Ease into 5k = COMPLETE!

I am so happy to report that I've finished all 8 weeks of the Ease into 5k program. As I've mentioned previously, I tried this program in the past, and didn't make it past the first few weeks. I just didn't have the motivation to continue.

When I decided that I wanted to RUN a 5k, and not just complete one via walking, I decided to give the training plan another try. But since I failed previously, it was clear that I needed to make some changes. So, what did I do differently?

• I completed the training plan outside. (Last time, I was completing the plan on an indoor track.) 
• I didn't get discouraged at how slow I was running - it was all about building endurance, regardless of the (ridiculously) slow pace. 
• I didn't want to fail/quit a 2nd time. Because I quite the first time around, I was more motivated to see it through this time around. When I was hesitating to go out for a scheduled run, I reminded myself that things needed to be different this time.

All of these things made a difference, but I honestly think running outside had the most impact. It takes discipline to run on a treadmill or run indoors.. and I'm still not at that point. If I feel like a hamster on a wheel, I'm going to get bored and I'm going to constantly focus on how much time is remaining.. and I'm more likely to give up because it's just not enjoyable.

When you're running outside, it's just more enjoyable - even when it's cold.

I finished the last training run with another 5k. I finished this one in almost the exact same time as my first 5k (38 minutes). But I still ran the entire time, and now I can focus on building endurance and increasing my speed.

I do have another 5k scheduled on January 16th. So, I have a few weeks to keep training and see if I can improve my time! And from there, I'm thinking about starting a 10k training plan.

Overall, I found the training plan to be quite doable, as long as I didn't worry about my pace. If I just focused on moving forward, it really wasn't too bad. I slowed down when I needed too, I just didn't let myself walk unless it was the portion of the plan that asked me to walk.

So if you're thinking about the Ease into 5k program - give it a try! If I can do it, then you can too!