back on the wagon: C25K

You guys have heard me talk about my latest workout/get healthy attempts before. I try really hard to keep up with something once I start it, but the reality is that I just don't love working out, and I just don't love healthy foods, so it's easy to fall off the wagon. I am within the healthy weight and BMI range for my height and I have an okay body image, but I'd still like to feel a bit healthier and be on the lower end of the weight range for my height. And, sure, I'll admit, I'm a little vain — I want to be able to feel comfortable and attractive in a cute bathing suit on the beach this summer.

A few months ago I was doing the 30-Day Shred. I was keeping up with it really well, and was feeling/seeing a difference... but then I got sick. About a week before my Vegas trip, I came down with a terrible cold that had me out of commission for a while, and I didn't work out at all that week, after about 20 days of consistently keeping up with the Shred. I went to Vegas and still wasn't feeling 100% health-wise, but I did feel comfortable in my clothes (and felt that my arms were definitely more toned due to the Shred — WIN!). Then I came home, still couldn't shake that cold, and didn't work out again that week. And two weeks is all it takes for me to totally fall off the wagon. I pretty much didn't work out at all for the rest of March, and got back into my old habits of choosing the unhealthiest thing on the menu when eating out and regretting it an hour later. (I love me some greasy food.) FAIL.

A few weeks ago I kept reading about Couch to 5K on Twitter, and I decided that maybe I should try it. For me, when I don't have the money for a gym membership, finding something that has some accountability attached to it or a set time line that will help me to stay motivated is key. I've never been a runner, but everyone kept saying how great this program is for easing into it. My blog friend Amy raved so much about how it has been empowering and life-changing for her (she has completed two 5K races now! Go, Amy!), so I couldn't not try it.

There are several C25K apps out there for the iPhone (most run $2.99); I chose the variation by Felt Tip, mostly because I'm a design snob and I liked the way it looked :)

I am about to begin week 3, and while it's still not what I would call easy for a 100% non-runner like me, it has been doable and, for the most part, an exciting challenge. I really, really hope I can keep up with it and turn a corner in my fitness routine. I will keep you posted.

On top of doing C25K, I've been trying to make smarter decisions with the way I eat, particularly after watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. I love me some French fries, but I don't need them every time I eat out, and I need to start looking at the big picture a bit more (because I'm not getting any younger). The realities of how poorly we eat in this country have been setting in for me, and hopefully the impact won't wear off anytime soon!

Anyone else trying to turn over a new leaf before summer hits?