By the time you read this, I’ll have just completed the first official workout in the Couch-to-5K running program. As I’ve previously noted, I’ve never really liked running, though I’m also not sure I’ve ever given it a fair chance. I’ve started, suffered, and quit. This time, I want to change that.
Instead of just tying my shoes and hitting the road, I’m going to take a much more methodical approach. I’m planning on following the Couch-to-5k (C25K) program. Assuming all goes well, you’ll be hearing much more about it during the coming months.
Before I get too deep into this, however, I want to spend a bit of time talking about why I want to start running…
Why start running?
Aside from the fact that all the cool kids are doing it, I have my reasons. Sure, I’d like to lose some weight and get in better shape, but there are lots of exercises that would help me achieve that. What’s special about running?
Togetherness
First and foremost, my wife is a runner. She has been all her life. With four young kids, we don’t have a lot of flexibility right now in terms of working out together. In the long run (no pun intended), however, our lives will settle down and I’d like to be able to go running with her.
It’s going to take me a long time to catch up to her in terms of running ability, so I might as well get started right now. Who knows, by the time our kids are a bit older, maybe I’ll be able to keep up with her.
Of course, as the kids get older, I’ll be able to go running with them, too. Along these lines, it’s worth noting that our second oldest (who turned 10 earlier this month) came home thrilled that he had clocked a 6:55 mile during gym class. Perhaps we have a little runner in the making.
Running is portable
I’ve previously lamented the challenges of living healthy while traveling. I’m not just thinking about vacation here, but any sort of travel. When your primary workouts consist of things like rowing and ellipticizing, your options are somewhat limited when you’re on the road.
Sure, some hotels have an elliptical, but they’re often ill-fitting (I’m 6′5″) or in dis-repair. And rowing? Yes, Concept2 has a “rower finder” on their website, but it’s a huge hassle to track down a nearby facility, and you’re not always guaranteed to find one. Hopefully, the convenience of running will help me avoid (or at least minimize) fitness backslides and the related vacation weight gain.
I should also note that running is “work-compatible,” meaning that adding running to my repertoire will allow me to occasionally squeeze in a mid-day workout if/when my mornings or evenings are taken up by other things — and with four kids, that’s not all that uncommon.
Variety is the spice of life
I already have a pretty good workout regimen in place, but I wouldn’t mind adding to it. This is especially true because my two old standbys (rowing and elliptical) are done indoors. While indoor options are nice, I want to spend more time outside.
Running will help me get out and see the world, which will hopefully help me fend off boredom and stay motivated. Depending on how things go, I also wouldn’t mind participating in an occasional race, which would add yet another dimension to things — I’m a fairly competitive guy, and highly motivated by numbers.
I want to know what I’m missing
Every runner that I know absolutely loves doing it. Of course, there’s almost certainly a bit of an ascertainment bias here, as runners are by definition a select group. Those that don’t like running won’t do it (at least not for long), so the only people left to ask are big fans of the sport.
But still… So many people are so passionate about running that it really seems like I’m missing something. And without giving it the old college try, I’ll never know if that’s the case.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I didn’t realize how much I enjoy/feel accomplished when I run until I started doing it. And yes, I’m still in pain and tired after every long run, but it’s worth it. And races – marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks – they give you something to work for. Sure, losing weight is nice, but getting that certificate saying you finished an insane amount of mileage, now that’s awesome.
Running is a huge mind over matter/body sport. Most of the time, if I convince myself my legs are tired, I just stop. But if I press on and say screw you legs, then I come out victorious. I think it’s great you’re starting C25K.
Craig @ http://craigversion2.wordpress.com/ just started it as well with a few buddies so if you need an accountability partner, hit him up.
And, don’t sell yourself short. You might THINK it will take you a long time to catch up to your wife’s endurance, but your body is a lot faster/stronger than you think.
Keep it up!