Couch to 5K

I need to work on being more consistent with my blogging. Last night when I was out running I had time to think and blogging is one of the thoughts that went through my head. I was thinking that I need to share with others the experience that I am having with the Couch to 5K running program. Four weeks ago my daughter, Alicia asked me if I wanted to try the Couch to 5K running program. I had heard of it before but really had no idea what it involved. She shared the Cool Running web site with me and I thought, why not. I remember saying to her in the past, while watching a 5K race, that I needed to start running because there were no fat runners.

So four weeks ago I put on my Nike cross trainers, downloaded a C25K app on my Android phone and started the program. The first week wasn't bad at all. Heck, anyone can jog for 60 seconds followed by 90 seconds of walking. Together, Alicia and I completed the first week of the program. We started to involve others and created a private group on Facebook for friends that expressed an interest in the Couch to 5K program. We have been using the group to encourage and motivate each other. Most of us agree that the first two weeks were not bad, but when we reached week three it got a little more difficult. Some people opted to repeat week two because they didn't feel they were ready to tackle week three. I however was determined to keep going. Week three involves three minutes straight of jogging. At first I wasn't sure if I would be able to go three minutes straight without walking but I was determined and made it happen. I felt so proud of myself, after all I am 52 years old and have never been a runner. I am proud to say that I survived week three and I'm almost done with week four which involves three minutes AND five minutes of straight jogging.

Each time I complete a workout I feel stronger. I am determined to complete the 9 week program. My friend Rachel and I have signed up for the Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race on October 6th. I am training for this race by running and riding my bike. I haven't decided what 5K Race I will run in the fall, but plan to complete the Couch to 5K program and run in at least one 5K Race.

Meeting Celebrity Trainers at Beachbody Summit

This past week I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, CA to attend a Beachbody Summit. My daughter, Alicia and I had been looking forward to this trip for months. Before going I had a set a goal and that was to have my picture taken with Shaun T. the creator of Hip Hop Abs, Insanity and his newest workout program, Insanity: The Asylum. I completed The Insanity program a few months ago and although it was a crazy, insane workout I absolutely loved it. I'm a 52 year old lady that hadn't worked out in years, if I can complete the program anyone can!

Last Friday we were just getting off an escalator on our way to the Beachbody Store when I turned and who walked by me, but Shaun T. I was all giddy and could not believe that he had been on the escalator behind me and I didn't even know it. I overheard him tell a guy that he was going to be in the room next to the store for a couple of hours. I assume he was eating lunch in there because when we arrived at Summit the crew had been eating in that room. So my daughter and I proceed to shop at the store and when we exited Alicia noticed that people were in a line to have their pictures taken with celebrity trainers. We jumped in the line and within minutes were in a room with Shaun T. (Insanity), Tony Horton (P90X), Chalene Johnson (Turbo Fire), Donna Richardson (Body Gospel), Leandro Carvalho (Brazil Butt Lift) and Brett Hoebel (Rev Abs). I was able to get my picture taken with three of the celebrities, including Shaun T! You can view all of my pictures by clicking HERE.

If you are over 40 and need to lose weight but don't know where to begin please contact me. I would love to be your accountability buddy and give you the encouragement to make the changes you desire in your life. You too could fall in love with one of the celebrity trainers and maybe even join me next June in Las Vegas for the next Beachbody Summit. I will be there, and once again in line waiting for a new picture with all of the trainers that I have grown to love!