I keep debating starting a running program. It's the one activity above all that I always hated when I was younger and in school. I would try to avoid running at all costs. Now that I'm on SP I keep reading articles about running and the proverbial "runners high". I would love to get into this and try it but then I remember all those horrible experiences from childhood and what's lead me to hate running.

I started a Strength Training program 2 months ago and as part of our warm up we had to run 2 laps of the gym and as expected, I hated it. However, I had an "Wow" moment Monday night when I had to run 3 laps of the gym and was chatting with a friend the whole time. I never thought I'd be running those laps with relative ease. Now that I've accomplished that I'm considering trying running outside in the evenings. The SP "Spark Your Way to a 5K" article suggests running 0.5 miles (although I don't know why they use miles as the measurement method when the article title is kilometres but that's just me nit-picking).

So I guess step one is to run 0.8 kms this Sunday. I can figure that one out easily because me and my dog can head out in the morning as soon as the sun comes up. The hard part comes on Tuesday when I'll have to run another 0.8 kms, I don't know if I want to do it in the morning because I am a morning person and I can get it out of the way first thing but it's really dark at 5 am so safety is a concern (even with the dog). Or is it better to do it in the evening, a time I find harder to motivate myself. The same will go for Thursday when I'll need to get 1.6 kms in. Humm, I guess this is me committing that it IS going to happen. I think Tuesday will have to be in the evening so I can work out how long it takes and how much energy it takes. That will help me determine what to do on Thursday.

I think I might try blogging through the process, even if no one reads it, I'll be keeping myself accountable in the ethos.

Pre-Week 1 Goals (today -Wednesday to Saturday)
1) Start reading the Learn to Run book that's been on my shelf for months
2) Buy new outside shoes
3) Plan clothing for the weather (perhaps buy new pants)
4) Ride bike down pathway to figure out how far 0.8 kms is and 1.6 kms.

Week 1 Goads
Sunday -run 0.8 kms
Tuesday - run 0.8 kms
Thursday or Friday - run 1.6 kms
Saturday - Blog about the previous week and outline goals for Week 2

OK, so there's the plan...wish me luck!