I remember when mornings were so easy.

530am alarm was early. However, I didn't roll over and go back to sleep! YAY for me :) I did get up and read some of my books I need to for school then I got up and did my 30 minute workout with my wii. YAY again for me! I already had 24 ounces of water and a snack with my workout. Now I'm getting ready to go make breakfast and start my day! I love having a routine ...

I decided that I really want to be able to run. I think it's something I would love to do and I have some friends that would rather run anywhere then drive so I'm going to start my training in combination with my February challenge.

First off I need to do the 8-week program to get started into running...then i'll move on to the 3 weeks to 30-minutes if I haven't successfully done the 8-week program but i'm suppose to be able to do 30 minutes after the 8-week program. Then I'll do the 8-week training program to run your first 5k.

I'm aiming for a September/October 5k race...haven't found one that I want to do but who knows I might be ready to run one sooner...if anyone wants to run one with me or already runs one each year let me know!

Beginning Program:

Before you start your workouts, make sure you warm up properly by walking for 5-10 minutes. You should always end your workout with a cooldown.


Week one: Walk for 6 minutes, then jog at an easy pace for 1 minute. Repeat 3 times. Aim for three sessions with that same sequence for week one.

Week two: Walk for 5 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Aim to do three sessions in week two.

Week three: Walk for 3 minutes, then jog for 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Aim for four sessions in week three.

Week four: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 5 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Shoot for four of those sessions in week four.

Week five: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 8 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four of those sessions in week five.

Week six: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 9 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Try to do four sessions for week six.

Week seven: Walk for 1 minute, then jog for 11 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four sessions this week.

Week eight: Congratulations on making it to week eight! For your first run this week, try walking for 5 minutes to begin and end the workout, and run for 20 minutes in between. By the end of the week, try to run for 30 minutes without stopping.

Aim to run for 30 minutes four times a week, and you'll notice that your stamina and fitness will continue to improve. Soon you'll be ready to run your first 5K!

Tips:

1. Use your breathing as your guide when running. You should be able to carry on a conversation while running and your breathing shouldn't be heavy.
2. Follow these tips for proper running form .
3. Drink water at the end of your workouts to rehydrate. If it's hot and humid, you should also drink some water (about 4-6 ounces) halfway through your workout.