Exercise is a normal part of my life, and running is at the core. Running was my ticket to significant weight loss and is what I use now to maintain my healthy weight and my sanity.  (OK so my sanity could be debatable.)

How to Get a Running Start

When people ask me how to get started running, I often suggest the Couch to 5K program.  I didn’t use this exact training plan, but it’s a good example of how I got my start.  The Couch to 5K plan is easy to follow if you want something mapped out for you.

I got my start by running for a short distance, then slowing to a walk when I got tired and continuing to walk until I felt I’d recovered.  When I was ready, I would start to run until I felt I had to slow down again, walking until I felt I could pick up the pace again, alternating running and walking like this for about a half hour to 40 minutes.  I did this work out two days a week for about 4 weeks and eventually found that I was able to walk less and less and was running longer and longer stretches.  Within a month I was able to stop walking altogether and could run without stopping for at least 40 minutes.

I now enjoy distance running and have run a marathon, half marathon and many 5K’s and 10K’s.  I aim to run three to four days a week, incorporating one long run, a little speed work and easy runs into the mix.  On my off days I shoot for 1 – 2 days of cross trainin a week, either on my bike in the summer, swimming in the winter and using the machines and equipment at the fitness center when I don’t feel like battling the elements.  I take at least 1 rest day a week, I also try to encorporate yoga into my work out routine for strength and flexibility training.

Regular exercise allows me to maintain my healthy weight, gives me more energy and more confidence. I sleep better, find that I am sick less often and have a more positive outlook on life in general. I’ve gone through different periods in my life where I exercised regularly and times when other things got in the way. I know without a doubt that I always feel best when I’m active and working out on a regular basis.

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