Run a 5K! If ...Your Dog's Not Wearing Your Shoes...

Who's in your shoes? 

With the thought of warmer weather around the corner, so are my thoughts of getting in it!  Running on a treadmill is nothing like running in the great outdoors.

Have you ever considered running for pleasure or sport?  If you have always wanted to try to run or jog, a great place to start is the Couch to 5K program.

Even if you don't have ambitions of competing in a 5K race, it is a great place for beginners to condition themselves and get the feel for a running pace.

Here are some links for the basics on the Couch to 5K program:

Beginner Triathlete.com has the Conservative and Aggressive Run Programs.
If you want to download a mobile app for the Couch-to-5K training plan, click here! (For iPhone and Android)

Here is a printable PDF of the Couch to 5K Running Plan, with 9 weeks of training workouts listed.

Join The Couch to 5K Running Plan on Facebook too.

If I were to recommend a running plan for someone not at all used to vigorous exercise, this would be it, in fact, I know several people who have followed this plan with much success.

Considerations from RunnersWorld.com for beginner runners:
 1. If you are over 40, not accustomed to any exercise, or more than 20 pounds overweight, consult with your physician. Unless you have a known health risk, your doctor will probably encourage you to begin a run-walk program, but it's always wise to check.

2. Schedule your workouts. You won't find time for them unless you make time for them. Put them in your PDA, computer, daily appointment planner, on the front of your refrigerator, or wherever else you keep your schedule.

3. Expect bad days. Everyone has them, but they pass quickly, and the next workout is often better than the previous one. So stick with the program.

4. Don't rush. In the fitness world, rushing leads to injuries and discouragement. Be patient, and go slow. The goal is to reach 30 minutes of continuous running, not to set any records getting there.

Here is a link for finding local 5K races in our area...find one, set a date, and make a plan...Go For It!!
Or to find one in your area...refine the search field on the left hand side of the link above.
And, another link for finding local races...www.runningintheusa.com