1st Goal of 2009

I've decided not to adopt the New Year's Resolution of losing weight. But I am hoping that some of my other goals I'm setting this year will in fact make shedding a few pounds a reality!

Goal # 1 = Start Running, or maybe jogging, is a better way to put it! My goal is to get my feet moving a little faster on the treadmill and attempt a 5k run in late March. I'm signing up for Cincinnati's annual Heart Mini Marathon, with the plan on running in the 5k race.

A 5k is equal to around 3 miles and I think it's a good distance to start with for my first organized run. I have heard from several people that this Heart Mini Run can be kind of tough, b/c the weather in Cincinnati in March is a little unpredictable, but I'm still going for it.

Friends have offered to become my running buddies, and as I get more comfortable I'll probably take them up on their offers. For now, I'm starting on the treadmill at the gym with a program I learned about called Couch to 5k. The program is a 12 week beginner's running schedule designed to get people up off the couch and running/jogging on a regular basis, with the goal of a 5k run at the end of the program.

Today is day 1, we'll see how it goes. I have found a great website that has audio podcasts that follow the program, so after work, I'm planning on lacing up my gym shoes, plugging in the iPod and hitting the treadmill for the first run. I'll keep you updated on my progress - Wish Me Luck!!