In general, I have never enjoyed running. In fact, I thought people were crazy for running long distances. In 2010, I went to cheer on Bill and Aly in their first Disney race. I couldn't figure out why people would want to do this, and while I was watching and cheering, I began to envy these people in their great costumes with smiles and determination to reach that finish line. Then I saw the medals and knew right then and there that I had to have one of my own, and that I was going to run the next Disneyland Half Marathon!!!
So.... being that I hated to run, I needed to find something that would help me, motivate me, and slowly wean me into running my first race. With that said, my hubby, Chris, and I took to our iphones and the many apps available. We found Couch to 5K. What a life saver!!!
Couch to 5K is an 8 week running trainer geared towards trying to get you to run for 30 minutes with out stopping. WHAT???? Yes without stopping!!! It starts you out very slowly. Always a 5 minute warm-up and a 5 minute cool down walk. It is a walk/run train as well. For example, week one may start you running for only 30 seconds, then walk for a minute and repeat that for 20 minutes. Every week it increases your running time. The beauty of this is that if you have a tough run or week, you can repeat it multiple times till you feel comfortable to move on. I have repeated many runs and many weeks. I still can't run for 30 minutes straight, but we are still working on it! But it has gotten me to a comfortable 10 minute run and 2 minute walk combo. And it got me through 4 Disney races, with MEDALS!!!!
My advice to all you newbies out there that would love to try a Disney race, or any race for that matter, is don't get discouraged and say you can't. 'Cause anyone can with the right training, motivation and determination. And if you are new to running, I highly recommend the Couch to 5K app.
Happy running!!!!
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