Week 2: Workout #1

A couple of weeks ago, I downloaded the Couch to 5K running plan. I figured, what better way to get started on an exercise program than by choosing one tailored toward beginners?

Now I’m thinking that even the C25K is too ambitious for me.

I’ve never been a runner. When I was in third grade, I spent a season playing for my community’s soccer league. I loved kicking that damn ball and bouncing it off my head, but I hated running laps. I was the slowest on my team, and my coach would usually make me do an extra lap just for trailing behind. Ass.

Now, though, I want to be a runner. Every day when I drive home from work, I see joggers out enjoying the fresh air and exercise. You know the types—they make running look fun. Every muscle works together in a fluid motion, and running almost looks musical when they do it. I want to be one of them.

The problem is, my legs don’t so much agree with me. Because I haven’t tried to run since third grade, they’re very much not up for the challenge, and even jogging in short bursts on the treadmill is hell on my knees, shins, and calves. It freaking sucks.

I know that I’m at the point where if I push myself too hard, I’m just going to give up, And I don’t want to do that. So for the next few weeks, I’m just going to focus on walking during my exercise routine. I’ll jog if I feel up to it, but I won’t seriously attempt the C25K plan again until my legs are a little more ready to take on the challenge.

That being said, here’s the recap of today’s workout:

• 5-minute stretch
• 3 sets of 10 bicep curls
• 3 sets of 10 shoulder presses
• 2 sets of 10 lunges (on each side)
• 3 sets of 10 tricep extentions
• 2 sets of 10 dumbbell front raises
• 30 crunches
• stretch

Then I walked down to the gym in my apartment community (3 minutes, mostly down a slight hill) and put in 25 minutes on the treadmill. I started off with the C25K plan and got in three 60-second jogging intervals (interspersed with 90 seconds of walking) before my lower legs threatened to quit. I compromised and did the rest of the session at a brisk walk.

Now as I sit here icing my calves, I have to wonder—how long does it take until your muscles get accustomed to exercise? Any readers who have been there and done that, please feel free to share your wisdom!