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So, I've had a lot of people ask me what I did for training where running the 5k was concerned. I have never been too hip on running, even as a child, so I knew I needed a program that would slowly introduce me to running distances longer than oh, let's say, from my front door to the end of my driveway.

I found this program on the coolrunning website and it worked really well for me. I have to say that the secret to this program was sticking with it and following the training schedule to the letter. The program is very firm on the fact that you should not run more than it says, as well as pushing yourself to run the distance/time listed, as long as you aren't hurting in any severe way. When I first read that the program didn't want you to run more often than was stated or for longer intervals I laughed. Like I would want to run more often or for longer distances!? But the weirdest thing seemed to happen at about week six of the program. I actually DID want to run for longer amounts of time because just to let you all know, the day I realized I could run 25 minutes straight I felt like Forrest Gump, I just wanted to keep runnin' and runnin' and runnin'. You get the point. But,,, I did stick to the program and I feel it really worked for me.

I am now running between three and four miles, five times a week. And?! I LOVE IT! I feel extremely healthy, even though I still have some weight to lose, and my body feels very strong. Sometimes my body still feel out of sorts at the beginning of my runs but I notice once I get through the first half mile, my body finds it's rhythm and my breathing evens out. I've definitely found an activity I love and even more that that, it's an activity I can enjoy outside and not be a slave to the gym. I'm very happy to say I now consider myself a runner and feel it's something I'll continue to do for the rest of my life.

Comments

[Jen]

i've heard that....that people become addicted to running. and they get a high from it.

i remember being in high school and running "the Mile" for field hockey and feeling so proud of myself of running the whole way without pausing to catch my breath and cursing my coach at the same time for forcing me to run.

now, with the whole MS affliction thing i've got going on, i would give anything to just walk with an even gait.

i know it can't be said enough...but i am seriously impressed with you.

and i think we should start a jen's only club