While in Malaysia, during the first week or so, I continued to Shred sans weights, every morning upon rolling out of bed, sweating like a stuck pig in the sauna-like conditions of the room with the s/c off. Unlike my other times "home", I really did not want to deal with the crappy gym at my parents' apartment, so it was Shred or nothing! Then in the second week, Shredding occurred every other day or so. By the time I left, I might have Shredded twice that week.
Then came Switzerland, where I certainly did no such exercise.
Then I returned to Chicago, with my immune system battling germs my snot-nosed niece had so kindly given me (hard to avoid getting the germs when she sneezes in your face!). I never developed any fullblown symptoms, but there was no doubt I was battling SOMEthing over the following few days.
The dreary weather didn't help much either!
So it was only recently that Kosh and I dragged each other to the gym. Knowing that I would be almost starting from scratch in terms of treadmill achievement and endurance, I figured I might as well look to add some more structure to my workout (rather than just alternating the 5min walk 5 min jog thing).
As such, I am now going to be trying out the Couch to 5K running plan.
The name pretty much says it all: it provides a systematic way for someone who starts off at couch potato level to work his/her way up to running a 5K, or for 30mins continuously.
I have jumped in at the Week 5(1) stage: brisk 5 min walk followed by 5 jog 3 walk 5 jog 3 walk 5 jog then cool down. According to the treadmill this took me 1.6 miles; Kosh, who goes at a higher speed, got to 2 miles. I plan to stay at this level for a week to get my body used to jogging again, and then I'll ramp up the speed a little, followed by moving on to Week 5(2) onwards.
Wish me luck!
and checking out my other blog: a malaysian abroad |
I've heard a lot about the Couch to 5K. It sounds like a good plan. :)
ReplyDeleteI bought the Shred DVD today. I can't wait to try it!
Alamak, sudah lah, so much hard work :-/ Think I rather eat less than having to sweat it out at the gym !
ReplyDeleteBravo to u n Kosh tho for making the effort.
The Shred is HARD! I am in pretty good shape and I was shaking when I finished the first day.
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law did the couch to 5k and loved it. Good luck with it!