Ready to Run: 5K in 5 weeks training
I ran today.
As recently as one year ago, that would be a nonchalant, unsurprising statement from me. I ran several days per week, even if it was just 2-3 miles. Running - for most of my life - has been part of my identity.
I ran on the cross country team for 2 years in middle school and 4 years in high school - plus track 2 years in middle school and 3 years in high school. In college I kept running, though not competitively, I joined a running club a classmate formed on campus. Thanks to training through that group, I went on to run 4 marathons in my early 20s in addition to countless 5Ks, 10Ks, and a handful of other varying race distances. In my mid 30s I shifted to half marathons, though always felt marathons were calling my name.
The photo accompanying this blog: That’s me 4 years and 2 weeks ago from today. It’s the Yosemite Half Marathon.I finished 29th overall at a 6:43/mile pace - a mere 57 seconds per mile slower than first place. Not too shabby.
So the fact that today was the first time I’ve run in 5 months and it was only 1 mile is a little out of character. I tried to be more consistent and push myself farther during quarantine. I had the time, but injury sidelined me. Achilles tendonitis was limiting me to just a couple miles at best a couple times per week. Once I felt like I was getting over that, I got a foot injury. Now that the foot injury seems better, my toe hurts on hard flexion. I feel like I’m breaking down.
I’m still in pretty good shape. I put in some serious miles on my bike through quarantine and regularly incorporated HIIT in my training regime until about 3 weeks ago.
As far as running goes, I’m starting almost back at square one. It’s frustrating.
That’s why I’ve developed the 5K in 5 weeks program. By Halloween, I’ll be a living model of the program’s success. And I’m asking you to join me.
Through my personal training business - Colorado Mountain Fit - I’m looking for everyone from first-time runners to past runners trying to get back into it. This 5-week program will incorporate gradual interval runs and strength training to get you prepared to run a 5K in about 5 weeks. Bonus: It includes nutrition coaching!
If you’ve mastered the 5K and are wanting more out of your runs -- from a long endurance race to simply injury prevention -- let’s talk about options for you, too.
Some of the biggest obstacles besides choosing a training plan is sticking to it and making proper adaptations. This training program includes accountability coaching and modifications catered to you.
I’m ready to run, I hope you are, too.