Ever see a 340 pound bowling ball with legs try to run? Believe me, it's not pretty, nor graceful. But, if I hope to eventually run in a 1/2 marathon (WDW 1/2 to be exact), I've got to start somewhere.
I originally started with the "Couch to 5K" (C25K) plan from coolrunning.com. But, it assumes a certain level of fitness that a 340 lb person can't have!!! Since then I have found Hal Higdon's site. He has a great section for beginning runners. It's even great for "those who have never run or walked before". Specifically the "30/30" plan is what I just started. It's a plan where you exercise 30 min/day for 30 days straight. In that 30 min it it broken down into 3 segments. The first 10 minutes are walking only. The next 15 min you are free to run/jog, with the idea that you run for 30 seconds then walk till you recover, then repeat. Last 5 min is walk only.
The benefit I see with the 30/30 plan over the C25K plan is the 30/30 plan seems to focus more on improvement from day to day. I guess it's more a psychological thing than physical. I just started 2 days ago and here is where I am right now. In 30 minutes I can go at least 1.4 miles while running 6-7 30 second intervals in the 15 minute run/walk segment. One thing I have noticed since beginning cardio work is that my average heart rate during my exercise has dropped. And I've noticed that I'm not out of breath as much or have that "pounding heart" feeling toward the end of my workout.
So, sooner or later, I'll be able to run my first mile, non-stop...then two....then three..... You get the picture. So, to follow Jonathan's lead, I too hope to run in the 2009 WDW 1/2 Marathon!
Now, I've got the first 1.4 miles down pat.......
Till next time....Take Care!!!!
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