I don’t really like running. The huffing and puffing, feeling out of breath, sweating, shin splints, hip tightness, and side stitches—why would anyone enjoy that?
I hadn’t ran since junior year in college—6 years ago. Maybe a mile or two here and there, but very infrequently. A mile, or even half a mile, feels like I’m dying. Looking back, how did I run a half marathon—without taking walk breaks? More importantly, why would I want to do that? Am I really that out of shape now?
My six year running hiatus included graduating college, working as an RN, getting married, and having a baby. This time period did NOT include running or consistently going to the gym. My cardiovascular health definitely took a hit.
This past fall, I decided I needed to start running again as a form of self-care. I needed a hobby. I needed time alone. I needed a goal. I needed exercise. I needed more time outside. Running seemed like the perfect solution… but I hate doing it. It’s just so difficult.
What is Couch to 5K?
I remembered a couple friends who had done a “Couch to 5k” app before and had good experiences with it. Couch to 5K utilizes a run/walk interval pattern to gradually increase your running and cardiovascular abilities. As the 9 week program progresses, the running time increases and walking breaks decrease, with an end goal of running 30 minutes straight. I browsed several programs but landed on the original Couch to 5K app, which costed $5.99. I figured if I had to invest money into it, it would keep me a little more accountable. (It did).
The app was super easy to use. There are several different characters to choose from, and I giggled as I chose the drill sergeant. At timed intervals, he’d yell “PICK UP THE PACE! RUN!” and then “SLOW IT DOWN! WALK!” He also had some pretty funny commentary that kept me entertained throughout my runs.
The run/walk intervals started out very easy and I felt like the difficulty of the runs progressed at a very manageable pace. I even found myself wanting to continue the “run” section through the next walk break.
At the end of the program, I set out to run a 5K. It was difficult, but I did it!
Was it worth it?
The $6 app was definitely worth the cost. For the same price as a latte, I had a very doable running program, my drill sergeant telling me when to run/walk (no watching a timer!), and a GPS tracking my runs. I had looked at some free apps and training plans on Pinterest, but it was definitely worth the few dollars to have an easy-to-use app.
The Couch to 5K was an easy way to get back into running. Running went from a daunting, miserable chore to an enjoyable hobby. I was less out of breath, my legs were less heavy, and the aches and pains disappeared. I concluded that we hate running, because running is hard. But when it slowly becomes easier, we can begin to enjoy it.
I am now training for a spring half marathon and feel even more prepared than I did the first time in 2018.
Do you want to start ENJOYING running? Would you give Couch to 5K a shot?
-M
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