Since November 19th I have done nothing physical as I was waited for my ankle and inner ear to heal. Prior to that I had started a daily routine that included a 4-mile morning speed walk that was invigorating and set the pace for the rest of my day. It also had the added benefit of allowing me bragging rights as I had joined the elite club of the 5% of Americans who vigorously exercise. My body and self-esteem were getting in shape.
After the accident on the 19th, all activity stopped and a series of comfort foods became my companion. Now I must regain the ground lost by inactivity and a poor diet. I needed help in devising a plan so I went to the source of all information today, the Internet. I hit gold immediately.
Coolrunning.com is a runner's website created by people who love running. How do I know; there are more words than the pictures on this site? Yes, they have pictures of runners actually running but more than that they are talking about how to run, improving your run and where to run. This site is not about splashy photo layouts of professional athlete making it look easy, it is about real runners who love running. I hope one day that I can be me.
Imagine my relief when I hit the training tab and found “The Couch-to-5K Running Plan”. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/index.shtml This group is speaking to me! They are going to help me “transform” from a couch potato to running a 5K in just two months. As I read the plan, I was a bit disappointed because they suggested I start out with 3 workouts a week of only 30 minutes at each session. I actually like being outside and was up to 45 minutes 7 days a week before the accident.
I decided to follow their plan for two reasons. It has been months since I had any real physical activity and the last time I started to jog my knees give me a hard time at the beginning. I will listen to the professional and see if I don’t have a less painful experience this time.