Couch to 5K to Shin Splints

After having my surgery, I promised myself that I would get myself into shape, which for the most part I've done. I am maintaining my weight, eating better, and exercising regularly. The only thing to do now is to set new goals.

I'm going to be 40 next year, and have been saying for years that I'd like to be one of those hot-looking, healthy 40 year-old women that you see all over South Beach, jogging and walking their dogs. You know, the annoying ones. Years ago, I ran track, and have done one 5K race, but running never took. I would walk 4 miles, go hiking, rollerblading, take aerobics classes (God, I miss my 20's), but rarely ran.

Today I started the "Couch to 5K" plan. If I'm being honest, I started the week before the first week of the plan, since I couldn't complete the first day. What I was supposed to do was 5 minutes of walking, followed by 8 reps of 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking. I immediately pulled a muscle in my right shin, and couldn't start running again until I hit the second mile. The last mile, I did 3 or 4 reps, so I didn't give up, but this is obviously going to be tough for me. Despite my not-so-auspicious start, I am going to continue the plan, and maybe give myself a little extra time to get myself conditioned to the point where I can actually run 5K.

On January 24th, I am signing up for a 5K in Miami. I find that I do better when I've set short-term goals for myself, and I think it would be great, and not too far off the mark to be able to run 3 miles by January, if I stick with the program. I'll try to track my progress here week to week.

I'm feeling pretty good, with short bouts of bleh. What helps is the exercise, I think. Sometimes it takes all of my strength to motivate to workout, but once I'm in the gym, or on the track, I feel amazing, and my general demeanor is pretty great for the rest of the day.

I also am happy to report that my scar looks better every week. I have to admit that I'm not as great about putting Vitamin E on it 3 times a day as I should be, but I make sure to keep out of the sun, and it is slowly fading. By next year, maybe it will be a faded memory.