I have been trying to convince myself of this for the past 7 weeks.  When I decided that I wanted to loose 100 pounds, I remembered that in the past, running had always helped me burn the most calories.  There was one problem though…  I HATE RUNNING.  Ok, so perhaps hate isn’t the right word… instead, lets go with despise.  Therein lies the rub.  Running can help me burn off calories the quickest, but it’s the thing I enjoy least in life.  Right up there with eating broccoli.

Recently I have heard a lot of people talk about the program C25K – “Couch to 5 K”.  When I started looking to run again, C25K did not come up in my google search.  Instead I found the Mayo Clinic’s version of beginner training for a 5K.  They actually borrowed it from Jeff Galloway – an Olympic runner.  After looking at it, I felt it was something I could handle.  Running 3 days a week – walking 3 days a week – and a rest day if you choose.  On the run days, you actually only run in intervals of 15 seconds and then walk for 45. (for 2 weeks)  Then run days beef up to running intervals of 20 seconds – walk for 40. (for 2 weeks)  Then, you guesses it, run days get to 25 second intervals. (for 2 weeks)  The last week takes you to 30 second intervals.  My goal was to be able to run the entire 3.1 miles when it came to race day.

Well today was race day… and there was plenty of walking happening by me.  The good news is I had set an original goal to make it in under 40 minutes.  That was achieved.  I had to sprint about the last tenth of a mile, but nonetheless, I made it in under 40.

So now I have to figure out my next move.  I like the idea of training for a “race”.  Now I wasn’t racing against anyone but myself… however having a date set for a race helps with goal planning.  Today’s event was Bubba’s Belly Run.  Bubba was serving in our military when he was killed.  He had been home on leave just prior to his death, and shortly after, his wife found out she was pregnant.  My wife and I have participated each year of the run.  It’s not only a great cause, but I have personal ties to the family.  I went to high school with Bubba’s older brother Chris, and the Bunting family grew up around the corner from me.  This year I had Kellogg’s donate product for the event and couldn’t be happier that the first donation that I have been involved with went to this event.

So now, my next move.  I think I will find another local 5k to run in.  I am going to continue to run 3-4 days a week and try to increase my stamina to be able to finally complete that 5k with no walking.  I have dropped over 20 pounds since July and much of that has to do with the running program I started in August.  So while I don’t love running just yet… there is hope.  I can assure you that when I have completed my 100 pound weight loss by July 10, 2012 – I WILL LOVE RUNNING!