Well, I finally settled on a new training program and decided to give Cool Running's  "Couch 2 5k" program a try. 

I've done two days worth and I have to say I'm pretty hooked.  I like the fact that you just keep going for so many minutes (20) rather than count the number of reps you do at each interval. For me, it makes it much less daunting - and I don't lose count! Also, I like that they give you more time to recover in between each rep. I've found that I need that extra time at the beginning of my workout, but by the end I recover faster and am able to pick up my speed a little bit. 

The first workout was daunting, but only because I was out of practice. I did a second workout today and decided to set the incline on the treadmill to 0.5 (I usually don't add an incline to my sessions).  My poor calves were really hurting during the walking sessions, but I definitely feel it will help build strength.  Additionally, I was able to bump my running speed up to 4.2 by the end of the workout (I usually sit right at 4,0). 

My plan for the remainder of the month is to keep going on the C25k three days a week, and add ellipticals to the other three days a week. Every day will be a good stretching session and a set of sit-ups - trying to add a couple each time. 

In February, I'll add weights at least three times a week to start building core strength. February will also see me plan out my race calendar for the rest of the year. My goal is to do a 5k every month so that I am fulling running a 5k race by the end of the year!!