No Holding Back

Living With Purpose

From Couch to 10K in one month!

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Yes, you read that right. Couch to 10K in one month. I’m not a fitness blogger. I’m not even that fit. But I did just run a 10K last weekend, after training for less than a month. I ran the whole thing and I did not finish dead last, so I guess that now qualifies me as an expert! 🙂

couch to 10K in one month

You may have read my earlier post, Couch to 5K in one day. Things you have to know. I was not completely sedentary (although truth be told, I wasn’t exercising more than once, maybe twice a week) and two, I ran a full marathon almost ten years ago, so I do KNOW that I can complete the distance.

Couch to 5K

Me running my 5K about a month ago

But honestly, it’s not skill level, running ability, or physical fitness level that got me here.

It is pure will to do it.

Will to be more active.

The will to be healthier.

The will to lose weight in the hopes of helping my body.

I suffer from Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. For the past two months I have been in a very long and painful flare up. Thankfully I go back to my doctor next week, because I think it’s time for new medicine. My hands and feet are swollen and in constant discomfort. My left knee hurts and has fluid all around it again. My whole body is slow and stiff.

Don’t you dare feel sorry for me. I have not done all that I could be doing in terms of diet, exercise, and rest to let my body heal. I’ve stressed myself out beyond belief writing a book. (Hey did you hear I, along with an amazing group of women, have a book coming out in October? Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother.)

So there is much that I can do to improve my situation. For me, running is a start. It is also something that my husband and I can do together, since he also loves to run. We ran the 5K and 10K together, and I am so thankful that it is something for us to share.

So how do you do it? That’s why you came, right?

How to go from Couch to 10K in one month

For me, it is 100% mental. It doesn’t matter to me if I’m fast. It doesn’t matter if I am the last to finish. I just want to finish.

Without walking.

I run a very slow pace. I have actually improved to about an 11 minute mile. (My 10K – which is just over six miles – took me 1:12.) But I just keep running.

I use very small goals. If I have to, I just run from mailbox to mailbox, but I keep on going.

I do not look at a watch. (Don’t even wear one anymore while running!) I don’t want to know how much time has passed or how much I think I have left. I just need to reach the end.

I invested in good shoes.

JOIN A RUNNING GROUP. Peer pressure, peer support, people counting on you… all of those things are amazingly supportive.

Sign up for a race. You need a goal.

And if a goal is not good enough for you, pretend a rabid dog is chasing after you!!!

Stop making excuses and just go for it. You have nothing to lose. So what if you walk a little?

If a beat up body like mine can go out and tackle six miles, anyone can.

Since I’ve started running, I feel less stress, more energetic, and I sleep better.

What is holding you back?

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Comments

  5. Your best piece of advice? Just keep running. And no matter the pace, slow and steady will get you to the finish. I am so proud of you – and I love that photo!

    Reply

  7. I often tell me kids to suck it up and just do it – whatever it is that they are complaining about doing. It’s not meant to be mean; it’s meant to get them out of their head and stop thinking about how they can’t do it. Good for you for just doing it! And I heard about the book from another blogger friend – congratulations! It’s going to be fabulous, I know.
    Dana recently posted…My magic wand is brokenMy Profile

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    • I used to think the same thing, but it’s not so bad. Once you get into a rhythm, it actually feels good. Actually, it sucks pretty much the whole run, but once Iam done, I feel awesome! 🙂

      Reply

    • You can TOTALLY do it Kristen! I’m telling you, with running, it is LARGELY mind over matter. You just have to get out there and do it. and I know I would not be able to do it without having a group to hold me accountable.

      Reply

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