In the manner of big announcements, I’ve decided to (wait for it) start running again. After my disasterous attempt to run a 15K in December which resulted in a busted knee, I’ve been avoiding running over the past several months with a random mile or two before I hit the elliptical. My biggest problem is that I believe I should be the same runner that I was two years ago (the one who’d run 8 miles before Body Pump). So I’d start running and get expasperated by the fact that running a mile seemed like running a marathon. So after a couple of months, I decided to tackle the running one baby step at a time with the help of a couch to 5K plan from Cool Running.
I completed Workout #1 for week 1 this afternoon after work. I took my running gear (including a hat and massive sunglasses because I like to hide my identity when I run outside) and changed at work. I decided to run/walk along the GW parkway:
The Mount Vernon trail (along the GW Parkway) stretches from Mount Vernon, VA to the Theodore Roosevelt Island near Rosslyn, VA. Now the trail is almost 18 miles (and I didn’t cover it all), so I decided to park at a marina near Old Town Alexandria and run through the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (you run over a long wooden bridge). Let me tell you, I thought this walk/run method would be incredibly easy but I pushed myself hard to keep my running around a 8:30min/mile and my walking under 14 min/mile. I completed the 5 minute brisk walk, did the 20 minutes walk/run, and finished with a brisk 2 mile walk back to my car (did a little over 4 miles total). On my walk back I decided to snap some pictures of the scenery because it’s such a beautiful area.
Even though I didn’t run 300000 miles, I still feel accomplished. I started running again, I moved my body for about an hour, and I spent time in the beautiful Spring weather. Seriously, spending time outdoors is such a mood lifter. I highly recommend getting outside everyday if you have the chance. And I’m committed to following the running plan until I can run that 5K (without feeling like death).
Have you ever done a couch to 5K plan? Any advice for someone who hasn’t run consistently in ages?
!! I have not completly given up, just need to go back to good habits again. Find your blog very helpful, mabye I will start one soon. 
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