Running My Bottom Off!

 As promised, here’s the post on my new intro to running plan. For those of you who don’t know, 5 years ago I fell in love with running. But now my body is no where near what you would think of as a “runner.” When I think about it, it’s almost comical. But it’s true, there’s something I love about running (or jogging if you must).

My hubby and I used to run/walk in a 5k every month. When I look at myself now I have a hard time believing I used to be able to do that, but I have a bag full of race t-shirts to prove it. We loved traveling all over the state for races. It gave us an excuse for a little getaway and it kept us fit. And the best part was just getting to talk and spend time together during our training runs. Since we always trained after dark we also got to see lots of shooting stars! That was my second favorite part. Oh the memories… I can’t tell you how much I want to recreate that time in our life- and now to do it with TT7 would be priceless.  

I have tried probably 7 or 8 times to get us started back up on a walk/run plan. I start out all motivated and then fizzle out because I push myself to do too much too soon. It felt like work, and who wants to voluntarily add more work to their day? Not me.

I found the book Run Your Butt Off! from the editor’s of Runner’s World in the library. It was made for people just like me. It takes you from walking to running for 30 minutes in 12 stages. You stay in each stage as long as you need before progressing. So it could take you 12 weeks or 120 weeks depending on your starting point. I like that I can go at my own pace without feeling pressured.

The plan asks you to get out and move 4 days a week, which is a good fit. It gives a nice amount of recovery time for the muscles and mind. Here are the first 3 phases to get you going. For the rest, you’ll have to get a copy of the book. It’s only fair.

Stage 1: Walk 30 minutes on 4 days.

Stage 2: Walk for 4 minutes. Run for 1 minute. Repeat 4 more times. End with 4 minutes of walking. Total time: 29 minutes, 5 of which are running.

Stage 3: Walk for 4 minutes. Run for 2 minutes. Repeat 4 more times. End with 3 minutes of walking. Total time: 33 minutes, 10 of which are running.

The book made some points that really hit home with me.

1. You need to schedule uninterrupted time for yourself when starting a new running plan. Leave the dog and baby jogger at home. If you have to, it’s okay to hire a sitter for 45 minutes. Your mind and body need to be completely focused.
2. Your walking pace should be somewhere between a leisurely stroll and a mad dash like you’re missing your connecting flight at the airport. Not too slow, not too fast.
3. Your first 1 minute runs cannot be any faster than your walking pace. Take it super slow.

Tonight is Day 3 of Stage 2 for us, and I’m still excited about going so it’s working! Let me know if you’re going to try this plan or if you want more info.

No quitting this time!!!