Still keeping with the Couch to 5K program. Just started the 4th week and ran a solid five minutes for the first time last night. The program is a mix of running and walking, easing into solid running, and takes about 9 weeks. The 4th week consists of three minutes of running, 90 seconds of walking, five minutes of running, 2.5 minutes of walking, three minutes of running, 90 seconds of walking, and finishes with another five minutes of running. I was doing well until the final 90 seconds - the last two minutes of that final five minutes of running were all uphill.

I have a six mile trail race on July 12, I probably won't be able to run for the whole thing, but I know I can finish it and in a reasonable time (for me). I'm already seeing health benefits - some weight loss, feeling more fit, and in a better state of mental health. I even went out and spent an ungodly amount of money on a pair of serious trail running shoes. I went to an actual running store so that I could get properly fitted. The kid who helped me is also running the same series of races I am, and did the snowshoe races last winter. Gave us something to talk about in common and gave him an idea of what I needed in terms of shoes.