Once Upon A Treadmill: My Journey Toward A 5K
I love a challenge. When people tell me I can't do something, I set out to prove them wrong. The phrase "bustin' mine to kick yours" should be tattooed on my arm in big, scary-looking letters. For this reason, I've decided to begin a couch to 5K training program and chronicle my experiences through this blog. Ok, that's not entirely true.
I mean, yeah, I love to be challenged and all, and as a writer, doing a blog about it seems like a natural fit, but I'd much rather be sitting on my couch, eating a burger and watching football or the last three episodes of Boardwalk Empire that I have recored on TiVo. But instead, I'm sitting in front of my computer, finishing my salad and writing a column. When I'm done, I'll put on my sneakers and jump on the treadmill - or as I like to call it these days: the dreadmill.
I think maybe I'm just crazy. Maybe I have some kind of vitamin deficiency that's giving me a strange desire to have blisters on my feet, chafed thighs and no time to sit and be lazy. But despite my apparent lack of common sense, I've still decided to "put one foot in front of the other" and take on the challenge of running (not walking) my first 5K. Be prepared for many more running-related cliches, by the way - it's my only chance to be this cheesy.
Anyway, I know that for a lot of people, running a 5K is no big deal. Heck, I see people running all the time - in the gym, around the park, away from the annoying vendors that occupy those stands in the middle of the mall. They make it look so easy and, dare I say, fun (maybe THEY have vitamin deficiencies too). But for someone who's not only struggling to lose 50-plus pounds and get more physically active at the same time, it's not such an easy feet (See what I did there? I told you I'd be using running jargon).
Anyway, I figured that if I can easily do two Zumba classes in one morning, with a weightlifting class sandwiched in between, theoretically, running should be easy, right? Yeah, not so much. For those who already run (and are rolling their eyes right now), just skip the next paragraph altogether. For those who do not run, let me explain how running is way different than other cardiovascular activities.
Basically, running sucks. There, I said it. Here's the thing: although the process just involves moving forward at a pace quicker than a walk, you're suddenly putting pressure on muscles and joints that have, for much of your adult life, been blissfully ignored. So although you may be able to run a mile and not be too terribly winded and think you can keep going, your knees, ankles and leg muscles have other plans. It gives the phrase "feel the burn" a whole new meaning, even if you've been an obedient new runner and remembered to stretch first. Which I rarely do.
Ever since I've been telling people that I'm working my way up to a 5K run, I've gotten advice from athletes who have been there and done that. Often they're talking to me about things like proper form, hydration, energy gels (which sound ominous and yucky), recovery, carb-loading and various scenic routes that sound like they'd be lots of fun to check out - in my car. Maybe someday I'll be advanced enough to put those suggestions to good use but right now, I'm just trying to get through week two of the Couch to 5K app on my iPhone without cheating.
So, since I've decided to share my attempt at running a 5K race with my Patch readers, I guess I should give a little background about myself and fill you in on exactly what I'm doing to train. In all honesty, this blog is a perfect way for me to be accountable and work towards my goal. I strongly encourage you all to nag me, encourage me, tell me I'm crazy or e-mail me and share your experiences or advice (just don't tell me to consume energy gels - cuz it's not happening).
As I previously stated, I need to lose 50-plus pounds, which I'm doing through a combination of Weight Watchers and exercise. I've already lost about 50 pounds over the course of a few years by doing Weight Watchers, and after quitting for a while, I'm back on the wagon and have also begun to switch to a vegetarian diet (purely for health reasons - I have no problem consuming a nice, juicy steak).
I'm running at least 3-4 days a week, either on the treadmill or outside, weather permitting. The app on my iPhone basically trains me through timed periods of running and walking. I'm on my second week and my runs have become longer and so far, I've been able to keep up. My endurance has increased and coincidentally, my weight has dropped. Sweet! In addition to running, I take a variety of group fitness and strength training classes at my gym, which break up the monotony. I'm also lucky enough to have a really supportive group of friends - my gym family - that run 5K races and do triathlons. They inspire me and they totally rock! Being surrounded by physically active people is important for me and it's made exercising fun, which - let's face it - isn't always easy.
So I have a lot of support, but I also have a lot of challenges. Although I'm in better shape now than I probably every have been, I'm still not in great shape. I have a long way to go. I also have a ton of work and family obligations that drastically limit the time I have to run or get in any form of exercise. As a journalist, it's not uncommon for plans to be derailed by breaking news or an unexpected story. But nonetheless, I'm in this for the long haul and I'm taking all of you with me.
So for the next several weeks - or months - I'll be sharing my accomplishments as I try to get the hang of this whole running thing. More than likely, I'll use this column as a way to whine and vent about how much I'd rather be hanging out in my living room with a beer than running. But regardless, you'll all have the pleasure of reading about how I'm doing. Lucky you! I'm determined to be as honest as possible, which means admitting when I've had a bad day and when my blisters outnumber my toes. If this works out the way I've planned, my very last blog will be the one I write after I've crossed the finish line of my first race. Wish me luck!
Terri Dassing
5:31 am on Monday, October 24, 2011
From someone who went from a couch a 5k - you can do it Toni! As for the gels - yes they are yucky & unless your running for more than a hour at a time you don't need them. NEVER stretch those muscles until they've been warmed up. Stretching before will lead to injury. Terri D
Toniann Antonelli
12:07 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Didn't know that about the stretching. Thanks for the tip, Terri! If you know of any good 5K races coming up in early spring, let me know!
Terri Dassing
6:59 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
In your neck of the woods on the shore area? Jersey Shore Running Club has a VERy active schedule. I can get you websites that list races throughtout most of NJ. I love to run with you!
Mary B. Housel
12:46 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Good luck Toni in your adventure! It's totally worth it, and what seems like a pain now (running) can be something you can learn to enjoy. (Of course, running isn't for everyone).
I agree with Terri on the "no stretching before warming up" advice. It's a recipe for injury. Only stretch warm muscles, when they feel tight. You can stop during a run and stretch if something feels uncomfortable or tight, and you should definitely stretch after a run if you're feeling sore or tight. I'm a Certified Athletic Trainer and a runner, and I'd love to help you if you ever have any injury prevention or treatment questions, as well as any running questions! :-)
By the way, the best way to find out about local races is through Metro Race Forum http://events.raceforum.com/ or through Compuscore (race timing company) http://www.compuscore.com/ or through a local running club or store. There are running company stores in a lot of the local towns around us- Summit, Westfield, Maplewood, Millburn, among others.
Good luck!
Toniann Antonelli
3:29 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Mary, thank you so much! I may have some questions for you and I definitely can't wait to check out those websites and sign up for a run!
Terri Dassing
7:02 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Mary's site raceforum.com is a good one to look at. Jersey Shore is www.jsrc.org. If I did it - at an older age than you - you can do it! Running is my mid-life crisis!
Jane Yager-Baumrind
7:04 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Toni, your a much better woman than I. I walk everyday for an hour plus, but running YIKES! I think you are great and I wish you all the best. Check out the Running Company in Westfield, they have group runs for beginners www.therunningcompany.net. Jane
Toniann Antonelli
8:53 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Thanks Jane! I'll check it out! And I can totally relate to the walking vs. running. I've been walking 5K on the treadmill for years, but it's a whole different ball game when you start breaking into a jog! I think it's awesome that you walk everyday - and for more than an hour at that!
Rachel Gary
7:47 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Toni, I know you may not be entirely ready to take on the 5K run yet but hope you will join us this Sunday, October 30 for the Sprint for Springfield Schools 5K Run/Walk. Maybe you could walk this one and work your way up to running the next one. Registrations are still be accepted at www.springfieldeducationfoundation.com. Good luck with your training
Toniann Antonelli
9:27 pm on Monday, October 24, 2011
Rachel, that sounds like a great idea! I could definitely do a walk/run (well, mostly walk), but this will be great training for me!
Rachel Gary
7:30 am on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Toni, you may also register on Sunday morning for the Sprint for Springfield 5K Run/Walk at Dayton. Registration opens at 7:30 am. I look forward to seeing you there.
Toniann Antonelli
11:06 am on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
I saw that on the website. Thank goodness I'm an early riser, lol!
Liz Mitchell Worthington
2:23 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
I know you can do it, Toni! Best of luck with the training. Let us know when you register for your race and we can cheer you on from the sidelines!
Toniann Antonelli
10:03 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
I'll definitely let you (and everyone) know when I'm officially registered! One day, we'll run a 10K together!
David Chmiel
5:02 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Toni,
I am getting tired just reading about the work you're doing. I've got no doubt that the 5K will merely be the start of bigger things!
Toniann Antonelli
10:04 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Thanks for the encouragement! I just met a guy who has lost 217 pounds and now runs full marathons. Such an inspiration. If he can do, so can I!
Monk
10:22 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Toniann, unless you are part of a relay team, dedicated running is an activity for solitaries. Natural runners are, first, naturally introspective. The rhythmic striding and breathing, the practice of self-discipline and will power make running a great way to purify your thoughts and focus. The self-knowledge and improvement you can attain are invaluable. If these ideas appeal, then the motivation and commitment grow easy. Of course, the iPods and cell phones destroy the spiritual benefits of running. But not all runners are interested in the whole range of benefits. Best wishes.
Toniann Antonelli
10:35 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tom, I can totally see how running can help you attain focus. A week ago, I was experiencing writers block and my first instinct was to go for a run to clear my head. And it helped! I like the idea of music, though. For now, it's helping to keep me moving but I have heard that many runners focus on breathing and form when they run, and choose not to use iPods. Maybe someday, I'll get to that point as well :)
Monk
10:45 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
I didn't mean to denigrate listening to music or yakking while running. I only meant to point out a facet of running that might be a motivator for you or others.
Toniann Antonelli
10:50 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tom, it's definitely a motivator for me. I'd love to someday have that facet of running be part of my everyday routine. Are you a marathon/competitive runner or just recreational? Any advice on how to build up endurance? Or is it just something that takes time?
Monk
7:39 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Terri Dassing's advice below is healthy, as far as building endurance goes. I used to enter races and was competitive (with myself, improving my times). Now, it's not the time or the distance — the physical — that matters. Running is more of a spiritual part of my life. This will sound corny, but it's like continually tilling the soil of my soul — clearing the rocks and weeds.
Camilo H. Smith
10:54 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Go, Toni.
Toniann Antonelli
10:05 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thanks Camilo :)
Terri Dassing
5:26 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
When I attend the Jersey Shore Running Club's "Running College" in the spring I was taught how to increase my endurance. The 1st week we jogged a minute, walked a minute - for a hour. I went home & continued this at least 3 times for the next week. The following week they increased the jog to 2 minutes with a 1 minute walk. This continued for the next 6 weeks until i was jogging the entire hour. Since then I've increased my mileage by 10% every few weeks to the point where I can run for 5 miles! On Nov. 5th I will take on my 1st 5 mile race - The Beauty & the Beach in Long Branch - a race only for the ladies. Could a half be in the future??? Maybe!
Toniann Antonelli
10:11 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Right now, I'm jogging 1 min and 30 seconds, with 1-minute walks in between. I do this for 30 minutes, sometimes twice a day. I try to run a minimum of 4 times a week. My endurance increases a tiny bit every time, although I do have "off" days when I really just wanna walk. I've managed to push through every time, though. I guess its really about taking these baby steps. And Terri, I think a half is definitely in your future. You inspire me so much! When you do a half, let me know so I can come and join Steve in cheering you on!
Linda Lauren
11:08 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Love your style of sharing! You are a wonderful positive energy that will achieve anything you set out to do. Coming from me, that's a good sign! :-)
Toniann Antonelli
11:27 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Linda, coming from you, that makes me super-excited and confident!
Linda Lauren
12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Awwww...thanks, and keep up the good work!
Terri Dassing
8:24 pm on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Awww, Toni thanks! Another thing I learned at Running College was "the longer you train for something the better prepared you are for it." So running a half may be in my future, but I think in the very distant one! When it happens I will let you know. Steve would love company on the side lines!
tracytalks2u
9:33 am on Monday, October 31, 2011
You are really inspiring me! I am going to start the Nomehigan sp? loop this week and get my butt in gear.
Toniann Antonelli
10:13 am on Monday, October 31, 2011
Thanks so much Tracy! Good luck! You can totally do this, girl! Maybe I'll see you out there!
buzz
9:57 am on Monday, October 31, 2011
The Nomahegan loop is 2 miles. Great place to run. No cars and a bathroom on the loop. Running is fun and once you're hooked you'll love it. Also runners never criticize another runner. No taunting like in other sports. Always positive atmosphere around runners. Welcome to our world.
Toniann Antonelli
10:26 am on Monday, October 31, 2011
I think I may have to get some warmer gear and try the Nomahegan loop. No cars and a bathroom sounds good to me! I'm getting a tad bored running the same route in Tamaques Park and there are times when the treadmill just doesn't do it for me. I like scenery, lol :)
Terri Dassing
6:53 pm on Monday, October 31, 2011
Warmer gear is a must! Yesterday I had on long compress tights with a 2 long sleeved tops, 1 was moisture wicking. A hat (which I HATE wearing) & gloves. Most of me felt warm once I was running for about 20 minutes. My thighs & toes were freezing. Gotta see what I can do to keep those parts warm!
Liz Mitchell Worthington
9:42 am on Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Where is the Nomahegan loop? That sounds fun!
Toniann Antonelli
9:47 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Nomahegan park...across from Union County College. I think that's where the annual Firecracker 4-miler takes place, but I may be wrong.
Monk
6:47 am on Thursday, November 3, 2011
An internet search of "A bike ride around Nomahegan Park" returns a YouTube video someone shot. Next, search "Nomahegan Park: Running route in Cranford, NJ" and go to the www.dailymile.com link for a map of the 2.03 mile loop.
Liz Mitchell Worthington
1:39 pm on Friday, November 11, 2011
I think we should form a Team Toni running club! Who's with me?!
Toniann Antonelli
1:49 pm on Friday, November 11, 2011
Awesome! Although I think at this point, it would still be more of a Team Toni Walking (with an occasional sprint) Club. LOL!
Timothy Styler
8:06 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
Toni, just came back to reread some of the posts. The Nomo loop is basically where the Firecracker race is along with a host of others throughout the year.
A great spot off of Nomo is the old shoot n skeet range area (Lenape Park) which is across Kenilworth Blvd from Nomo. What was once a hidden treasure is now opened a little easier for everyone to use the trails on that side going towards Black Brook Park in Kenilworth. So if you choose to go right you can go to Galloping Hill Golf course and the new paths that lead to it and go along the railroad tracks.
If you choose left - 1 mile down is Springfield Ave., cross this and you are in Echo Lake Park which is also just over 1 mile in length. You could keep going and hit the CP Trails behind the Mountainside Police Station or loop back.
Basically this area is some of the best running loops in the country in my opinion. While it may not have the sites of the Mesa Trail in Boulder, Co or the unbelievable terrain of Moses Cone Park in NC it is a great area to train. Over the course of time I think I've run tens of thousands of miles just between those three parks.
Enjoy!
Toniann Antonelli
11:19 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tim, what do you think of apps that track your run...or the Garmin watch? I'd really like something that would let me know how far I've gone so I can track this stuff better. I feel like I get the best workout when I have an actual destination, rather than just running and seeing where my feet take me. Which sounds great, but since I have no sense of direction, that may not be the best way for me to go about it :)
Timothy Styler
12:17 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Toniann, I am a big fan of the Garmin watches. For the watch vs app on phone, the apps don't seem to be as precise as what the watches are capable of. Different technologies used in each. Where would we be without a Garmin everywhere - car, bike and wrist? Accuracy typcially within 40 ft.
The Garmin 210 is pretty easy to use and the best bang for your buck in my opinion.
Of course it comes down to how much you would want to spend and there are other options from Timex and Nike that may fit the slightly lower price point or even some non GPS models.
Nice thing on the higher Garmin models is a "breadcrumb" feature where you can follow a path
Let me know if you have any other questions. Best of Luck!
Toniann Antonelli
12:20 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Yes! A "breadcrumb" feature is exactly what I need! Thanks for the feedback. I'll let you know how it works out! I'll actually be updating my blog this week :)
Terri Dassing
8:41 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I agree with Tim. I have the Garmin Forerunner 305. It enables me to see my pace, distance & time. Being able to see the distance enables me to increase my mileage in 10% increments so that I don't over (or under) train. The neat part is being able to hook it up to the computer & have everything uploaded - even the map of the run. I'm able to attach notes too! Beside my running shoes this was my best investment to running & overall health.
Toniann Antonelli
10:22 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011
That sounds like what i need, Terri. Thanks :)
Timothy Styler
10:19 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Toniann, stop in the store and one of the guys or gals on staff can show you the different models.
Will be following the updated blog. Good luck.
Toniann Antonelli
10:22 am on Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thanks Tim, will do! You rock!
Helga
7:04 pm on Monday, April 30, 2012
Since you're an experienced runner and you may know a few things about treadmills, I was wondering if you would give me some advice as to what treadmill is a good one to buy. Lots of people suggest Sole f80 | http://www.reliableanswer.com/treadmill-reviews/sole-f80/ | but it's a bit expensive for me. Is there any treadmill somewhat cheaper that you would suggest. Thanks for any recommendations!