Those of you who have been here for a while might remember a promise I made nearly two years ago — that one where I said I was going to run a half-marathon the following year.

Have you stopped laughing yet? It’s OK — I haven’t either.

The unfunny part about that promise is how little I did to actually follow up on it. Yeah, I started Couch to 5K — uh, more than once — and there was that one time I made it three whole weeks into the program.

And then? Um. That winter was sort of cold and snowy. And while I was at one time young and in shape enough that I actually enjoyed running, that was a loooong time ago.

I would like to do that again.

I have no grand promises about marathons, other than I’d really like to sling water at Pittsburgh’s again next spring. The Great Race looks like fun, and with some cooperation from Ohio State’s football schedule, I’d like to try that next fall.

But no promises, except for this: I will be up a little early on Tuesday morning, and I will start C25K again. After that, we’ll see how it goes.

Here’s what’s going to be different this time. I’m asking you guys for help. I’m not going to turn this into an exercise blog — because, uh, you guys all know me, right? — but I will let you know once in a while how things are going. If you don’t get an update for a while, ask for one. I will be posting the C25K updates on Twitter. If you haven’t seen one for a few days, ask me why you haven’t. In either case, if you don’t get a satisfactory response, feel free to yell.

And if you feel like offering some encouragement when I complain about it — because I will — those comments will be most appreciated.

If you guys can make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing — in other words, if I know you guys are watching — I will do this. It will work. And I might even get to the point where I enjoy running again.

And if anyone knows of any silly mid-winter 5Ks they’d recommend, please let me know. Especially if you plan on joining me.

19 Comments

  2. OK, Mike. You asked for it. I’m preparing for my first marathon (Philly In November). Four years ago I wasn’t running at all. So I can speak from experience about starting from scratch. First rule: Buy good running shoes that fit well — half size or size larger than your regular shoes. Second rule: Stretch before and after running.

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  3. Run UC, Run! Turning 45 is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’ll get.

    I’ve been trying to get back into the ‘physical exercise’ as well this summer – not doing well at all – I’ve entered 3 different mountain bike races, and DBI for all 3 (that’s mountain bike lingo for drank beer instead) – which is usually an okay result – much better than DNF or DFL – but DBI is not helping me get that spring back in my step.

    My only advice to you is to write down a weekly / monthly training schedule – that way you know when you are actually following the plan, and more importantly, it can give you that extra push needed when it is cold, rainy and dark outside.

    Good luck- I’ll take this as a kick in my behind and set the alarm clock for tomorrow.

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  4. Check out local races at active.com. look for Halloween, Turkey Trots and Jingle Bell runs. Always fun, layed back races.

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    1. I just looked for you! Freaky 5k on October 29. Costumes welcome! Also a Turkey Trot (5k) on, well, Thanksgiving morning. Go for it!!

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  5. As my back is working its way towards being healed, I’m considering starting again. But I also like my sleep. And my couch. Ahem.

    heh

    Best of luck!

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  6. Couch to 5k is a great start. I started it about 2 years ago, failed, started again, failed again and finally used it to fruition about 18 months ago. Silly little smartphone apps are probably 90% of the reason I got through it, runkeeper for gps tracking, earndit tied to runkeeper to give me perks on things I’ll never use, playing fitocracy against my younger (and much more fit) sisters… all great little motivators. Build yourself a great little playlist of songs and get out there. I say it often, the hardest part of any run is getting off the couch.

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  7. UncleHunky?
    UncleStudly?
    UncleFitnessFreak?
    Uncle-Un-Crappy?
    Uncle5K?
    Oh heck, you’ll still be Unclecrappy, just fitter and happier. Now get off the couch and run. Good luck.

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