From Couch...to 5K...again

Ok, as a former sedentary, can't-jog-30-seconds kind of girl, this post goes out to those who never thought they could pick up the pace and become a runner. I never thought I would be one either, but after the birth of Jackson I decided that I had to get moving in order to lose my extra 25 L-B's.

I found this couch-to-5K program out in the world wide web, and decided to give it a whirl. Mind you, I was postpartum and out of shape, so my pace was lackluster at best. But I found that the way it is written, even the most out of shape can run. For a few weeks my knees and hips bugged me, but I know it was because I was carrying a few more pounds than usual. After about 10 weeks (yes, the program says 8, but let's be honest, life happens) I was running approximately 3 miles a day. Woo hoo! I then decided to continue to add mileage and was running 3-5 miles a week.

So, after the birth of Wyatt and not running since 34 weeks pregnant, I was DYING to get outside and run again. I decided that my "getting back into shape" program would consist of running and using the couch to 5K program to do so. This time around it's been much easier to start. The starting back up portion does kind of suck even for a trainer, but I can officially jog 30 minutes straight again, and finished the program just short of 4 months postpartum. Cannot complain about that! This time around I downloaded Suz's couch to 5K free podcast (a shout out to Nini who told me about such a glorious thing) and WOW! It made such a difference in continuing the program. I could not believe how awesome it was to have audio cues instead of having to rely on my watch or my phone to give me cues. And on top of that, she has such a fun playlist, bringing out the inner gangsta inside of me. I wanted to shake my little booty and sing along! I HIGHLY recommend her podcast!

All in all, the couch to 5K program is a great way to move your sedentary self from a walker to a jogger in less time than it takes to finish a pregnancy trimester. ;) I highly recommend this for anyone looking to lose weight, get in shape or just "see" if you could become a runner. I bet there's a runner inside of you just waiting to be unleashed!