is running a 5K each month too much?

So I thought I was pretty much done with scheduled runs this year. I mean really, I am a new runner so I need to take care not to overdo it, avoid overtraining, and pace myself as I slowly build up my stamina, endurance, and allow my body to adjust to this whole running thing.

So how many runs should I take on this year? Is there a general guideline as to how much time there should be between run events? Anyone who is reading this is encouraged to enlighten this newbie! :)

Before this morning, I was scheduled to do the following 5K runs:

Weight Watchers 5K Walkit in May

LifeTme Challenge 5K in July

AIDS Chicago 5K in October

I was cool with that. But then this morning I saw two other runs that peaked my curiosity. One was the Rock-n-Roll TuneUp 5K in Chicago at Montrose Harbor on June 19th. This is a Chip Timed Event -- my first one of those. There will be entertainment and the route should be scenic and fun. And since I am probably running their Half Marathon event next summer with my friend Beth, I figured why not run their 5K! So I am signed up for it. Anyone else want to join me? Let me know! More info can be found here.

The other was a "running cruise". I had never heard of such a thing. But John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield are organizing two -- one to Alaska and one to the Caribbean -- and they look like a lot of fun. Not to mention the idea of running in a totally different location where there would be so much to see! Four runs totaling 26.2K plus all the other cool stuff that comes along with being on a cruise. More info can be found at Like No Marathon on Earth. I have not signed up for this yet but I am so tempted....

The Journey to Wellness began last May

It all started last May when I decided to lose all the weight that I have been slowly gaining over the past five years. I was tired of looking at myself in photographs on Facebook because they made me feel like I needed to purchase a bigger digital display just to see the entire photo!

I met with a Registered Dietician several times, talking about my eating habits, what I like and did not like to eat, and what I needed to change. Then he and I worked out a strategy and a plan for what I should be eating for good nutrition, how to count my daily nutritional consumption (and what those numbers should be), and what is considered an appropriate 'portion' by normal (not American) standards.

I also decided to go back to what works; I went back to Weight Watchers. This time, I went to their 'At Work' program where the weekly meetings take place at your office and your support group are people with whom you work. It was the most convenient solution I could think of.

From May to December, I lost 50 pounds! Just by eating more intelligently, making better food and portion choices, and pretty much giving up fast food and sodas (drinking mostly water, iced tea, and an occasional Coke Zero).

Starting this year, I started working out at a local fitness center. I do both cardio (treadmill biking) and strength training workouts and go at least five times a week. It is really making a difference in my endurance, strength, and my self image too. On April 4, I started a new program called Team Weight Loss which is a cardio program focused on weight loss and nutrition with a group of like-minded people. It is a challenge but it is kinda fun and the people are nice.

I am expecting good things from all this work! To date, I have lost 75 pounds. Very exciting progress, right? I am halfway to my goal so I have to keep things interesting so I can stay motivated. Variety in my exercise program, and setting both long and short term goals, are going to be my keys to success.

So I joined their 90-day Challenge, where you weigh in at the start and then are weighed again at the end. There are prizes for the biggest 'losers'. But the two big cool things with this are 1) there are two 5K races I get to walk/run, and 2) twice each week I get to do any of their classes for free. I plan to take advantage of that deal!

In fact, I am doing a total of four 5K races this year. Hopefully, all of my power-walking on the Treadmill since January and strength training since late February has prepped me for this. So far, things look promising! I ran 3 miles two weeks ago and clocked myself at 52 minutes. Then on the 23rd, I ran my first 5K (the kickoff to the 90-day Challenge) and finished in 42:41 -- a full 10 minutes faster! It felt great and I could've run farther. Now I need to continue my walk-run training program (thanks to Running for Mortals by John Bingham/Jenny Hadfield) in preparation for my second 5K on May 22nd -- the Weight Watchers 5K WalkIt. I hope to run most of that one.

I know that I work best when challenged. So I will be running the concluding 5K run in July for the Challenge. And in October, I will run the Chicago AIDS 5K. I am very excited about this run as it supports such an important cause -- fighting this terrible disease. If you are interested in supporting me in this event, please visit my pledge site and make a donation.

My bottom line goal is to lose another 75 pounds by this time next year and then to keep the weight off. I am going to be a lean, mean, fighting machine!

It is going to be hard work but it is so worth it! Pray for me, and stay tuned here as I chronicle my journey.