Couch to 5K

Random mud run fact of the day: To be in top shape for a mud run, it's helpful to be able to run four times a week. This website suggests working up to seven miles per session. As far as strength, it's important to be able to do 20 pushups back to back. ~ http://www.mudrunhq.com/train-mud-run

Looks like I have some work to do. My first issue, and perhaps the most alarming one, is that I am not a runner. Thoughts of running bring me right back to the torture of high school PE and being forced to run around the endless track. Asthma attacks. Panic attacks. And of course, walking most of the mile and pissing off my PE teacher.

And here I am training for a 5K. Of course, it isn't your typical 5K. There's a difference between running on cement and mud. Maybe since I can't run at all I have an advantage. Maybe not.

I had my first training experiment yesterday morning at my gym, the fantastic Livermore Valley Tennis Club. I'd heard about a running program called Couch to 5K that sounded perfect. I uploaded it to my Droid and started Day one. Couch to 5K basically builds your ability to run by timing you in intervals. Walking for a few minutes, then running, then back again. Each session the app increases the running time.

Day one had me moving for 25 minutes. It started with a five minute warm up of walking. Then I had to run nine intervals at 60 seconds each, with a two minute walking break between.

Yowza!

I did it. I circled the small indoor track at the gym with 'real' runners sprinting past and with other fitness buffs walking to cool down. I felt powerful and proud.

My body hates me today. Did you know running makes my neck sore? Not quite sure how that happened, but perhaps it's because more of my body is sore than not. Thighs, biceps, and calves have the most of it.

More on Couch to 5K: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

As far as the push ups go: I can do about eight push ups back to back. I have some work to do there!

Today, my training will involve a more leisurely walk for an hour while my third grader is at track practice afterschool.

Survivor Mud Run 2012

What did I get myself into?

After a girl's night out and a few drinks, I woke up convinced the next day that I could conquer the Survivor Mud Run coming to Lathrop, CA in April. I figured, if my friends could do it, why couldn't I? I registered for the agreed on time slot and sat back feeling pretty good about myself.

Then I took a closer look at the race details.

There will be mud. Lots of mud. There are walls to scale, tires to climb, hills to run over. Monkey bars to cross. There is a 'mystery obstacle'. Wait a minute, I'm supposed to run??

Panic has officially set in.

This isn't just a leisurely workout on the elliptical machine that I've been accustomed too. I can't even run. But here I am with about three months to kick my butt into gear. Since a mud run is completely outside my comfort level, I've decided to push my body further than I ever have and try something new at least once a week. Whether it's a new class at my gym, a new trail to hike, I'm game.

And I'll bring you my adventures right here, so be sure and subscribe to my newsfeed!