Through out my life, there have been many times I have attempted to start running, and each time I have given up on it before I became successful. I can’t explain why… my dad is an avid runner, as is my husband. I think many of my attempts were to go from zero to 100% way too fast, and as a result I got turned off from it.
However, this year I have decided that I must make it part of my routine. It has been a while since my last attempt at running success, and I know that adding more cardio to my workout routine is the extra edge I need to take my physical fitness from good to great.
So what does one like myself do to start running? My husband introduced me to Cool Running’s Couch to 5k plan, which seems like a great way to avoid burning out way too fast, and to get your body used to the activity in a slower, progressive way. Basically, the plan begins with 20 minutes per day of a 5-minute walk, followed by 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking, alternating – three times per week - and builds up from there.
Now that seems like something I can handle. The plan builds up over the course of nine weeks, at the end of which you should be able to run a solid three miles (5k.) Not bad, right? My pledge is to start this routine this week, and hopefully by the first week of April I should be able to consider myself a jogger.
For anyone looking to start up a running routine, try this out! Maybe I’ll see you at the finish line of a 5k this summer. 
