that third thing: c25k · 4:14pm Sep 9th, 2014
Told you I was scatterbrained... I finally remembered what that third thing was that I've been doing. It's called 'c25k'.
C25K stands for 'couch to 5k', as in 'couch potato to 5 kilometer runner'. It's supposed to lead you from being a fat slob sitting in front of the television to be able to run for 30 minutes - or roughly five kilometers - in about nine weeks.
I've just started week 3, but I've been doing this for about five weeks... blame school holidays ending, trips to Estonia and some really shitty weather for making me repeat (not abandon or postpone) weeks 1 and 2. I have to say though, I think it works. It's scary when you start a new week, and the first attempt at each new week is always worse than the one before it... but I'm doing okay. I'm running the distance.
If you've ever wanted to get into shape, but just don't know how, then this is the easiest, cheapest way to get into shape I've found yet: all you need is an mp3 player and a pair of sneakers. And clothes - most people look at you oddly if you're not dressed.
Follow this link and download the podcasts, do what the nice lady says and you'll be on your way in no time.
... Know what, pluck it to hail. I'll give it a try.
I love c25k, though I've sort of abandoned it over the summer and gone back to walking, but now that my break is over I can get back to a schedule. I'm not in any big rush to be racing, so I tend to take my time going from "week" to "week"—I'm overweight enough that I worry about pushing too hard to fast.
In any case, good on you for trying it out! I think it's really cool, and I'm glad you're into it.
I highly recommend this sort of thing. I didn't use this method, but I got healthy over the last couple of years (we're talking the dropping a hundred pounds kind of getting healthy), and it has made a night and day difference in my life.
Incidentally, listening to fanfiction with a text-to-speech app while running works fairly well. I distinctly remember "reading" the latest chapter of King of Diamonds this way.
I always forget the clothes myself.
Man-mode; Wear Wolverine reinforced hiking boots instead of running sneakers.
(I actually don't even own a pair of sneakers. I essentially only own boots; work boots, hiking boots, and riding boots).
Congratulations, Middy. Self-improvement and the subjugation of mortal flesh is a hard endeavor, and I wish you the best in your attempt.