… IRL know that I am have never been an athletic person. I never have been. From what I’ve been told, I did a lot of sitting around and watching things as a baby. Didn’t move unless I had to, is what I hear. I think the combination of temperament, slower-than-the-average development of coordination, and an overwhelming feel of failure/self consciousness as a kid probably got in the way of developing what physical talents I do have. I had one awkward year as a cheerleader in 8th grade and one even more awkward year on JV field hockey as a junior. That’s it. That’s the extent of my forays into organized sports.
Over the past few years, though, I’ve been trying to get through the mental block that said “Heather = totally uncoordinated, totally athletically incapable boob.” At various times I’ve tried aerobics (yep, even had a stint with Jazzercise), walking, spinning, weight lifting, and, yes, even jogging. In May I found a gem of a podcast called Couch to 5K. It is an interval training program designed to take you from couch potato to 5K runner in just a few weeks. I’ve made a half-hearted commitment to it thus far as is evidenced by the fact that this is mid-July and I’m only on week 3. However, I have been noticing progress. My heart rate doesn’t go as high during the jogs as it used to; my body doesn’t feel as tired or sore afterwards.
The damndest thing happened today, though. I have NEVER had anything happen like this before. Week 3 of the program is two consecutive sets of the following: 90 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes jogging, 3 minutes walking. This morning was a nice cool morning, the kind you don’t expect to find in mid-July in PA. It was about 70 degrees and the humidity was low. The last time I ran the week 3 intervals was last Wednesday. It was hot and humid and I had a horrible run. It was work just to get through the jogs. This morning, though, it was different. At the end of each of the 3 minute jogs I was – get this! – actually disappointed that they were over. Huh??? Now that’s a first for me! In fact, I was so disappointed after the end of the second 3 minute interval that I decided to tack another one on just for fun.
Those of you who have been more active that I may not grasp the enormity of running three consecutive minutes but for me that’s huge. And then to want to do more?? That’s unheard of!! Hmm, guess that means I can graduate to week 4 soon. From what I hear, week 4 is two sets of 3 minutes jogging, ___ minutes walking, 5 minutes jogging, and then ___ minutes recovering. I listened briefly to the week 4 podcast just to see what I was in for next but have forgotten how long the recovery periods will be.
