First... Thursday's run.
I wasn't able to blog cause of how busy I've been until now. Since it's anti-climatic, I'll just say that I did 35 minutes on the treadmill just over a 12 min/mile pace. Felt great.
Next... THE BIG DAY.
I had the DHS Interview Day on Saturday which I had to get up early for. It went great. I went to go pick up my race packet from Carissa and Jeff (Thanks guys!). I did try on my race shirt... fits alright. It's a white Adidas tech shirt. The Chip Timer came on a velcro thing you put around your ankle. My bib didn't come with any safety pins. I watched the last two episodes of season one of Rome and went to bed.
So knowing these things... I had nightmares. I checked my clocks and alarms a good 50 times before I went to bed. It was Daylight Savings which already stresses me out regardless of a schedule the next day. I laid everything out and basically all I needed to do was wake up and get dressed and eat. I had a dream that Carissa and I forgot our bibs and chip timers. I had a dream that my ankle was rubbed raw from the velcro. I had a dream that it was a giant race in the summer through Rome. For someone that doesn't remember her dreams very often, it was a bit ridiculous. Needless to say, I didn't have the greatest nights sleep ever.
While laying in bed in the morning I realized that it was going to be colder than I thought. I decided to do some more layers and ended up wearing some black tights under my capris and I threw on my BHS "Be Brave" green shirt. I love that shirt. I've had it since I was 15 and I like to wear it for anything sporty. It was perfect because it was green. I just realized I should have worn it over my black track jacket so it showed... oh well.
I must have carried around 20 Kleenexes along with my nutrigrain bar, my chapstick, my id, credit card, a $20 bill, my iPhone and the holder. I got to the MAX stop and it was still very dark outside. There was already two families and some other runners milling about waiting. Carissa got on at the next stop and we were off!
The train was packed by the Sunset stop... we were pretty happy at that point that we lived in Hillsboro and had seats! I ate my nutrigrain bar just before we got to the race stop. We exited and I looked out to a sea of people. All in green, white and black. There was some guy talking over a microphone directing people and the lines for the portapotties were at least 50 people each. Carissa had to go so we waited. It was so exciting to see everyone so geared up! There were adorable kids in fleece, groups of girls in green tights and tutus, guys with "here for the beer" shirts and hard core running couples. All of a sudden "Born in the USA" started blaring out of the speakers and it hit me. I teared up. It was just so exciting it was ridiculous.
They started asking people to line up by pace. I started walking towards the "Over 10 mins" sign at the same time as Carissa started walking towards the "9-10 min" line. We had to split up :(. I'll be honest I was a little nervous at that point and slightly lonely even though we were surrounded by at least 10,000 people. And then the guy behind me kept touching my ass and my hatred of crowds came rushing back.
The waves started going past the start line and we slowly but surely crept forward. They stopped us and started making us jump up and down and doing the "wave" all the way back. I sort of got in to it, but let's be real, let's just start!
And off we went. The sides were lined with people cheering which was pretty exciting. I had read too much about the importance of keeping pace and knew today was not a day to let my emotions make me go fast. As a result people rushed by me. I tried not to focus on it and just do what I had been doing. In about a 1/2 mile most of those same people started walking, take that!
It was amazing to be in the midst of a wall of people travelling through downtown Portland. Every time we passed an intersection there were police with the cars all stopped and even the MAX and trolleys were stopped. I thought it would thin out much more than it did, but it was pretty much solid people all the way. I didn't get spit on or snotted on as I had feared. I didn't even really use my own Kleenexes for the first time running outside. I looked like a kangaroo with all of them stuffed in there but the adrenaline must have kept the snot in.
I tried to stay out of people's way on the edge but since there were so many it ended up that people were going up on the sidewalks to get around. No matter what I did I was in the way, so I just went with it. Some girl in front of me ran straight in to a side mirror of a car. Pretty sure we all went "OHH" but she just laughed it off.
What I felt was about half way, there suddenly was something in the road that everyone was dodging around. Just as I was cursing in my head about the idiot that put a sign in the middle of the course, I read that it was the one mile marker. Are you kidding?! Whoa... just keep breathing.
There was a high school band playing on the side... which is where the second time I teared up happened. Everyone was yelling back at them and cheering and pep bands make me cry anyways. We turned on to Broadway and I knew the dreaded hill was approaching. I was feeling pretty good so I tried not to think about walking as an option.
I saw the mass of people rise above me and then appear to drop off like lemmings. I heard a dad tell a kid to "alright son press in to the hill" and we started our way up. It was over pretty fast but it was rough and slowed me down. Luckily not to the walking state, but it was a bit rough there. All of a sudden I looked up and the mass of people were again rising. What the hell?! Two hills?! All I could think about was "ok you can do this" and up the second hill I went.
Second one was surprisingly easier and we quickly started the downhill slope to the finish. We ran along Naito Parkway and I could start hearing the crowd at the finish line. And number three tears started. I was going to do it! I was going to finish running! I actually started sprinting at that point I was so excited.
Suddenly the sides were lined with people again. There wasn't a lot of focus on the finish as the 8K people were lining up and the 5K people had been crossing the finish line in hoards for about 30 mins at that point. I saw the finish sign at the top and I'd like to be able to write about this glorious finish with my arms raised and tears streaming. Unfortunately some ding dong stopped in running right in front of me and in the middle of the pads I was supposed to run over for the chip timer to stop. Are you kidding me?!
Most normal people jog through, so I dodged around the non-veteran runner ;) and sprinted over the finish line. We had to continue walking for a good block where they then collected our chip timers. Embarrassingly enough I almost fell over trying to get it off my ankle. I continued walking and finally found a break in the fence so I could make it over to Carissa and I's meeting point. I rounded the corner to meet her and started crying for the fourth and last time.
We decided to not go back to fight the 21,000+ people for our free chowder and free beer. We went straight to Kell's/Thirsty Lion. Kell's wasn't the best yet so since we were meeting everyone at Thirsty Lion we decided to go there and get a table.
The rest of the day until about 2pm was full of fun. So many people in running gear and bibs and out to have a good time. Kell's even had a giant tent in their parking lot... and I mean giant. I made the mistake of drinking way too much, but hey! I wasn't driving and I just ran a 5K people. If I ever deserved to drink, this was one of the days.
We successfully made it back on to the MAX and I walked up to my apartment. I had done it! Holy cow! For the last 2 1/2 months I had been walking up those stairs after my runs with a variety of emotions. This time it was with a big grin.
I have since been asked if this means my blog is over. I will say that I have enjoyed this immensely. However, the title of the blog implies that this will be my last post. If I start another blog, I'll let my loyal readers know.
How does this make me feel about running? I'm sold. I was right in my first post about this being a legitimate way to gain a real sense of accomplishment. The day was so fun and full of energy that I can't help but want to do it again. I wouldn't mind if it started an hour or two later though. I do have ambitions to continue running and within the next year plan to do a 10K.
Thank you for all of the support. Everyone was so positive and excited for me. It meant a lot and pushed me past the finish line. You are all wonderful and I am lucky to have you in my life.
For the record: 3.1 miles in 38 minutes.
Best Wishes,
RL/LP
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Day Twenty Eight
Well this was my first non plan day run technically. It didn't go so well.
In fact, it was pretty darn crappy. So crappy that I couldn't bring myself to write the blog.
It was just a long day, I wore pants for the first time as opposed to shorts, I got home from work at 7pm, I hadn't eaten dinner, the treadmill is so boring, etc, etc, etc. Excuse after excuse after excuse. Oddly enough though I think I'm ok with it. There is a chance I pushed myself a little too hard the past two weeks or so. After my 3.25 mile graduation run I think I deserved a little break. I'm also considering being ok with slight walking on Sunday. I'm thinking something like one or two 15 second walk breaks. My goal is none. But if I am not going to make it or something... than I'm giving myself permission to be devastated. Well I might still be devastated.
So on Thursday or Friday I'm hoping to do a 30-35 min run. Then on Sunday it's the BIG DAY. It's ironic that "the big day" will be over at 9am.
For the record:
4 min walk
15 min run
1:30 walk
3 min run
pause
3 min walk
5 min run
2 min walk
stop
2.46 miles in 35 mins
In fact, it was pretty darn crappy. So crappy that I couldn't bring myself to write the blog.
It was just a long day, I wore pants for the first time as opposed to shorts, I got home from work at 7pm, I hadn't eaten dinner, the treadmill is so boring, etc, etc, etc. Excuse after excuse after excuse. Oddly enough though I think I'm ok with it. There is a chance I pushed myself a little too hard the past two weeks or so. After my 3.25 mile graduation run I think I deserved a little break. I'm also considering being ok with slight walking on Sunday. I'm thinking something like one or two 15 second walk breaks. My goal is none. But if I am not going to make it or something... than I'm giving myself permission to be devastated. Well I might still be devastated.
So on Thursday or Friday I'm hoping to do a 30-35 min run. Then on Sunday it's the BIG DAY. It's ironic that "the big day" will be over at 9am.
For the record:
4 min walk
15 min run
1:30 walk
3 min run
pause
3 min walk
5 min run
2 min walk
stop
2.46 miles in 35 mins
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Day Twenty Seven
"Graduation Day"!!
So I read all the forums for C25K and I'm on their Facebook too. Everytime I read someone saying what their "graduation day" was I tear up. I now get to JOIN THEIR RANKS. I graduated! Oddly enough I feel more proud of this "diploma" than either my BHS or EWU ones. Well I am pretty proud of Summa cum Laude... yep had to throw that in!
As you all know I modified the plan the last several weeks, but I still am able to run 30 minutes straight. In fact today I ran 40 MINUTES and about 3.25 miles. Can YOU BELIEVE THAT?! My ankles can, I can't.
I am rescinding my support of RunKeeper and now claim it's a POS. My run looks like a spiderweb and it says I went 6.09 miles with an average pace of 6:37 mins/mile and burned almost 1,000 calories. My ankles might feel like I went 6 miles, but that's impossible (so is the 6:37 mins/mile pace if you hadn't guessed). I'm going to go and see if their help section on their website can help me. At one point I read something about turning on my WiFi and that could help. We'll see.
After talking last night with Carissa and Jeff, I realized I was not prepared logistically for next week. I didn't sleep very well last night and woke up and started googling (surprise, surprise). I needed to figure out a way to carry all my crap (key, ID, Credit Card, Chapstick, Kleenex). One guy on this forum was like "every pair of running shorts or pants I've bought have a little pocket on the inside for my key and ID". BS. No pair of shorts or pants that I have purchased has this magical pocket. Maybe it's a boy thing. Others say they wear a fanny pack... not an option for a 27 year old. Then I read about a shoe wallet and that seemed somewhat viable. I also needed capris I decided. Althought my BHS colored shorts are perfect for a Shamrock Run, I was convinced that it would be too cold. I woke up and checked the two jackety things I have and my neat green/white/black one has no pockets with the exception of the two unsecured ones on the outside. Bummer. My black one has a little snap pocket and then two deep pockets on the inside. I got up and went to Dick's (Sporting goods for my Washington friends) and tried on every pair of carpis they had. Only ONE of the pairs had anything resembling a magical pocket. I chose some adidas (sorry Nike) wind pant things. I hate my ankles and they were the only pair to diminish their hugeness. I looked for a shoe wallet and no such luck. I bought a belt thingy, but think I'll return it. Guess I won't be wearing any green (except for the swoosh on my headband).
I decided I needed to run exactly how I was going to run next Sunday. Remember I'm the one on a Match date who needs to know which way the door opens so I don't look like an idiot and push instead of pull. Spontaneity is not my strong suit. Oh I also got a armband for my iPhone. So I got all suited up and I don't think I looked too ridiculous. Not Leperchauny at all though. Everything fit in my random pockets. Perfecto.
I can't believe I went 40 minutes. I thought I'd go 35 minutes or 3 miles whichever ended up coming first, however 35 minutes was almost exactly 3 miles, so I decided to keep going to compensate for the 10 seconds I had to wait for a MAX train. Then I didn't want to stop in the middle of Marky Mark's Good Vibrations. When I did start to walk, I was a little dizzy and wasn't sure I was still moving my legs.
That will be my longest until a week from now. I know I'm going to have to contend with a hill and trying to go a little faster and whatever the weather gods throw our way, but I'm hoping adrenaline will compensate.
One week people, one week. But I have thrown my proverbial hat in the air at my Couch to 5K Graduation. "May my dreams soar as high as [my] hat"-Michael Scott from The Office.
So I read all the forums for C25K and I'm on their Facebook too. Everytime I read someone saying what their "graduation day" was I tear up. I now get to JOIN THEIR RANKS. I graduated! Oddly enough I feel more proud of this "diploma" than either my BHS or EWU ones. Well I am pretty proud of Summa cum Laude... yep had to throw that in!
As you all know I modified the plan the last several weeks, but I still am able to run 30 minutes straight. In fact today I ran 40 MINUTES and about 3.25 miles. Can YOU BELIEVE THAT?! My ankles can, I can't.
I am rescinding my support of RunKeeper and now claim it's a POS. My run looks like a spiderweb and it says I went 6.09 miles with an average pace of 6:37 mins/mile and burned almost 1,000 calories. My ankles might feel like I went 6 miles, but that's impossible (so is the 6:37 mins/mile pace if you hadn't guessed). I'm going to go and see if their help section on their website can help me. At one point I read something about turning on my WiFi and that could help. We'll see.
After talking last night with Carissa and Jeff, I realized I was not prepared logistically for next week. I didn't sleep very well last night and woke up and started googling (surprise, surprise). I needed to figure out a way to carry all my crap (key, ID, Credit Card, Chapstick, Kleenex). One guy on this forum was like "every pair of running shorts or pants I've bought have a little pocket on the inside for my key and ID". BS. No pair of shorts or pants that I have purchased has this magical pocket. Maybe it's a boy thing. Others say they wear a fanny pack... not an option for a 27 year old. Then I read about a shoe wallet and that seemed somewhat viable. I also needed capris I decided. Althought my BHS colored shorts are perfect for a Shamrock Run, I was convinced that it would be too cold. I woke up and checked the two jackety things I have and my neat green/white/black one has no pockets with the exception of the two unsecured ones on the outside. Bummer. My black one has a little snap pocket and then two deep pockets on the inside. I got up and went to Dick's (Sporting goods for my Washington friends) and tried on every pair of carpis they had. Only ONE of the pairs had anything resembling a magical pocket. I chose some adidas (sorry Nike) wind pant things. I hate my ankles and they were the only pair to diminish their hugeness. I looked for a shoe wallet and no such luck. I bought a belt thingy, but think I'll return it. Guess I won't be wearing any green (except for the swoosh on my headband).
I decided I needed to run exactly how I was going to run next Sunday. Remember I'm the one on a Match date who needs to know which way the door opens so I don't look like an idiot and push instead of pull. Spontaneity is not my strong suit. Oh I also got a armband for my iPhone. So I got all suited up and I don't think I looked too ridiculous. Not Leperchauny at all though. Everything fit in my random pockets. Perfecto.
I can't believe I went 40 minutes. I thought I'd go 35 minutes or 3 miles whichever ended up coming first, however 35 minutes was almost exactly 3 miles, so I decided to keep going to compensate for the 10 seconds I had to wait for a MAX train. Then I didn't want to stop in the middle of Marky Mark's Good Vibrations. When I did start to walk, I was a little dizzy and wasn't sure I was still moving my legs.
That will be my longest until a week from now. I know I'm going to have to contend with a hill and trying to go a little faster and whatever the weather gods throw our way, but I'm hoping adrenaline will compensate.
One week people, one week. But I have thrown my proverbial hat in the air at my Couch to 5K Graduation. "May my dreams soar as high as [my] hat"-Michael Scott from The Office.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day Twenty Six
Back in action.
My ankles felt better yesterday and I iced them again last night. This morning they were feeling pretty good with the exception of my left inside heel bone thingy. As soon as I came home from a very productive day at work and put on my shoes I realized why. Between my sock and shoe something hits that spot just perfect. My guess is that it's bruised or something. I have already decided that after the race my goal will be to go to one of the hundreds of running stores and have them give me advice on shoes. I don't really want to run in front of someone who's watching so closely, but I suppose it must be done.
Back to being back in action. I really wanted to get home and run in the pretty sunshine, but one thing led to another and I got home too late. I was being so productive on jean/wine Friday that I felt like I needed to keep working. I got out to my car and was trapped. The Boy Scouts apparently are going on a camping trip and had backed their suburban and trailer right in to the area behind my car. I stood their for a while as they were trying to pack up the trailer. Parents, 11-13 year old boys and dads all dressed up were running around. Finally I stopped some guy who looked like he was in charge and just asked how much longer they'd be. I said I understood but I was just curious as my car was trapped. He was like "oh we can get you out". I'm sure what he was thinking was "this girl can't drive". However he helped me back around and do several back and forths until I could get my car out... success!
By the time I got home I felt like it was just too late to go outside. I went to the apartment gym and luckily was the only one there (on a Friday night... how weird). Some tall jerk had turned the TV and even jumping to reach I couldn't get it turned back. So I had to watch "Friends" sideways which was very frustrating for me. At least turn it back, giants of the world.
During my warmup (4 minutes) I decided I would go for 15 minutes straight and walk and go again. I had a sneaky suspicion that I was going to be able to go longer. I ended up going 30 minutes! I realize that it is less than my 32 minute stretch... however... keep the following in mind. I held a pace of 12 min/mile which from what I can tell when I'm outside (which my 32 min was) my average is always a little over 12 min/mile and under 13 min/mile. We do know this is off due to bad GPS, but close enough really. So I kept a steady pace and I varied the incline. I don't really understand how to compare the incline to an actual hill, but I did "2" for at least 5 minutes and then worked my way back down and again worked my way back up to "2" and back down.
After the 30 mins of running I walked for one minute and... did another 5 minutes at 12 min/mile! I didn't touch the incline at that point, I was just lucky to get through the 5! 35 minutes total of running! Woohoo!!
I'm hurting a little now. But I took Carissa's advice and for the pain, I am now drinking wine. I am icing my ankles cause I feel like they could hurt again. I hope no one is reading this tonight as it is Friday at 8pm. It's bad enough I'm home alone, drinking wine, ready to watch Star Trek and making some Top Ramen... I still don't understand why I'm not "cool" ;)
3.43 miles in 45 minutes.
My ankles felt better yesterday and I iced them again last night. This morning they were feeling pretty good with the exception of my left inside heel bone thingy. As soon as I came home from a very productive day at work and put on my shoes I realized why. Between my sock and shoe something hits that spot just perfect. My guess is that it's bruised or something. I have already decided that after the race my goal will be to go to one of the hundreds of running stores and have them give me advice on shoes. I don't really want to run in front of someone who's watching so closely, but I suppose it must be done.
Back to being back in action. I really wanted to get home and run in the pretty sunshine, but one thing led to another and I got home too late. I was being so productive on jean/wine Friday that I felt like I needed to keep working. I got out to my car and was trapped. The Boy Scouts apparently are going on a camping trip and had backed their suburban and trailer right in to the area behind my car. I stood their for a while as they were trying to pack up the trailer. Parents, 11-13 year old boys and dads all dressed up were running around. Finally I stopped some guy who looked like he was in charge and just asked how much longer they'd be. I said I understood but I was just curious as my car was trapped. He was like "oh we can get you out". I'm sure what he was thinking was "this girl can't drive". However he helped me back around and do several back and forths until I could get my car out... success!
By the time I got home I felt like it was just too late to go outside. I went to the apartment gym and luckily was the only one there (on a Friday night... how weird). Some tall jerk had turned the TV and even jumping to reach I couldn't get it turned back. So I had to watch "Friends" sideways which was very frustrating for me. At least turn it back, giants of the world.
During my warmup (4 minutes) I decided I would go for 15 minutes straight and walk and go again. I had a sneaky suspicion that I was going to be able to go longer. I ended up going 30 minutes! I realize that it is less than my 32 minute stretch... however... keep the following in mind. I held a pace of 12 min/mile which from what I can tell when I'm outside (which my 32 min was) my average is always a little over 12 min/mile and under 13 min/mile. We do know this is off due to bad GPS, but close enough really. So I kept a steady pace and I varied the incline. I don't really understand how to compare the incline to an actual hill, but I did "2" for at least 5 minutes and then worked my way back down and again worked my way back up to "2" and back down.
After the 30 mins of running I walked for one minute and... did another 5 minutes at 12 min/mile! I didn't touch the incline at that point, I was just lucky to get through the 5! 35 minutes total of running! Woohoo!!
I'm hurting a little now. But I took Carissa's advice and for the pain, I am now drinking wine. I am icing my ankles cause I feel like they could hurt again. I hope no one is reading this tonight as it is Friday at 8pm. It's bad enough I'm home alone, drinking wine, ready to watch Star Trek and making some Top Ramen... I still don't understand why I'm not "cool" ;)
3.43 miles in 45 minutes.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day Twenty Six
I spent the last 15 minutes reading quotes about success and failure.
I woke up after my 32 minutes straight and my ankles hurt like crazy. They hurt all yesterday and all day today. I iced them last night. I thought maybe that the pain would go away as I warmed up. I started getting nervous about it so decided to do the elliptical. Turns out that's pretty damn hard. Which just depressed me because I realized how much I'm not using any other muscles besides my calves it seems.
So after 5 minutes of that I tried the treadmill. Running hurt but I did about a total of 12 minutes of running and 8 of walking. I then tried the bike for 10 minutes. I did a total of 2.97 miles of stuff.
Now I'm sitting here icing.
I haven't cried yet but my brow is definitely furrowed. I don't know what to think of this. I don't want to accept that I won't be able to run this. Ok yep that brought on the tears...
I woke up after my 32 minutes straight and my ankles hurt like crazy. They hurt all yesterday and all day today. I iced them last night. I thought maybe that the pain would go away as I warmed up. I started getting nervous about it so decided to do the elliptical. Turns out that's pretty damn hard. Which just depressed me because I realized how much I'm not using any other muscles besides my calves it seems.
So after 5 minutes of that I tried the treadmill. Running hurt but I did about a total of 12 minutes of running and 8 of walking. I then tried the bike for 10 minutes. I did a total of 2.97 miles of stuff.
Now I'm sitting here icing.
I haven't cried yet but my brow is definitely furrowed. I don't know what to think of this. I don't want to accept that I won't be able to run this. Ok yep that brought on the tears...
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day Twenty Five
32 MINUTES STRAIGHT
Did you read that?! STRAIGHT
I decided around lunch time today that I was going to go outside and go for 32 minutes straight. Considering I had basically done it on Saturday, I thought I should at least match that or go for more. I need to get over the mental block of needing to walk for a short while and start up again. It's in my head I know it is, it's not physical at this point.
I did it. I think I can now call myself a "runner". Hahaha that actually did make me laugh out loud and tear up at the same time. We've just joked for so long about high school track and my lack of wanting to exercise that it even sounds weird to me. But being able to run for 32 minutes seems like a runner to me! I think that might be my new favorite label. If I wasn't such a fan of "LP" I'd ask to be called "RL" Runner Leah.
So I do have to say I'm disappointed in RunKeeper. I feel like the area I ran today (around my apartment) should have fairly good GPS. It started with a green dot saying it had good reception or whatever, but there is no way it could have. It has me cutting whole corners and even when I jogged the same way back, it shows I was in the middle of the street at times. It also shows that for 8 of those 32 minutes my pace was "0". Come on. I guarantee you I was moving! I will admit that there was 3 times I had to pause to let a car turn or make sure they weren't going to run me down, but I did run an extra 30 seconds at the end to make up for that. There was no way I paused for 30 seconds even combining those 3 times, but I wanted to make sure I did 32 as straight as possible. Being run over by a car would really wreck the 32 minutes straight concept.
So RunKeeper said I went 2.42 miles in 32 minutes and 30 seconds. When I marked the same route on Google Maps, it said I went 2.6 miles. I'd like to say I'm the type of person who doesn't care about that, but let's be real. Maybe when I'm running 4 or 5 miles, .18 won't bother me. But when I'm trying to get up to 3.1 miles, it really bugs me. I think I'll go with 2.6 as I feel like it's a bit more realistic since when my GPS was good in Seattle I did 2.57 with 30 seconds of walking.
The first 10-12 minutes is very painful. Then it seems to get better. But that first 5 minutes it feels like I've never even walked before. I'm all awkward and my ankles hurt and I feel like I'm very very awkward looking. After 12 minutes I still want to stop, but I think it's all mental. My body feels much better and I feel far less awkward. Running outside is getting better than the treadmill now too. It provides me with distractions and I think eventually it will be quite a bit better. Right now there isn't enough distraction in the world to get my mind off of it when it is tough. But at least outside keeps the mediocre toughness at bay. I think I'll try and run outside as much as possible now.
Did you read that?! STRAIGHT
I decided around lunch time today that I was going to go outside and go for 32 minutes straight. Considering I had basically done it on Saturday, I thought I should at least match that or go for more. I need to get over the mental block of needing to walk for a short while and start up again. It's in my head I know it is, it's not physical at this point.
I did it. I think I can now call myself a "runner". Hahaha that actually did make me laugh out loud and tear up at the same time. We've just joked for so long about high school track and my lack of wanting to exercise that it even sounds weird to me. But being able to run for 32 minutes seems like a runner to me! I think that might be my new favorite label. If I wasn't such a fan of "LP" I'd ask to be called "RL" Runner Leah.
So I do have to say I'm disappointed in RunKeeper. I feel like the area I ran today (around my apartment) should have fairly good GPS. It started with a green dot saying it had good reception or whatever, but there is no way it could have. It has me cutting whole corners and even when I jogged the same way back, it shows I was in the middle of the street at times. It also shows that for 8 of those 32 minutes my pace was "0". Come on. I guarantee you I was moving! I will admit that there was 3 times I had to pause to let a car turn or make sure they weren't going to run me down, but I did run an extra 30 seconds at the end to make up for that. There was no way I paused for 30 seconds even combining those 3 times, but I wanted to make sure I did 32 as straight as possible. Being run over by a car would really wreck the 32 minutes straight concept.
So RunKeeper said I went 2.42 miles in 32 minutes and 30 seconds. When I marked the same route on Google Maps, it said I went 2.6 miles. I'd like to say I'm the type of person who doesn't care about that, but let's be real. Maybe when I'm running 4 or 5 miles, .18 won't bother me. But when I'm trying to get up to 3.1 miles, it really bugs me. I think I'll go with 2.6 as I feel like it's a bit more realistic since when my GPS was good in Seattle I did 2.57 with 30 seconds of walking.
The first 10-12 minutes is very painful. Then it seems to get better. But that first 5 minutes it feels like I've never even walked before. I'm all awkward and my ankles hurt and I feel like I'm very very awkward looking. After 12 minutes I still want to stop, but I think it's all mental. My body feels much better and I feel far less awkward. Running outside is getting better than the treadmill now too. It provides me with distractions and I think eventually it will be quite a bit better. Right now there isn't enough distraction in the world to get my mind off of it when it is tough. But at least outside keeps the mediocre toughness at bay. I think I'll try and run outside as much as possible now.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Day Twenty Four
Seattle was introduced to the new Running Leah.
I knew I was going to be in Seattle this past weekend so I had already scoped out my path. I wanted to go park down by Golden Gardens and run along the Burke-Gilman Trail. The first time I drove to run outside, I had a heck of a time getting my key off my key ring. I finally had to take my clicker thing instead but then I couldn't get that back on the key ring (thanks Carissa!). So I had a flash and thought it'd be great if my parents joined me (holding the keys was a side benefit).
I presented my plan and they agreed! We ventured down to Golden Gardens on Saturday morning. I wasn't sure how long I was going to run until I was in the car headed down. I had an inkling to do what I had done last weekend (15/1/15) but knew that I had two weeks and I'm not to my goal yet. So I upped it. I decided to do:
5 minute warmup
16 minute run
30 second walk
16 minute run
5 minute cooldown
It was very cold so my warmup went a bit longer. About 7 minutes in I was presented with a "hill" and charged right up it. All I could think was it was going to be down on the way back. Also turned out to have a street crossing in the middle of the trail. I was excited to see this and disappointed. I knew it was going to be a forced stop, but man I was tired. The official 30 second walk was just enough time to blow my nose and start back up. I pretty much grimaced the entire second 16 minutes, but I did it. I went an extra 30 seconds at the end to make up for the small waiting I did at the crosswalk.
I did go 2.57 miles in 33 minutes which did not include my warmup or cooldown. I feel pretty good about that. 2.57 isn't the 3.1 I need to do and that 2.57 was pretty rough. I can't believe I did 2.57 miles though, phew!
I have two weeks to get up to 3.1. I know adrenaline will help a bit on the day of, however I want to do the distance. I know there is a gradual hill at the beginning and I know it will be early in the morning. It will also be even earlier than it feels at it is also Daylight Savings time "Spring Forward". Who picked that?! Going to be one interesting morning.
I knew I was going to be in Seattle this past weekend so I had already scoped out my path. I wanted to go park down by Golden Gardens and run along the Burke-Gilman Trail. The first time I drove to run outside, I had a heck of a time getting my key off my key ring. I finally had to take my clicker thing instead but then I couldn't get that back on the key ring (thanks Carissa!). So I had a flash and thought it'd be great if my parents joined me (holding the keys was a side benefit).
I presented my plan and they agreed! We ventured down to Golden Gardens on Saturday morning. I wasn't sure how long I was going to run until I was in the car headed down. I had an inkling to do what I had done last weekend (15/1/15) but knew that I had two weeks and I'm not to my goal yet. So I upped it. I decided to do:
5 minute warmup
16 minute run
30 second walk
16 minute run
5 minute cooldown
It was very cold so my warmup went a bit longer. About 7 minutes in I was presented with a "hill" and charged right up it. All I could think was it was going to be down on the way back. Also turned out to have a street crossing in the middle of the trail. I was excited to see this and disappointed. I knew it was going to be a forced stop, but man I was tired. The official 30 second walk was just enough time to blow my nose and start back up. I pretty much grimaced the entire second 16 minutes, but I did it. I went an extra 30 seconds at the end to make up for the small waiting I did at the crosswalk.
I did go 2.57 miles in 33 minutes which did not include my warmup or cooldown. I feel pretty good about that. 2.57 isn't the 3.1 I need to do and that 2.57 was pretty rough. I can't believe I did 2.57 miles though, phew!
I have two weeks to get up to 3.1. I know adrenaline will help a bit on the day of, however I want to do the distance. I know there is a gradual hill at the beginning and I know it will be early in the morning. It will also be even earlier than it feels at it is also Daylight Savings time "Spring Forward". Who picked that?! Going to be one interesting morning.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Day Twenty Three
Another PR!
(Personal Record for those who have not read the millions of web articles I have ;) )
I thought all day long about what I was going to do as a plan tonight. I still didn't really know even when I started my warmup. I knew I wanted to focus on jogging for more minutes. At the last minute I decided to only do 30 second breaks. Here is what my plan was:
4:30 minute warmup (I figure I walk at least 30 seconds to the apartment gym)
10:00 minute run
30 second walk
10 minute run
30 second walk
10 minute run
5 minute cooldown
For some crazy reason I went 30 seconds over on my first 10 minute stretch. So I wanted to make it an even minute extra of running so I went 30 seconds over on the third 10 minute stretch too. So that equals 31 minutes of running with 1 minute of walking split in two sections. Yeah!
I'm getting kind of proud of myself! I was really getting worried there that I wouldn't even have a fighting chance at my goal, but now I think it's possible. I am really struggling with more the mental side of it now though. It's just such a long time to run. I am generally a fan of repetitive actions and jobs, but this is ridiculous. Outside was a little easier because I could make distance goals as well as focus on the music. But this is brutal. I watched "Friends" today and didn't listen to my iPhone until the last 10 minutes or so. I just get so irritated (weird for me I know ;) ) towards the end that I don't like the things in my ears or the music or anything.
But phew! I'm on my way to 36 minutes straight! I go home for the weekend and I plan to run down by Golden Gardens for those of you familiar with Seattle. There is a nice long path by the water that should work perfectly. Not sure if I'll be able to blog right after though... so for the die hard reader, you might have to take a break.
3.08 miles in 41:30 minutes
(Personal Record for those who have not read the millions of web articles I have ;) )
I thought all day long about what I was going to do as a plan tonight. I still didn't really know even when I started my warmup. I knew I wanted to focus on jogging for more minutes. At the last minute I decided to only do 30 second breaks. Here is what my plan was:
4:30 minute warmup (I figure I walk at least 30 seconds to the apartment gym)
10:00 minute run
30 second walk
10 minute run
30 second walk
10 minute run
5 minute cooldown
For some crazy reason I went 30 seconds over on my first 10 minute stretch. So I wanted to make it an even minute extra of running so I went 30 seconds over on the third 10 minute stretch too. So that equals 31 minutes of running with 1 minute of walking split in two sections. Yeah!
I'm getting kind of proud of myself! I was really getting worried there that I wouldn't even have a fighting chance at my goal, but now I think it's possible. I am really struggling with more the mental side of it now though. It's just such a long time to run. I am generally a fan of repetitive actions and jobs, but this is ridiculous. Outside was a little easier because I could make distance goals as well as focus on the music. But this is brutal. I watched "Friends" today and didn't listen to my iPhone until the last 10 minutes or so. I just get so irritated (weird for me I know ;) ) towards the end that I don't like the things in my ears or the music or anything.
But phew! I'm on my way to 36 minutes straight! I go home for the weekend and I plan to run down by Golden Gardens for those of you familiar with Seattle. There is a nice long path by the water that should work perfectly. Not sure if I'll be able to blog right after though... so for the die hard reader, you might have to take a break.
3.08 miles in 41:30 minutes
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day Twenty Two Addendum
Oh my gosh.
I had no idea people were commenting! It does not show that on my page. I was randomly going through and noticed comments on individual posts.
THANK YOU!
I don't know why I never knew that was happening, but rest assured it made my year. I know I tear up all the time, but that did it. I hope it doesn't seem like I was ignoring you, I definitely was not!
Thanks guys!!
I had no idea people were commenting! It does not show that on my page. I was randomly going through and noticed comments on individual posts.
THANK YOU!
I don't know why I never knew that was happening, but rest assured it made my year. I know I tear up all the time, but that did it. I hope it doesn't seem like I was ignoring you, I definitely was not!
Thanks guys!!
Day Twenty Two
Inside.
Today turned out to be a crappy weather day after several days of spring beautiful-ness. We all knew it was too good to last.
The apartment gym was pretty crowded... the most I've seen actually. I found I didn't like that so much!
As most of you know now I have no plan. I guess this kind of reflects life ;). So I "stressed" about it all day and decided I wanted to stick with at least running 30 minutes, despite breaks. I need to increase my incline as apparently on Broadway there is a steady incline. For those of you who have not checked out the course map... this section is one of the first sections. I'm told it's "all downhill from there". The plan for today ended up being:
5 minute warmup
10 minute jog at 12 min/mile
1 minute walk
10 minute jog at 12:30 min/mile but varying incline
1 minute walk
10 minute jog at 12:15 min/mile
5 minute cooldown
I did it! Done and done. 3.06 miles in 42 minutes (NB: this is dangerously close to doing the 5K distance in under 45 minutes. Also note that it includes 12 minutes of walking... apply that logic and it seems promising that I could possibly jog the whole thing in under 45 minutes if I can get to that time length of running! Really I don't care how long it takes me, as long as I jog the whole thing.)
Oh I forgot to share that I purchased another new pair of shorts. Same shorts as I bought last week but this time GREEN and GOLD! The loose layer is kelly green and the band, nike swoosh and spandex shorts underneath are gold. Reminds me of my track glory days. I'm sure they were created for the U of O fans down here... but oh well. Plus now I have green shorts to wear for the Shamrock Run.
Now I have 48 hours to stress about the next workout plan :)
Today turned out to be a crappy weather day after several days of spring beautiful-ness. We all knew it was too good to last.
The apartment gym was pretty crowded... the most I've seen actually. I found I didn't like that so much!
As most of you know now I have no plan. I guess this kind of reflects life ;). So I "stressed" about it all day and decided I wanted to stick with at least running 30 minutes, despite breaks. I need to increase my incline as apparently on Broadway there is a steady incline. For those of you who have not checked out the course map... this section is one of the first sections. I'm told it's "all downhill from there". The plan for today ended up being:
5 minute warmup
10 minute jog at 12 min/mile
1 minute walk
10 minute jog at 12:30 min/mile but varying incline
1 minute walk
10 minute jog at 12:15 min/mile
5 minute cooldown
I did it! Done and done. 3.06 miles in 42 minutes (NB: this is dangerously close to doing the 5K distance in under 45 minutes. Also note that it includes 12 minutes of walking... apply that logic and it seems promising that I could possibly jog the whole thing in under 45 minutes if I can get to that time length of running! Really I don't care how long it takes me, as long as I jog the whole thing.)
Oh I forgot to share that I purchased another new pair of shorts. Same shorts as I bought last week but this time GREEN and GOLD! The loose layer is kelly green and the band, nike swoosh and spandex shorts underneath are gold. Reminds me of my track glory days. I'm sure they were created for the U of O fans down here... but oh well. Plus now I have green shorts to wear for the Shamrock Run.
Now I have 48 hours to stress about the next workout plan :)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day Twenty One
Dear Rock Creek Trail,
Thank you for letting me kick your ass today.
Until next time,
Leah
What a beautiful weekend! My goodness. I woke up and decided to do the Rock Creek Trail which is very, very close to my apartment. I knew I needed to drive to the trailhead and I had googled the trail to see what I was getting myself in to. I knew I wanted to park on the north side of Cornell so I didn't have to cross that during the trail. I also knew there was a police precinct right there that was perfect to park in. However, when I got there I couldn't do it. There were so many police cars (as expected) and it was just too intimidating. So in the process of trying to turn around, I came across the park that the trail actually starts at, Orchard Park. So I just decided to park there, how intimidating can it be to cross Cornell?
I set my RunKeeper (I upgraded to Pro I was so impressed) and started the 5 minute warmup. It took me through the little trail to Cornell and then I crossed Cornell (slightly odd to have everyone watch, but eh, get over it). Started running by the police precinct and didn't stop till Evergreen Highway! I ran for 15 minutes, walked for 1 minute and ran for another 15 minutes! Yeah!
I did come across two women running... far faster than myself. They passed me on a turn around area and so I knew they were going to be coming up behind me, but when one woman yelled "Left!" I thought I was going to pee my pants. Really?! I understand you are supposed to do that... but it's a pretty wide path with no one else on it and I was to the far right. Goodness.
I stopped running along the side of Cornell and I might have teared up. I was starting to think I was going to have to live with the fact that I can't run the whole race. This gave me a little bit of hope again.
I got back to Orchard Park and saw the swings. I rewarded myself and then felt guilty when a family of four showed up and I was hogging the swings.
My pace sucked. Part of me hopes that it's so bad because it calculates in my 10 minutes of walking. I can't seem to figure out how to break the run down by time as opposed to speed and/or distance. I want to know my pace during the warmup/running/walking/cooldown etc. I also hope that maybe it has something to do with the GPS as it said it was "poor" through there. Which seems odd as it's not even a heavily tree'd area. I believe it calculated in my time on the swings too as I didn't push stop even though it said "workout complete". This was also the most elevation gain/loss I'd ever done. Plus it's the most running I've ever done. I suppose I should cut myself some slack. I only walked one minute out of 31 minutes! How great is that?!
I have three weeks to get to 36 minutes of running straight. Although that will no longer cover the pace I'm running (unless adrenaline kicks in) it at least gives me a fighting chance to finish the whole race running.
2.88 miles in 41 minutes
Thank you for letting me kick your ass today.
Until next time,
Leah
What a beautiful weekend! My goodness. I woke up and decided to do the Rock Creek Trail which is very, very close to my apartment. I knew I needed to drive to the trailhead and I had googled the trail to see what I was getting myself in to. I knew I wanted to park on the north side of Cornell so I didn't have to cross that during the trail. I also knew there was a police precinct right there that was perfect to park in. However, when I got there I couldn't do it. There were so many police cars (as expected) and it was just too intimidating. So in the process of trying to turn around, I came across the park that the trail actually starts at, Orchard Park. So I just decided to park there, how intimidating can it be to cross Cornell?
I set my RunKeeper (I upgraded to Pro I was so impressed) and started the 5 minute warmup. It took me through the little trail to Cornell and then I crossed Cornell (slightly odd to have everyone watch, but eh, get over it). Started running by the police precinct and didn't stop till Evergreen Highway! I ran for 15 minutes, walked for 1 minute and ran for another 15 minutes! Yeah!
I did come across two women running... far faster than myself. They passed me on a turn around area and so I knew they were going to be coming up behind me, but when one woman yelled "Left!" I thought I was going to pee my pants. Really?! I understand you are supposed to do that... but it's a pretty wide path with no one else on it and I was to the far right. Goodness.
I stopped running along the side of Cornell and I might have teared up. I was starting to think I was going to have to live with the fact that I can't run the whole race. This gave me a little bit of hope again.
I got back to Orchard Park and saw the swings. I rewarded myself and then felt guilty when a family of four showed up and I was hogging the swings.
My pace sucked. Part of me hopes that it's so bad because it calculates in my 10 minutes of walking. I can't seem to figure out how to break the run down by time as opposed to speed and/or distance. I want to know my pace during the warmup/running/walking/cooldown etc. I also hope that maybe it has something to do with the GPS as it said it was "poor" through there. Which seems odd as it's not even a heavily tree'd area. I believe it calculated in my time on the swings too as I didn't push stop even though it said "workout complete". This was also the most elevation gain/loss I'd ever done. Plus it's the most running I've ever done. I suppose I should cut myself some slack. I only walked one minute out of 31 minutes! How great is that?!
I have three weeks to get to 36 minutes of running straight. Although that will no longer cover the pace I'm running (unless adrenaline kicks in) it at least gives me a fighting chance to finish the whole race running.
2.88 miles in 41 minutes
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day Twenty
Woot Woot!
Outside.
What a beautiful day. I had a great morning sleeping in after my "Leah Love Fest" of a PA Admissions Dinner Thursday night. Work went great and I brought the wine for Wine Friday. Even got to go home early, so I decided to run outside.
This was my first time using my new "Runkeeper" application on my iPhone. It's a GPS thingy that calculates my pace, route and some other things. I walked roughly 5 minutes and then started it up.
My goal was to run to the Hawthorn Farms MAX stop, but when I got there I just turned around and started back. Did a little detour down a street and came back... still running. I made it almost back to my original starting point! It was almost 18 minutes and over 1.5 miles! I walked for about 2 minutes and started up again. I went another 8 minutes and finally called it good. I stopped Runkeeper and started walking when I had an epiphany! Or act of stupidity... but thought I could keep running. So I started up again with the intention of doing 5 more minutes... but after 1 minute and 45 seconds I was done... again.
Overall I think it was pretty successful! Runkeeper is fantastic and I did a fairly good stretch of straight running. Bad news is my average pace was higher than the treadmill. But as I've tried to convince myself earlier, I don't care about pace. According to Runkeeper I went about 2.24 miles and had an average pace of 12:44 minutes/mile. I think that sounds about right... although I have not done the math. Now that is less than my other "runs" but this did not include my 5 minute warmup and 5 minute cooldown, so really it's more actual running distance.
I think I'm going to need to kick it up a notch. I want to run the whole 5K dammit! I'm thinking about doing Carissa's idea of doing like the bike or elliptical on my "off days". I'll keep thinking, but I think I can go every other day instead of 3 times a week.
Alright off to celebrate at Mazatlan!!
Outside.
What a beautiful day. I had a great morning sleeping in after my "Leah Love Fest" of a PA Admissions Dinner Thursday night. Work went great and I brought the wine for Wine Friday. Even got to go home early, so I decided to run outside.
This was my first time using my new "Runkeeper" application on my iPhone. It's a GPS thingy that calculates my pace, route and some other things. I walked roughly 5 minutes and then started it up.
My goal was to run to the Hawthorn Farms MAX stop, but when I got there I just turned around and started back. Did a little detour down a street and came back... still running. I made it almost back to my original starting point! It was almost 18 minutes and over 1.5 miles! I walked for about 2 minutes and started up again. I went another 8 minutes and finally called it good. I stopped Runkeeper and started walking when I had an epiphany! Or act of stupidity... but thought I could keep running. So I started up again with the intention of doing 5 more minutes... but after 1 minute and 45 seconds I was done... again.
Overall I think it was pretty successful! Runkeeper is fantastic and I did a fairly good stretch of straight running. Bad news is my average pace was higher than the treadmill. But as I've tried to convince myself earlier, I don't care about pace. According to Runkeeper I went about 2.24 miles and had an average pace of 12:44 minutes/mile. I think that sounds about right... although I have not done the math. Now that is less than my other "runs" but this did not include my 5 minute warmup and 5 minute cooldown, so really it's more actual running distance.
I think I'm going to need to kick it up a notch. I want to run the whole 5K dammit! I'm thinking about doing Carissa's idea of doing like the bike or elliptical on my "off days". I'll keep thinking, but I think I can go every other day instead of 3 times a week.
Alright off to celebrate at Mazatlan!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day Nineteen
2.66 in 36 minutes and 30 seconds
Eh. I didn't meet my goal for today.
5 minute warmup
13 minute run
1 min 30 sec walk
5 min 30 sec run
30 second walk
6 minute run
5 minute cooldown
I'm kind of disappointed but kind of not. I need to remember that I'm still doing it and that's what matters. HOWEVER, I'm getting a little freaked out that I won't run 3.1 miles before Shamrock and the "race" will be disasterous. I've been told there is a hill. I have 4 weeks.
I did get a new pair of shorts over the weekend which I love (yeah Nike!). I also got a new pair of headphone thingys. I may or may not have shared that they are constantly falling out of my ear and I mean constantly. I even held my hand over my ear the last time. The new ones are again Nike and they go behind my head by my neck and connect to eachother. They worked alright, not fantastic, but better.
I tried listening to a podcast (NPR Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me) and that lasted the first 22 minutes or so. It was alright, but I was getting pretty frustrated towards the end. I actually took the headphones off towards the end. I was just so frustrated and irritated.
Two different guys were in there with me. Neither had I seen before and both looked like beginners. I kind of wanted to slip them notes with the Couch to 5K Plan on it. Then they could look like real pros like me ;).
It is positive that I'm not gasping for air. My calves were hurting so bad this time and now they are kind of cramping up. Not good.
Eh. I didn't meet my goal for today.
5 minute warmup
13 minute run
1 min 30 sec walk
5 min 30 sec run
30 second walk
6 minute run
5 minute cooldown
I'm kind of disappointed but kind of not. I need to remember that I'm still doing it and that's what matters. HOWEVER, I'm getting a little freaked out that I won't run 3.1 miles before Shamrock and the "race" will be disasterous. I've been told there is a hill. I have 4 weeks.
I did get a new pair of shorts over the weekend which I love (yeah Nike!). I also got a new pair of headphone thingys. I may or may not have shared that they are constantly falling out of my ear and I mean constantly. I even held my hand over my ear the last time. The new ones are again Nike and they go behind my head by my neck and connect to eachother. They worked alright, not fantastic, but better.
I tried listening to a podcast (NPR Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me) and that lasted the first 22 minutes or so. It was alright, but I was getting pretty frustrated towards the end. I actually took the headphones off towards the end. I was just so frustrated and irritated.
Two different guys were in there with me. Neither had I seen before and both looked like beginners. I kind of wanted to slip them notes with the Couch to 5K Plan on it. Then they could look like real pros like me ;).
It is positive that I'm not gasping for air. My calves were hurting so bad this time and now they are kind of cramping up. Not good.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Day Eighteen
2.71 in 37 minutes
Woohoo!
I did decide to veer from the plan a bit. From here the plan has no real structure other than to run 25 minutes for one week, 28 minutes the next week and 30 minutes in the final week. Since I almost died when I did 20 minutes straight, I figured I needed to tweak something. I want to enjoy this, I want to feel good after a workout... or at least not dead.
Today I was supposed to run 25 minutes with no walking. My modified plan was to do 24 minutes with a small break in between.
5 minute warmup... check.
12 minute run... check.
2 minute walk... check.
12 minute run... oops! make that 13 minute run!
5 minute cooldown... check.
So I, in essence, did 25 minutes of running with a small break in the middle. I feel so good! Who knew my poor math skills would ever pay off!
My pace was a 12 min/mile and I'm completely ok with that. You know it's a round number in it's own right.
I started off by listening to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". It helped to have some new music I don't listen to that often, made me truly forget and not think about "ok we are 3/4 of the way through this song". I'm ok that this is not Top 40 music... in any decade. If I'm not going to love myself, who is?! :)
I think I will shoot for 25 minutes straight on my next run. For now I will enjoy my chocolate milk.
Woohoo!
I did decide to veer from the plan a bit. From here the plan has no real structure other than to run 25 minutes for one week, 28 minutes the next week and 30 minutes in the final week. Since I almost died when I did 20 minutes straight, I figured I needed to tweak something. I want to enjoy this, I want to feel good after a workout... or at least not dead.
Today I was supposed to run 25 minutes with no walking. My modified plan was to do 24 minutes with a small break in between.
5 minute warmup... check.
12 minute run... check.
2 minute walk... check.
12 minute run... oops! make that 13 minute run!
5 minute cooldown... check.
So I, in essence, did 25 minutes of running with a small break in the middle. I feel so good! Who knew my poor math skills would ever pay off!
My pace was a 12 min/mile and I'm completely ok with that. You know it's a round number in it's own right.
I started off by listening to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". It helped to have some new music I don't listen to that often, made me truly forget and not think about "ok we are 3/4 of the way through this song". I'm ok that this is not Top 40 music... in any decade. If I'm not going to love myself, who is?! :)
I think I will shoot for 25 minutes straight on my next run. For now I will enjoy my chocolate milk.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day Seventeen
Phew! Back on track.
2.39 in 33 minues.
I've been pretty bummed since my yesterday morning run. Stressing about how I am supposed to wake up on a Sunday and get downtown before 8am and run the Shamrock. Adrenaline right?!
I came home from work with a mission. Turns out I didn't need such a determined mind set because it was 10 times better than yesterday morning. I successfully completed two 10 minute stretches with a 3 minute walk in between. This was the LAST time the plan allows me to walk in the middle. Now there are no runs less than 25 minutes.
Ok so I have 4 1/2 weeks until the "race" and 3 1/2 weeks left of the plan. I'm thinking of modifying the plan slightly. My goal this Saturday will be to run 20 minutes (same as last weekend). The first run of next week I'll do the 10 minutes and walk 2 minutes and 10 minutes again. Then after that I'll move up to no run less than 20 minutes. After a couple of times with that, I'll move it up to 25 minutes, than 30 minutes. I'm done stressing about my pace. My goal was not to have a set time for the 5K, but rather to run the entire thing. I will be happy if I finish in 45 minutes. Which I understand means a 15 minute mile pace, which I'm doing better than that. But oh well. I'll be outside with thousands of people and there is a hill. If I jog the whole thing I'll have accomplished my goal.
Maybe I'll work on pace after the 5K. I do plan to continue this. I think eventually I'd like to work towards a 10K. Seems like there are more opportunities at the 10K level. However I'd like to get to less than 30 minutes for the 5K. Maybe I should try and find a 10K in the late summer/early fall to set as a new goal.
WHOA there! Reign it in! Focus.
2.39 in 33 minues.
I've been pretty bummed since my yesterday morning run. Stressing about how I am supposed to wake up on a Sunday and get downtown before 8am and run the Shamrock. Adrenaline right?!
I came home from work with a mission. Turns out I didn't need such a determined mind set because it was 10 times better than yesterday morning. I successfully completed two 10 minute stretches with a 3 minute walk in between. This was the LAST time the plan allows me to walk in the middle. Now there are no runs less than 25 minutes.
Ok so I have 4 1/2 weeks until the "race" and 3 1/2 weeks left of the plan. I'm thinking of modifying the plan slightly. My goal this Saturday will be to run 20 minutes (same as last weekend). The first run of next week I'll do the 10 minutes and walk 2 minutes and 10 minutes again. Then after that I'll move up to no run less than 20 minutes. After a couple of times with that, I'll move it up to 25 minutes, than 30 minutes. I'm done stressing about my pace. My goal was not to have a set time for the 5K, but rather to run the entire thing. I will be happy if I finish in 45 minutes. Which I understand means a 15 minute mile pace, which I'm doing better than that. But oh well. I'll be outside with thousands of people and there is a hill. If I jog the whole thing I'll have accomplished my goal.
Maybe I'll work on pace after the 5K. I do plan to continue this. I think eventually I'd like to work towards a 10K. Seems like there are more opportunities at the 10K level. However I'd like to get to less than 30 minutes for the 5K. Maybe I should try and find a 10K in the late summer/early fall to set as a new goal.
WHOA there! Reign it in! Focus.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day Sixteen
Fail.
I am not happy about my decision to run in the morning instead of when I got home later last night. I should have known my relationship with mornings well enough to know that was a bad idea. Over 12 hours without food and then run is never, never a good idea.
This is the last day of real "interval" stuff like "run 5, walk 3, run 8, walk 3, run 5". Next run "run 10, walk 3, run 10" and then after that it's straight "run 25 minutes with no walking" for the rest of my life. This morning the first five minutes I barely made it through. The eight minutes I got half way through and had to even get off the damn treadmill. It was worse than Sunday's run. I was shaking and nauseas and not good. I did push pause on the plan so when I got back on after four minutes or so, I finished out the eight minutes of running. However during the three minutes of walking the tears came. All I could think about was how hard this was and how I hadn't been strong enough to push through. So pretty soon I can't breathe cause tears are rolling down my cheeks.
First tears of the plan.
I did my best to suck it up and I did complete the next five minutes of running.
Not happy. I deviated from the plan and I was punished.
For the record: 2.40 miles in 34 minutes
I am not happy about my decision to run in the morning instead of when I got home later last night. I should have known my relationship with mornings well enough to know that was a bad idea. Over 12 hours without food and then run is never, never a good idea.
This is the last day of real "interval" stuff like "run 5, walk 3, run 8, walk 3, run 5". Next run "run 10, walk 3, run 10" and then after that it's straight "run 25 minutes with no walking" for the rest of my life. This morning the first five minutes I barely made it through. The eight minutes I got half way through and had to even get off the damn treadmill. It was worse than Sunday's run. I was shaking and nauseas and not good. I did push pause on the plan so when I got back on after four minutes or so, I finished out the eight minutes of running. However during the three minutes of walking the tears came. All I could think about was how hard this was and how I hadn't been strong enough to push through. So pretty soon I can't breathe cause tears are rolling down my cheeks.
First tears of the plan.
I did my best to suck it up and I did complete the next five minutes of running.
Not happy. I deviated from the plan and I was punished.
For the record: 2.40 miles in 34 minutes
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Day Fifteen
I'm not sure I even want to say much more than...
I DID IT!
This might seem overdramatic as I did not yet complete my goal, however, this might have been harder. Twenty whole minutes. Twenty.
I went to the gym as usual. I dreaded it all day. It makes me sad that I dreaded it and I cursed the Plan Gods. How am I supposed to make running stick when they jump too fast?! I trudged over there and tried to convince myself that I could do it. I had downloaded some new songs and arranged them just right. I did everything I could to be prepared. I even went during the Superbowl to ensure I was alone in the gym (it worked).
I turned on the game on mute (trying to act like I cared), covered up the treadmill display and started my music. I didn't use my iPhone app as it was a fairly easy one to remember... twenty minutes in case you've forgotten. I told myself I would not even move the papertowel from the display until after three whole songs. I loosely knew the songs were about 4 or 5 minutes long. This was a lofty goal. I had anticipated getting to 10 minutes and walking for one minute and going for 10 again. This was defying the gods, but come on... twenty.
First song up? "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera... starting out strong "'Cause if it wasn't all that you tried to do I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through". Little winded but ok. Next up was "Yeah!" by Usher. Little harder to get through but do-able. And then the kicker... "100% Pure Love" by um who knows really?! This classic 90's hit was a long lost love and I smiled right away. "From the back to the middle and around again, I'm gonna be there till the end, 100% pure love" Oh how I missed you! This is where I thought I'd look at the display, but for some reaon I didn't. Maybe it was because the next song was "Sexy Chick" and I wanted to hear if they really did say "neighborhood whore" or if Carissa was pulling my leg. Turns out they say "hoe" but close enough... however I personally like the following lyrics "Yes I can see her, cause every girl in here wanna be her, oh she's a diva, I feel the same and I want to meet her". So I jogged right through that song too.
Next up was Tik Tok... my good old Mick Jagger admirer I spoke about in a previous post. I looked at the display anticipating something like 12 minutes... Holy Crap, I'd gone over 15! I put the paper towel back on the display and spent the next minute trying to make sure my math was right... 20 minus 5 warmup mins equals 15... check. Wow. Shut Up. Now I figured I didn't have a choice but to keep going. How good would it feel to be able to say I actually did it?! So Tik Tok kept me going, but towards the end it was getting really, really rough. My right foot started falling asleep and I was getting a little light headed. By the time Fergalicious came on I was so ready to be done. I started leaning on the panel and probably looking like I was possessed. I threw the papertowel from the display and stared at that damn time keeper. I couldn't push slower fast enough when it turned 25:00 and I just chose to throw my ear buds out and get off the thing. Ugh.
I thought for sure I was going to either pass out or throw up. Thank God no one was in there. I sat on the weight bench for what I can figure no more than 2 minutes as when I got back Fergalicious was still on. I then did the 5 minute cooldown and wanted to stop every minute of it. I won't even try to describe how long it took me to recover, it's embarrassing. However, I did have some wonderful chocolate milk.
It can only get easier from here right?! Say I'm right!
For the record: 2.22 miles in 30 minutes
I DID IT!
This might seem overdramatic as I did not yet complete my goal, however, this might have been harder. Twenty whole minutes. Twenty.
I went to the gym as usual. I dreaded it all day. It makes me sad that I dreaded it and I cursed the Plan Gods. How am I supposed to make running stick when they jump too fast?! I trudged over there and tried to convince myself that I could do it. I had downloaded some new songs and arranged them just right. I did everything I could to be prepared. I even went during the Superbowl to ensure I was alone in the gym (it worked).
I turned on the game on mute (trying to act like I cared), covered up the treadmill display and started my music. I didn't use my iPhone app as it was a fairly easy one to remember... twenty minutes in case you've forgotten. I told myself I would not even move the papertowel from the display until after three whole songs. I loosely knew the songs were about 4 or 5 minutes long. This was a lofty goal. I had anticipated getting to 10 minutes and walking for one minute and going for 10 again. This was defying the gods, but come on... twenty.
First song up? "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera... starting out strong "'Cause if it wasn't all that you tried to do I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through". Little winded but ok. Next up was "Yeah!" by Usher. Little harder to get through but do-able. And then the kicker... "100% Pure Love" by um who knows really?! This classic 90's hit was a long lost love and I smiled right away. "From the back to the middle and around again, I'm gonna be there till the end, 100% pure love" Oh how I missed you! This is where I thought I'd look at the display, but for some reaon I didn't. Maybe it was because the next song was "Sexy Chick" and I wanted to hear if they really did say "neighborhood whore" or if Carissa was pulling my leg. Turns out they say "hoe" but close enough... however I personally like the following lyrics "Yes I can see her, cause every girl in here wanna be her, oh she's a diva, I feel the same and I want to meet her". So I jogged right through that song too.
Next up was Tik Tok... my good old Mick Jagger admirer I spoke about in a previous post. I looked at the display anticipating something like 12 minutes... Holy Crap, I'd gone over 15! I put the paper towel back on the display and spent the next minute trying to make sure my math was right... 20 minus 5 warmup mins equals 15... check. Wow. Shut Up. Now I figured I didn't have a choice but to keep going. How good would it feel to be able to say I actually did it?! So Tik Tok kept me going, but towards the end it was getting really, really rough. My right foot started falling asleep and I was getting a little light headed. By the time Fergalicious came on I was so ready to be done. I started leaning on the panel and probably looking like I was possessed. I threw the papertowel from the display and stared at that damn time keeper. I couldn't push slower fast enough when it turned 25:00 and I just chose to throw my ear buds out and get off the thing. Ugh.
I thought for sure I was going to either pass out or throw up. Thank God no one was in there. I sat on the weight bench for what I can figure no more than 2 minutes as when I got back Fergalicious was still on. I then did the 5 minute cooldown and wanted to stop every minute of it. I won't even try to describe how long it took me to recover, it's embarrassing. However, I did have some wonderful chocolate milk.
It can only get easier from here right?! Say I'm right!
For the record: 2.22 miles in 30 minutes
Friday, February 5, 2010
Day Fourteen
2.27 in 31 minutes
Some of you who actually read this may notice that I am writing on a Friday, not Thursday. I was supposed to run yesterday but instead went to a coworkers going away party (bye Cory :( ) at Renaissance Wines. I had a great time and tried some new wines and ate some great cubed salami. I got to see Lance whom I had not seen in a while, so that was good too. However, this was the first time I did not run on a Thursday in 5 weeks!
Not only was this the first non traditional run, but it was the longest I've run in one stretch... 8 minutes! Isn't that a rodeo thing?! Well I did it :). The first 8 minutes wasn't too bad. The 5 minute walk in between was rough on the calves (why is that?!). The second 8 minutes was horrible. Ugh. Three minutes in and I was starting to sway around on the treadmill. However I powered through and finished! Man alive that was rough. I didn't run less than 11:30/mile pace... I'm trying to run at the pace they want me to. I need to be running a 10 minute mile at this point and I'm clearly not even close. Again ugh.
Sunday I will be running 20 minutes straight... dramatic pause.
I'll give it my best I guess right?!
Some of you who actually read this may notice that I am writing on a Friday, not Thursday. I was supposed to run yesterday but instead went to a coworkers going away party (bye Cory :( ) at Renaissance Wines. I had a great time and tried some new wines and ate some great cubed salami. I got to see Lance whom I had not seen in a while, so that was good too. However, this was the first time I did not run on a Thursday in 5 weeks!
Not only was this the first non traditional run, but it was the longest I've run in one stretch... 8 minutes! Isn't that a rodeo thing?! Well I did it :). The first 8 minutes wasn't too bad. The 5 minute walk in between was rough on the calves (why is that?!). The second 8 minutes was horrible. Ugh. Three minutes in and I was starting to sway around on the treadmill. However I powered through and finished! Man alive that was rough. I didn't run less than 11:30/mile pace... I'm trying to run at the pace they want me to. I need to be running a 10 minute mile at this point and I'm clearly not even close. Again ugh.
Sunday I will be running 20 minutes straight... dramatic pause.
I'll give it my best I guess right?!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day Thirteen
2.19 miles in 31 minutes
If anyone is keeping track, the mileage did go down. I do see that the minutes went down, but it's a lot of jogging for it to go down. And jogging at an increased pace. So it's a little discouraging. I know it'll go up and down, but just hard.
I came home and changed. I was looking for socks and the old adage that Mom is always right came true. I bought these Adidas socks with her that each pair were a different color of the rainbow. No, not the actual sock, but the logo and stripe. It was buy a pack and get one free so I thought I was doing pretty good. First thing my Mom said?! "Now you have to always make sure your socks match each other." Oh crap. So today I wore a light green adidas logo and a dark green adidas logo. I don't think anyone will notice ;).
I ran on the only treadmill I have not run on yet. I was alone for the majority of time which was good cause pretty sure I was gasping for air towards the end. My running buddy didn't show... she must not realize we run every Tuesday together ;). As much as I dreaded the girls in the gym because of the assumption they would judge... I think an athletically fit male watching a game show in which these lingerie models are bouncing around and the said athletically fit male is drooling and grinning like an idiot... is worse. Ugh. Here I am gross, red, sweaty and gasping for air with my wide ankles out there having to watch this blatant display of what a female is supposed to look like. Great. So yeah, I walked away with a sour taste. But you know what?! I ran three 5 minute stretches and this weekend I'll run 20 minutes straight. So take that perfect females.
If anyone is keeping track, the mileage did go down. I do see that the minutes went down, but it's a lot of jogging for it to go down. And jogging at an increased pace. So it's a little discouraging. I know it'll go up and down, but just hard.
I came home and changed. I was looking for socks and the old adage that Mom is always right came true. I bought these Adidas socks with her that each pair were a different color of the rainbow. No, not the actual sock, but the logo and stripe. It was buy a pack and get one free so I thought I was doing pretty good. First thing my Mom said?! "Now you have to always make sure your socks match each other." Oh crap. So today I wore a light green adidas logo and a dark green adidas logo. I don't think anyone will notice ;).
I ran on the only treadmill I have not run on yet. I was alone for the majority of time which was good cause pretty sure I was gasping for air towards the end. My running buddy didn't show... she must not realize we run every Tuesday together ;). As much as I dreaded the girls in the gym because of the assumption they would judge... I think an athletically fit male watching a game show in which these lingerie models are bouncing around and the said athletically fit male is drooling and grinning like an idiot... is worse. Ugh. Here I am gross, red, sweaty and gasping for air with my wide ankles out there having to watch this blatant display of what a female is supposed to look like. Great. So yeah, I walked away with a sour taste. But you know what?! I ran three 5 minute stretches and this weekend I'll run 20 minutes straight. So take that perfect females.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Day Twelve
Outside Again
2.30 in 33 minutes
Some of you might notice that I'm writing this well after the run. I had a busy Saturday :) I did run around noon on Saturday, but am writing this on Sunday late afternoon.
I woke up late on Saturday (yeah!) and watched (500) Days of Summer. If you have not seen that movie, go rent it right now. It is a fabulous movie and I've already watched it twice in 24 hours. There is singing, dancing, laugher, tears and lessons learned.
I got off the couch to go run outside (please hold your applause until the end). I put my new Under Armour headband on and new running pants. Took one look in the mirror and the pants came off. There was no way I was going out there looking like that... ha! I can't describe what I looked like, but it was definitely too much. So I decided to go with shorts. It looked a little less stupid. I did put my ear cords through my jacket thing again and tied my key to my shoes. I packed about twice as many kleenex this time around.
Everything went according to plan, but you know me, I need to find something to bitch about. So here goes... even with my new stellar headband, my nose still ran. My ears weren't too cold and it did help my ear buds stay in. My nose didn't run as bad as the first time. It was slightly easier to run outside instead of on a treadmill in terms of not noticing the time length as badly. However after the first 5 minute stretch of jogging I had looked down at my iPhone to find only 10 seconds left. It beeped signalling me to walk and I put it in my pocket so I could blow my nose. I than walked for what seemed like forever to find out I had inadvertently ended my workout on the iPhone. Needless to say I was pissed. I think I probably only walked for 1-2 minutes longer than I should have before jogging again. But still! I have worked so hard to do the whole thing exactly as it is supposed to play out. I won't think about that now, I'll think about that tomorrow (Scarlett shoutout).
I'm seeing a possible wall in the future. Next Saturday (that's right, six days) the Plan Gods are asking me to jog 20 minutes straight with no walking. Holy crap. I'd like to think I have more faith in myself and believe I can do that, but right now, I don't. I've got five days to build myself up. Bring out the tough chick music! I'm calling Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, maybe even some Beyonce. Come on girls!
2.30 in 33 minutes
Some of you might notice that I'm writing this well after the run. I had a busy Saturday :) I did run around noon on Saturday, but am writing this on Sunday late afternoon.
I woke up late on Saturday (yeah!) and watched (500) Days of Summer. If you have not seen that movie, go rent it right now. It is a fabulous movie and I've already watched it twice in 24 hours. There is singing, dancing, laugher, tears and lessons learned.
I got off the couch to go run outside (please hold your applause until the end). I put my new Under Armour headband on and new running pants. Took one look in the mirror and the pants came off. There was no way I was going out there looking like that... ha! I can't describe what I looked like, but it was definitely too much. So I decided to go with shorts. It looked a little less stupid. I did put my ear cords through my jacket thing again and tied my key to my shoes. I packed about twice as many kleenex this time around.
Everything went according to plan, but you know me, I need to find something to bitch about. So here goes... even with my new stellar headband, my nose still ran. My ears weren't too cold and it did help my ear buds stay in. My nose didn't run as bad as the first time. It was slightly easier to run outside instead of on a treadmill in terms of not noticing the time length as badly. However after the first 5 minute stretch of jogging I had looked down at my iPhone to find only 10 seconds left. It beeped signalling me to walk and I put it in my pocket so I could blow my nose. I than walked for what seemed like forever to find out I had inadvertently ended my workout on the iPhone. Needless to say I was pissed. I think I probably only walked for 1-2 minutes longer than I should have before jogging again. But still! I have worked so hard to do the whole thing exactly as it is supposed to play out. I won't think about that now, I'll think about that tomorrow (Scarlett shoutout).
I'm seeing a possible wall in the future. Next Saturday (that's right, six days) the Plan Gods are asking me to jog 20 minutes straight with no walking. Holy crap. I'd like to think I have more faith in myself and believe I can do that, but right now, I don't. I've got five days to build myself up. Bring out the tough chick music! I'm calling Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, maybe even some Beyonce. Come on girls!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day Eleven
2.29 miles in 33 minutes
Is it just me or has this week dragged on?! All day Wednesday I felt like it was Thursday and today felt like Friday... bummer. But on the upside my heel has felt much better. I'm hoping it's just a stretching issue and can be corrected that way.
Being that this was a long odd week, I did not quite have the high after today's workout as after Tuesday's. Don't get me wrong, I'm still proud of myself :). However it was hard and I sweated a lot and it was gross. Alright I guess that does peg me as a girl... just not used to it!
But I finally talked to my running buddy. I walked in and she was on the treadmill jogging for 1,000 miles I'm sure and another girl was doing weights. "Friends" was on the TV. I had not thought to watch TV before seeing that. It warmed my heart to see it was the episode of Ross and Rachel's first kiss. Treadmill buddy stopped and talked to the other girl about the episode. Surprisingly there is a girl who doesn't know much about "Friends" so I had to pipe in. I agreed with her that this was the best episode along with the Prom Video one. Contact has been made, go me! She even handed me the remote before they left. I see BFF's in the future.
Watching TV slowly drained my motivation, so I tried yet again another method. Jim Gaffigan. My coworker mentioned listening to podcasts and I thought I would test the idea out with good ole Jim. Unfortunately Jim did not do the trick. Maybe it's cause I have him memorized.
Here's hoping that I get to run outside this weekend and try out my new headband! Hahaha... sorry... even that made me giggle and I was trying to be sincere.
Is it just me or has this week dragged on?! All day Wednesday I felt like it was Thursday and today felt like Friday... bummer. But on the upside my heel has felt much better. I'm hoping it's just a stretching issue and can be corrected that way.
Being that this was a long odd week, I did not quite have the high after today's workout as after Tuesday's. Don't get me wrong, I'm still proud of myself :). However it was hard and I sweated a lot and it was gross. Alright I guess that does peg me as a girl... just not used to it!
But I finally talked to my running buddy. I walked in and she was on the treadmill jogging for 1,000 miles I'm sure and another girl was doing weights. "Friends" was on the TV. I had not thought to watch TV before seeing that. It warmed my heart to see it was the episode of Ross and Rachel's first kiss. Treadmill buddy stopped and talked to the other girl about the episode. Surprisingly there is a girl who doesn't know much about "Friends" so I had to pipe in. I agreed with her that this was the best episode along with the Prom Video one. Contact has been made, go me! She even handed me the remote before they left. I see BFF's in the future.
Watching TV slowly drained my motivation, so I tried yet again another method. Jim Gaffigan. My coworker mentioned listening to podcasts and I thought I would test the idea out with good ole Jim. Unfortunately Jim did not do the trick. Maybe it's cause I have him memorized.
Here's hoping that I get to run outside this weekend and try out my new headband! Hahaha... sorry... even that made me giggle and I was trying to be sincere.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day Ten
"Boys and girls wanna hear a true story..."
I did it! I broke the two mile barrier! 2.21 miles in 33 minutes.
My heel hurt all day, I was limping around and trying not to walk around. Doesn't hurt to put pressure on it, but it hurts to move my ankle certain ways. Not good. I knew this workout was going to be the hardest yet as it required a whole five minutes of jogging... twice. Needless to say I was nervous. But I did it!
My heel didn't even hurt but it sure hurts now, even after ice. The first five minute stint was rough... but the second one was rougher. But luckily City High came on and motivated me through the last two minutes of it.
"What would you do? Get up off my feet and stop making tired excuses..."
I did it! I broke the two mile barrier! 2.21 miles in 33 minutes.
My heel hurt all day, I was limping around and trying not to walk around. Doesn't hurt to put pressure on it, but it hurts to move my ankle certain ways. Not good. I knew this workout was going to be the hardest yet as it required a whole five minutes of jogging... twice. Needless to say I was nervous. But I did it!
My heel didn't even hurt but it sure hurts now, even after ice. The first five minute stint was rough... but the second one was rougher. But luckily City High came on and motivated me through the last two minutes of it.
"What would you do? Get up off my feet and stop making tired excuses..."
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day Nine
1.82 miles in 28 minutes
Booo Mother Nature! Alright, just for today, not for everything she's done that's so wonderful :) Yesterday (Saturday) was PA Interview Day so I got home and was so tired. I thought it was a great idea instead of freezing my ears off again, to jog on Sunday instead.
Saturday evening I went to Sport Authority to get a headband. Luckily I had one option. It'll work.
I was so looking forward to running outside on Sunday. I had pants and a headband and I thought I was going to be able to make it work. Woke up on Sunday to pouring rain. Oh come on! Thwarted again. So instead I just went to the apt gym again.
I had discovered that I don't think I'm jogging as fast as I should be. The plan wants me to be running a 10 minute mile pace next week. Right now I'm jogging at a 12 minute mile pace. So I sped up a little today. Turned out all right. I was pretty tired after, but I survived ;)
And that's the end of week 3! I read that it takes 20 days to make or break a habit... well I made it!
Booo Mother Nature! Alright, just for today, not for everything she's done that's so wonderful :) Yesterday (Saturday) was PA Interview Day so I got home and was so tired. I thought it was a great idea instead of freezing my ears off again, to jog on Sunday instead.
Saturday evening I went to Sport Authority to get a headband. Luckily I had one option. It'll work.
I was so looking forward to running outside on Sunday. I had pants and a headband and I thought I was going to be able to make it work. Woke up on Sunday to pouring rain. Oh come on! Thwarted again. So instead I just went to the apt gym again.
I had discovered that I don't think I'm jogging as fast as I should be. The plan wants me to be running a 10 minute mile pace next week. Right now I'm jogging at a 12 minute mile pace. So I sped up a little today. Turned out all right. I was pretty tired after, but I survived ;)
And that's the end of week 3! I read that it takes 20 days to make or break a habit... well I made it!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day Eight
1.75 in 28 minutes
I got home early today (thanks Carissa!) and was able to get to the apt gym before 5. I was pretty nervous about my calf, but turned out to be a non issue. I was the only one in the gym and this time I chose the middle treadmill. This one is not in front of the mirror. Previously I've chosen the one in front of the mirror to satisfy my narcissism but frankly it's a bit distracting cause I don't have anything to randomly stare at. This turned out to be a good idea. I was able to randomly stare out the window through the blinds. Just like running outside.
At about 4 minutes and 37 seconds in I usually take off my track jacket thingy and this time what was underneath? My goEastern Tshirt :) Holla EWU peeps! I kind of felt like superwoman.
This was a hard workout, but I felt good after. I know jogging 3 minutes continuously is kind of wussy, but I'm pretty proud that I can do it. Janet Jackson's "Feedback" is what got me through the second 3 minutes. Hahaha. I have to say I just googled the lyrics and it's quite a dirty song! Oh well it worked.
Dear Couch to 5K iPhone Application Programmers,
It would be really great if the guy in my ear said something more encouraging than "walk now" or "run now". Although it serves it's purpose, he even sounds bored. And when I'm done with the workout I don't even get a beep?! I would prefer some fireworks to go off on my screen similar to when I win solitaire on the computer. This is way harder than solitaire and it deserves some fanfare.
Thank You,
Leah
I got home early today (thanks Carissa!) and was able to get to the apt gym before 5. I was pretty nervous about my calf, but turned out to be a non issue. I was the only one in the gym and this time I chose the middle treadmill. This one is not in front of the mirror. Previously I've chosen the one in front of the mirror to satisfy my narcissism but frankly it's a bit distracting cause I don't have anything to randomly stare at. This turned out to be a good idea. I was able to randomly stare out the window through the blinds. Just like running outside.
At about 4 minutes and 37 seconds in I usually take off my track jacket thingy and this time what was underneath? My goEastern Tshirt :) Holla EWU peeps! I kind of felt like superwoman.
This was a hard workout, but I felt good after. I know jogging 3 minutes continuously is kind of wussy, but I'm pretty proud that I can do it. Janet Jackson's "Feedback" is what got me through the second 3 minutes. Hahaha. I have to say I just googled the lyrics and it's quite a dirty song! Oh well it worked.
Dear Couch to 5K iPhone Application Programmers,
It would be really great if the guy in my ear said something more encouraging than "walk now" or "run now". Although it serves it's purpose, he even sounds bored. And when I'm done with the workout I don't even get a beep?! I would prefer some fireworks to go off on my screen similar to when I win solitaire on the computer. This is way harder than solitaire and it deserves some fanfare.
Thank You,
Leah
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day Seven
1.7 miles in 28 minutes
Well today was the day that the plan doubled. I've been dreading this day. I jumped from jogging 90 seconds at one stretch to jogging 3 minutes at one stretch.
Good news... it wasn't as bad as I imagined it to be. Bad news... it was hard. My left calf hurts, sharp pain type hurt. But my nose didn't run and my ears stayed warm :)
I used my iPhone app on the treadmill and it worked pretty well. I can't change the music around without pausing the program, so that kind of sucks. I need to make better playlists. The screen goes from green to red, so it's kind of obvious looking. I also feel like the time goes by slower. Everytime I'd look down I felt like time had stopped. The last 3 minute stretch I tried not to look down and when I couldn't do that my next goal was to not look down for at least half the time. I didn't make it. Thursday I'm going to turn the phone around so I can't see it change from red to green and I have to wait for the beep and the guy saying "walk now".
"eat dinner now"
Well today was the day that the plan doubled. I've been dreading this day. I jumped from jogging 90 seconds at one stretch to jogging 3 minutes at one stretch.
Good news... it wasn't as bad as I imagined it to be. Bad news... it was hard. My left calf hurts, sharp pain type hurt. But my nose didn't run and my ears stayed warm :)
I used my iPhone app on the treadmill and it worked pretty well. I can't change the music around without pausing the program, so that kind of sucks. I need to make better playlists. The screen goes from green to red, so it's kind of obvious looking. I also feel like the time goes by slower. Everytime I'd look down I felt like time had stopped. The last 3 minute stretch I tried not to look down and when I couldn't do that my next goal was to not look down for at least half the time. I didn't make it. Thursday I'm going to turn the phone around so I can't see it change from red to green and I have to wait for the beep and the guy saying "walk now".
"eat dinner now"
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day Six
OUTSIDE!
Holy cow. First run outside.
I woke up this morning and while laying in bed I decided to look at the App Store on my iPhone. I've been stressing about running outside and how to time myself so I can still follow my plan. I've been looking at $50+ watches, etc. Low and behold, there's an app for that. I downloaded for $2.99 the "Couch to 5K" app. Has all the workouts on it with voices to tell you when to walk/run/cooldown etc. I can choose male or female (I went male... "tougher" sounding coach I guess!). You can listen to your own music and it just tells you over the music. I was so excited I pretty much jumped out of bed.
I ate some breakfast and sang "I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it" while getting ready. You're a child of the 90's if you picture Jessie singing that to Zack as he's confronting her on her addiction to caffeine pills on Saved by the Bell :). I was also hoping that there would be no overweight shirtless male mowing his lawn telling people they prance.
Heading out the door I grabbed kleenexs which turned out to be ingenious of me. I put my earphone cord through my shirt (I saw the cool people doing it) and even figured out how to tie my apt key to my shoelaces. Speaking of tying shoes... did you know there is a "right" and "wrong" way to tie shoes?! I learned that while I was researching types of shoes. My shoe lace bows always went the wrong way instead of laying nicely as they do in the commercials. Look what the internet can do for us! Now I have perfect little bows on my shoes.
Overall the run was not harder, it was the additional elements the great outdoors added to the experience that sucked. My ears and nose were the largest problems. My nose was running like a faucet, thank god I had at least 3 kleenexs... will need to bring more next time. No wonder I see runners snotting into the grass... gross... I don't think I'll be able to do that. However that was causing my ears to plug up and they were already freezing. Add to that my earbuds don't stay in very well and I was constantly messing with my ears. They throbbed when I got back to the apartment and I had a horrible headache. I think I need to get one of those headbands... should solve the earbud problem and the cold problem. Dang I have to go shopping ;)
Downside of running outside... I don't truly know how far I ran. I tried to do the mapmyrun.com thing beforehand and made a route that was about 1.27 miles. I figured I wouldn't go as far since it was supposed to be harder outside. Well I ended up straying off my path and making little loops around the blocks cause it wasn't long enough. So my guess is I did just about the 1.55 I've been doing or maybe more. I think I probably jogged faster at first cause of the adrenaline. I didn't get lost, which those who know me is actually a large concern for me. I do have GPS on my phone though, so figured I'd be ok in a friendly neighborhood.
About how cool I was tying my key to my shoelaces. I got back to the apartment, bent down to untie my shoe and gracefully pulled the wrong string so it got all tangled. Of course it's dark by my door and I didn't have contacts/glasses. I started giggling to myself thinking, oh crap this is embarrassing. Neighbor Tim is going to come out here and think I'm crazy. Finally just had to take my shoe off so I could get it close enough to see it. Hahaha still making me giggle.
Hmm... we'll see if I do this next Saturday. Need to prepare myself better I think. Suggestions welcome.
Holy cow. First run outside.
I woke up this morning and while laying in bed I decided to look at the App Store on my iPhone. I've been stressing about running outside and how to time myself so I can still follow my plan. I've been looking at $50+ watches, etc. Low and behold, there's an app for that. I downloaded for $2.99 the "Couch to 5K" app. Has all the workouts on it with voices to tell you when to walk/run/cooldown etc. I can choose male or female (I went male... "tougher" sounding coach I guess!). You can listen to your own music and it just tells you over the music. I was so excited I pretty much jumped out of bed.
I ate some breakfast and sang "I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it" while getting ready. You're a child of the 90's if you picture Jessie singing that to Zack as he's confronting her on her addiction to caffeine pills on Saved by the Bell :). I was also hoping that there would be no overweight shirtless male mowing his lawn telling people they prance.
Heading out the door I grabbed kleenexs which turned out to be ingenious of me. I put my earphone cord through my shirt (I saw the cool people doing it) and even figured out how to tie my apt key to my shoelaces. Speaking of tying shoes... did you know there is a "right" and "wrong" way to tie shoes?! I learned that while I was researching types of shoes. My shoe lace bows always went the wrong way instead of laying nicely as they do in the commercials. Look what the internet can do for us! Now I have perfect little bows on my shoes.
Overall the run was not harder, it was the additional elements the great outdoors added to the experience that sucked. My ears and nose were the largest problems. My nose was running like a faucet, thank god I had at least 3 kleenexs... will need to bring more next time. No wonder I see runners snotting into the grass... gross... I don't think I'll be able to do that. However that was causing my ears to plug up and they were already freezing. Add to that my earbuds don't stay in very well and I was constantly messing with my ears. They throbbed when I got back to the apartment and I had a horrible headache. I think I need to get one of those headbands... should solve the earbud problem and the cold problem. Dang I have to go shopping ;)
Downside of running outside... I don't truly know how far I ran. I tried to do the mapmyrun.com thing beforehand and made a route that was about 1.27 miles. I figured I wouldn't go as far since it was supposed to be harder outside. Well I ended up straying off my path and making little loops around the blocks cause it wasn't long enough. So my guess is I did just about the 1.55 I've been doing or maybe more. I think I probably jogged faster at first cause of the adrenaline. I didn't get lost, which those who know me is actually a large concern for me. I do have GPS on my phone though, so figured I'd be ok in a friendly neighborhood.
About how cool I was tying my key to my shoelaces. I got back to the apartment, bent down to untie my shoe and gracefully pulled the wrong string so it got all tangled. Of course it's dark by my door and I didn't have contacts/glasses. I started giggling to myself thinking, oh crap this is embarrassing. Neighbor Tim is going to come out here and think I'm crazy. Finally just had to take my shoe off so I could get it close enough to see it. Hahaha still making me giggle.
Hmm... we'll see if I do this next Saturday. Need to prepare myself better I think. Suggestions welcome.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day Five
Again 1.55 miles in 25 minutes.
It was a pretty busy Thursday, but I was still excited to get home and go workout. Dramatic pause. Holy crap I never thought I'd say that!
It was not raining this time, so that was nice. It was also on the warmer side so my white legs didn't get frost bite. I ran next to a girl I've ran 2 times with before. Little does she know, she's my new running partner ;). She's a bit more advanced than myself being that she runs at like "6" for 35 minutes. I like to walk at "3" and run at "5". I'm ok with that. I figure I'll work my way up to higher right?!
Today was a bit harder than the other days. I think that's kind of good, some pushing is healthy. I'm sore already and I'm just tired. I'm hoping this all makes me sleep better and improves my mood. I was so tired today that I closed my eyes briefly and learned that is not the right thing to do on a treadmill. Luckily no harm done and lesson learned.
In regards to my playlist... I learned that "In the End" by Linkin Park is not a wise song choice for trying to do something positive. What a depressing song! "In the end it doesn't really matter" What?! No in the end what I'm doing on this treadmill will matter dammit! Luckily I skipped to Kanye's "Stronger" and was uplifted. "N-n-now that that don't kill me, can only make me stronger".
It was a pretty busy Thursday, but I was still excited to get home and go workout. Dramatic pause. Holy crap I never thought I'd say that!
It was not raining this time, so that was nice. It was also on the warmer side so my white legs didn't get frost bite. I ran next to a girl I've ran 2 times with before. Little does she know, she's my new running partner ;). She's a bit more advanced than myself being that she runs at like "6" for 35 minutes. I like to walk at "3" and run at "5". I'm ok with that. I figure I'll work my way up to higher right?!
Today was a bit harder than the other days. I think that's kind of good, some pushing is healthy. I'm sore already and I'm just tired. I'm hoping this all makes me sleep better and improves my mood. I was so tired today that I closed my eyes briefly and learned that is not the right thing to do on a treadmill. Luckily no harm done and lesson learned.
In regards to my playlist... I learned that "In the End" by Linkin Park is not a wise song choice for trying to do something positive. What a depressing song! "In the end it doesn't really matter" What?! No in the end what I'm doing on this treadmill will matter dammit! Luckily I skipped to Kanye's "Stronger" and was uplifted. "N-n-now that that don't kill me, can only make me stronger".
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day Four
Week one done!
I have a whole completed shamrock week on my grid :)
I got to the gym pretty early (5:05pm ish) and I had to wait for a treadmill. Not too long though so that was good. I waited somewhere else so as not to hover. Tuesdays seem to be so crowded! I was warned that no one works out on Thursdays (Thirsty Thursday I guess!) but Tuesdays might be crowded (what happened to Taco Tuesday?!).
Today I started a new workout and did pretty good. It upped the amount of time I jogged and I did 1.55 miles in 25 minutes. I listened to a little Christina Aguilera Dirrty and Fighter... turned out to be fairly motivational music :) I walked out of the gym to a torrential downpour. It was actually kind of fun. I knew I was going to get wet and had no hope of staying dry. I knew I had nowhere to go and nothing to do so who cared if I got wet?! Don't worry, I made sure my notecard with my workout plan telling me when to walk/jog was safe in my pocket.
"I'm singin in the rain, just singin in the rain! What a glorious feelin, I'm happy again!" Thanks Gene Kelly.
I have a whole completed shamrock week on my grid :)
I got to the gym pretty early (5:05pm ish) and I had to wait for a treadmill. Not too long though so that was good. I waited somewhere else so as not to hover. Tuesdays seem to be so crowded! I was warned that no one works out on Thursdays (Thirsty Thursday I guess!) but Tuesdays might be crowded (what happened to Taco Tuesday?!).
Today I started a new workout and did pretty good. It upped the amount of time I jogged and I did 1.55 miles in 25 minutes. I listened to a little Christina Aguilera Dirrty and Fighter... turned out to be fairly motivational music :) I walked out of the gym to a torrential downpour. It was actually kind of fun. I knew I was going to get wet and had no hope of staying dry. I knew I had nowhere to go and nothing to do so who cared if I got wet?! Don't worry, I made sure my notecard with my workout plan telling me when to walk/jog was safe in my pocket.
"I'm singin in the rain, just singin in the rain! What a glorious feelin, I'm happy again!" Thanks Gene Kelly.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Day Three
Yeah I broke 1.5 miles in 25 minutes!
Today is Saturday and I had the PA Interview Day. That went fantastically well. It is quite a long day of being "on" and up early. I came home and crashed on the couch under my wonderful down blanket. Turned on the TV. Usually this would be the death of any plans for later. However I did the unthinkable and got back off the couch. Can you believe it?! Even "13 Going On 30" was on, another actress I aspire to look like by the way. 80's night down here is the closest I've ever gotten to the Thriller Dance scene in that movie. Oh how I love 80's night.
I think I left my calculated plan (0:00-5:00 walk, 5:00-6:00 jog, 6:00-7:30 walk...) at the gym on Thursday. How embarrassing! Thank god it didn't have my name on it ;) So I made another one, but next week I'll just have to make yet another one. Oh well such is life, maybe someone got a kick out of it.
The workout went well and I do have to say I'm feeling good after them. I thought I would just dread everything about this. I'm sure the adrenaline is still high so maybe in the next couple of weeks I'll dread it, but so far so good.
Tomorrow I plan to sleep in... yeah!
Today is Saturday and I had the PA Interview Day. That went fantastically well. It is quite a long day of being "on" and up early. I came home and crashed on the couch under my wonderful down blanket. Turned on the TV. Usually this would be the death of any plans for later. However I did the unthinkable and got back off the couch. Can you believe it?! Even "13 Going On 30" was on, another actress I aspire to look like by the way. 80's night down here is the closest I've ever gotten to the Thriller Dance scene in that movie. Oh how I love 80's night.
I think I left my calculated plan (0:00-5:00 walk, 5:00-6:00 jog, 6:00-7:30 walk...) at the gym on Thursday. How embarrassing! Thank god it didn't have my name on it ;) So I made another one, but next week I'll just have to make yet another one. Oh well such is life, maybe someone got a kick out of it.
The workout went well and I do have to say I'm feeling good after them. I thought I would just dread everything about this. I'm sure the adrenaline is still high so maybe in the next couple of weeks I'll dread it, but so far so good.
Tomorrow I plan to sleep in... yeah!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day Two
Hmmm... why was today way easier?!
Today was one of the worst days I've had in a while. Just one wrong thing after the next, nothing too major. Got home around 5:30ish. Changed and walked to the apt gym. Way cuter shorts tonight... damn Nike! I've been striving to look like Sandra Bullock in Two Weeks Notice. She is just so cute in that tennis outfit! Is it weird to wear a skirt/skort running?! :)
So looking cute and the gym was completely empty. It was kind of nice actually. I was able to stare in the mirror and not feel too conceited. Especially since my hair was doing the girly swing. I hate that. On Tuesday I did the whole half pull through thing and it looked horrible. So I went the full pony and it swung back and forth ridiculously. Come on... could it get more girly?! Will need to figure something out there.
So far my playlist has been pretty good. I love that new song by Ke$ha, Tik Tok. The only beef I have with the song is the "we kick them to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger". Who honestly wants someone that looks like Mick Jagger?! I can understand the lifestyle and money I guess... but really the looks are not something which I use on the good end of my rating scale. And yes Jay Sean, I am down, down, down.
My legs felt great this time and I wasn't gasping for air either. I could have kept going but figured I'm following a plan for a reason. The Plan God must know more than myself so I should bow my head and listen.
Today was one of the worst days I've had in a while. Just one wrong thing after the next, nothing too major. Got home around 5:30ish. Changed and walked to the apt gym. Way cuter shorts tonight... damn Nike! I've been striving to look like Sandra Bullock in Two Weeks Notice. She is just so cute in that tennis outfit! Is it weird to wear a skirt/skort running?! :)
So looking cute and the gym was completely empty. It was kind of nice actually. I was able to stare in the mirror and not feel too conceited. Especially since my hair was doing the girly swing. I hate that. On Tuesday I did the whole half pull through thing and it looked horrible. So I went the full pony and it swung back and forth ridiculously. Come on... could it get more girly?! Will need to figure something out there.
So far my playlist has been pretty good. I love that new song by Ke$ha, Tik Tok. The only beef I have with the song is the "we kick them to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger". Who honestly wants someone that looks like Mick Jagger?! I can understand the lifestyle and money I guess... but really the looks are not something which I use on the good end of my rating scale. And yes Jay Sean, I am down, down, down.
My legs felt great this time and I wasn't gasping for air either. I could have kept going but figured I'm following a plan for a reason. The Plan God must know more than myself so I should bow my head and listen.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day One
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Oh Yeah!
This first "session" has occupied my mind now for at least a full week. I've got new shoes ($35 at Adidas... mental note: other blog topic, shopping). I downloaded my music on to my iPhone and created a "Running" playlist. I've scheduled Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays as my run days. I have my nice grid all printed out and my shamrock stickers ready.
Raced home, no pun intended. Changed in to my clothes and put my hair up. Grabbed my calculated plan on a sticky note, my iPhone, keys, a gatorade and headed to the apartment gym. I was briefly concerned that I was all in black walking down a dark rainy street, when I remembered how white my legs are and figured I would be safe. New way to flash your legs to get a ride, ha!
Gym was the busiest I've seen it, all girls. Not sure if I feel more comfortable with that or not. On one hand there is no one to impress... on the other there are a whole lot of hands to judge. I'm ok with guys thinking I'm a wuss as long as they think of me as a cute wuss ;). I don't like the idea of girls looking down on me. However I've learned to block that out, screw peer approval. So there I was staring at this massive machine thinking, how hard can this be?! Green for go, red for stop, seems pretty simple.
25 minutes later I was done with my first workout. Feeling fantastic about myself and ignoring that I arrived after everyone and left before everyone. Eh luckily I'm lacking a competitive edge.
This first "session" has occupied my mind now for at least a full week. I've got new shoes ($35 at Adidas... mental note: other blog topic, shopping). I downloaded my music on to my iPhone and created a "Running" playlist. I've scheduled Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays as my run days. I have my nice grid all printed out and my shamrock stickers ready.
Raced home, no pun intended. Changed in to my clothes and put my hair up. Grabbed my calculated plan on a sticky note, my iPhone, keys, a gatorade and headed to the apartment gym. I was briefly concerned that I was all in black walking down a dark rainy street, when I remembered how white my legs are and figured I would be safe. New way to flash your legs to get a ride, ha!
Gym was the busiest I've seen it, all girls. Not sure if I feel more comfortable with that or not. On one hand there is no one to impress... on the other there are a whole lot of hands to judge. I'm ok with guys thinking I'm a wuss as long as they think of me as a cute wuss ;). I don't like the idea of girls looking down on me. However I've learned to block that out, screw peer approval. So there I was staring at this massive machine thinking, how hard can this be?! Green for go, red for stop, seems pretty simple.
25 minutes later I was done with my first workout. Feeling fantastic about myself and ignoring that I arrived after everyone and left before everyone. Eh luckily I'm lacking a competitive edge.
Pre Training
Hello World!
My name is Leah and this is my first blog. I've considered doing a blog before but nothing epic has happened in my life. UNTIL NOW.
Believe it or not I have signed up for the Shamrock 5K Run on March 14th. Now to some a 5K is minor, drop in the bucket, child's play, etc. To me, it's major. If there are those of you who don't know me well, I have not exercised since I was 15. Keep in mind until I was 15 I danced professionally (no twinkle toes here) and was super in shape. As soon as I quit, I stopped. I was blessed with a messed up metabolism and digestive system and am lucky to not have to worry about weight. My creator gave me multiple other problems so they were merciful in this. However life has changed once again for me and I find myself living in Portland, OR. Little did I know this was running capital of the world.
Everyone I know runs. I resisted. Suddenly around my 27th birthday it dawned on me that maybe they weren't crazy. Maybe, just maybe, this is an individual challenge that one can achieve a real sense of accomplishment. Perhaps this is what I need in my life. It certainly would give me something to focus on and something to talk with others about. So the wheels started turning...
Then I discovered that the majority of my office runs the Shamrock Run. Hmmm, click, click, click. On top of that my 57 year old coworker told me about the Couch to 5K plan courtesy of Cool Running. So now I have motivation and inspiration. Click, click, click. A little googling and some online registering and I have a plan and am signed up for the Shamrock Run. Done and done.
So this is my journey. It is designed for me to just type and share. I'm not sure if anyone will read this and I'm ok with that. If you haven't sensed it already, it will be laced with sarcasm and dry humor. Throw in a little whining and overdramatization and you have me in a nutshell.
If you are still reading, thank you!
My name is Leah and this is my first blog. I've considered doing a blog before but nothing epic has happened in my life. UNTIL NOW.
Believe it or not I have signed up for the Shamrock 5K Run on March 14th. Now to some a 5K is minor, drop in the bucket, child's play, etc. To me, it's major. If there are those of you who don't know me well, I have not exercised since I was 15. Keep in mind until I was 15 I danced professionally (no twinkle toes here) and was super in shape. As soon as I quit, I stopped. I was blessed with a messed up metabolism and digestive system and am lucky to not have to worry about weight. My creator gave me multiple other problems so they were merciful in this. However life has changed once again for me and I find myself living in Portland, OR. Little did I know this was running capital of the world.
Everyone I know runs. I resisted. Suddenly around my 27th birthday it dawned on me that maybe they weren't crazy. Maybe, just maybe, this is an individual challenge that one can achieve a real sense of accomplishment. Perhaps this is what I need in my life. It certainly would give me something to focus on and something to talk with others about. So the wheels started turning...
Then I discovered that the majority of my office runs the Shamrock Run. Hmmm, click, click, click. On top of that my 57 year old coworker told me about the Couch to 5K plan courtesy of Cool Running. So now I have motivation and inspiration. Click, click, click. A little googling and some online registering and I have a plan and am signed up for the Shamrock Run. Done and done.
So this is my journey. It is designed for me to just type and share. I'm not sure if anyone will read this and I'm ok with that. If you haven't sensed it already, it will be laced with sarcasm and dry humor. Throw in a little whining and overdramatization and you have me in a nutshell.
If you are still reading, thank you!
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