This probably sounds crazy to you, the notion of doing a physical activity when out of shape. But do you remember when you were not out of shape? What were you doing then? Could it be that you were active? Moving? Running maybe? My solution to getting back in shape is start running when out shape!

Couch 5k - Beginners

I started running before I started reading about running and running programs. True, I read a book by Stu Mittleman about running, but other than that, I did no more research. As I got more involved in running, I started discovering more information about running and great programs and challenges out there. One that I find very intriguing is the couch to 5k program, otherwise known as C25K. There are different variations of it, yet the objective is the same, to do a 5k run. Impossible, yes - if you chose not to do anything. But if you get out there and do it, next you will train for half marathon.

Start Running When Out Shape

"I can't run because I'm out of shape!" Is that your excuse? Well, walk then! Not just to the car, get out there and walk for 5 minutes. Don't talk on the phone, don't drag your feet, just walk, as if you had a purpose. Start breathing deeper and enjoy the surroundings. If you manage to take that step out of your house, you will find that you will stay out longer than 5 minutes - after all, you did make the effort, so why not? Yes, I understand, you are a very busy person, but 15 minutes of your time makes for only 1% of the day. That 15 minutes 4 times a week will start getting you back in shape. And guess what, since you are out there walking, maybe one day you will check to see if your legs remember what it was like to run. At first for 1 minute, then 2, and possibly by the end of the month you will reach 5 minutes of running! Wouldn't that be something. But yes, you are busy and out of shape!

5k - No Way!

I see you still did not give up! Those 5 minute runs are not enough for you. Suddenly you realised that by starting to run you are getting back in shape. What next, 10 minutes running? Maybe 15? Couch 5k beginners would see this as a halfway point. Another 15 minutes and you've done a 5k run. How is that possible for a person who 8 weeks ago (no, that's not you, you need 12 weeks) was out of shape?

It Does Not End There

Yes, there are 10k runs, but for someone who runs 5k, that is too small a target. Now you want to train for half marathon! I'm sorry, you are addicted now. If you lasted this long into this article, there is no hope for you left. You will train and you will run a half marathon. I will not mention any other future races, don't want you too excited now. When you do decide to train for half marathon, look me up. I'm out running my second competitive one tomorrow and cannot wait to get out there. Have a look how you can do it too! HelpGetFit