Couch to 5k is back!

The other day my friend Ashley who has an awesome blog over at Knots by Ashley posted about something that interested me. Not only does she create amazing hats, gloves, scarves and way more but she is also working on running like me. I saw that she posted about a Couch to 5k podcast on her facebook and I had to ask her where she found it.

The podcast is titled "Podcasts for Running by Robert Ullrey" which you can find and download here: At Robert Ullrey's Website.

For someone like me, this podcast was a godsend. Not only does Ullrey explain the program but he also tells you when to run and when to walk. It's way easier than looking at your watch to make sure you are following the program correctly.

Today was my second day of Week One and I plan on doing it again on Thursday. My heart rate monitor says I burned 422 calories doing this which is pretty good considering how much walking is involved. I did 2.12 miles in 30 minutes if you're wondering about distance.

(Yes, I started back at Week One because obviously my knee needs some strengthening. I think it's better for me to get back down to basics at this point.)

Anyway, I had to share! Please check out Ashley's blog and Robert's podcasts. They are both great!

After my Couch to 5k workout, I did a few circuits from Jillian Michael's Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD. The core circuit KILLED me. I cannot do a plank to save my life. OUCH!

Please share some workout secrets with me! I definitely need all the help I can get!

I'll be back later to tell you how my day at work went (I played hopscotch at work!) and how my first day as a postgrad went!

Upper thigh pain

I followed my Training plan this morning and ran 2 miles. I didn't focus on speed at all. I ran one mile without breaking or lowering my speed. I ran a slooooow mile at a 12:00 pace and enjoyed it because I didn't push myself too hard. I think before when I was attempting to run a 9 min mile, I burnt out too quickly because I'm just not ready to go that fast!

The second mile went a little differently. I tried running for 2 minutes and walking for 1 minute. I actually hated doing this. Just when I was at a good pace, I had to slow down again. Blah.

Now I am getting ready for work and catching up on blog posts. My upper thighs hurt so bad. I am used to shin splints but this is even worse!!

I looked at this link on Cool Running and it says to stop running until the pain goes away. I'm going to wait and see how I feel tomorrow.

Do you get shin splints or other annoying little aches and pains after running? What do you do? I am totally new to this kind of pain!

Training plan Week 1

I am officially calling this week, "Week One" of my 5k training plan. The past two weeks were just practice.

Obviously, last week wasn't such a healthy week with my birthday plans and everything. I tried to stay on track but I definitely do as well eating wise as I'd hoped. This week is another busy week so I have decided to write out my training plan for the world to see.

Monday October 5th- Ran 1 mile. I focused on speedwork today because I am sick of being so slow. I ran 1/4 mile at a 7 min pace, 1/4 mile at a 12 min pace, 1/4 at a 8 min pace and the last 1/4 at a slow 14 min pace. The speedwork was a struggle and I'll have to try this again!

Tuesday October 6th- (I have the CBEST at 8am-12pm, work till 7pm and my little sister's birthday that evening) I'm gonna call it a rest day

Wednesday October 7th- run 2 miles in the am. I won't focus on speed. I will just try to complete 2 miles in under 30 mins. (don't laugh!)

Thursday October 8th- run at least 1 mile in under 15 minutes. I would like to do some sprints this day as well.

Friday October 9th- 2 slow miles.

Saturday October 10th- rest day. maybe try some yoga or biking?

Sunday October 11th- run with my sister, husband and dad? Just try to keep up with whatever they do.

Do you think this plan is too soft? Not detailed enough? I'm sort of at a loss for what to do. I want to continue with the Couch to 5k program but I also want to try to improve my overall speed and pacing. I will take any advice!

The 5k I want to run is 7 weeks. I'm not positive that it will be enough time for me.