5k

After reading Karena's post on The Daily Love this week I was inspired and motivated to find a challenge for me to keep me in this fitness regimen (I have a short attention span when it comes to things like this) and to also work towards for a personal goal because if I'm driven enough to do something I will work my hardest to achieve it.

So I decided I was going to train up to be able to run 5k. As I mentioned a few post's ago I find it difficult to run and to keep running for a long period of time so this really is a challenge for me! I decided to do this because I do want to be able to just run. I live by the beach so I'd love to be able to drive down there and run without worrying about looking stupid because I have to stop and start walking. I also think it's a SMART target (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time based) as before starting my Tone It Up journey I wasn't the fittest person and I rarely exercised so I know I won't be able to do a triathlon or a half marathon straight up. It's all about taking baby-steps, as I like to call them, and who knows, maybe next year I will be able to run a half marathon!

On Twitter a few days ago I spotted @SD_TIU and @samanthaj81 (both amazing people to follow btw!) chatting about the app Couch to 5k and that kind of set the 5k goal in motion for me, so yesterday I decided to check it out but unfortunately it's not a free app. Being a student I'm on such a tight budget - it really is crippling - so I was kind of disappointed but excited to try a different, free app called 5k Runner. It sets out an 8 week program where you run 3 times a week and it gradually gets more difficult with every run.

I went out on my first jog (suitably called Week 1 Run 1) and I have to say I was disappointed. It didn't feel like a work out at all. The program it had set up was a 5min walk to warm up and then 6 lots of intervals where you jog for a minute, and walk for a minute and half, followed my a five minute walking cool-down. I did it and it may have been the weather (it was awful!!- pouring rain, gail-force winds and freezing cold!) but I felt pretty rubbish about all of it. However, I know it's not a sprint - I need to train my body in order to be able to do what I want it to do. I have the mindset and now I need to help my body catch up!

I'm going to go out for my next run on Wednesday Morning I think, and  then another on Friday and I think that'll be my timetable for it. I'm hitting the gym tomorrow and going to Zumba on Tuesday this week. Need to find the time to fit a few more gym sessions in though!

!! Also!! if anyone has a blog I'd LOVE to follow it and check it out! I find personal experiences so motivating so hit me up on Twitter (@GeorgieToningUp) or email me (georgie.toningup@gmail.com) and let me know!!

Have a great week :)

Georgia :)