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Couch to 5K

Let me let you in on a little secret that’s not so secret: I hate to exercise.  I’ve hated it since elementary school when I hated my PE teacher and having to “run” the mile in gym class (I put that in quotes because I rarely, if ever, actually ran the mile).  Let’s face it, I’m just not very athletic.  More of a bookish, writer, has fun spending time researching stuff in the library type.  That’s not to say I hate physical activity of any kind.  I enjoy walking the dog on sunny days and if I’m in the mood hiking in a beautiful forest is a lovely way to pass the time.  I love to dance (ballet, Zumba, ballroom, etc.).  Swimming is enjoyable and I’m pretty sure I would have fun kickboxing or learning some sort of martial art.  However, I rarely make room in my time or my finances to do these sorts of things because they just don’t rank very high on my priority list.

Now, here’s another exciting little tidbit: I hate running more than any other kind of exercise.  I’ve tried to like it, I really have.  It’s free and you can listen to music while you do it, so it seems like it would be great.  I see people in Washington going running in the rain all the time.  I bought an iPod shuffle a couple of years ago specifically to use when running (I got tired of catcalls from random motorist…guys).  Every time I start though I spend the whole time thinking, “how much longer” and eventually I just stop.

So…why would I try again?

Well, for one thing, I’ve always wanted to participate in a 5K run/jog/walk type event.  It just seems like something that everyone should do at some point in their life, don’t ask me why.  Also, because I still really want to like running.  What can I say, I’m a masochist.  So my plan to get in shape this year is basically a build up to participate in a 5K.

I’m starting off slowly at home, doing step workouts, Jillian Michaels, yoga, etc. and then I’m going to slowly incorporate Zumba, kickboxing, and anything else I might fancy.  Then, in April I’m going to start the Couch to 5K program so I can get into full on running mode.  I’m hoping to be in good enough shape by June 15 that I won’t totally embarrass myself.  Because…

I signed up for my very first 5K!  It’s the Stampede Over Stigma 5K, which is helping to “break down mental health stigma; all while raising money for numerous behavioral health organizations!”  Not only that but I’m being backed by the Bramble Berry Athletic Club!  (That picture isn’t embarrassing at all… it was taken right before I helped break the world record for the largest snowball fight!).

So if you’re a fellow exercise hater who is trying to get in shape, I just want you to know that I’m fighting the good fight with you, and that you don’t have to love exercise to love the benefits!