Couch to 5K

I just returned from the first run of the 3rd week of my Couch to 5k programme, and I’m feeling surprisingly good.

Here’s what today’s run looked like:

1. Start with a pre-run stretch (I’ve found this quick 5 minute stretch to be quite effective)
2. A brisk 5-minute walk to warm up
3. A 90-second running interval
4. A 90-second walking interval to recover
5. A 3-minute run (I was dreading this since the moment I saw it in the programme)
6. A 3-minute walking interval to recover
7. Repeat steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 above
8. A 5 minute walk to cool down
9. End with a post-run stretch (I do this one)

The next two runs for this week follow the same format. I’m not dreading these anymore, given how I feel today. (My “week” here doesn’t start on a Sunday or a Monday. I’m simply making sure that I run 3 times within a given 7-day period, with one or two rest days in between.)

I can’t remember the last time I ran for 3 straight minutes. It may well have been back in my school days (more than 14 years ago!) when I had enough stamina. I’ve always been comfortable with long (and fast—ask my wife) walks, just not runs.

I may write about my progress as the weeks go by. If I do, the posts will be under this topic: Couch to 5K.