The Challenge

My crazy co-workers and I have decided to take the 5k and push-up challenge. Never heard of this challenge before? Well, we sort of made it up. The 5k challenge and the push-up challenge do exist, but just not together. We decided to combine the two programs and at the end of 5 weeks we will be able to run a 5k and after 6 weeks we will be able to do 100 push-ups. I know that being able to do 100 push-ups in a row doesn't sound very girly, but the program focuses on building strength and getting rid of the extra skin under the arm that makes you look like you are waving goodbye to somebody twice. Running a 5k may not seem much to most people, but I really don't like running. I am lucky if I can run 5 minutes without getting bored. I am hoping at the end of the program I will have a new perspective toward running. We have divided up the programs so that we do the push-up training only on our days off of running.

Day 1:

Monday was the first day of training. I was actually excited to start when I found out the first day only consisted of running/walking for 15 minutes. I was pumped to get started right after work but ended up running errands and not getting home until after 7 pm. I was so close to talking myself out of Monday being my starting day because it was dark and cold outside. I don't feel comfortable running alone when it is dark. After a few minutes of self-talk I made the decision that I needed to start that day. If I put it off, it would just be that much easier to put it off the next night. Thankfully I have a husband who is supportive and protective of his wife. The hubby, along with Cocoa, joined me for a night run. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to run the majority of the way. Have I mentioned that I hate running?

Day 2:

Tuesday was full of rain and wind. This is not ideal weather when you are training to run a 5k. The training schedule stated that I needed to run/walk for 2 miles. After finishing up my internship hours, I headed over to my parents house to use their treadmill. I was a little sceptical before I got started because 2 miles sounded like a lot. Before I knew it I was done and very happy about running 1 1/2 of the miles and only walking 1/2 of a mile. When I got off the treadmill, I quickly remembered why I prefer running outdoors. Is it me or do you ever feel like you are still walking on a treadmill even after you get off? It takes a little time to get your equilibrium in check.

Day 3:

No running today! Yay! Woo hoo! Can I getta whoop whoop? However, it was week 1, day 1 of the push-up challenge. There are 3 different levels for this program. Earlier in the week I tested myself to see which level would work best for me. I had to do a total of 5 sets with 60 seconds of rest between each set.

Set 1 - 6 push-ups

Set 2 - 6 push-ups

Set 3 - 4 push-ups

Set 4 - 4 push-ups

Set 5 - maximum push-ups (you have to at least do 5). I was able to finish the last set with 12 push-ups.

Mind you, these are not girly push-ups. I am talking straight lines (knees not on ground) and going all the way down and then back up. Piece of cake right? I feel fine now, but I am sure I will feel sore tomorrow.

So I have completed 3 days into the 5k/push-up challenge. I will give more updates along the way. FYI I think I used the word push-up 13 times...wait now make that 14.