Running, This Girl Can | My Couch to 5K Journey!

I took a cheeky selfie when I completed Week !, Run 1!

I've recently discovered Couch to 5K and decided to tackle running. I went on a few runs a couple of weeks ago but didn't really know what to do and pushed myself too far. With Couch to 5k, you slowly start learning how to run again without pushing yourself to hard.

I used to love running as a kid and I could run short distance races no problem. As I've gotten older, you just don't have the need to run anymore and after finishing a long day at work, it's easy to just crash on the sofa and catch up on TV. I've been working since I was 16, and I no longer had the need to run. Over the years, I've lost the ability to run, and running for more than a few minuets seemed like hard work. The thought of running comes with such a negative mindset. I'm not a runner, I can't run, I'll get judged, It's hard work ... etc. Generally running wasn't for me anymore.

I don't know how I discovered couch to 5k, but I happened to stumble upon it and downloaded the app straight away. I liked the idea of having a coach that encouraged you to run as well as starting slowly and starting off with small steps. Being able to run for 60 seconds then have 90 seconds walking, has really helped me begin to run and overall running for eight minuets might seem like a small target for some, but for others its an amazing achievement. Last night, I reran my Week 1, Run 2 and smashed it! I managed to run for the amount of time that was recommended!

With my first run, I felt like like my lungs where going to fall out of my body. My legs hurt and my heart was beating so fast. I had breaks where I'd run at a slow pace then stop because I thought my lungs where going to collapse. I think I ran overall for four minuets. I've found that running clears my mind, I only have one thing I need to focus on and that's running. And not falling over! Living by the sea means that I am lucky enough to run by it. I can run along the seafront and on my walking seconds, I've just looked out upon the sea as I'm trying to get control of my breathing. I wouldn't say I love running yet, but I love the idea of beating my goal every time I go for a run. My goal is to be able to run 5k and run a 10k race! I'm not in it to win the race, I'm in it to be able to tell myself that I can run 10k and to cross that finish line as well as raise money for charity!

I'm using my Facebook page to track my couch to 5k progress so if your interested in my progress, please give my facebook page a like! I've also joined a really supportive couch to 5k group on Facebook, it really helps keeping you up to date an motivated on others progress as well as tips and support when running! I really recommend finding a support group that helps motivate and support you when running or starting couch to 5k, Facebook is ideal!

I've learnt that everyone can run, everyone is a runner. I don't have to be an athlete to be a runner With a negative mindset when you start running, you'll just think negatively when you're running. Being positive and allowing yourself to have a small goal or thinking positively will help when running. It is going to be hard at first, a small step is a big step. You won't run a marathon overnight, it takes hard work and time to be able to reach this point. I'm at the point where I don't care what I look like when I run, I'm not there to worry about how I look, I'm there to beat my goals!! Running isn't easy, but it is rewarding!

Are you doing couch to 5k or are even thinking about starting couch to 5k?
I'd love to know how far you are or your thoughts on it.

X O X O

Kayleigh

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