Lisa: Week 2 of 5k Training

I officially began my 5k training last week! I have 7 weeks to go until my 5k event on July 4th and week 2 of my training has already gotten significantly more challenging then last week! We have to more than triple the amount of time we were running by the end of week 2…I didn’t think I would be able to do it, but today my husband & I ran all but 7 minutes of our 30 minute run and I survived!!!

I’ve been using The Runner’s World 8 Week Beginning Runner’s Training Program to help me increase my endurance & strength and it’s actually working!!!

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Here are the first 2 weeks of the program in case you want to follow along with me!

Week 1

“Sit as little as possible. Give no credence to any thought that was not born outdoors while moving about freely.”

–Friedrich Nietzsche

Training tip:

To fuel up for your workout, have a piece of fruit or an energy bar about 2 hours before you lace up your shoes. An hour later, drink 8 ounces of a sports drink. The drink will ensure that you are fully hydrated, and also that you have sufficient sodium and potassium for a healthy workout.

Week 2

“Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.”

–William Faulkner

Training tip:

Always walk 2 to 3 minutes for a warmup before you begin your workout, and walk another 2 to 3 minutes as a cooldown afterward. Don’t stretch before running. Save it for after your workout or in the evening while you’re watching TV.

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My biggest concern was not following through with my weekday workouts. When I get home from work, I’m already mentally exhausted AND all I want to do is spend time with my daughter before she goes to bed. Not only did I stick with my weekday workouts last week, but I also noticed my husband is excited about coming with us and Molly is enjoying her time soaking in the outdoors for those quick 30 minutes. I had originally thought my husband would cook dinner in peace when I took Molly & our dog with me, but because he was excited to come with us, he actually put thought into what he made on those weeknights so he could either prep everything before our run or have it already made and cooling when I got home from work. I think having his help & encouragement has made me want to do this even more!

So although I’m only entering week 2 of my training, I’m hopeful that I can be successful at diligently following my training plan AND see changes in my body…maybe even a glimpse of my pre-baby body…but I won’t push my luck too much !

For those of you who are training along with me or thinking about training…YOU CAN DO IT! Even though we won’t be running side-by-side, know that we are in this together! Happy Running!

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I am posting a link to these AMAZING energy/nutrition smoothies my husband & I drink daily because it has helped me get through my workouts. They are all natural with 14 fruits & veggies & lots of good protein! You mix it with 8 ounces of water and you instantly have a yummy smoothie! My favorite flavor is chocolate, but husband loves the cookies n’ cream. Enjoy!

** If you are pregnant or nursing, make sure you check with your doctor before taking this or any other supplements.