. but nay.) anyway, i was fitted with these...oh so comfortable. oh so light. they're mizuno. wave inspire. whatever they're called, they sure inspire me to run. granted, this program is all about taking it easy. it's not about pushing yourself. this leads to injury. so tuesday, thursday and today were all 20 minute exercises. 5 minutes of brisk walking, followed by 60 second jogs & 90 second brisk walk intervals for 15 minutes. then cool off and stretch. so far, so good. i love the feeling running leaves me with for the rest of my day. i crave it on the off days. i realize this could be a beginner's thing...but it just makes me feel magnificent! if i continue at this pace, 5k runs should be attainable within 8 more weeks. the 20 minute exercises are about 1.5-2 miles so far. and they stress to not make it about speed or distance in the beginning. so, i'm doing the program and we'll see!







one thing i don't look forward to about posting sock knitting is this exact reason pictured above...any self portraits of the feet/legs results in gargantuan calves! at least i don't have cankles! stay tuned for more pics of the park. thanks autumn for recommending it...never crossed my mind to hit someplace closer to home! o'fallon park is close, but still a bit of a way out of my direction. i have really enjoyed running out at rock springs...it's so beautiful! especially first thing in the morning!