My First Running Plan...(That Actually Worked)

Running from the couch is really easy. It's one of my favorite things to do! I imagine my feet pounding down a path amidst some beautiful scenery. I can hear my breath clicking into a satisfying tempo. I'm flying. Usually I'm eating a snack while I'm doing this. Potato chip number fifty is probably when I snap out of my little day dream. Yes. I eat potato chips. I like them. A lot.

Cut to my first run. New shoes. New socks. Accountability from my family and friends.

To save you an irritating several paragraphs, I wrote a haiku about this experience.

Blisters everywhere.

Everything hurts. Why running?

I can't breathe. I died.

So. It didn't go well. Therefore I quit. Just kidding. Thanks so my dad, I made a plan.

The Plan

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Part 1: Shoes and Socks

I started by visiting Fleet Feet in Chico,CA. With the help of several bandaids, I pointed out all of my hot spots and begged for help.

1) They gave me inserts. Apparently, Hoka shoes sometimes cause rubbing on the inner foot, but this can be fixed with the right insert! Thankfully, because I love my Hokas and intend to be buried in them.

2) I got news socks. Balega, blister-preventing socks.

The difference!! Oh the difference! Pain free feet! No blister anxiety!

Part 2: Planning Patiently

“You don't have to be extreme. Just consistent.”-Monique Leitz

I am patient with children. I am patient with adults. I am patient with dogs.

I am NOT patient with my fitness.

So, when my dad laid out this plan, I wanted to crawl in a hole. A whole month just to reach an hour of running!?

You must know, my dad has my respect because I decided to do it anyway.

Monday: 35 minutes (check in with dad)

Tuesday: 36 minutes (check in with dad)

Wednesday: 37 minutes (check in with dad)

Thursday: 38 minutes (check in with dad)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 40 minutes (check in with dad)

Sunday:REST

Monday: 39 minutes (check in with dad)

Tuesday: 40 minutes (check in with dad)

Wednesday: 40 minutes (check in with dad)

Thursday: 40 minutes (check in with dad)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 45 minutes (check in with dad)

Time on my feet. That was the goal. Tomorrow, I run my one hour.

I'm going to do it without blisters

I'm going to do it without knee pain.

I'm going to do it calmly and confidently.

It's not because I stayed motivated. It's because I stayed consistent. Consistence only comes with patience and careful planning.

Part 3: Accountability

Having someone to check in with regarding your process is important. Someone whose opinion is something you hold in high regard. If you have that person in your life, awesome! Text them today. Get going!

If not...

Contact me. I love being that person! And I already mentioned I am patient with people and love potato chips. We're obviously going to get along.

Best of luck!

-Kait