Runnersworld.com

Today is July 24th and in exactly a month I am going to a friends wedding. So, that is my final motivation. I'm beginning to run. Ugh, I've always hated running. The problem though, when I ran while at Northwest University, I was my skinniest. I know my body responds well, and quickly when I run. So, I'm going to get back into the habit. There are many other reasons I want to do this. Partly do to my lifestyle and partly do to the depo shot, I have gained about 10pds in 4-6 months (yikes). I gained about 5 after my 1st shot (I'm going off the stuff, it's poison). In high school I was on average 135-145pds. My body builds a lot of muscle so, I think that is just my natural average as a swimmer, my sport of choice. When I started running I actually didn't drop much weight, maybe 125-130 at my least but, I dropped about 2 pants sizes. In high school I was a 9 all 4 years. I dropped to between a 5 and a 7 depending on the brand. To measure up now, I am almost 170 pds and wear about a size 12. No joke. I know it's not outrageous but, I'm 22 and don't have any kids. If I don't take control, it can only get worse from here. I've noticed a serious decrease in my energy level this year, and I'm moodier. I know I FEEL better when I exercise.

So, I began to research how to begin running. Before I had plenty of girl friends to go with that made the activity less dreadful. Now, it's usually just me. I needed a guide to get me going. I found a WONDERFUL websight : WWW.RUNNERSWORLD.COM it has TONS of information on beginning running, training, etc. etc. etc. it's just fantastic. I found a plan I really like. It's called the 30/30 plan. Today was my first day. It was harder than I thought yet, still do able. I felt like I had gotten a GOOD 3o minute work out, I broke a sweat, I got my Heart Rate up, and I felt tired when I was done. I'm sure I will be sore tomorrow but, that is to be expected. I plan to try and record my results here. I hope that in 6 months or so I will officially be a "runner". Who knows, maybe I will even train for a 1/2 marathon! Maybe. Basically you do this plan before you do "beginning runner" plans. It builds you to that level. I kinda skipped a step and went straight to 30 sec. job to 30 sec. walk. It was hard but, I did it! Here is the plan:

THE 30/30 PLAN
Here's a simple plan to get you going, featuring 30 minutes of exercise for the first 30 days.By Hal Higdon
PUBLISHED 08/28/2001
Here's a simple 30/30 plan to get you going, featuring 30 minutes of exercise for the first 30 days. It is a routine similar to one that Chuck Cornett, a coach from Orange Park, Florida, uses with beginning runners.

Walk out the door and go 15 minutes in one direction, turn around, and return 15 minutes to where you started: 30 minutes total.

For the first 10 minutes of your workout, it is obligatory that you walk: No running!For the last 5 minutes of your workout, it is obligatory that you walk: Again, no running!

During the middle 15 minutes of the workout, you are free to jog or run--as long as you do so easily and do not push yourself.

Here's how to run during those middle 15 minutes: Jog for 30 seconds, walk until you are recovered, jog 30 seconds again. Jog, walk. Jog, walk. Jog, walk.

Once comfortable jogging and walking, adapt a 30/30 pattern: jogging 30 seconds, walking 30 seconds, etc. Follow this 30/30 pattern for 30 days. If you train continuously (every day), you can complete this stage in a month. If you train only every other day, it will take you two months. Do what your body tells you. Everyone is different in their ability to adapt to exercise.

When you're beginning, it is better to do too little than too much.If you continue this 30/30 routine for 30 days, you will finish the month able to cover between one and two miles walking and jogging. You are now ready to progress to the next stage of your training as a beginning runner.