Going From My Couch to A 5k | Chelsea Bennett

My favorite salad has fried shrimp on it. I own a FitBit to track my lack of fitness. I drank some water yesterday. I like to take the stairs, but really only on the way down. I only have one pair of tennis shoes that I bought based only on their color. Also, one time I ran pretty far from a wasp.

Somehow, all of this has made me qualified to write for this blog associated with running.

I realize that some people may be offended when their boss recommends that they would be good fit for writing a blog from the perspective of someone who despises exercise entirely, but not I. You see, I have no shame about my hate for exercise. It is just a part of who I am at this point.

However, I have come to realize that it's probably time for me to get over that. The truth is that avoiding the freshman fifteen is nothing compared to avoiding the cubicle fifteen. Also, I will not be twenty-two forever and I should probably learn how to exercise now while it is relatively easy and while I am low on excuses.

The sad thing is that I know all of the reasons why I should be running. When I was at LSU I walked over a mile to class every day. Now, I walk 1,000 steps to the parking garage. I spend the majority of my day sitting in front of a computer all day and while my job is relatively enjoyable, being still all day can really get you down. I am all for the fact that people who exercise feel better about life in general because of endorphins and all. Also, I think that having goals to accomplish for myself on my own time will really help with my mission for a solid work-life balance.

Now, I am not going to pretend that this is going to be some easy peasy challenge. As far as athletic abilities of young people go, I am a pretty sad case. For me, running around the block one time feels the same as a marathon. I don't think I've ever actually ran a full mile in my life. A 5k is basically a Chelsea Bennett marathon. I wish I could find a way to really explain to you guys how hard this is going to be for me. I sincerely dislike being uncomfortable and last time a checked, there was nothing comfortable about running. However, there are perks. For example, if I run I can eat cheese fries without guilt – and let me tell you, I am all about maximizing eating cheese fries without guilt.

The goal is for me to run a 5k. I make no promises for extraordinary times or if I'll even be able to run the whole thing. I mean, I sincerely hope I'll be able to - but at this point running just one mile without feeling like death is upon me*, let alone three, would be an absolute triumph. Mainly, to be honest, the goal is for me to train for a 5k. I want to make it possible for me to run twice a week without wanting to die every time.

So, no excuses! If the girl on the ninth floor who can barely make it down the block without wanting to pass out can do this, so can you. I'm terrified, like really terrified, but we can do it together! Here we go!


*You may think this part is dramatic, but it is honestly how running makes me feel. Don't judge.

Chelsea Bennett
DHH Public Relations Specialist 

Chelsea is a 22 year-old, taking on the challenge of the 2015 Louisiana Marathon Advocate 5k. A lover of all things southern, she is an LSU grad, completely infatuated with the sweet Louisiana life and everything quintessentially “Baton Rouge.” Find her by the pralines or follow Chelsea on Twitter @GeauxChels