Hi all,

As part of my first '30 Day Challenge', I also wanted to learn how to run.

I tried running a bunch of times before, but I always gave up after a few weeks, because it just wasn't my thing. I bought all the expensive running gear; the comfy shoes, the aerodynamic pants (that make my legs look like sausages), a rain jacket with reflective strips and even some seemless socks. I would get in gear, go outside, and still fully confident I'd tell myself not to give up; "Come on Vic, keep running, you can make it to the next lamppost." But... I just couldn't do it. I got a dry mouth and a sore throat. I didn't know how to breathe, so I (quite literally) kept running out of breath... after about half a minute.

I guess it's no secret that I am used to be a notorious couch potato, so I downloaded a new 'Couch to 5K' app for my iPhone, got my butt off the couch, and tried it one more time. If Oprah can do it, I should be able to too, damnit.

This 'GetRunning' app is a real help. You can play your own music in the background as your 'virtual coach' on the app tells you what to do. Every run starts with a 5 minute warmup which I use to walk down the stairs of my appartment building (I live on the top floor) and across the street. Then I do a few stretches until my coach tells me it's time to start running. The app is set up for 3 runs a week and starts with about 6 weeks of interval training. The plan is to be able to run 5K (30 minutes) in 9 weeks. As part of my challenge, I wanted to run every other day, so I ran a little more often than the app told me to. It even very considerately asked me if I was sure to run on the days I was supposed to be resting. 

You start with 1 minute runs and slowly build up to 1 1/2 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes...etc... I'll be honest and admit to you that when it was time for my first 3 minute run, I thought I was going to die. That's how bad I was at running! But I did it! And of course I was extremely proud of myself when I finished, but I felt really stupid realizing this was only 3 minutes and I had 30 to go! However, the encouraging coach on the app reminded me that I already ran 3 times longer than when I started. So yay!

What I like about running with a schedule like this, is that everytime I get to a new stage, my first thoughts are; "There's no way I can do this." But I keep surprising myself, because I always can. And the feeling of 'being better than you think you are' is just undescribably amazing. 

When I first started, I was really fixated on the minutes. "Oh my, I still have a minute to go. I can't do this. Yes I can! 45 seconds, come on Vic. 30 more seconds, don't quit on me now..."...etc... But now that I'm a couple of weeks into it, I am much more relaxed when I run. I look around me, see the beauties of mother nature (slugs, worms, rabbits and butterflies), smile at my fellow runners (I'm still working up the nerve to 'high five' them), and just enjoy my time outside. It's a great way to clear the mind.

I am now in week 7 and I'm proud to say I can already run 25 minutes without stopping. Yes, that is 25 times longer than when I started! As you can imagine, this is already a victory for me. Every time I come home from a run, even when I'm soaked from the rain, I feel like a million bucks! I'm so proud of myself and I'm already excited to see how long I can keep it going on my next run.  

Unlike Oprah, I don't really have any aspirations to run a marathon, but who knows... After getting through those first 3 minutes without stopping, I kinda sorta feel I can do just about anything now! But let me first finish my 5K, and we'll talk after that. 

So to those of you who are like me and think you can't do it, just remember; if Oprah and Vicky can do it, so can you! And feel free to hit me up with questions or for a little bit of extra motivation. I'm here for you!

Love,

Vicky