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.
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