10k Training: Week 1

I had big running goals for 2020, but events being cancelled along with deciding to move derailed those goals a bit. Not to be forgotten, but more simmering on the back burner for the time being...

Well, I can now say that we are settled into our house. Renovations are at a good pause point. I'm transitioned into a job that I feel good about, and I can finally focus more on health and fitness.

Also, a group of friends are wanting to go to Disney in January during the RunDisney Marathon weekend, and a few of them signed up for races. So, I'm challenging myself to run the 10k.

Now I'm not in shape for running currently. In fact, the last time I ran was last July, so this is starting from zero. Regardless, I'm looking forward to it. I think having the accountability of entering a race with a group of people of varying athleticism will be good.

This time, instead of trying to figure out training on my own, I downloaded the 'Couch to 10k' training app and vowed to follow the entire program. For the first week, it recommended 3 running days- I did Sunday/Wednesday/Friday.

Sunday

Day 1 week 1- first run on the training. I ran with my Bestie at the high school track near me. It's also important to note that the air quality this day was the worst where we live compared to anywhere. I was struggling with this workout. Still finished the entire thing, but felt very out of shape. I had to pause the workout several times during this first workout.

Monday

No activity on Monday- Mondays are the best day for me to use as a rest day.

Tuesday

No activity on Tuesday- ended up sleeping A LOT this day.

Wednesday

Day 2 week 1- This was my first run solo in a very long time. I definitely had to have some tough love self talks with myself of "you can do this, you just did this Sunday with someone else" "Your body isn't the problem, it's your mindset."

I also got nervous when I got to the track and saw the high school military recruits training at this time, but I still pushed through and finished the workout. Ended up pausing this workout twice during the entire time, which wasn't too bad.

Thursday

I took the dogs on a 2 mile walk around the neighborhood- lots of hills, but hoping this will help my overall cardio by adding walks in as well.

Friday

Day 3 week 1 - Early morning run and I beat the sun.

During this workout I was able to do the entire thing without feeling the need to pause it. Felt like a pretty big accomplishment :)

Another 2 mile dog walk at night.

Saturday

And one more 2mile dog walk during the day. I was definitely feeling the hills more in my calves this time. I also followed this walk up with a stretching routine.

Week 1 is down!

I'm so proud of myself for doing all three workouts, and two of them being solo. Motivation to do this alone is definitely an area that I'm conscious of being an obstacle for me, but I'm extremely grateful Bestie is willing to do the workouts with me on Sundays.

Biggest lesson this week: It is mind over matter. I need to believe in myself if I'm going to do this, which also means holding myself accountable.