Day 1, Complete

on July 9, 2012

First things first: today, someone (i.e. ME!!!) completed Day 1 of the Couch to 5K program. After six months of no running, it felt awesome to get out there and partake in my favorite form of â€˜me time.â€™ Everybody needs me time, but as a new momma, I neeeeeed it. I had such a blast listening to music and being outside that it didnâ€™t even feel like work.

I used a great iPhone C25K app, which Iâ€™ll review some time this week, and managed to keep up with the program quite well. In fact, I think my run intervals couldâ€™ve been longer, but I donâ€™t want to push myself. Gotta be nice to the knees!

Secondly: I made an awesome dinner.

The stand-out was the roasted butternut squash. I confess: I cheated a bit and bought a pre-cubed squash â€“ I love butternut squash but hate preparing it.

All I had to do was mix the squash in a lovely marinade and roast it. Tada!

A simple rub of:

Brown sugar

Oil olive

Ginger

Cloves

Cinnamon

Complemented perfectly by cast iron tofu, stir-fried veggies, and brown rice.

I put Henry down for a nap before leaving on my run; he slept all through my shower, cooking, and dinner. He joined us at the table via baby monitor. Baby monitors are so high tech these days. I can not only see him, but I can also talk to him via the monitor device. Pretty nifty.

Anyone else reach a big workout milestone today? After all my effort earlier, I know I need to spend a good fifteen minutes stretching (in front of the television, obviously).

{ 51 comments }

brooke @ sweats & sweets July 9, 2012, 7:59 pm
I managed to run my 2 quickest miles to date today!
Congratulations for C25K Day 1!
Anna D July 9, 2012, 8:15 pm
I managed to run 5 miles for the first time in a year–all thanks to this program called, “Zombies, Run!” where you outrun zombies (imaginary). It mixes a narrative/mission in with your music!
- Amy July 9, 2012, 10:17 pm
  I love “Zombies, Run!” It is so much fun! And the narrators are British, which just makes it even more fun to listen to. 🙂
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats July 9, 2012, 8:20 pm
oh my gosh, I LOVE butternut squash and that looks like heaven!
faith July 9, 2012, 8:21 pm
Congrats on day 1. That’s awesome! It may not be a new milestone, but I’m starting to see more mile times in the 8’s, which I love with! Even if I can only do 1.5 at that pace I’m thrilled since I used to run them in the 12s!
Chelsea July 9, 2012, 8:21 pm
Congrats! I am doing Couch to 5K as well. I finished Week 5 today and ran two miles without stopping in twenty minutes. It’s not much, but it’s more (and faster!) than I have ever done so I am pretty proud.
Emily July 9, 2012, 8:37 pm
I completed my first day of C25K yesterday! I haven’t run in about 7 years, and with the extra weight I’ve added I struggled quite a bit. Even more reason to keep going, I guess.
Abby July 9, 2012, 8:43 pm
I really wish I was running!!! I have a knee injury (bruised bone) so no running, but I am trying to bike and do yoga instead! I reaaaaaaly missssss runnnnning! I will live vicariously through you.
Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras July 9, 2012, 8:48 pm
Get it girl!!
Tara July 9, 2012, 8:55 pm
Congrats on D1! I also did the C25K day 1 today and had the exact same reflection (running could’ve been longer, but shouldn’t push day 1). I am coming from doing a 10k to not running at all for a 2 months, I can only imagine after 6! Looking forward to your app review and interested to see if we are using the same one.
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See July 9, 2012, 8:58 pm
I definitely want to try a couch to 5k! I tried once but then taught it was too easy and stopped…which doesn’t really make sense if you think about it 😉
northofthe49th July 9, 2012, 9:05 pm
Went out for a 3K run and ended up finishing 4.5K (mostly on a hill circuit, so not running right throughâ€”best part of running hills is having a legit excuse for walking breaks, ie., top to bottom).
Leslie July 9, 2012, 9:09 pm
Good for you. Glad to see you are able to do the things you love again. I worked out with my trainer today. This is a big deal since I have been in a serious rut for awhile. You were a super woman today all that and a great dinner on the table.
Michele July 9, 2012, 9:11 pm
I am not a runner by any means and my big exercise milestone happened this weekend. I ran on the treadmill for 4 WHOLE MILES!!! I only stopped once too when I managed to punch the emergency stop button about halfway through. I was so proud of myself!!!!
Stacy @ Stacy Eats July 9, 2012, 9:15 pm
Awesome job! I bet you feel great.
Today I completed my first day of marathon training for my first ever full marathon. Can’t believe I’m finally going after a goal that I’ve wanted to accomplish for quite some time!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 9, 2012, 9:23 pm
Congrats Caitlin! I know that feels great! My husband actually ran with me for a little bit today and that was a huge milestone for him…he’s actually already talking about wanting to do more! That makes me so happy…I’ve never had him want to run with me before. I would say that was a huge exercise milestone in our house!
Amanda July 9, 2012, 9:32 pm
Congrats! I remember when I was able to run a mile without feeling like death, and it was awesome. Today, I biked up a huuuuuuuge hill near my house for the first time! I usually have to walk halfway through!
Kelly July 9, 2012, 9:33 pm
My workout milestone was getting to a kickboxing class at 5:30am! My day was jammed packed and I knew it was the only time I would be able to get my workout in. So I am super proud of myself for getting up and getting it done!
Katie July 9, 2012, 9:37 pm
well, not quite a milestone . . . I woke up in the middle of the night with a sore foot. Half asleep I stepped out of bed and OW! They tell me it’s plantar fasciitis. And I am not happy. I suffered a strained ligament last march after taking a spill down the stairs and it took a while to get back to running. But this feels just our of nowhere. And in the past year I’ve become way more aware of how much I need 4 – 5 days of intense exercise to manage the stress of being a full time working professional mom. THat hour of boot camp or running before anyone wakes up is what gets me through the day. I’m trying to think about focusing on cleaning up my food. and maybe biking? swimming? but I have to say that right now I’m feeling a little bit sorry for myself. And frosting on the pity party cake. I HATE wearing sneakers at work. Not professional and I get sheepish and uncomfortable. But I’m glad you are out there Caitlin. It really is so important to have some time for yourself as a Mom. You’re really ahead of the game because I didn’t always know that, or how to do that. So, good for you! And for Henry!
Laura @ May Your Bobbin Always Be Full July 9, 2012, 9:47 pm
Well, I walked for the second day in a row. Not a huge milestone, but I’ve been feeling SUPER lazy and we were on vacation so this is a step in the right direction for me!
julie (etsy stalkers) July 9, 2012, 9:49 pm
No work out milestones but I love me some pre-cubed butternut squash from Trader Joes. I hate working up a sweat on my squash.
Jaclyn July 9, 2012, 9:58 pm
I start the couch to 5k program tomorrow! Too funny since I just found your blog today. I am an extremely novice runner though, so the couch to 5k is quite literal! Thanks for the extra inspiration!
cartascartas July 9, 2012, 10:04 pm
that is SO awesome–congrats!! you must be so proud of yourself!! you’re an inspiration. 🙂
Laura @ The Bright Side July 9, 2012, 10:06 pm
Not quite the milestone here either…I was actually feeling extremely faint towards the end of my spinning class this morning. I’ve been going for more than a month now, but I think the apple and peanut butter I had for pre-workout fuel just didn’t cut it. That, or the instructor kicked our butts.

Regardless I felt awesome and accomplished for staying for the last fifteen minutes even if I was sticking to my own pace 🙂

BUT YOU, awesome job getting out there and achieving those fitness goals!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape July 9, 2012, 10:24 pm
There’s an app?! Definitely downloading that!!
Helen July 9, 2012, 10:32 pm
Congratulations! C25K is the best. My sister is in the midst of it right now and LOVES the app!
Rebecca July 9, 2012, 10:53 pm
I went for a bike ride with my dad tonight! Not sure how many miles, but it took us at least 20 minutes. Biking for the first time in several months was fun, although I know I’m going to be sore tomorrow. But it was nice to do something more than just clean or move stuff around all day.
Jacquelynn July 9, 2012, 10:54 pm
Way to go!
Mandy July 9, 2012, 10:57 pm
Congrats! That’s awesome that you’re back in it!

I’m getting back into running after a week or two of light runs. Apparently when I’m going through a break up, I have a hard time peeling myself off the couch. Who would’ve guessed? But running makes me feel so much better emotionally, so I’m back at it! I just need to get my distance back!
Meet Me At The Finishline July 9, 2012, 11:00 pm
Sometimes the first step is the hardest! Congrats! I am starting a week of yoga. Did some Ashtanga today at my favorite studio and feel amazing!
Allison July 9, 2012, 11:37 pm
Congratulations! Your day seems like it was just grand 🙂
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles July 10, 2012, 12:10 am
I tend to buy pre-cubed squash too – I love it but I’m always afraid I’m going to remove a finger or two trying to get the damn thing open.

Looks like a delicious dinner – and I don’t even like tofu all that much!
Brandi@String Cheese Runner July 10, 2012, 12:47 am
That’s so crazy. I was just looking 10 minutes ago for a recipe to use with my frozen butternut squash. I’m also going to try to cook tofu your way, because the last time that I cooked it, it was not good.
jameil July 10, 2012, 1:05 am
Go you! I did a combination Zumba & cardio kickboxing class today (~40 mins for each) and it was AWESOME! My arms are burning like they haven’t in months! I’m supposed to be running 3-4 miles tomorrow. We shall see!
Emma July 10, 2012, 1:06 am
I am going to the gym tonight and won’t make it to any of the classes because I have to work, but think that I will do the C25K program instead. I generally do it each summer when the weather is nice (I much prefer running in the heat instead of the cold) but since it’s winter in Oz, I’ll give it a go on the treadmill.

Thanks for the inspiration!!!
ann July 10, 2012, 1:16 am
So happy you are on your way back to running.
Which Motorola monitor do you have? We have one of the sound only currently and I would like to get a video one for my new little man, he is 6 weeks old and will be moving into his room soon.
thanks for the info,
ann
- CaitlinHTP July 11, 2012, 10:55 am
  linked to in the post!
Min July 10, 2012, 2:28 am
Gosh I miss running!
It’s so great that you completed your first day.
I would be so worried that I would get a prolapse so soon after birth, I congratulate you on your will power and courage!
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good July 10, 2012, 7:01 am
What a coincidence, I started Couch25K yesterday too. 🙂 I hadn’t run for about 2 1/2 months due to a bum knee, and I want to gently and carefully get back into it (I hope). Okay so far.

You rock getting back at it so soon. 🙂
Amanda July 10, 2012, 7:21 am
Haha, I’m starting that today! I probably have the same app as you on my iphone too 😛
Reenie July 10, 2012, 7:26 am
Thx for the tip on the App….I just downloaded it. Now…I’ve got to make myself use it =)

Congrats to you!! Glad you had a great workout…me time….great dinner with The Husband 🙂
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 10, 2012, 7:43 am
Congrats on your run today! I’m sure you’ll be back to where you were with your running in no time. 🙂

I hate cutting squash too – I always end up cutting myself in the process!
Ashley July 10, 2012, 8:04 am
Still trying to decide on a monitor – do you like yours, would you recommend it, and what kind is it? And way to go on getting that activity started!! 🙂
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed July 10, 2012, 8:14 am
Congrats! I did my first hot yoga class last night… it was intense and wow am I feeling it today!
Kath July 10, 2012, 9:14 am
I can’t wait to run again!!
Lauren T July 10, 2012, 10:27 am
Congrats on your accomplishment for the day!! I’m doing the C25K running plan too, and I’m on week 4 which is the first week where you run more than you walk! I felt pretty good about myself after the first day of week 4 yesterday. I’m both nervous and kind of excited to running 20 mins/2 miles straight next Friday :0 Good luck to you and keep up the awesome work! It’s pretty amazing all that you’ve done in only a month after Henry was born!!
Jen Kline Clark July 10, 2012, 1:49 pm
The sweet potatoes look yummy! I love that you found them pre-cubed. I will have to look out for them. I am getting ready for a sprint triathlon at the end of the month, so I trying to up my running from 3 miles to 4. Unfortunately, I keep cramming to many things into the day and running out of time. I got 2.5 in this morning, but pleased that I didnt say that 20 minutes isn’t worth it.
Brigid July 10, 2012, 2:24 pm
Congratulations on completing your first post-pregnancy workout!
lisampls July 10, 2012, 10:51 pm
yay mama! congratulations on your speedy post-baby recovery! clearly you have taken care of yourself and that means a timely recovery. i’m sure it felt SO GOOD to get out there and be Caitlin again–it’s easy to lose yourself in the mama role, having time to be YOU is sooo important!

i’d also like to know which motorola monitor you have?? we have a new baby on the way (due in a week!) and i’d love a video monitor for our toddler (who KNOWS what she does in there during naptime!!) and use our sound-only monitor for the little dude. thank you!
- lisampls July 17, 2012, 2:27 pm
  linked in the post. duh. i’m SO blaming that one on pregnancy brain!!! thank you.
Michelle @ gloriouseats.com July 11, 2012, 10:39 am
Congrats on starting up the C25K! I started it at 180lbs and it was tough at first, but as you know it gets easier! I’m glad to hear you’re taking time for YOU! You deserve it!

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