Let me officially ammend my previous statement to reflect that if I can reach and sustain a 12 minute mile, I'll be happy. 10?! What was I thinking?! I have short legs!
Last night was marginally less taxing than Monday, but I got a side "stitch" in my last 30 seconds.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Finally sore
After my sprints on Monday, I've been sore for the first time since this adventure started.
I was back at W1D1, (8 reps of run 1 min, walk 90 sec). I did that for the first 3 reps then altered it to run 1/2 lap, walk 1 lap for the remaining 5.
I felt a little ridiculous, because I was running all out (almost all out) then huffing and puffing for a lap. I was just waiting for one of the other joggers to come up and politely tell me that if I just slowed down I could go farther. And I kept reminding myself that it didn't matter to anyone out there other than myself what I was doing.
I could barely walk yesterday, and my chest muscles hurt from the extra exertion, and I just knew it was, to quote Fred Sanford, "the big one".
Today I'm just sore. I've had the intention of going back out today, but it's so windy here today...
Talking to Donald the other night, I told him how I was pleased with the fact that I am not currently working toward a goal, because I could do this week 1 routine for four weeks if I need to. And I may need to.
I have the same problem with running as I do singing. I can sing very high, and I can sing low, but for some reason it's those in-between octaves that I really have a hard time singing at consistently. I do great at my slow jogging pace, but when I pick up the pace, I seem to go straight to "run like hell". I have to find the middle ground.
I was back at W1D1, (8 reps of run 1 min, walk 90 sec). I did that for the first 3 reps then altered it to run 1/2 lap, walk 1 lap for the remaining 5.
I felt a little ridiculous, because I was running all out (almost all out) then huffing and puffing for a lap. I was just waiting for one of the other joggers to come up and politely tell me that if I just slowed down I could go farther. And I kept reminding myself that it didn't matter to anyone out there other than myself what I was doing.
I could barely walk yesterday, and my chest muscles hurt from the extra exertion, and I just knew it was, to quote Fred Sanford, "the big one".
Today I'm just sore. I've had the intention of going back out today, but it's so windy here today...
Talking to Donald the other night, I told him how I was pleased with the fact that I am not currently working toward a goal, because I could do this week 1 routine for four weeks if I need to. And I may need to.
I have the same problem with running as I do singing. I can sing very high, and I can sing low, but for some reason it's those in-between octaves that I really have a hard time singing at consistently. I do great at my slow jogging pace, but when I pick up the pace, I seem to go straight to "run like hell". I have to find the middle ground.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Lighthouse 5K
Crossing the finish line (Ignore the senior citizen who finished before me -- there were more)
Although place doesn't really matter to me yet, I finished 117 out of 169, my total time was 41:01 and my average mile pace was 13:13 (although that's a normal pace for me, seeing it in print, it seems unacceptable to me)
Handing off my number so they can place me
First I want to say, congratulations to Erich, my big brother who won this race -- his first 5K win. I'm very happy I was there, and proud of him for beating his personal best to win.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I take a big sigh as I recline in my comfy chair this morning. All the weeks of preparation, one week of sickness, and one week of almost giving up, and it's all over.
It was a beautiful day for jogging. This was my earliest jog logged to date, as all of mine have been evening, with the exception of my 2 mile Easter run which was afternoon. There were not as many people at the starting line as I expected, but it did not look like 169 people to me. Erich wrote a great summary of the pre-race atmosphere at his team's blog at http://www.piedmontvelosports.blogspot.com/.
Here's a brief summary of my race experience.
I lined up very near the back of the pack. Back with the nervous first-timers, the older folks, the girl in tight jeans and makeup who looked like she would have been much more comfortable at a party somewhere, and commented before the race, "I used to run, but I just don't LIKE it" (infer whiney voice).
When the "go" command was given the entire pack in front of me, and a few folks from behind me took off. I was actually surprised by the ratio of people who were running as opposed to walking. I have walked a 5k before, and there was a much bigger group of walkers. I resisted the urge to take off with them, and kept my fast walking pace for the first song on my Zen. At the end of the song, I also took a big sigh, because I knew this is what I had been working for, and was still not confident in my ability to jog the entire way (that light house was waaaaay off).
But I did keep up my jogging pace to maybe 40-50 yards from the lighthouse. There was a tiny hill leading up to the lighthouse that got me (it's the same tiny bump in the road we laughed at on our way in the car). But I had already been coaxing my legs to keep going for at least the past mile, and I just couldn't make it up the hill.
Over the hill and through the sweat, to the finish line I trodded. Until I noticed a race figure walking back toward us. "That's probably Erich, no it couldn't be Erich, his hair is too big, but maybe he's coming to encourage me, if it is him, he's going to see me walking, but I just can't feel my legs right now, so jogging is not an option" And it was Erich, with his camera -- so I began jogging again, refusing to be captured on film walking. He gave me a high five and an encouraging "Keep going!" And I did, for about 20 more seconds when I just gave out (up?) again. I probably could have picked it back up and suffered greatly for the last .4 miles or so. But honestly, I felt like I had done my part, I wasn't very interested in jogging any more that day... until I got to where the folks at the finish line could see me of course.
And I did pick it back up at the finish line and jogged in smiling. It was a great experience. And if I hadn't gotten sick, and had back problems and energy issues that one week, I might have made it the whole way. Although still very, very slowly.
Future
And that brings me to my future goals. I know I have lofty goals about running a marathon ONE day (and probably much more than 5 years from now), I have a lot of work to do.
I told Erich that running/jogging for me is like him trying noodling (google it). I'm underwater, not breathing, flailing around sticking my arms into mud holes searching for a giant fish that wants nothing else than to get away from me -- or bite my arm off, all the while someone is holding my feet to make sure I don't drown. It's dark, muddy, scary, and thrilling all at the same time.
I know as much about running and exercise, as he does about the strange sport of Noodling (which I believe he had only vaguely heard the term before I mentioned it).
But I'm learning, by getting out there, and by reading. I'm an information junkie, and the more I know intellectually, the more I love what I'm doing.
Jill suggested my next training be to start back at the week I got sick, and go on from there. That is good advice. But I'm going to take it one step further. I'm going to start from the beginning. I'm going to start back with running one minute and walking one minute. Only this time I'm going to RUN. Now that I've found the fish's hiding place, and I've got one hand in his mouth, I'm in a better position. I'm not so worried about making my distance goal, I'm not worried about a date, I can run and make it hurt. I've got all the time in the world now, and I'm going to use it. And from what I read, if I make Monday and Wednesday my hard running days, and slow down a bit for a distance run on Friday, next time I'm interested in a 5k, I should be able to jog (or run?) it much easier.
I do not expect to ever compete with anyone but myself, but I think that I should be able to reach and sustain 10 - 10:30 mm. From where I stand, I see that pace being my max with a max distance one long off day being a half marathon (being the epitome of my running career). But that perception may change. I remember not that long ago thinking how impossible running a mile seemed. (And honestly still makes me cringe a little)
It's like Samantha told me weeks ago, "If you can do this, imagine all the other things you can do"and to quote scripture in a completely out of context way, I was "seeing through a glass darkly", but now understand completely what she meant. At first, I thought, running is running, but I am just bubbling inside with the possibilities of all the things I can do now.
And to bring the entire experience full circle, I started with the idea that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I now have to give credit to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the great and awesome Father God. If I do anything for personal gain, it is for naught, but in all things to Glorify Him.
Although place doesn't really matter to me yet, I finished 117 out of 169, my total time was 41:01 and my average mile pace was 13:13 (although that's a normal pace for me, seeing it in print, it seems unacceptable to me)
Handing off my number so they can place me
First I want to say, congratulations to Erich, my big brother who won this race -- his first 5K win. I'm very happy I was there, and proud of him for beating his personal best to win.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I take a big sigh as I recline in my comfy chair this morning. All the weeks of preparation, one week of sickness, and one week of almost giving up, and it's all over.
It was a beautiful day for jogging. This was my earliest jog logged to date, as all of mine have been evening, with the exception of my 2 mile Easter run which was afternoon. There were not as many people at the starting line as I expected, but it did not look like 169 people to me. Erich wrote a great summary of the pre-race atmosphere at his team's blog at http://www.piedmontvelosports.blogspot.com/.
Here's a brief summary of my race experience.
I lined up very near the back of the pack. Back with the nervous first-timers, the older folks, the girl in tight jeans and makeup who looked like she would have been much more comfortable at a party somewhere, and commented before the race, "I used to run, but I just don't LIKE it" (infer whiney voice).
When the "go" command was given the entire pack in front of me, and a few folks from behind me took off. I was actually surprised by the ratio of people who were running as opposed to walking. I have walked a 5k before, and there was a much bigger group of walkers. I resisted the urge to take off with them, and kept my fast walking pace for the first song on my Zen. At the end of the song, I also took a big sigh, because I knew this is what I had been working for, and was still not confident in my ability to jog the entire way (that light house was waaaaay off).
But I did keep up my jogging pace to maybe 40-50 yards from the lighthouse. There was a tiny hill leading up to the lighthouse that got me (it's the same tiny bump in the road we laughed at on our way in the car). But I had already been coaxing my legs to keep going for at least the past mile, and I just couldn't make it up the hill.
Over the hill and through the sweat, to the finish line I trodded. Until I noticed a race figure walking back toward us. "That's probably Erich, no it couldn't be Erich, his hair is too big, but maybe he's coming to encourage me, if it is him, he's going to see me walking, but I just can't feel my legs right now, so jogging is not an option" And it was Erich, with his camera -- so I began jogging again, refusing to be captured on film walking. He gave me a high five and an encouraging "Keep going!" And I did, for about 20 more seconds when I just gave out (up?) again. I probably could have picked it back up and suffered greatly for the last .4 miles or so. But honestly, I felt like I had done my part, I wasn't very interested in jogging any more that day... until I got to where the folks at the finish line could see me of course.
And I did pick it back up at the finish line and jogged in smiling. It was a great experience. And if I hadn't gotten sick, and had back problems and energy issues that one week, I might have made it the whole way. Although still very, very slowly.
Future
And that brings me to my future goals. I know I have lofty goals about running a marathon ONE day (and probably much more than 5 years from now), I have a lot of work to do.
I told Erich that running/jogging for me is like him trying noodling (google it). I'm underwater, not breathing, flailing around sticking my arms into mud holes searching for a giant fish that wants nothing else than to get away from me -- or bite my arm off, all the while someone is holding my feet to make sure I don't drown. It's dark, muddy, scary, and thrilling all at the same time.
I know as much about running and exercise, as he does about the strange sport of Noodling (which I believe he had only vaguely heard the term before I mentioned it).
But I'm learning, by getting out there, and by reading. I'm an information junkie, and the more I know intellectually, the more I love what I'm doing.
Jill suggested my next training be to start back at the week I got sick, and go on from there. That is good advice. But I'm going to take it one step further. I'm going to start from the beginning. I'm going to start back with running one minute and walking one minute. Only this time I'm going to RUN. Now that I've found the fish's hiding place, and I've got one hand in his mouth, I'm in a better position. I'm not so worried about making my distance goal, I'm not worried about a date, I can run and make it hurt. I've got all the time in the world now, and I'm going to use it. And from what I read, if I make Monday and Wednesday my hard running days, and slow down a bit for a distance run on Friday, next time I'm interested in a 5k, I should be able to jog (or run?) it much easier.
I do not expect to ever compete with anyone but myself, but I think that I should be able to reach and sustain 10 - 10:30 mm. From where I stand, I see that pace being my max with a max distance one long off day being a half marathon (being the epitome of my running career). But that perception may change. I remember not that long ago thinking how impossible running a mile seemed. (And honestly still makes me cringe a little)
It's like Samantha told me weeks ago, "If you can do this, imagine all the other things you can do"and to quote scripture in a completely out of context way, I was "seeing through a glass darkly", but now understand completely what she meant. At first, I thought, running is running, but I am just bubbling inside with the possibilities of all the things I can do now.
And to bring the entire experience full circle, I started with the idea that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I now have to give credit to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the great and awesome Father God. If I do anything for personal gain, it is for naught, but in all things to Glorify Him.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Oak Island and Beyond....
It's Thursday, and tomorrow we're loading up our kids, the sunscreen, way too many clothes for 2 days, and my running shoes and heading for Oak Island. Yaupon beach to be exact. That's about as exact as I can be, because I don't have directions yet.
But, as Erich and Jill accurately predicted, I'm starting to get some butterflies. Getting out on a track and jogging on my own is much different from what I'm going to encounter Saturday.
I did get back out on Tuesday, but my muscles were so tense, I didn't make it a mile. I did walk quite a bit more though.
I've been resting ever since with the HOPE that if I start with well rested muscles that have become even stronger since my 2 mile jog, I'll be able to pull it out to do the whole 3.1 miles.
I have become more aware from talking to Jill and reading the Runner's World magazines that it does still count if you walk part of the race. Jill told me this, but I really didn't believe her until I read someone else's account of walking part of a marathon. Two people can't be wrong.
So, wish me luck. Expect pictures when I get back, because there will be plenty! Wish Erich luck too, because I'm rooting for him to win the whole thing. As long as 16 minute boy doesn't show up, Erich may be able to pull it off.
I'm tentatively planned to walk a 5k with a friend from sunday school in the next few weeks, so that's my next goal.
Then I've already peaked Donald's interest in the Air Force 5k in Ohio this September. Of course the main attraction for him was the fully restored "A Christmas Story" house and museum. However, I just looked it up and there's a 4 hour drive between the two. Hmmm... maybe I can find something else of interest in Ohio.
My LONG TERM goal is the Marine Corp marathon in Arlington VA. That would be a great trip filled with historic things to do which Donald would love, and it would be a great excuse. Maybe in about five years.... (And then there's the Princess 1/2 marathon Jill told me about at Disney World.... that may only be a year or two away....)
Okay, okay, I'll try to make it through this one first!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
6 days to 5K
(Scroll down to the BOLD text to skip the boring part, and get to the good news)
I know my ticker changes on every post to the actual amount of time, but I will log it here as being
SIX days until the Oak Island Lighthouse 5K.
I'm getting excited now! It's funny how dread can so quickly turn to anticipation.
If anyone knows me, I mean really knows me, then you know that I over analyze EVERYTHING (down to why the shampoo bottle says what it does, and how long it took to come up with it, and if it's working overall as an advertising scheme, and does clear shampoo really clean your hair better, because it really seems to, and I really don't even understand what this shampoo bottle is saying to me, but those words together must have been carefully selected to sell the maximum amount of shampoo, and are we really that easily to convince to use a product just because it has pretty or technical sounding words on it....) you get the point. Welcome to my world.
So, in my typical over-analytical style, I am trying my hardest to figure out why the last two weeks I felt indescribably HORRIBLE, and this week I feel great.
I may never know, but since you guys have heard me obsess over this very point for, well, almost three weeks, I'm drawing my conclusions (again) and moving on:
1) period -- apparently I'm going to feel like crap for the week during and the week after (I've been on birth control since Jordie was born, so I'm trying to figure out my natural cycle and stuff again). (and NO, I'm not trying to get pregnant, so don't ask).
2) Allergy medication -- I could give you all the details, because there are many -- down to the fact that I think the minuscule amount of aspartame in them may have been the culprit, but I'll spare you -- just know that it might have had an effect.
3) Weather -- maybe the gloomy, windy, rainy yucky finally got to me?
and of course, the whole feeling like a failure thing that I covered last post.
Now, moving on to the good news...
I jogged 2 miles today. I jogged 2 miles today. That bears repeating.
It was fantastic, and after the first mile I felt pretty good. I might even (MIGHT) even make it through the 5K. Still planning on including the 5 minute warm up (which equates to about 1/3 mile).
I'm getting excited too because Erich and Jill are gearing up for the race, and E is running to win [like I'm sure he always does - psycho (but we love him)].
Six days and only one workout left before we leave!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Disallusionment and a Kick in the pants...
I was defeated - I was convinced my back was going to keep me from being a runner - I could taste the Doritos and beer, and had already settled into my sweatpants.
But, luckily I have a fantastic brother and sister-in-law who refused to let me quit. I guess they needed proof that my back really hurt, because they got me out on the track again yesterday.
We walk/jogged 2.25 miles (there you go Jill). Although I think there was more walking than jogging -- Jill did a great job of coercing me to believe it was still an accomplishment. And she also finagled (a nicer word for LIED) me into believing I was doing less than I actually was.
Conclusions:
1) I got out there and exercised yesterday, and didn't really break a sweat. I was having a lot more trouble breathing than Jill, and I really wasn't doing much. But it just proves I wasn't really working hard as I could. There were days I came home and couldn't get out a sentance, red in the face and sweating like a hog (lovely).
2) My back hurt minimally, which convinced me that the surface I run on does make a difference.
3) It very well may be the hard work that I'm afraid of. I think I feel very much like Erich did when he found out there was no Santa Claus. To him it was heartbreaking and haunts him to this day. (I didn't really care as long as the presents kept comin', if ya' know what I mean). :o) But since I know NOTHING about running or exercising I was under the impression that once I could run 20 minutes, I could run 20 minutes any day, and it wouldn't hurt a bit. I feel like it's Christmas morning and instead of Santa gifts, I'm getting a lump of coal. Really?! You mean it's going to hurt EVERY TIME? Poor Jill did her best to answer my cries of distress (answering the same question asked a different way 10 different times). And yet, I still walked away with a feeling of loss, but yet a feeling of knowledge. Now that I KNOW it's going to suck -- maybe I can move forward without feeling like a failure.
and finally
4) Even if I don't run 3 miles a day 3 days a week -- If I get out there 3 days a week and do what I can -- it will still be better than plopping my butt down for McDonalds and Monster Quest. Last summer Donald would come home and find us sitting inside on a beautiful day because I was too lazy to get the girls up and outside to play. This year, on every chance we get we're outside playing and gardening. And he knows 3 days a week I'm going to be out the door when he walks in for me to get some exercise. Even if it's just walking, I'm doing something positive for myself and my girls.
THANK YOU ERICH AND JILL!!!!!
(And thank you to Samantha for the support, and to Donald who's promised to not let me quit either)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Lifestyle Change
I do have to admit this has become part of my routine and habit. One of the best habits I've ever had. Okay, maybe THE best one.
I have gotten so off course and schedule for April 18 that it was weighing me down. I am remembering to look past the 18th and realize this is a change for life -- not a deadline.
Having said that, yes, today sucked again. I think it may have something to do with the monthly cycle. I had that going on all this week -- I think it may make a difference.
But I got out there again today and tried. I do so much better with directions. I do very well when following the program, but now that I'm off course, I'm flailing and helpless.
Next week I'm going to do week 6 again, and do it properly. I've decided it's better to repeat workouts than give up altogether.
Today I began my normal neighborhood routine -- down the neighborhood behind us, and I got about a minute into the run and was just on the downhill, when I heard barking (normal sound for a runner), but I look up and there is a gi-normous Saint Bernard. HUGE HUGE HUGE dog. No leash or chain in sight. I stopped dead in my tracks, understandably. I began taking slow steps backwards and kept this up until I felt comfortable to turn around and run the other way (although still looking overy my shoulder).
Already feeling like crap, I ran back to the grass on the main road that connects their neighborhood to ours, and began walking. When I got back into our neighborhood I ran a little, walked a little, ran a little. I had one "long" run which I estimate to have been about 11-12 minutes. A little less than a mile probably. It just wasn't in me again.
But I will get myself together to repeat week 6 next week. It may be slow going from here on out, because I have read that many people have to repeat weeks on this program. I may even check out that 4 month couch to 5k and extend my training even futher. The point is to keep at it, and just stay fit.
Honestly, my biggest motivation right now is the fact that I can see fat going away. I look slimmer, my clothes are fitting better, and I feel more fantastic about the way I look.
I may not post every day I run now, but when I have big milestones, or need encouragement.
Thanks guys for supporting me this far, and I hope this is a habit I stick with for life.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Crash n Burn
Week 6, Day 2 did not go well.
I was feeling mostly horrible yesterday -- dizzy every time I stood up, general malaise and lethargic.
I think it was the Aleve cold and sinus -- which works WONDERFULLY for a real cold, but puts me on my face if it's JUST sinus. I shouldn't have taken it.
I got about 30 seconds into my run, and I just couldn't do it. I didn't have it in me, and I still felt horrible. I started walking back home, and by left lower back and right ankle cramped up so badly, I almost called Donald to come get me at the top of the road. I was in tears by the time I got home and collapsed on the floor.
After a disappointing jog on Monday, followed by complete and utter failure yesterday, I'm officially discouraged.
I can, however, at least jog one mile now. I have improved. And I still have a few weeks. If nothing else, I can jog 1, walk 1, jog 1.
I may go out again this evening, or just cool it until tomorrow to see if I feel even better.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Week 6, Day1 - Movin' right along
Week 6, Day 1
Monday, March 30, 2009
Brisk 5 minute warm up followed by:
Jog 5 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 8 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 5 min
Theory...
My theory about jumping back to small runs, building up to one long run on Friday is two-fold. The first part of my theory is that the short runs is equivilant to doing less reps with heavier weights. I heard a long time ago that when lifting weights, you could do a LOT of reps with less weight and get leaner muscles more inclined to endurance. But if you did LESS reps with heavier weights, you would get bigger more defined muscles inclined to more strenghth, but less endurance.
I think this is where the program is headed. Since we only have 9 weeks to complete the program, I think the small runs are designed to give us more strength. The endurance is worked on during those last few long runs, but the strength is being built up through the first six weeks. Since I've determined that it's always harder the first few minutes, I think the program (today for example) is making you rest a little between runs to get your heart rate back down, only to get it back up again. Kind of like reps.
The second part of my theory is just to give you more rest between the first long runs. Friday was the first time I have been a little sore after (more stiff than sore) the run. But it's the first time I've felt like I had an actual workout the day after.
Looking Ahead...
I see that if every thing goes as planned for the next 19 days, I will have cut 4 days out of my plan.
When I ran 20 min and 1.5 miles that equates to about a 13.5 minute mile. At that pace I would be at right over 40 minutes for the 5K. Keep in mind the plan only goes to running 30 minutes (That would only be about 2.25 miles for me).
If I go as scheduled, I'll be up to 28 minutes in my plan. So I need to figure out to find a way to make this gap smaller.
I can include my 5 minute warm-up walk into the actual race. That will give me a little less running time, and since my body is used to that, it would be a good thing to do.
But that would probably only knock about 2 minutes off my running, leaving me with 20 minutes that I'm not prepared for.
Option #2:
Accelerate the plan. I have 8 workouts left. I could do this:
1) Jog 22 minutes
2) Jog 25 minutes
3) Jog 28 minutes
4) Jog 30 minutes
5) Jog 32 minutes
6) Jog 35 minutes
7) Jog 38 minutes
8) Jog 40 minutes
That's looking pretty good to me. I could still do my 5 minute walk at the beginning of the race, to ensure I'm properly warmed up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update: I only ran 15 minutes yesterday, followed by 4 min walking, followed by one more lap (1.5 min)
I don't know if it was the heat, or the track. But I was bummed.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Week 5, Day THREEEEEEE
AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's the dreaded actual workout workout. This is it, this is trial by fire.
The TWENTY MINUTE jog. Can I do it? Will I survive? Or will I end up a crumpled pile at 0.8 miles????
I'm laughing at E -- he's living vicariously through my blog. Hahahahahaaaaa - Oh to be able to jog that coveted 0.7 miles! I do hope you get well soon -- I now know how much it STINKS to be benched because of an illness.
Well, I'm waiting on Donald to walk through the door so I can go out it. We have a party tonight, so I have to get out the door, do it, and back in and cleaned and ready in, well, less time than I actually have to do all that.
If I can get through those first 5 minutes, I'm just going to go until I can't go anymore. I will take my phone in case I need a mid-neighborhood scraping off of the pavement by Donald.
Wish me luck -- it's GO TIME.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And GO, I did. I went ONE and ONE HALF MILES. 20 minutes straight. YEAH!
I can do this after all! I'm 1/2 way to 5K
At this point, there's not much else to say. My victory speaks for itself.
(and I went up my biggest hill yet! woooooooo hooooooooooooooooo!)
It's the dreaded actual workout workout. This is it, this is trial by fire.
The TWENTY MINUTE jog. Can I do it? Will I survive? Or will I end up a crumpled pile at 0.8 miles????
I'm laughing at E -- he's living vicariously through my blog. Hahahahahaaaaa - Oh to be able to jog that coveted 0.7 miles! I do hope you get well soon -- I now know how much it STINKS to be benched because of an illness.
Well, I'm waiting on Donald to walk through the door so I can go out it. We have a party tonight, so I have to get out the door, do it, and back in and cleaned and ready in, well, less time than I actually have to do all that.
If I can get through those first 5 minutes, I'm just going to go until I can't go anymore. I will take my phone in case I need a mid-neighborhood scraping off of the pavement by Donald.
Wish me luck -- it's GO TIME.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And GO, I did. I went ONE and ONE HALF MILES. 20 minutes straight. YEAH!
I can do this after all! I'm 1/2 way to 5K
At this point, there's not much else to say. My victory speaks for itself.
(and I went up my biggest hill yet! woooooooo hooooooooooooooooo!)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Week 5, Day 2
Week 5, Day 2
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I'm pretty sure you can deduce how I felt before the run -- very apprehensive, and well aware of the rain and cold that crept back in. (Although, I still contend that cold drizzle is the absolute BEST to run in. I haven't enjoyed warm weather runs nearly as much as cold weather runs).
So here was the schedule:
5 minute warm-up walk followed by:
Jog 8 min
Walk 5 min
Jog 8 min
Walk 5 min
After the Run:
Well, as usual, I stuck to the roads since it was raining. I figured I was done for -- finished -- defeated.
I started out up the big hill for my warm up, and nearing the top I decided I'd go out on the main road and down a parallel street to ours, and through the back roads to our neighborhood (I was mentally picturing less hills). So that is what I did -- running some in grass, and dodging cars. There was a hill that was a little steeper than I remembered, but not too long in distance. I went back afterwards and checked the distance in my car -- 0.7 miles in 8 minutes.
Yup, that's right. I jogged eight minutes. I am a MACHINE. I still haven't reached a mile, but c'mon. EIGHT MINUTES. As usual, right around the third minute I was thinking how UN-fun running is. It always gets me right around the start. But once I got into it, and at the end of the first 8 minute run I felt like I could have kept going.
The second 8 minute jog was typical too of my previous days -- around the last 1 - 1.5 minutes I have to dig -- I focus on the ground and just pull all I have out of me. But when it was all said and done, I felt fantastic. I actually felt fantastic through the whole run. But I kept thinking, this must be the one in five Erich was talking about.
What can I say, I couldn't stop smiling for about 15 minutes after I got home. I think my lungs are finally clearing up from the crud, and I'm back on my way.
But 20 minutes..... ????????
(Oh, merely having the nerve to leave my neighborhood actually showed confidence that I could get back home in decent shape. And when I walked up our driveway, today was the first time my legs didn't hurt when I got to the top wooooo hoooo!)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I'm pretty sure you can deduce how I felt before the run -- very apprehensive, and well aware of the rain and cold that crept back in. (Although, I still contend that cold drizzle is the absolute BEST to run in. I haven't enjoyed warm weather runs nearly as much as cold weather runs).
So here was the schedule:
5 minute warm-up walk followed by:
Jog 8 min
Walk 5 min
Jog 8 min
Walk 5 min
After the Run:
Well, as usual, I stuck to the roads since it was raining. I figured I was done for -- finished -- defeated.
I started out up the big hill for my warm up, and nearing the top I decided I'd go out on the main road and down a parallel street to ours, and through the back roads to our neighborhood (I was mentally picturing less hills). So that is what I did -- running some in grass, and dodging cars. There was a hill that was a little steeper than I remembered, but not too long in distance. I went back afterwards and checked the distance in my car -- 0.7 miles in 8 minutes.
Yup, that's right. I jogged eight minutes. I am a MACHINE. I still haven't reached a mile, but c'mon. EIGHT MINUTES. As usual, right around the third minute I was thinking how UN-fun running is. It always gets me right around the start. But once I got into it, and at the end of the first 8 minute run I felt like I could have kept going.
The second 8 minute jog was typical too of my previous days -- around the last 1 - 1.5 minutes I have to dig -- I focus on the ground and just pull all I have out of me. But when it was all said and done, I felt fantastic. I actually felt fantastic through the whole run. But I kept thinking, this must be the one in five Erich was talking about.
What can I say, I couldn't stop smiling for about 15 minutes after I got home. I think my lungs are finally clearing up from the crud, and I'm back on my way.
But 20 minutes..... ????????
(Oh, merely having the nerve to leave my neighborhood actually showed confidence that I could get back home in decent shape. And when I walked up our driveway, today was the first time my legs didn't hurt when I got to the top wooooo hoooo!)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Week 5, Day 1 again
Week 5, Day 1
Monday, March 23rd
Brisk 5 minute warmup walk followed by:
Jog 5 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 5 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 5 min
Today's Challenges:
It's ALL a challenge these days. My lungs are still not up to what they were pre-sickness. And I barely made it through last week. I see other runners on the track that just run forever and aren't the least bit out of breath.
Before the Run:
It's warm today, so the heat will be a factor. I am going to try to make it through this. Wednesday will go to an 8 minute run, and by Friday I'm supposed to be able to run 20 minutes straight. I have to say... I lack confidence in myself. My schedule got ruined, and I just don't think I'm going to make 5k by April 18. I might have to check into that walk/run plan for a 5k, seeing as I'm already one week behind, and don't have much hope for completing this week on schedule either. But at least I'm still out there trying, right?!
After the Run:
It's the next day. I did complete this "run". It was hard, and I was huffing and puffing. It's a good thing I'm wearing earphones these days, because I'd probably be horribly embarrassed if I could hear myself!
All I could think about is "how the heck am I going to run for more than 5 minutes, much less 20". I just think that's an unreasonable goal to go from 5 to 8 to 20 in one week.
I'm not going to stop trying, but I just think it may take much longer for me to reach the 5K than just the original 9 weeks.
Just to get an idea of how fast I could theoretically run a mile: I can run 2.5 laps in 5 minutes.
6 laps = 1 mile
1 lap = 2 min
6 laps = 12 min
So, I'm doing about a 12 minute mile.
I think that Wed will be a stretch with 8 minute runs. But after Wed, if I can do it, then I may make my goal to run AT LEAST one mile if I can't do the whole 20 minutes.
I've got four weeks before OI5K - If I can run at least one mile, I could run 1, walk 1, run 1. But let's see how the next four weeks go....
Monday, March 23rd
Brisk 5 minute warmup walk followed by:
Jog 5 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 5 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 5 min
Today's Challenges:
It's ALL a challenge these days. My lungs are still not up to what they were pre-sickness. And I barely made it through last week. I see other runners on the track that just run forever and aren't the least bit out of breath.
Before the Run:
It's warm today, so the heat will be a factor. I am going to try to make it through this. Wednesday will go to an 8 minute run, and by Friday I'm supposed to be able to run 20 minutes straight. I have to say... I lack confidence in myself. My schedule got ruined, and I just don't think I'm going to make 5k by April 18. I might have to check into that walk/run plan for a 5k, seeing as I'm already one week behind, and don't have much hope for completing this week on schedule either. But at least I'm still out there trying, right?!
After the Run:
It's the next day. I did complete this "run". It was hard, and I was huffing and puffing. It's a good thing I'm wearing earphones these days, because I'd probably be horribly embarrassed if I could hear myself!
All I could think about is "how the heck am I going to run for more than 5 minutes, much less 20". I just think that's an unreasonable goal to go from 5 to 8 to 20 in one week.
I'm not going to stop trying, but I just think it may take much longer for me to reach the 5K than just the original 9 weeks.
Just to get an idea of how fast I could theoretically run a mile: I can run 2.5 laps in 5 minutes.
6 laps = 1 mile
1 lap = 2 min
6 laps = 12 min
So, I'm doing about a 12 minute mile.
I think that Wed will be a stretch with 8 minute runs. But after Wed, if I can do it, then I may make my goal to run AT LEAST one mile if I can't do the whole 20 minutes.
I've got four weeks before OI5K - If I can run at least one mile, I could run 1, walk 1, run 1. But let's see how the next four weeks go....
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Week What, Day Who?
Week What, Day Who?
I'm not sure. I did week four:
warm-up 5 min
Jog 3 min
Walk 90 sec
Jog 5 min
Walk 2.5 min
Jog 3 min
Walk 90 sec
Jog 5 minutes
It was painfully obvious to me how much ground I lost. But I did make it through. Barely. I did raise the roof and praise Jesus when I was finished.
I'm just one week behind. If I can do week four again on Sunday when I get back from my laaaadies retreat, then I can begin week five on Tuesday next week.
Does it ever get any easier? Will there ever be a time when running a mile seems like a piece of cake? Because I was dyin' out there today.
I'm not sure. I did week four:
warm-up 5 min
Jog 3 min
Walk 90 sec
Jog 5 min
Walk 2.5 min
Jog 3 min
Walk 90 sec
Jog 5 minutes
It was painfully obvious to me how much ground I lost. But I did make it through. Barely. I did raise the roof and praise Jesus when I was finished.
I'm just one week behind. If I can do week four again on Sunday when I get back from my laaaadies retreat, then I can begin week five on Tuesday next week.
Does it ever get any easier? Will there ever be a time when running a mile seems like a piece of cake? Because I was dyin' out there today.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Back at it...
You can ignore my Week 5, Day 1 post. I'm not there yet.
I got back to it today with some apprehension, because I'm still having a lot of trouble with my asthma from the cold. I planned on doing Week 5, day 1, but ended up with this schedule:
Warmup
Jog 5 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 2 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 2 min
My back and hip were hurting and my legs were weak. My breathing was not as good as it has been, but it was not the big issue. It was mostly the weakness. I think that is coming from having been sick.
I think I will treat Friday's run as Week 4, day 3 and hope my strength has improved by then.
And I don't care what anyone says. Running in the cold beats the heat any day. Today was not all that hot, but with the setting sun directly on me it was just HOT.
I do feel tons better, but I am set back one week. I may have to walk part of the 5k, but I'm going to keep at it until it gets here.
I got back to it today with some apprehension, because I'm still having a lot of trouble with my asthma from the cold. I planned on doing Week 5, day 1, but ended up with this schedule:
Warmup
Jog 5 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 2 min
Walk 3 min
Jog 2 min
My back and hip were hurting and my legs were weak. My breathing was not as good as it has been, but it was not the big issue. It was mostly the weakness. I think that is coming from having been sick.
I think I will treat Friday's run as Week 4, day 3 and hope my strength has improved by then.
And I don't care what anyone says. Running in the cold beats the heat any day. Today was not all that hot, but with the setting sun directly on me it was just HOT.
I do feel tons better, but I am set back one week. I may have to walk part of the 5k, but I'm going to keep at it until it gets here.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Week 5, Day 1
Week 5, Day 1
Brisk 5 minute warm up walk followed by:
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
Notes:
I am aware that I didn't technically finish week for, or even do two whole days in week four. And I've also got a lot of stuff left in my lungs. I think I'm over the sickeness though, I've just got the lingering crap that will cause me to hack for weeks to come. Seems to me that it would be okay to run anyway. And since this schedule doesn't seem all that daunting to me (maybe I'm just really tired) I might just try this. My asthma has really kicked in since yesterday though (maybe running in the rain while I'm sick isn't such a good idea after all?)
I found a really cool website that has podcasts tailor made for this running program. Someone who is a bigger nerd than I am took the time to put together music and timed it to each week's program. So you get music, and the guy talks to you and tells you what to do next. It saves you from having to keep looking at a watch. Brilliant.
I've finally overcome the need to listen to my feet hitting the ground to be able to breathe properly, so I love the idea.
I hope I continue to enjoy running for a long time. I honestly look forward to it, and am really excited when the day comes when I can get out and just run a mile or three.
Brisk 5 minute warm up walk followed by:
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 3 minutes
Jog 5 minutes
Notes:
I am aware that I didn't technically finish week for, or even do two whole days in week four. And I've also got a lot of stuff left in my lungs. I think I'm over the sickeness though, I've just got the lingering crap that will cause me to hack for weeks to come. Seems to me that it would be okay to run anyway. And since this schedule doesn't seem all that daunting to me (maybe I'm just really tired) I might just try this. My asthma has really kicked in since yesterday though (maybe running in the rain while I'm sick isn't such a good idea after all?)
I found a really cool website that has podcasts tailor made for this running program. Someone who is a bigger nerd than I am took the time to put together music and timed it to each week's program. So you get music, and the guy talks to you and tells you what to do next. It saves you from having to keep looking at a watch. Brilliant.
I've finally overcome the need to listen to my feet hitting the ground to be able to breathe properly, so I love the idea.
I hope I continue to enjoy running for a long time. I honestly look forward to it, and am really excited when the day comes when I can get out and just run a mile or three.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Mid-way Pictures
Well, I had a miraculous recovery this afternoon. I just suddenly started feeling a lot better. Somebody must have been praying for me. I went out and did half of my week four work out. I decided not to push it. Although I felt pretty fine, and am even breathing much better now that I'm done. I did:
5 minute warm up
Jog 3 minutes
Walk 90 seconds
Jog 5 minutes
Walk 5 minutes
I took mid-way pictures. The angles are bit different as Donald took the first set, and I had to use the timer to take these of myself (I also had to crop Donald passed out on the couch out of them).
I see a small difference. Mostly just a little trimmer through the hips. Not as much as I would have hoped, but progress is progress no matter how small. I did weigh four pounds less at the doctor yesterday than I did back in November.
Fishy Sock - pictures
I've got two socks pictured below. The first sock you see is the one I've finished for Lorelai. This is a remake. I'm going to make another one the same as this for her (except the fishie will be facing the other way, so they can talk to each other). The second sock was my first attempt, and is modeled by Jordan. She wanted to be like sissy and wear a sock and have her picture made. I have to say, the sock looks better in pictures than it does in person, and it actually fits Jordan better than it did Lorelai. I may make Jordan another one to match. But the "waves" at the top didn't turn out very pretty. I think the wave pattern is meant to be used on a flat item that is bigger so you can appreciate the big waves (I even shorted the wave length to try to make it fit better). 
I remade it the first time because I wasn't sure I loved the first one. Now I'm not sure I love the second one either, but Lorelai does, so that's all that matters.
Here they are:
LORELAI:
JORDAN:
Sick
Woe, woe is me. I can't believe I've gotten an infection in my lungs. I've gone SEVERAL years now without any kind of chest cold (that I can remember). I've had sinus infections, strep throat (for the first time in my life), and regular old colds. But each time I was fortunate to avoid it getting in my lungs, and triggering my asthma. And every time I thanked God, because I know for me and my asthma it could mean a trip to the e.r. But now, here I am exercising and taking my Advair faithfully, and it gets me.
Of course, I can still thank God, because without the running and Advair, I would probably be in the hospital by now.
If I weren't on a schedule, and only 4 weeks into this, I wouldn't worry so much. But I'm so afraid when I'm well again, I'll be back where I started.
I'm on day 2 of my antibiotic, so I am hoping that if not tonight (because I'm still pretty congested), then by tomorrow I should feel better. It's the prolonged coughing crap up that I'm worried about.
I'm a little perturbed at the whole situation, but there's no one to direct my perturbed-ness at, so I'm basically just sitting around crying because it's the only way to release my anger.
Of course, I can still thank God, because without the running and Advair, I would probably be in the hospital by now.
If I weren't on a schedule, and only 4 weeks into this, I wouldn't worry so much. But I'm so afraid when I'm well again, I'll be back where I started.
I'm on day 2 of my antibiotic, so I am hoping that if not tonight (because I'm still pretty congested), then by tomorrow I should feel better. It's the prolonged coughing crap up that I'm worried about.
I'm a little perturbed at the whole situation, but there's no one to direct my perturbed-ness at, so I'm basically just sitting around crying because it's the only way to release my anger.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Knitting News
I did not make the fishy socks. Not for entry in the contest anyway. I am making fishy socks for Lorelai out of different yarn though, and I'll put pictures up when I get one done.
I haven't heard back from knitty.com yet, which is actually encouraging, because they said if you don't hear it means you're in the queue. BUT I'm not getting too excited because it's only 10 days after the deadline, and the issue doesn't come out until June 1. I'm sure they have tons of entries to look through, and I didn't get mine in until the last minute. So I'm not going to hold my breath.
My carpal tunnel is acting up, and my left hand feels numb a lot. Erich diagnosed me, and said he was surprised I didn't get it before now. But I have had a trouble with that hand on and off for years. Before now, it's mostly been pain. The tingling has only happened once before a few years back.
I have a feeling my knitting might be put on hold for the summer while I tend to my garden. I also have another project underway, but I'm not ready to reveal it yet.
Samantha knows, and, oh great, I know how well she keeps secrets! ;o)
But when I know more about it, I'll share it!
I haven't heard back from knitty.com yet, which is actually encouraging, because they said if you don't hear it means you're in the queue. BUT I'm not getting too excited because it's only 10 days after the deadline, and the issue doesn't come out until June 1. I'm sure they have tons of entries to look through, and I didn't get mine in until the last minute. So I'm not going to hold my breath.
My carpal tunnel is acting up, and my left hand feels numb a lot. Erich diagnosed me, and said he was surprised I didn't get it before now. But I have had a trouble with that hand on and off for years. Before now, it's mostly been pain. The tingling has only happened once before a few years back.
I have a feeling my knitting might be put on hold for the summer while I tend to my garden. I also have another project underway, but I'm not ready to reveal it yet.
Samantha knows, and, oh great, I know how well she keeps secrets! ;o)
But when I know more about it, I'll share it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)