Now I'm in the beginning stages of losing the 100 grief pounds and reclaiming a healthy life.
I still have the goal of running in a marathon. But.
I have to do this is stages. It may take 2 or 3 years of training before I get there. This won't be a "12 weeks to running a marathon!" plan. I don't know yet how long it will take me. (much like my weight loss plan)
Because I am starting from a very sedentary and out-of-shape place in my life.
I figured out a few weeks ago that the first step would be to be able to walk for 45 minutes. I came up with this number because that used to be my average 5K time. So I figure that it's a good walking goal to reach for.
The first step is an 8 week walking schedule.
During these 8 weeks, I will go from not moving much at all (outside of regular tasks, like walking to and from my car and doing housework) to being able to walk at a moderate pace for 45 minutes straight. I will get on my treadmill and walk every other day during this time.
Week one: 20 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Week two: 25 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Week three: 30 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Week four: 30 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Week five: 35 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Week six: 40 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Week seven: 45 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Week eight: 45 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
I just started week four and I'm loving it. I've had to adjust a bit due to LIFE (sick day, cramps, etc) but have been mostly sticking to this. It's pretty easy for me to walk for 30 minutes now, and that's a big victory for me.
I haven't written a plan for the next step yet, but I think that I will keep it in two month increments for awhile because that seems to be a good calendar goal for me. I think that next I will be adding in some strength training and yoga, plus will be trying to reach for an hour of walking. Step three may start adding in cardio multiple days in a row! Who knows? I love writing my own plan.
I don't want to add any running into the mix until I weigh less than 250 pounds, which is the "maximum weight" for the treadmill that I walk on. So far, it hasn't collapsed under me from my walking, but I don't want to break it with running! Plus walking is a great workout in itself and an excellent stepping stone towards getting back into running shape. :-)
Also, I have started an Instagram hashtag to chronicle healthy choices this year: #leahgettinghealthy2016
