X Factor Running Group is a 10 week program designed to get you from the couch to your first 5K. The group meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 5:30 at Houston’s Memorial Park.
The Astros Race for the Pennant 5K was where X Factor’s Running Group “Couch to 5K” unveiled its first athlete. Like I have stated in an earlier post, I started the X Factor Running Group so people could have a smooth transition into the world of running. Even if you are a moderately active person, running can be something that instills fear, and if not approached properly, brings pain as well. Sharon tackled her training with great discipline and made great strides in just 8 weeks.
The morning of the big race we started the usual warm up and headed to the starting line. It took us about 3 minutes to get to the start of the race after the horn sounded and off we went. The most challenging thing about the race for Sharon seemed to be the heat and the hills. Training at 5:30 am doesn’t allow you to prepare for the direct sunlight and heat Houston can bring to a sporting event. But she kept plugging away and finished strong with a respectable 45 minute time. What I did not mention earlier was that Sharon was sick the week before and did not run the week of the race.
After completing the first 5K and analyzing the training process, I think a few changes need to be made. I will have the participants run for about 15 minutes during a hotter part of the day one day a week. This will help them prepare for races that start later in the morning and their bodies will be a little better conditioned for the heat. Also, later in the 10 week program hills need to be introduced. Houston is not known for its hilly landscape, but don’t think race planners aren’t going to add in a few overpasses to help make the race a challenge.
I am very satisfied with the progress Sharon has made and proud that she had the guts to go from the couch to a 5K with such grace.
Tags: 5K, running, running bootcamp, running groups, X Factor
Reynaldo Westry wrote on August 25, 2010 at 7:09 am
You certainly know what you are referring to. Dude, this blog page is just excellent! I cannot wait to browse a lot more of what youve got to talk about. Im actually delighted that I came across this when I did simply because I was genuinely starting to get tired with the entire posting scene. You have turned me around, dude!
Matt Trudo wrote on August 31, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Thanks, we try. Keep up the good fight, there is still some good information out there.
Joannie Kounlavong wrote on June 9, 2010 at 3:45 pm
nice site bookmark it to come back again
Matt Trudo wrote on June 10, 2010 at 9:56 am
Thank you. We try to contribute in a meaningful way.