This was the last week of my training that I had to entertain the kids while I ran. They started school today and I am ready to take my training up a notch.

NO EXCUSES
My new motto for this 5K training is ‘No Excuses’. I found ways to work out with my three kids, ages 8, 5 and 3 and also took to the track in the rain. I knew I needed to do speed training on Wednesday and the weather was awful. I briefly thought about skipping the workout, but instead, dropped my kids off with a friend and hit the track. I did cut my warm-up down by five minutes, but still logged a 1.5 mile run that day. I’ve been making excuses for years for not going to the gym every day and I’m ready to just do it and get in shape!

MY RESULTS
For the first week of my trainer’s low carb, no sugar diet I was not happy at all. I missed bread, rice and sugar creamer, especially Dunkin’ Donuts cookie dough iced cofee and struggled with finding new meals to cook for my family that were healthy and low carb. I am still making carb-loaded side dishes for the kids to make sure they get enough nutrition. When I made feta stuffed turkey burgers, I had the just the burger and the kids had buns and on split pea soup night, they ate their soup with yummy french bread, but I skipped the bread.

Now, two weeks after committing to a low carb and no processed sugar diet and only indulging in my morning oatmeal for my daily carb, I have lost 5 pounds and I feel great! Seeing these results makes me excited to continue the training and the diet. I can live without my cookie dough coffee if it means getting back to a healthy weight and feeling stronger.

WEEK 4 TRAINING
Mark, my trainer, recommended I do some longer, more challenging runs since I did well in the first three weeks. If you are following this plan and still struggling with the runs, continue week 3 training and follow week 4 training when you feel ready. He stressed to me that I need to listen to my body and rest when needed.

Day 1: 30 minute easy jog OR 30 minute strenght training OR Day off (if sore)
Day 2: Easy jog for 5-8 minutes
8 laps on track, fast run on straightaways and walk on curves
Walk to cooldown for 5-10 minutes
Day 3: 40 minute hilly walk
Day 4: Repeat Day 2
Day 5/6: Walk/Run for 1 hour total on one of those days and take the other day off
Day 7: Strength training of choice for 30 minutes

Are you doing the 5K Challenge? Please leave a comment with your challenges and accomplishments.