Introduction

Introduction

As of February 22nd, I was not a runner.  I was 204lbs. Extremely overweight and unhappy with myself.

I don’t know what possessed me to start running. I found a couch to 5k on pinterest and I had saved the pin, but I wasn’t really considering it.

On February 23rd, I decided to run. I was slow. I was in pain. But I ran.

...

Today is March 15th, and I currently weigh 192.2lbs. I’ve completely changed my diet, cut out sweets and sodas, and have committed myself to the couch to 5k program. 

I am a runner. I’m still far from a good runner, but I’m one nonetheless.

I’m officially 15lbs down from my starting weight

*throws confetti*

1. Start slow. Keep your mileage low and allow for plenty of rest days (even when you think you don’t need it). Don’t compare yourself to other runners (especially bloggers), you don’t know how long they’ve been running and everyone’s body can handle different paces/distances.

2. Mix up your running surfaces. This helps prevent injury as pavement and other hard surfaces are tough on your body day after day. Alternatives: treadmill, trails, turf field, dirt paths, etc.

3. Sign up for a 5K race to stay motivated. Having a goal keeps your going through the hard runs, early mornings, and soreness. It makes it less tempting to give up because you are signed up for a race that you most likely paid an entry fee for.

4. Get the proper shoes for your feet. Running in the right shoes is so important. This is the one thing I wish I had known five years ago when I first started running seriously, it would have prevented a couple years of chronic shinsplints.

5. Warm-up, cool-down, stretch, and foam roll. Ah, the things we runners love to skip when we’re in a rush. But when we’re injured, we’re kicking ourselves for not paying more attention to it. A foam roller is a “poor persons massage” and I highly recommend investing in one.

6. Read. There is so much free information out there to help you get started with running. Some of my favorites include: Runner’s World, Women’s Running, Active.com, and of course other bloggers (for example, Sisters Running the Kitchen and Healthy Tipping Point)

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Inspiration

Drinking water instead of soda is hard. I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying around a 40oz water bottle (brand: pogo. Available at target and super affordable if you ask me). I’ve cut down to just propel powder packets and actual water. I fill to 32oz so that I know I need to drink roughly two of these a day. Also it’s pink. I love pink.