I DID IT! Couch to 5K is COMPLETE!

9 weeks ago I was sedentary.  9 weeks ago I was winded after climbing one flight of stairs.  9 weeks ago I weighed 269.8 pounds.  9 weeks ago my fat clothes were tight.  9 weeks ago I ate at least 4,000 calories a day.  9 weeks ago I was too tired to play with my kids outside.  9 weeks ago I was headed for a heart attack, stroke and/or diabetes at a young age.

Today I am active.  Today I can run and run without getting tired.  Today I weigh 225 pounds.  Today my skinny clothes are baggy.  Today I eat less than 1,800 calories per day.  Today I ran with my daughter while she rode her bike.  Today I have a much better chance of living a longer, healthier life with my family.

Today I am a runner.  9 weeks ago I was not.  Today is my graduation from the Couch to 5K running program, and my first 5K is on April 2.

If I did it, you can.  I am not an athletic or active person by nature.  When I started the program, I literally didn't do any exercise at all and my diet was terrible.  There is nothing stopping you from changing your life if you want to.  Get up.  Go outside.  Walk for 20 minutes.  Now.  Go.  Do it again in two days.  On your day off, read about the Couch to 5K program.  If you are morbidly obese, call your doctor, and consider starting with a walking program.

But the important thing is to go and to do.  Your will feel less stressed.  You will feel better about yourself.  You will feel in control of your life.  I didn't start this program in a bad place.  I like myself and I love the life that God has given meπ––but I feel better about me and my life today.

Tonight I set a new distance record.  Tonight I averaged a 10:28 pace, passing my goal of 10:59.  Jeb ran with me and held my feet to the fire when I wanted to slow down.

Next week, I will move up to 33 minute runs with RunKeeper.  My username is mikemchargue if you want to virtually run with me.  After that it's up to 5K for a week and then my race.

And then I want to train for a 10K.

My name is Mike McHargue and I am a runner.

I want you to know that you can be a runner too.  Thanks for reading.

Comments

[Dad]

I am proud of you. In addition to all the benefits you mentioned, the personal confidence you are now exhibiting is the result of a huge personal achievement. It will translate into every aspect of your life. Again, I am so proud of you!

[Erin]

I found your blog by googling couch to 5k and loved reading your running journey. I just started week four and you've definitely made me believe that I can make it to week nine!

[Heids]

Hi Mike

I also found your blog by googling c25k. I am on week two at the moment and have just read your journal of your c25k experience - Congrats on such a major achievement. I could relate to your early posts and you have given me confidence and encouragement that I tool will make it to week nine.

Cheers
Heids