New RUNNING Shoes...

So far, the 5k training looks like it will be a fun way to not only start running, but also help with losing weight and getting fit.

I've read that when you're are new to running, it is crucial to get yourself a new pair of running shoes. Having a comfortable pair of running shoes while training for a 5k or any other running event will reduce the impact on your legs and joints while helping to avoid, or reduce, back pain and injuries. Having a good pair of running shoes will also make you feel like a runner which will give you added motivation during a 5k training program. It will also make it a bit easier to run!! Trust me, I want to make it as easy as possible.

It's strongly recommended to visit a local running store, not the big chain stores at the mall - but a specialized running store, to get fitted by experts. I just returned frm the RunningRoom. They ARE experts!!

The Running Room is an Alberta company, which originated in 1984 out of founder John Stanton's wish to purchase quality running shoes from someone knowledgeable about the sport. The company's reputation has been built upon product innovation, quality and the knowledge of the sport of running. Check out their website for more details.

After my experience with them today, I can certainly attest to the fact that they are knowledgeable and quite helpful. I've purchased many pairs of "running" shoes /sneakers in the past (at least 25 - more for fashion than fitness back then) and never, I repeat, NEVER, have I had such an experience. I dealt with a man named Brett. He was so very nice, knowledgeable and helpful!!! He smiled and welcomed me to the store. I said, "Hi! I need A LOT of help!" He said, "no problem" and we proceeded with the process. I told him that I was about to start training for my very first 5K. He seemed so excited for me!! I mentioned that I have absolutely zero experience with running and I need good shoes!

He told me I came to the right place and proceeed to explain the importance of having proper running shoes when training/running. He then told me that I would be doing a few exercises to check my feet and determine the shoe best suited for me!! "Wow", I thought, personalized service. Brett asked me questions about my arch (if it collapsed or not when I stood/ walked for example), my ankles and a lot of other things and big words I couldn't pronounce regarding my foot! I could not provide an answer to most of his questions! However, he was not deterred.

He asked me to do a couple of exercises such as, lunges on each leg, while he checked my feet in efforts of determining what type of shoe I would need. I stood on one leg, then the other and even did a couple of squats. Then he had me walk back and forth as if I was walking the catwalk while he checked the form of my feet. He knew exactly what he was doing. After asking me a few more questions, he then went to the back, brought out a few pairs of shoes and it was time for me to try them on.

The first ones I put on were SOOOOO COMFORTABLE!! It was incredible, what a difference between it and my current sneakers!! They were light, cushiony (if that's a word), and just comfortable. They felt like an extension of my feet! I loved them. I wanted to take them, right then and there!! Brett advised me to try on the other pairs so that I could be 100% sure. So I did, the other pair were just as comfy, however there were subtle differences between the two. It was great because I didn't feel that regular " pushy salesman's pressure to buy" that I normally get at the large stores in the malls. I was encouraged to take my time, ask questions and be sure. I was given so much information that I felt very pleased with my purchase. Here it is:















They are so light and comfy and just fit me perfectly - anxious to start the training!! See the side pic, the circular "thingy" beside the Nike swoosh, it expands to prevent bunyons - added comfort and they're kinda cute too! :) It's the Nike Zoom Vomero+4.

I also purchased a pair of "Friction-Free Cool, Dry Performance" socks!! Brett mentionned that regular cotton sock could cause blisters due to the friction etc. I paid about $15 for the socks alone but it has a "anti-blister system"...blister free guaranteed!! I hate blisters so to me, it's worth it.

To all my friends and family reading this, when it comes to gifts, I don't mind getting socks from the Running Room :D

Anyway, that's it for now...very happy with today's purchase...will get started shortly. Anyone interested in running with me, please let me know.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

C25K Training Program

Okay, I thought I was all cool doing my "e-research" on line and finding a 5K training program!! The one I found, "From Couch to 5K" is more well known that I thought. It's more commonly known as the C25K program. Quite a few people are currently using it. From what I've read, they really like it!! So here it is!!!

For those of you who want to join me in running the 5K in October, take a look at the training schedule, it may help you make up your mind!! :) Then send me an email saying YES WE CAN!!!
A Little Info...

Each training session should take about 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week. Be sure to space out these three days throughout the week to give yourself a chance to rest and recover between efforts. And don't worry about how fast you're going. Running faster can wait until your bones are stronger and your body is fitter. For now the focus will be on gradually increasing the time or distance you run.

Before setting out, make sure to precede each session with a five-minute warmup walk or jog.

The Schedule...

The workout is outlined at this link: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

NEXT STEP: Buy New Shoes

That's it for now...

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Who Wants to Run the 5K with Me??

Hi all...

I have been very busy researching information on running, training, 5K's etc...There truly is a lot of very useful information out there.

First off, I received quite a few emails/messages from people taking me up on my offer to run this 5 K with me!! I'm THRILLED!! I found out we could have teams running in this race!! WE COULD FORM A TEAM!!! YAY!!!

I spoke to my girlfriend Allison today!! She's fabulous! She has volunteered to organize all the particulars of coordinating a running team for all of those interested in doing this run with me in October. She's ran quite a few races herself including this one (CIBC Run for the Cure). She said that there is also an option to walk the 5k as well. Over the upcoming months, I will be posting more information/details on the race.

We will have team t-shirts with our team name on it! Oh yeah, we will need to pick a team name. Any suggestions?? Please leave your suggestions in the comments and I will pick the top 3/4 and create a final poll.

More importantly, if anyone wants to run this race with me this Fall, please let me know, or if you'd prefer to email me, send an email to journey2KMINE@live.com.

Very excited about getting this started...

NEXT STEP: Buying new shoes!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Stop Thinking About It and BE ABOUT IT!!!

I'M GONNA DO IT!!!!! I WILL BE CROSSING THIS ITEM OFF MY BUCKET LIST THIS YEAR! I WILL RUN A 5K!!!


Starting in June (exact date to be determined), I WILL start training for my very first 5K. That will give me about 4 months of training for my very first 5K race. I have decided to run the CIBC Run For the Cure on October 4, 2009 (website). I chose this particular race for a couple of reasons. One, it gives me enough time to properly train and two, the cause is near and dear to my heart because of my history with this disease. I will post more on this race in the upcoming weeks/months.

I wanted to ensure that training for this 5K works with my current training plan so I ran this by my trainer. He gave me his blessing, so I'm good to go!! Right now, I'm working out twice a day, 6 days a week. About an hour of strength training and 30 miniutes of HIIT Cardio (sometimes I workout once a day for and hour and the half - combining the cardio and strength). Incorporating the 5K training plan will not be an issue.

I've done some research (good old internet) and found a 5K training plan that I think will work for me. I used http://www.coolrunning.com/ as my website of reference. Rob (my trainer) took a look at it and gave me the green light. YAY!! This program will replace some of my regular cardio trainnng sessions.

I want to do my best to not get turned off of running simply by trying to start off too fast. I am a total BEGINNER when it comes to running, so I know I will need a good beginner's running program that I can ease into. Nothing too fancy. I chose this training plan because it is less of a running regimen than a walking and jogging program and it somewhat mirrors the cardio training I'm currently doing. The idea is to transform yours truly from a couch potato (when it comes to running) into a runner (well, jogger). The program will get me running 5K on a regular basis in just about two months - I plan to extend the program to 4 months.

Each session should take about 20 or 30 minutes, three times a week, making sure to precede each session with a five-minute warmup walk or jog. It's a 9 week progressive running training program that should have me jogging for 30 continuous minutes at the beginning of week 9, providing I stick with the program! So that's it. I will be training on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday for the next 4 months.


It's official. I'm excited again. Getting back that feeling that I had at the beginning of this journey - you know, that nervous, anxious, excited feeling!! Loving it!! :)

The 5K training program that I plan on using is called (appropriately for me), "From Couch-to-5K Training Program". I will lay it out in my next post!

If anyone wants to do this with me, I would love it if you'd join me. My girlfriend Janet already agreed to run the race with me! Thanks Jan! Let me know, maybe on race day, we could have a group of runners - would be cool!!

Until next time....


Joania (2KMINE!!!)

So You Think You Can Run a 5K??

HELL YA, I CAN!! I think! :)

Well, of late, I've been thinking of running a 5K!! It is something I've always wanted to do but if anyone knows me, they know how much I HATE walking much less running. But I made a vow to myself in December 2007, that I would try new things and not limit myself.

So far, having embarked on a journey to get healthy, I've lost 50lbs and feel better than I ever have! This is hopefully just one of the many new things I'll try and hey, if I don't like it, then I don't like it and I won't bother to do it again, but at least I tried it. Right?? Running a 5K is also one of the items on my bucket list and I'd love to cross it off this year. As I continue on my weight loss journey, I think this will help me to re-focus and gain new motivation!

I think I can do it, if I put my mind to it and I can just imagine how proud I'd be if I did it (I mean, "WHEN" I do it)!! I sent an email to my trainer telling him of my plans, because my hope is that we can somehow incorporate my 5K training into my existing training program. As soon as I hear from him, I will make my FINAL decision and set an official date to start training!! I'm about 60% YES right now! :)

So, I thought that I'd start this blog which I will use as a 5K training log. I will post all my workouts, blisters, tears and other first time experiences with running. Hopefully, when I run that very first race (which I hope will be the CIBC Run For The Cure in the Fall), I will post pictures of that too - who knows? There may even be video!! :)

I will continue to maintain my regular blog, this one will be solely dedicated to my 5K.....hoping to run maybe two 5K's by the end of 2009 (We'll see how I feel after the first one)!! Don't want to be too ambitious where this is concerned!

I can't believe I'm committing to this. This is a good thing!! :)

Unitl next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)