Running my first 5K

OK, I did it.

I signed up for a 5K. I haven't ran anything since I was a kid. I used to do a 10K run back then but I was seriously maybe 10 years old.

Fast forward a few years... *cough*... maybe add some more years...

I'm super motivated to have 2014 be my year to get fit... to be active... that includes trying running. Seems to me that attempting a race would be a good goal to work towards. Then I can call myself a runner right?

I've been working out on the Elliptical and doing some yoga (at home this winter). I've gone skating at our rink a few times and I've also been doing the workouts on Tone It Up. They're super great and easy to do (but challenging!).

As we move into spring though I'll need to amp up my training into something that will actually help me run! Snort... run... I must be crazy... But I have really cool new shoes, remember? I posted the picture the other day!



cool shoes!

So I was surfing around the blogs I follow and as I snooped through the Tone It Up website, I stumbled on this link... Get Ready to Train for Your First 5K.

Here is a plan I think I can do to get ready for my Run For The Girls 5K on April 12.

I'll have to start on March 3rd which is in just a few days. That part has me a little scared. It's cold outside. In fact this weekend is supposed to be the coldest of the winter yet (a balmy -55C with the wind). I am not going outside because I'll freeze solid in about 5 seconds. So I think the elliptical and I will be friendly for a little longer.

But as soon as it warms up... I'm heading outside!

I'll take -20C even... (never thought I'd be happy to go outside in that before this winter)...

Alright readers, wish me luck!

Fitness Friday

I'd love to do a Fitness Friday post every Friday, but I'll probably get distracted and forget (ideally because I'm actually doing something active). Anyway, when I remember, you'll get one!

My fitness check in for the week...

Cardio on the Elliptical... (I need a name for it... maybe Steve... working out with Steve sounds so much better)... 4 workouts - 40 minutes each! Hurrah!

Weights...  abs, arms, and legs... 4 workouts, 2 x on my abs! Yay me!

Did I go skating this week?... No but I plan to on Sunday...

Did I get outside for some exercise?... No, it's cold again and I'm a wimp, but I'm planning on trying to walk when it gets warmer than -20C. Or snowshoe, I have a pair and have yet to use them this winter, that's not right!

Did I get the kayak out?... bwahaha, everything is frozen solid and will be for many more months... I'll only be dreaming about getting on the water until May (brrr!) or more likely June. Insert sad face here...

How about water?... So I know I should be drinking 8 glasses of water but it always seems like such a lot to down... I feel like I'm floating away (and spending lots of time in the washroom)... So while I'm making a conscious effort to get and stay hydrated, in the winter I get most of my water from tea. I'll share my favorites next time!

Fun Fact... I discovered a website that has inspired these posts called Tone It Up. Actually these ladies have inspired me to get serious about my fitness this year.

I used to get by on fabulous genetics and youth. I've notice that both have been slipping this past year, I guess hitting my mid-30's will do that.

So check them out, sign up! They have super workout videos (free), recipes (free), an online community (free) and loads of inspiring members (also free).

I'm hoping to buy their BeachBabe workout videos soon and eventually sign on to be a lifetime member (there's a fee for this but also lots of extras like their nutritional plan and special member emails, etc...).

Ahh... Fridays just got a whole lot sweeter! How about you? Are you active? Do you track your fitness level? How do you stay healthy and amazing?