I don’t think I mentioned this, mostly because I was a little embarrassed, but I started doing a Couch to 10K program maybe a month ago. I know it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, the opposite really, but I was because it used to be that I could run a 10K no problem. That’s the thing about running. If you don’t do it regularly, it gets hard.
So to get back into it, I download a free app. There are several, but the one I use is by Zenlabs. I don’t have it in front of me and I’m too lazy to get up and look, but I think I started the program at Week 4 or 5 since it wasn’t like I couldn’t run at all. So now I’m into Week 9 and I’m sort of ignoring the app and running about 4 miles at a time. 4 miles seems close enough to a 10K, so I figured I should probably sign up for one. Here’s what I’m eyeing:
I’ve done the both the Silver Comet 10K and the Silver Comet Half-Marathon before and I really like them for one sole reason. They are flat. Atlanta is notoriously hilly and finding a flat race is kind of rare. Until I pulled this screenshot, I was thinking the race was at the end of March, not the beginning. Umm, oops. I haven’t signed up yet, but I will. I like having something to train for. It gives me a push that I don’t normally have. A push to go to the gym in a torrential downpour when all I want to do is drive home.
I have plans tomorrow night, so I knew that if I really wanted to get myself into 10K shape in a month, I needed to ignore the crazy weather and just go run after work. I mean, it wasn’t raining in the gym, right? I drove to the gym and sat in the car for a while, trying to make excuses of why I shouldn’t go inside. But with the looming 10K on my mind, I made a mad dash for it (and of course stepped in a huge puddle) and got my 4 miles in.
Now I should probably sign up for the race. Anyone want to do it with me?
I wish I could do it with you! I’m signed up for one in late March, so we’re going it the same month — it’s almost like running it together!
Your argument with yourself is the same exact discussion I have with myself every morning. Some days, my desire to sleep wins; but most days lately, my desire to not be as heavy as I am wins. And yes, all those other good parts of working out — endorphins, strength, blah, blah, blah.
By the way, in a few weeks, I’m going to need to hit you up again for Atlanta advice. My husband and I are coming up for the Final Four! I know that weekend is going to be crazy there but I might get some restaurant suggestions from you since it’s our first kid-free weekend away EVER.
I cannot work out in the morning. My desire to sleep always wins!
Sure, happy to give Atlanta advice. Maybe we can get together for a drink or something if you have time while you are here too.
I DESPISE working out in the morning. I really do. But since having E, I don’t have my nights any more. And I made enough excuses for nearly 5 years to not work out in the morning but I’ve run out of them. As much as I’d love to take weekends off completely, I’ve been working out more then lately because it gives me one or two extra mornings to not get up at 5:45!
And I’d LOVE to get together with you. We’ll talk as it gets closer. We don’t even know yet if we’re flying or driving. I do know that EVERY hotel downtown was already booked when we got our tickets so we’re staying out by the airport. Boo!
Good for you!!! Running is so hard once you’ve stopped, but it comes back quickly. Can’t wait to hang tomorrow!
Ha! I know how you feel. I ran on and off all last year. Longest break being about a month and my once quick pace has left me. I have a hard time running a mile, but 3 used to be a cake walk.
I’m getting the itch to race again, but it probably won’t happen til fall. When I get back into running regularly Ill probably need a couch210K type program to help me. You’re totally right–it’s hard getting back into running shape!
It was fine when I went in to the gym last night, but it was POURING when I left and I had a three block walk home. I almost didn’t need to shower when I arrived.
Sounds like a fun race!
The weather yesterday was so yucky, it’s easy to lose motivation for the gym. I’m glad you made it inside and rocked 4 miles! The Silver Comet is a great course (b/c it’s so flat) – wish I could do it with you, but I’m doing the St. Patty’s Race in Atlantic Station that next day
Ooh, maybe I should do that one instead.
The rain yesterday was insane!! I can’t believe you still made it to the gym! The only way I made it and squeezed in Bailey’s walk (well half of it) before it started pouring was by getting up at 530am haha apparently I’ll do anything to avoid rain!
Don’t you hate how running just slips right back out of your hands if you take time off? I’m struggling with the idea of getting started again…
I’d do it with you if I was close by! and you are right, nothing to be embarrassed about! I probably would do the app too!!
Tony and I are training for a half now. I think it’s great that you started the couch to 10k! Sometimes you need a different way of looking at things and training again is a good thing. I’m gonna check that out. We are out of town at the first of March, but Im gonna see if we will be in town then. I need flat! I heard the Publix is a beast of hills!
We are doing the ASPCA 5k in Suwanee on March 24th! It’s where we got Luke and Leia from so we thought that was an extra special reason to run it.
The Publix one is hilly. I wouldn’t say it’s super, super, hilly, but it’s definitely not flat and it’s hilly near the 10-12 mile point, which is difficult.
I’ll do Silver Comet 10K with you!! Guess I need to start training for real now too…
Let’s sign up! It’ll make us actually train for it.
Ummm, yeah. Running doesn’t just get hard. It gets REALLY hard REALLY fast. Sounds like a great goal; good luck with training!
I love the SC10K!! I remember running it one year in the snow – probably my favorite race ever.
You’ll do GREAT! I wish I lived closer- I’d definitely do it with you