I mentioned a week or two ago that I started the c25k running program. Other than thinking I would die the first week it’s been lots of fun. If anyone is thinking of taking up jogging this is a great way to do it. It starts you out nice and slow and it’s amazing to see the progress that you make in just a few workouts. The first week I could hardly jog 60 seconds at a time and today I managed two three minute and two five minute jogs. A few things have made a big difference.
1.Visiting the Dr. and getting an inhaler for my asthma.

2. Comfortable clothes.

3. Music with verbal cues to run and walk at the appropriate times. There seem to be lots of tracks already put together for this program, but the one I’m using can be found here and it’s FREE . The music kind of grows on you. I also like this one because it has a different track for each different workout.

4. Finding a fun place to run. I get so bored going around a track. Lately I’ve been going to Hillendale and using their trails. This is much more fun. But harder too. Somehow I got stuck doing my longest jogging section on the part of the trail that is mostly uphill. ::sigh:: And the squirrels distract the dogs.

5. This is the most important one. Well, it ties number 1. GET GOOD RUNNING SHOES! Don’t use the cheap shoes you’ve been wearing for months and months. Yesterday my daughter and I headed over to the Runner’s Corner in Harrisonburg and bought real shoes. Before we went I felt kind of intimidated about going to a shop specializing in running. But I shouldn’t have. The young man running the place was very helpful and nice. He evaluated our walks and then helped us find shoes that would be best for us. We both had a bit of a problem with over-pronation and he was able to recommend shoes to correct the problem. What a difference it makes. My legs don’t feel as tired, my feet feel better, and my shins don’t hurt. It’s worth taking the time to go get fitted. And I though their prices were right in line with ordering on-line somewhere. Plus no shipping costs and you are sure to get a good fit. We even tried our shoes out on the store treadmill before deciding. I don’t want to take these shoes off.