iRun 1.1

Thursday, 20th January 20eleven.
C25k week 1 day 1.

After dinner I synced my iPhone and put the week 1 podcast on it so I could receive my instructions while I was out and about.
I popped my iPhone in the inner pocket of my running pants where it was safe and headed out the door with my drink bottle full of water and ear plugs in my ears.
I think I may have overexerted myself in the 5 minute brisk walk warm-up because by the time the 5 minutes was up I was pretty puffed out.  I will remember that for next time.
When the instruction came to start my first 60 second run, I did and managed to jog for the entire 60 seconds.  For me that was a huge accomplishment.  I slowed down and focused on my breathing for the 90 second recovery, and when it was time to run again, I managed about 30 seconds of jogging before slowing back down to a brisk walk, focusing on my breathing.  I repeated this for the 4 next repetitions but had to skip the last 2 because I just couldn't run any more.  I skipped the podcast to the last chapter which was the cool down and continued walking for the last 5 minutes.
All up for my first session I completed 25 minutes out of 30, which I think is pretty good.
My aim for next time will to be to jog for a bit longer and push myself even when I think I can't do any more.
I will be continuing with week 1 until I have managed to complete the whole workout - so it will take me longer than 9 weeks to reach my goal.

background

I am a 28 year old female living in Melbourne, Victoria.  I have 2 children and a wonderful husband.
I am not a fit person.  I am overweight/obese and have avoided exercise and physical activities my whole life.  I have tried losing weight but am never very successful.  After the birth of my first daughter I even decided to join Fernwood (women's gym) because I was determined to be in the best possible shape I could be for my baby... I went for about 8 weeks and didn't go back again for the duration of my 1 year membership.  Not only was it a huge waste of money, it was a wasted opportunity.  The problem with gyms is that people like me never fit in.  They are for people who look like they don't need a gym.  I'm sure I am exaggerating, but in my mind everyone else there was a size 8.  I found this very deflating and discouraging.
Since that time (over 5 years ago) I have had some half-hearted attempts at dieting - cutting out fats, reducing carbs, etc but my biggest downfall is my lack of exercise.
Even as far back as my school days, I just wasn't the sporting type.  In my time at high school I managed Ds for Physical Education - not for want of trying.  I just couldn't run, I could swim but not very well, I could throw or kick a ball but not very far.  I was the kid that the sports teachers loathed.
My whole life I have said "I don't run".  That is until I read about a program called Couch to 5k.  The program is designed to build up gradually from not running at all to running 5kms non-stop in 9 weeks.  Apparently anyone can do it, so I thought "why not?".  I downloaded the podcasts that match the program so that while I am out pounding the pavement I can have something to listen to and motivate me.  I also purchased a supportive sports bra to minimise the bounce, as well as 3/4 Slazenger pants and a Bolle sleeveless top so that hopefully I can look semi-stylish as I take on this challenge that I'm sure won't look pretty!
This year is a year of challenges for me.  What could be more of a challenge to me than to become physically fit?
My aim is that by then end of 20eleven I will be able to say "I run".