When I began this journey a mere week and half ago, I felt wheezy after just 2 minutes of running. Now after just 5 runs, I am already feeling a difference in my endurance. I've still got a long way to go but I have taken the first step in the right direction. Here are the two items that have really motivated and aided my efforts:
NHS Choices: Couch to 5K Podcasts
The NHS have done something right and produced a fantastic running program for absolute beginners like myself. The weekly podcasts initially start with only short spurts of running, broken up by periods of walking, gradually increasing in difficulty each week to 30 minutes of straight running by week 9. Laura, the narrator of the podcasts has an encouraging tone of voice and the music is not as half bad as I thought it was going to be. Best of all, the entire program is free to download - there is no excuse to not go outside and get running!
OMRON Pedometer
This item is more of a luxury than a necessity but I have enjoyed using my pedometer to count my steps, fat/calories burnt, and miles kilometres ran. This incredibly small and lightweight device has helped to motivate myself to improve on previous runs as it stores data for up to the previous week. There are countless mobile apps that provide a similar function but since we already owned this little device and my phone is obsolete, this pedometer is perfect for my needs.
I have never envisioned myself as someone who would enjoy running but it has made such a difference, not only to by fitness but my overall mood. Now I look forward to exercise, rather than scowl at the thought of it. Let's see how long this lasts - I will continue to document my progress!
