I Need a Plan!

I like having a plan. I like schedules. I enjoy check lists and spreadsheets. Call me weird. I don't even care. It's how I stay sane and on the straight and narrow. If I ever finished all my lists and plans I don't know what I'd do with myself.... Probably think up a NEW plan!

Anyway, as I try to get my running legs back and slim down, I need a plan. While I was training for my half marathons, training plans were a no-brainer. If I didn't have a plan, I'd be sure to fail. Or at least be forced to clutch my aching side and limp to the finish line. But I don't have any races scheduled so far this year...so what plan should I follow?!?

So I've decided to try one of those "Couch to 5k" programs. It may not be the 'official' program, but I'm guessing they're all pretty similar. The one I'm doing is "5k 101" and can be found online here or as a podcast on iTunes. I just started yesterday and am looking forward to doing it each Monday, Wednesday & Friday. (They also have a 10k program!)

Now I think that it took some sort of pride-swallowing before I was able to start a 5k program. I look at the running schedule and think, "I've run four half marathons...I don't have to start from square one with a 5k plan! Run for 2 minutes at a time then walk? That's for baby beginners!" Well...unfortunately that's where I've regressed back to at the moment. And it's something I have to accept.

So I'm going to own the program and do it perfectly. I really want to get back up and running by the time spring rolls around so I can just strap on my shoes and hit the road for hours at a time.

I've also started putting together the foundation and frame of some sort of weight lifting program as well that I can do on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays when I'm not doing the 5k program. I'm hoping to focus on two muscle groups a day with 2-3 exercises per group. That's about where I'm at now...lots of work to do! Any advice/tips you have on lifting programs would be much appreciated!

I also just finished a YouTube video letting my subscribers know that I've been doing all this fun blogging as of late. Also want to give a big "thank you" to everyone who's been reading these past few weeks and giving me feedback - I'm having so much fun!