What, this isn't how everyone sets up for a treadmill session? A photo posted by Kate Winn (@katethismomloves) on Oct 24, 2015 at 5:38am PDT
However, recently I decided I wanted to challenge myself a little and try to incorporate more running into my cardio workout...but without making it painful! I know there are lots of walk-to-run programs that have you do two minutes of this, one of that, three of this, check your heart rate, two minutes of this, hop like a bunny...just kidding (I've been teaching Primary Phys. Ed. for too long!) The thing is, I don't like to have to think about my workout while I'm in the middle of it, so I didn't want to be constantly checking the time, my heart rate, or anything else. Therefore, I devised my own "Running For Beginners" program. Here's how I did it:
Originally (by which I mean six days a week for the last ten years), I walked for 30 minutes a day on the treadmill, at a rate of 3 mph (sorry, never did change treadmill settings to metric; and no, that isn't superfast but for someone who is typing at the same time, please cut me some slack) and incline of 4.0 percent.
Now as part of my new program, I walk at that rate and incline for a couple of minutes, and then I switch to a 5.0 mph jog at 1.0 incline. (I thought I'd need a 0 incline but I'm so used to going uphill that I felt like I was falling forward when flat - plus treadmill running offers less resistance than being outdoors, so I wanted to give myself a tiny bit more challenge so I'll be ready to head outside...once the weather hits an acceptable 20 degrees or so!) When I say I wanted to make this painless, I'm not kidding...I started out only running for three minutes, and then continuing to walk until my 30 minute total treadmill time time was up.
Each week, I've added one minute on to my run time...and I'm quite proud to say that I am now up to a nine minute run every day. I plan to continue to go up incrementally each week, and by summer perhaps I'll be ready to take on a 5K! (I said *perhaps*...let's not go holding me too that, okay?)
To help motivate me, my friends at Saucony were generous enough to send along a brand new pair of shoes - I chose the Guide 9 style in pink - which I'm absolutely loving. (I'm embarrassed to say that my previous "treadmill shoes" had seen me through over a thousand walks...and had seen better days!) The shoes have new Everun Continous Cushioning Technology, and I can't even tell you what a difference they make as I run.
Even more (now here's the part you actually care about!), Saucony offered to treat one of my readers to a brand new pair of shoes as well! Whether you're a walker, a runner, or just want to rock some stylish footwear, Saucony has the shoes for you! (The winner can select any pair of his or her choice from Saucony.com - such a fantastic prize!)
All you have to do to enter is simply fill out the form below and hit submit. That's it! Bonus entries for following This Mom Loves on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Contest ends Monday, March 14th 2016 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Good luck!