On my way to a 5K: Weeks two and three

Week two of Dr. Ward's 5K training plan did kick the intensity up a notch, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Ninety seconds of walking alternated with 90 seconds of running. So I wrapped up week two pretty uneventfully and started week three.

Week three turns the intensity up more than just a notch-90 seconds of jogging, 90 seconds of walking, three minutes of jogging, and three minutes of walking. Repeat. I struggled through the last three-minute jogging set. That's when I started to feel the pulsating, sharp side pains for the first time during this whole process. I also felt slightly barfy. So I slowed down, walked for 30 seconds, then kicked the speed back up to be sure I completed the last jogging set. It may not have been three consecutive minutes, but I got it done. I must've been complaining to my fiancé about how difficult it was because he threw this nugget my way, "Nothing's ever easy the first time." I can only hope he's cheering me on during my first 5K.

Midway through week 3

I hopped back on the treadmill this morning to tackle Day Two, my Day One barfiness in the back of my mind. I felt myself getting over the hump though-my body was more prepared for the workout. I felt really good this morning, the best I've felt since starting. I think I'm beginning to enjoy running. I certainly don't hate going to the gym, and I don't find myself making excuses not to go. I think I've come a long way since playing sports in high school where running was used as a form of punishment. You missed a free throw? Run some sprints. Didn't get your serve over the net? Run until Coach blows the whistle. I really hated running back then. Now I actually do it for, dare I say it, fun?