Pace setter

It's been a week since I blogged. I have completed 2 runs since but I didn't take the time to blog them (sorry followers). I just don't have the motivation or give a damn to workout. Lots of self talk as well as talking with others to determine things to get the mojo flowing....this is what I tried today....hopefully having this base line will help me to continue to maintain and have the desire to decrease my time.

Today my goal was to complete 4 miles of walking to get a base line time...that time was 87 minutes. This gives me good mindset for the Lucky 7K which is in a little over 50 days! The course is 4.3 miles (or 7K) and is open for 2 hours (120 minutes). If I think about it in simple terms such as these, I think "hhmm this is definitely manageable".

Back to today's walk, another day on the dreadmill. I approached it with a positive attitude that I would complete the 4 miles. I came prepared; Nook, TV remote and cell phone in hand. :oP I completed my 5 minute warmup as usual and began reading, before I knew it I had completed 2 miles and was getting bored with the reading.

My body was getting bored with the pace so every so often I would increase my speed. This of course made me sweat...I truly HATE to sweat (no matter what my sister tells me, I still hate it!) I was already stripped down to my sports bra in the frigid basement. A pulse check was probably in order but it didn't matter I was on a mission here. Literally, salty liquid was beginning to drip off of my body, slide down my face and back. Other than the sweating, I was able to move right along without difficulty. At one point, I thought I may break out in a run but I quickly dismissed that thought. In all seriousness, I didn't have any shin splints, hip or back pain. Nothing.

So as I got bored with the book my mind started to wander and my sister started texting me...the last thing I sent her "Right now I'm grunting, I hate it! I'M NOT STOPPING I'm over halfway. HAIRBALL ON PANDORA ROCK IT OUT SISTER!"

I finished with a nice 5 minute cool down and 24 ounces of water and am in dire hopes that I will still be able to walk tonight at work. Afterward, I wasn't all that tired wither, mostly just bored. Maybe there is hope for me after all!

Motivational Monday!

Wow 8 weeks and 5 days until the big event! No excuses C25K in 9 weeks...huh need to kick it in the arse, I need to double that.

When you look good you feel good, right? Yesterday I indulged and bought some proper running gear that fits well and looks good. I am wearing my Merrell running shoes that I bought for $4.99 last fall. It feels like I am running barefoot; I absolutely love them.

I didn't like the Double Run C25K app I was using so I went back to old faithful today. I was more comfortable running with that and had better results. Today I am whipped. I completed the whole series run/walk at the appropriate times. I am so happy for that!! My body is a machine and capable of it with the proper training. I really focused on breathing today (I hope that some day I can run without panting) and remaining injury free...hitting with with heels first to prevent shin splints (I've been doing some research).

Today I continued with the 18 minute 30 second mile pace. That puts my 7K time at approx 78 minutes. When I registered, I provided I'd be complete in 60 minutes....do the math. I have to cut a whole mile off of that time or approx 2 minutes per week. When ever anyone has told me I can't do something, I have always put my head down, horns forward and forged ahead. Steer clear.

With this training, I have now piqued Gabbriele's interest in exercise. When she left for school this morning, she said "remember mama we have to run when I get home"...since I have already completed my run, we will get some other form of exercise in to benefit my training and keep her interested.

2012 New year, new me...we'll see

Holy crap, what have I done?!? Yesterday, my mind thought I was a well equipped machine and I signed up for not one, not two but 3 races this year! I haven't even been running for 2 years! What was I thinking. The icing on the cake is the first one is in 10 WEEKS, 10 weeks AND it is a 7K. Talk about get the ass off the couch and get motivated. YIKES!!!!!!!

First race; March 17th Lucky 7K with my Sassy Lassy

Enough talking and time to get doing....I started week 1 day 1 of C25K this morning, 3am. I did a mile in 18 minutes 30 seconds...this was primarily walking briskly on the treadmill at the slightest incline. My walk was faster than my run, I am pathetic at this point. My heart rate was 180 bpm and I was a hot mess when I finished. I am hoping to look back at this and laugh when I complete the program. Water and PB w J provided a sufficient snack post workout.

Day 1 P90X

So it begins...our schedules finally aligned so that my dad and I could get on the workout train. He purchased P90X sometime ago on a whim from some infomercial and there it sat collecting dust. We all know what we need to do to eat healthy and live right but sometimes life isn't accomodating to that way of life.

I believe in the power of positive thinking as in "yes, I'm positive I want to eat the whole pan of brownies" or "yes, it is ok to have a 4th slice of pizza". No, really I do believe in it; I just don't practice it near enough. Well I am positive that I am going to give this P90X a try. Prior to starting I printed several beach photos and pics of people in bathing suits, I also printed some small pics of my head to paste on the people wearing bathing suits. I have been reading daily affirmations on how I am worthy of losing weight and how I deserve to look and feel great, etc. When I find just the right ones they, along with the photos and a bikini (in a desired size) will be hung on the wall as a daily reminder to do my workouts and stick with it even when it gets tough. I AM WORTH IT!

OK so day 1, core synergistics, wasn't as bad as I had expected. I kept it lower key in hopes to be able to walk in the morning. I was impressed we were able to complete all 57 minutes of the workout, with modifications of course. I can say I hate to sweat and by the end of the workout I was a puddle from head to toe-GROSS! I had fun working out with my dad and I'm not sure I can say the same for him as he was making wise cracks to the "host" the entire time. Adding humor makes the workout a bit more tolerable and able to push a little harder.

Dad and I are not able to workout together for Day 2, Cardio X but I recruited my sister to be dad's coach for the day. He told our mom that his daughters are trying to do him in. We just want to be healthy and have them both around for many years to come.

Repeat Week 4 day 1

STRETCH 2--3--4--I remembered to stretch today! Hooray!!

Well it was an easy decision to redo week 4. I couldn't complete the intervals and really truly want to successfully complete this course. I was able to complete all but 3 minutes of running in the 30 minutes of intervals; which is a great accomplishment considering I ran on the hilly trail.

Today Mater and I set out for a little extra challenge-we decided to run the trail. It was OK today since everything is frozen and it isn't garbage day for 1/2 the community, meaning there were few volatile smells. Mater was intrigued by all of the garbage along the sides but kept up pretty well.

Shin splints weren't as bad today, or maybe they were but so many other muscles were burning I didn't notice. No they actually felt a bit better today and I didn't even ice them post run.

GOALS:
*breathe through nose-check
*stretch pre and post run-in progress
*complete last 5 min run of interval-working on it

Week 4 Day 3

Another beautiful FALL day, November 18th...sun is shining and it was 48 degrees out. Perfect for me. I really didn't want to run today-I have a headache and am lacking serious motivation. Looking back on it, I am so happy that I ran bc I actually feel much better mentally.

I have noticed spectacular improvement in my lung function/volume for those nurses reading up-HA! I only start to get out of breath the last 10-12 minutes of the run and I can usually paint a mental picture to slow my breathing down. Starting to second guess my shin splints though. I still love the shoes but after stretching my tibialis anterior daily, I am still unable to complete the run. Tonight I made it 22 minutes before I just couldn't push anymore. I am going to talk to a trainer I know and see what she recommends and also see if there are any apparatus' that I can purchase to ease the pain and allow me to complete my run.

Any advice is more than welcome!!

Week 4 Day 2

Spontaneous trip to Chicago...Cramped in the van for hours...walked for 6 hours and miles and miles put a little damper on my "rest day". A bold move I made; decided to run anyway even though the quads were killing me. I was disappointed in myself for almost giving up last week and pushed to get this run in.

I had a 2 legged running partner today, Rick decided to join me (I kind of begged him). I forget how fast he walks and developed shin splints in the first 12 minutes. I wanted to be such a show off and show him what I have been accomplishing but that back fired. I wasn't able to complete the last 10 minutes of the RUN...I walked and he ran on ahead. I was impressed for someone who hasn't trained at how well he did.

I blame a portion of not completing the run on the fact that the week is a tough one and that my rest day wasn't much of a rest. I intend to redo this week, in order to give my body the opportunity to perform at the level I know it is capable of.

Week 4 Day 1

Bah! Sput--ter! GASP! Talk about revenge...my body has taken revenge on me for taking the day off last week!! Week 4 is a tough week with 5 minute and 3 minute running intervals and only 90 second rest periods; I got my ass whooped. I was able to complete the entire set of intervals though. I was wearing a big smile when I got home bc I was so proud of myself for doing so.

Another run outside with the new OW kicks-the sun was shining and the wind was a blowing. I headed into the wind to start, in hopes that I would get a much needed "push" home...sounded like a good theory rattling around in my head but didn't work in my favor on the run.

I did stretch prior to and after, along with ice the shins (they hurt mildly). This run was a bit tougher on my body though. All 4 of the muscles in each of my quads were screaming!

Week 3 Day 3

I am embarrassed to say that this day didn't happen! I skipped my run for W3D3.

I had a serious bout of self doubt and lack of motivation. Half of my brain was SCREAMING to throw in the towel on running (with no sound alternative plan) and the other half was chanting no! nO! NO! we have made it 3 weeks, let's go 3 more!

Well, look on at the blog to determine which half won the argument.......

Week 3 Day 2

I am behind on the running blog! Aaahhhhh! Well on this day the weather was spectacular for running outside. I STRETCHED AND THEN I strapped on the funky new orange and white kicks and took them outside. What an amazing run! It was shin splint free and I think at one point the thought that I actually liked running crossed my mind but I quickly put the kabosh on that one!
I did however complete the whole C25K intervals for the day.

Week 3 Day 1

So I am starting another week of C25K...week 3 of a 9 week program. Still going strong and looking forward to every run.

Another beautiful day for an outside run with Old Faithfuls...not really getting the opportunity to give the new shoes a chance for me to love them. Treadmill vs outside...hhhmmm tough choice. I decided no dogs today just me and my iPod playing DJ Steveboy. The podrunner intervals are great for a beginner runner. They offer a tone for when to start running and when to stop to condition your body at a slow pace and build up.

The scale provided me with a nice little surprise as well...I am down 5 lbs in 3 weeks. I have been more careful about what I eat but I think the running is definitely contributing.

So my goals...nose breathing-check, stretching prior to and after running-not check. Stretching is going to continue to be my goal for this week. I am getting through 2/3 of my run before the shin splints get really bad. I ran through them and put my legs up and iced for about 20 minutes. Repeat after me "I WILL STRETCH PRE AND POST RUN FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS!"

Week 2 Day 3

Today was a brisk day and I was anxious to try out my new shoes so I ran on the treadmill. They are super light weight and the soles are fluorescent orange. Love the looks of them!

The shoes gave me a new confidence in my running ability; a little too much perhaps. I was able to run/walk 23 minutes before the shin splints kicked in. I am aware that I was going to fast for my legs but was able to keep up with breathing through my nose. I need to grasp some patience and accept that I am not going to be able to just up and take off running for miles. I did make it a mile and a half today; half way to my 5k goal.

Continued reminders to myself to STRETCH prior to and after running! I can't get this concept in my head which bothers me because I have been playing sports all my life and have always stretched. I will get it, I owe it to myself.

Week 2 Day 2

Oh what a fantastic day! It is November 1st, the sun is shining, the air is crisp and the Vikings play the Packers. This weather is conducive to running for me.

I strapped on the old faithfuls and leashed up my 4-legged buddy and we were off and running. I took my 85 pound Collie cross instead of the puppy today, thinking we could go faster because he would pull me. Oh he pulled me alright-sideways. He isn't my best running partner; needs more practice, I guess.

Well like in my previous post the nose breathing is coming along, still forgot the tissues. As I type this, I am reminding myself of the weekly goal and that I haven't stretched yet. My muscles are now cooled down but I am going to do it anyway. I tend to remember that I need to stretch pre-run about the time that the tibialis anterior starts to hurt. Yes that silly thing is still bothering me. I am making a valiant effort to research this before my next run.

Week 2 Day 1

So today the sun was shining for the first time in weeks and I was excited to have an opportunity to run outside-major downfall, the wind was blowing 25mph! This meant I was destined to use the treadmill and another chance to try out my new shoes.

Maybe it is me but I just can't find the right running shoes! I like my new ones because my toes don't go numb when I run but the fronts of my calves hurt so bad when I wear them, sometimes I can't even finish the run. Now this could be related to weight overload and form but I want a magic pair of shoes that will just convert me into a "runner". The pain feels similar to shin splints but this is muscle pain. Being a nurse and all, I pulled out the text books to determine exactly what it is that is hurting. I discovered it is a muscle called the tibialis anterior. I have good intentions of finding a way to stretch it and more research as to what causes the pain...to be continued...

I am still focusing on breathing through my nose but it is becoming more of a natural instinct. I do however, need to remember to bring tissues with bc it is allergy season.

This weeks goal is stretching before and after running. I am terrible at remembering to do this and am afraid I will end up with an injury.

Week 1 day 3

Week one is officially done! The weather was nice so I strapped on the Old Faithful tennis shoes (not a good idea) for my last run of week one.

The run went pretty well...I listened to the podcast and ended up going faster than normal but developed shin splints. I know this is from my shoes but I need to find a pair that works before I take them outside. Thanks to the Running Room, I can "try them out" on the treadmill for a month and return them if they aren't perfect...

My goal for the week was to work on breathing through my nose; I was successful at this and will continue working on it. Still thinking about next weeks goal...

Side note: I have been running off and on since February 2009 and am now seeing some changes in the muscles in my legs. Gives me motivation to keep going.

Week 1 day 2

I have completed week 1 day 2 of the c25k program (again). I am going to see it through this time as I am signed up to run a 5k on New Years Day in Rochester...I am praying in advance for tolerable weather (notice I didn't say "nice" weather). I am hoping if I blog my progress, I will be more apt to stick with a regular schedule.

I can physically handle the run in my old worn out sneakers but they say that isn't good for me. I decided if I am going to take this running thing seriously then I deserve a good pair of running shoes. I am on my second new pair of shoes from the Running Room. I loved the first pair, as they provided great support and rocking motion. I really needed that as a beginning runner; problem with the shoes was, my toes were numb after every run. I had to take them back for a trouble shooting session; left with a different kind of shoe. Baby blue ones with reflectors-they scream 80's Fonda workout video. I have worn the new shoe on 1 run and hate them for a different reason. My toes didn't go numb but every muscle in my lower leg hurt and I had shin splints so bad I couldn't complete the run. I vow that these baby blues will make the treadmill 2 more times before I return to square one.

This weeks running goal is to work on breathing through my nose.