Monday 5K

I have decided to be able to run a 5K by New Year's Day. Well, actually by Monday, December 28. I have done a couple of 5Ks, but I haven't run the whole thing, and for a long time I have wanted to actually run five kilometers.

Plus, I need to get in better shape. If you know me, you know that I function on goals and deadlines. I live for goals. I love deadlines. And unfortunately, the nebulous goal of not getting diabetes and heart disease sometime in the future despite the fact that they run rampant in my family has not been cutting it as far as fitness goals and deadlines go. I need short-term things to work toward.

My "get hott for wedding" fitness calendar was an excellent motivational tool. June 13, 2009 was the day I had to look awesome in wedding pictures, and I exercised to meet that deadline. Unfortunately, that fitness deadline passed (and it was a very happy occasion at which I married an awesome guy and threw a rockin' party to celebrate). Ever since, I have not really cared about exercising.

But like I said, the killer combination of diabetes and heart disease runs in my family, and despite a reasonably healthy diet, my cholesterol numbers are already inching their way toward a heart attack, and I could stand to lose a few pounds. So I need to exercise.

So here's the plan: I have six weeks to get from where I am now to able to run five kilometers on a treadmill without stopping. I don't care how much weight I lose (though hopefully some). I don't care what the time is. I just want to be able to run that far. Every Monday I will post some stats to keep you, and myself, informed about how awesome I am getting.

Today's Monday 5K by the numbers
Time: 39:57
Distance Run: 3.40 km
Running Speed: 5.5 mph
Distance Walked: 1.60 km
Walking Speed: 3.5 mph