Guest Writer

Hi guys,

One of my fellow bloggers has offered to assist us in our quest to becoming 5K runners/joggers. She's a former running coach and has graciously offered to write posts on this blog site, providing tips and tricks to help us with our training for the 5K. I've given her author privelages on this site so she can post directly. She also maintains a blog of her own. Check it out here.

Anyway, I think it's absolutely fantastic that she's agreed to do this and I'm confident that the information will be quite beneficial to us. Thanks again Veg Next Door.

I am also planning to ask my trainer to post any strength training and any other tips that can compliment our running training.

That's it for now...I will be posting some info tomorrow.

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Rules and Tips for the New Runner

Hi again,

I've decided that my official first day of 5K training will be Monday June 15, 2009!!

More information from my 5K running/training research.

There are a few basics beginning runners should know when getting started. Below are a few tips to get you off and running.

1. Schedule Time to Run: Go ahead and include time in your daily schedule to run 3-5 days per week. For me, it will be 20-30 minutes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays every week until race day (Oct 4/09)
   
2. Set Goals: Many beginning runners want to lose weight, have more energy, and/or look better. Go ahead and set a specific goal to run a 5K or other race at some point for example; it should help you stay motivated. My one main goal is to FINISH that 5 K in October (even if it takes me 2 hours and it might)!
3. Get New Shoes: Visit a local running store and tell them you are a beginning runner looking to find the right shoe. I’m not talking about a large chain shoe store at the mall, rather a specialty running store operated by runners who will know how to get you into the best shoe for your foot. I visited the RunningRoom and purchased a new pair. They were so helpful and knowledgeable!
4. Keep a Journal: Use a journal record your runs. This is a great way to monitor your progress and help keep you motivated. That is the purpose of this blog!


5. Eat Like a Runner: Runners need nutrition for fuel. Be sure to pay attention to nutrition. Important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. I will just continue with my current meal plans!


6. Drink Fluids: Drink plenty of water following your runs to stay adequately hydrated. Again, I just plan to continue what I am currently doing...lots of water!!
   
7. Be Sure to Stretch: Stretch after every run. I will attach a "runner's stretch routine" shortly!
   
8. Practice Good Running Form: Your heels should hit the ground first. Get off on the right foot by using good form. Let the learning begin - Maybe our friend, Veg Next Door (former running coach from the running room) can share some tips to practicing good running form :) Thanks!

So those are some of the tips I've found on the internet and a couple of books. If anyone out there has some more tips and rules, please feel free to share in the comments. Thanks!

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!!!)