I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged. Holy cow! Not sure how that happened...
I never headed outside for my intervals last week. I still completed them all, but they were on the treadmill. I just have a real aversion to running outside by myself in the dark. So, I've decided I'm just not going to do it. If I don't feel safe and comfortable, my runs are going to suck anyway. I'm better off to just ride it out on the dreadmill.
I added some speed and some inclines to my running intervals on Wednesday and Friday last week. I think that helps simulate outdoor running...at least a little. My HR got up to 184 on Friday last week. Too high! I did basically the same routine yesterday, though...and the max was 175 with an average of 154. Hopefully that means that I am getting more fit!
Only two more days of this interval set to go. I'm going to do one tonight so I can finally test myself outside. We'll see how it goes. I tend to think of running two days in a row as a real no-no for me, but I just don't know when else I can pound the pavement if it's not in the evening. Hopefully this will prove to be successful and after Friday morning's treadmill run...I can move onto week four of the C25k program next week. That's when I will actually begin running MORE (twice as much!!!) than I'm walking...and I've NEVER gotten that far before. Eeeeeek!
Oh...and Sunday of this week I need to do another endurance test. At that point I'll only be a week out from trying to hit my first mini-goal of a mile. I'm going to aim for .8 miles on Sunday because I think if I can pull that off...I can manage only .2 more next week.
They say it takes six weeks to make this exercise thing a habit. I guess we'll find out because Friday will conclude my first six weeks. Wow! Lots of personal changes ahead with the new job and all. I hope I can stay consistent...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Half Mile
Well, according to the oh so handy mapmyrun.com...I reached a bit of a milestone on Saturday by jogging a half mile in right at five minutes. Now, I know that is nothing for 90% of the population, however...it's a big deal to me. It means that what I am doing is working. Two weeks ago...I barely completed three tenths of a mile. So, getting up to a half mile means I am moving in the right direction. Half way to my first mini-goal of a mile. October 11 I will step out my front door and head off to achieve a mile. Three weeks away...and for the first time...I know I will do it.
This morning I began a new set of intervals. It's based on week three of the Couch to 5k program on coolrunning.com. Now, I've started this program a million times and here's the funny thing...I have never before made it to week three. What's that say about my commitment level in the past? I always tried to push it too hard and even if my body wasn't ready...I was moving along. I always ended up injured or burnt out before even getting to week three of this program. Now, I'm beginning week five of my training...and am only to week three of the program. That's okay, though. I'm mixing up different programs and seeing what works for me. As long as I'm walking and jogging for 30 minutes, four times per week...I'm fine with that.
So, this morning was jog 1.5/walk 1.5/jog 3/walk 3. I did that three times...and then added one more 1.5/1.5 interval to get me to 30 minutes. Every time I begin a new set of intervals, I do the first day on the treadmill, just to test myself and make sure I'm ready to move forward. This morning, I was. It was great. My endurance was pretty good and my leg and hip pain was minimal. My max HR was 179...so not even reaching 180 is pretty good for me. No knee pain after either! So, Wednesday will be the true test when I take this interval set outside. I'm deciding whether I will take Sammy along or not. I know it will be a lot more difficult to get through this test when pounding the pavement...but we'll see how it goes.
Strong body. Clear mind.
This morning I began a new set of intervals. It's based on week three of the Couch to 5k program on coolrunning.com. Now, I've started this program a million times and here's the funny thing...I have never before made it to week three. What's that say about my commitment level in the past? I always tried to push it too hard and even if my body wasn't ready...I was moving along. I always ended up injured or burnt out before even getting to week three of this program. Now, I'm beginning week five of my training...and am only to week three of the program. That's okay, though. I'm mixing up different programs and seeing what works for me. As long as I'm walking and jogging for 30 minutes, four times per week...I'm fine with that.
So, this morning was jog 1.5/walk 1.5/jog 3/walk 3. I did that three times...and then added one more 1.5/1.5 interval to get me to 30 minutes. Every time I begin a new set of intervals, I do the first day on the treadmill, just to test myself and make sure I'm ready to move forward. This morning, I was. It was great. My endurance was pretty good and my leg and hip pain was minimal. My max HR was 179...so not even reaching 180 is pretty good for me. No knee pain after either! So, Wednesday will be the true test when I take this interval set outside. I'm deciding whether I will take Sammy along or not. I know it will be a lot more difficult to get through this test when pounding the pavement...but we'll see how it goes.
Strong body. Clear mind.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Perfect Training Partner
I was right. 1.5/1.5 intervals are much harder outdoors. Especially when you have the great idea to bring your 1 year old schnauzer along.
I love Sammers. He's a great dog (most of the time). He could be a great training partner, too...if he would just slow down! Taylor didn't get out of bed this morning for our walk/jog...so I thought I would take Sammy along. After all, he loves nothing more than going for walks and since the husband was actually going into the office today, Sammy would be in his kennel all day long. Sounded like the perfect reasoning to take him with me. Plus, should someone try to acost me...Sammers would surely bite their leg off...or possibly lick them to death. It was my first time EVER walking or running by myself in the dark (let alone at 6 a.m.)...so I figure I'm better safe than sorry (even if Taylor and Justin do think I'm paranoid).
So, we set off at 6 a.m. It was a balmy 58 degrees. I wore yoga pants and a t-shirt...that proved to be a good choice for once. I was freezing when we were walking to 151st Street...but I felt good by the end. *Note to self...if below 65 degrees...pants and t-shirt are the best bet!* As we started on our first jog interval, I noticed that my pace was MUCH faster thanks to Sam pulling me along. I guess if I'm going to take him...my typical pace just isn't fast enough. Maybe that's a good thing, though? Especially since 3 miles in 30 minutes is my ultimate goal.
Sammy and I did a 12:30/mile pace today...and that was with walking as much as we jogged. Not too bad. On the out portion of our journey, there is only one hill to contend with. Of course we were jogging at that point. My legs were burning, but Sammers kept going...and so did I. I just really hate going uphill. On the back portion of our route, there are two pretty big inclines and keeping up with Sammy kept my mind focused and I got through them. I probably wouldn't have without him. I was pooped by the time we returned home, but not Sam...he was still pulling and ready to go. Too bad I had to get ready for work.
Ultimately, I think that Sammy may be a great training partner. He keeps my mind focused on him and I have a feeling of "if his short little legs can do this...so can mine!" Plus, I know that what we are doing is good for us...and that's the biggest reward of all. My new mantra is "Strong body. Clear mind." I keep that going through my head in the toughest times of this journey.
One more day of 1.5/1.5 to complete before moving on. It will most likely be on the treadmill on Friday morning since Tay will be at football practice. We'll see, though. I just might head outdoors and take my new training partner with me.
I love Sammers. He's a great dog (most of the time). He could be a great training partner, too...if he would just slow down! Taylor didn't get out of bed this morning for our walk/jog...so I thought I would take Sammy along. After all, he loves nothing more than going for walks and since the husband was actually going into the office today, Sammy would be in his kennel all day long. Sounded like the perfect reasoning to take him with me. Plus, should someone try to acost me...Sammers would surely bite their leg off...or possibly lick them to death. It was my first time EVER walking or running by myself in the dark (let alone at 6 a.m.)...so I figure I'm better safe than sorry (even if Taylor and Justin do think I'm paranoid).
So, we set off at 6 a.m. It was a balmy 58 degrees. I wore yoga pants and a t-shirt...that proved to be a good choice for once. I was freezing when we were walking to 151st Street...but I felt good by the end. *Note to self...if below 65 degrees...pants and t-shirt are the best bet!* As we started on our first jog interval, I noticed that my pace was MUCH faster thanks to Sam pulling me along. I guess if I'm going to take him...my typical pace just isn't fast enough. Maybe that's a good thing, though? Especially since 3 miles in 30 minutes is my ultimate goal.
Sammy and I did a 12:30/mile pace today...and that was with walking as much as we jogged. Not too bad. On the out portion of our journey, there is only one hill to contend with. Of course we were jogging at that point. My legs were burning, but Sammers kept going...and so did I. I just really hate going uphill. On the back portion of our route, there are two pretty big inclines and keeping up with Sammy kept my mind focused and I got through them. I probably wouldn't have without him. I was pooped by the time we returned home, but not Sam...he was still pulling and ready to go. Too bad I had to get ready for work.
Ultimately, I think that Sammy may be a great training partner. He keeps my mind focused on him and I have a feeling of "if his short little legs can do this...so can mine!" Plus, I know that what we are doing is good for us...and that's the biggest reward of all. My new mantra is "Strong body. Clear mind." I keep that going through my head in the toughest times of this journey.
One more day of 1.5/1.5 to complete before moving on. It will most likely be on the treadmill on Friday morning since Tay will be at football practice. We'll see, though. I just might head outdoors and take my new training partner with me.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Making Life Easier
Well, my idea of seeing if I could do 1.5/1.5 intervals before trying for the 2/1 again proved to be brilliant. I felt good, my legs didn't hurt and that kept me motivated. Granted...I did it on the treadmill, but it was 40 something degrees outside and I'm just not cut out for that yet. I get so confused on what to wear. Too hot with a long sleeve t-shirt and yoga pants...too cold with shorts and a t-shirt. Such confusion. But, I'm heading back outside to do 1.5/1.5 intervals tomorrow because I know it's always more difficult out there.
I missed my Friday run last week. Hubs and I hit up First Watch for breakfast instead. I intended to get up and go on Saturday morning...but I was totally hungover after my Jayhawks lost. Oh well...one thing I have learned is that I cannot beat myself up over missing chances to run. I just have to get right back on track (ha...that's a pun). That's what I did on Monday and I'm pretty damn proud of myself for not just throwing in the towel.
So, this is week four of my journey and while it's coming along slowly...it's still coming along...and that's something for me to be proud of. Shit...in the past...four weeks would be a miracle for me. Well, actually...after about week seven...I'm typically done. So, I'm halfway to my typical tap out time...but I won't give up this time. I have rewards to earn! I had told myself that I would reward myself for every four weeks of consistent, three to four day a week jogging. Well, since four weeks will be up on Friday...looks like it's almost time for a reward! Yay! I love buying stuff. However, since I missed a workout last week...I'm not going to allow myself to buy those too cute Nike running shorts that I want just yet. This four week's reward??? Socks!!! I swear...I have two pair that don't fall down into my shoes when I jog and it's time to add to their family. So, I've got to stick to the plan for the rest of the week...because a trip to Target to buy socks is waiting for me on Saturday. Is that something to be excited about or what?
I missed my Friday run last week. Hubs and I hit up First Watch for breakfast instead. I intended to get up and go on Saturday morning...but I was totally hungover after my Jayhawks lost. Oh well...one thing I have learned is that I cannot beat myself up over missing chances to run. I just have to get right back on track (ha...that's a pun). That's what I did on Monday and I'm pretty damn proud of myself for not just throwing in the towel.
So, this is week four of my journey and while it's coming along slowly...it's still coming along...and that's something for me to be proud of. Shit...in the past...four weeks would be a miracle for me. Well, actually...after about week seven...I'm typically done. So, I'm halfway to my typical tap out time...but I won't give up this time. I have rewards to earn! I had told myself that I would reward myself for every four weeks of consistent, three to four day a week jogging. Well, since four weeks will be up on Friday...looks like it's almost time for a reward! Yay! I love buying stuff. However, since I missed a workout last week...I'm not going to allow myself to buy those too cute Nike running shorts that I want just yet. This four week's reward??? Socks!!! I swear...I have two pair that don't fall down into my shoes when I jog and it's time to add to their family. So, I've got to stick to the plan for the rest of the week...because a trip to Target to buy socks is waiting for me on Saturday. Is that something to be excited about or what?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Today Sucked
I'm 17 days into my journey to 30 and today was the first really bad day. It literally sucked the life out of me. I know that every "runner" (I am by no means a runner) has bad days and days where they just don't feel like they can do it. Today was my day. It's zapped my energy for the entire day and all I want to do is curl up on the couch at home and sleep.
Monday (9/8) I did jog 2/walk 1 on the treadmill because it was raining. Let's not kid ourselves, I am in no way, shape or form ready to actually run outside when it is raining. And cold? Forget about it! But, I digress. So...I'm pounding away on the treadmill and about halfway through, my legs ache horribly. My heart rate is doing well, but my legs just can't keep up. Guess they're not strong enough yet. So, I did jog 2/walk 1 for the first 15 minutes and jog 1.5/walk 1.5 for the last 15. I finished that relatively easily and thought that today's session would be better. Wrong!
Taylor and I headed out the door at 5:57 and hit the corner of 151st Street right at 6. Even the first jog 2 was hard. I knew I was in trouble...and I was right. I was able to do the jog 2/walk 1 all the way to 143rd Street, even though I thought I might die on the first hill. When your legs and lungs (thank you pollen) hurt that bad and you're not even halfway done...you know the rest of it is going to suck! I couldn't have been more right. I tried to do jog 1.5/walk 1.5 on the way back...and couldn't even successfully do that. My HR was dropping back down to the 160s (which is good for me)...but I just didn't have the mental fortitude to make my legs go anymore. I walked the last eight minutes of my scheduled 30 minute session. Needless to say, I was very disappointed in myself.
I know this is truly going to be a journey...and I am going to try my hardest not to get down on myself. It's not about how fast I meet my goal...it's about meeting it...no matter how long it takes. Just continuing to put one foot in front of the other four days a week until the day comes when I jog for 30 minutes straight. So, in light of that...I'm backing it down for Friday's treadmill session. Jog 1.5/walk 1.5 until I can complete three days in a row of that. I think that's all my legs (and mind) can handle at this point. After that, I'll figure out the next step from the countless 5k training programs I have.
Monday (9/8) I did jog 2/walk 1 on the treadmill because it was raining. Let's not kid ourselves, I am in no way, shape or form ready to actually run outside when it is raining. And cold? Forget about it! But, I digress. So...I'm pounding away on the treadmill and about halfway through, my legs ache horribly. My heart rate is doing well, but my legs just can't keep up. Guess they're not strong enough yet. So, I did jog 2/walk 1 for the first 15 minutes and jog 1.5/walk 1.5 for the last 15. I finished that relatively easily and thought that today's session would be better. Wrong!
Taylor and I headed out the door at 5:57 and hit the corner of 151st Street right at 6. Even the first jog 2 was hard. I knew I was in trouble...and I was right. I was able to do the jog 2/walk 1 all the way to 143rd Street, even though I thought I might die on the first hill. When your legs and lungs (thank you pollen) hurt that bad and you're not even halfway done...you know the rest of it is going to suck! I couldn't have been more right. I tried to do jog 1.5/walk 1.5 on the way back...and couldn't even successfully do that. My HR was dropping back down to the 160s (which is good for me)...but I just didn't have the mental fortitude to make my legs go anymore. I walked the last eight minutes of my scheduled 30 minute session. Needless to say, I was very disappointed in myself.
I know this is truly going to be a journey...and I am going to try my hardest not to get down on myself. It's not about how fast I meet my goal...it's about meeting it...no matter how long it takes. Just continuing to put one foot in front of the other four days a week until the day comes when I jog for 30 minutes straight. So, in light of that...I'm backing it down for Friday's treadmill session. Jog 1.5/walk 1.5 until I can complete three days in a row of that. I think that's all my legs (and mind) can handle at this point. After that, I'll figure out the next step from the countless 5k training programs I have.
The First Post
I'm not telling anyone I'm doing this. Should I ever reach my goal...I'll give them the address and let them read my journey. However, with this being the umpteenth time I have began training for a 5k (all unsuccessfully)...I figure I'll steer clear of disclosing my intentions to anyone and everyone who will listen. They've heard it all before.
Why blog about trying to run a frickin' 5k? Mostly because I love to write...in that I like to put my thoughts down on paper. However, I'm not much of a fan of journaling because actually handwriting anything (especially all of my thoughts) takes entirely too long. So, I'll blog my journey...because I'm too lazy to write it all.
For about seven years I have had a goal of someday running a 5k. No one really understands what a big deal that would be for me. Since I was diagnosed with "heart problems" in 8th grade, I've literally been afraid to push myself. I didn't run the 1 mile in high school PE class...because I was too scared that it would kill me. I've always used my heart as an excuse to take the easy way out and be lazy. I'm done with that. Exercise is the best thing I can do for this vital organ and I'm sick of being a quitter. My feet began pounding the pavement at 6 a.m. on August 25, 2008. I don't care how long it takes me to get there. All I want to do is run for 30 minutes (at a 10 minute/mile pace) and successfully finish a 5k. Let's see where I end up.
Why blog about trying to run a frickin' 5k? Mostly because I love to write...in that I like to put my thoughts down on paper. However, I'm not much of a fan of journaling because actually handwriting anything (especially all of my thoughts) takes entirely too long. So, I'll blog my journey...because I'm too lazy to write it all.
For about seven years I have had a goal of someday running a 5k. No one really understands what a big deal that would be for me. Since I was diagnosed with "heart problems" in 8th grade, I've literally been afraid to push myself. I didn't run the 1 mile in high school PE class...because I was too scared that it would kill me. I've always used my heart as an excuse to take the easy way out and be lazy. I'm done with that. Exercise is the best thing I can do for this vital organ and I'm sick of being a quitter. My feet began pounding the pavement at 6 a.m. on August 25, 2008. I don't care how long it takes me to get there. All I want to do is run for 30 minutes (at a 10 minute/mile pace) and successfully finish a 5k. Let's see where I end up.
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