Back on the 5K training track

Over the past few months, I took a break from doing any training for a 5K, as I was getting a bit bored with it, and wanted to try out the high-intensity interval training routines I’d been reading about on other blogs. While I plan on going back to HIIT, I decided to pick up the 5K training again, after I agreed to run in a race to support the STARS ministry at College Church in Wheaton, IL. My brother-in-law and his wife have a 7-year old son with Downs Syndrome, and the STARS ministry has been a true Godsend to them in terms of supporting them as they face the special challenges raising a child with special needs.

I’m going back to using the Couch Potato to 5K training program from Cool Runnings, which is basically a 10-week progressive plan that works you up to running the full 5K. Since I’m currently able to run about 1-1/2 miles without taking a break or walking, and since the race is about 5 weeks away, I decided to pick it back up in the middle at Week 5, and things seem to be going fairly well. As an additional support, I’ve also downloaded the ‘First Day to 5K’ podcasts from PodRunner.com on iTunes. The music is fairly generic electronica and house music, but it’s got a good beat and has electronic chimes embedded in the music to alert you when to speed up and slow down. 

You all can hold me accountable to keep going when I feel like stopping - running really isn’t my favorite activity, but I feel compelled to run this particular race to support my nephew and the ministry that has really done so much to support him.

So tell me - what goal do you currently have that you’re working for, related to your health and/or fitness?