Monday, Labor Day
Distance: 1.57 miles
Time: 19:54 min.
Pace: 12:41 m/mi.
Time of day: 8:30 a.m.
Weather: 65°F, sunny, warm, breezy
I had a weird morning and all before 8:30 a.m. I didn't sleep well, maybe 3 hours max. I had to get up early to go donate platelets at my local Red Cross at 7:30 a.m. Yep, that's right. Seven-thirty a.m. on a holiday! I am a regular blood donor but this would have been my 1st time to donate platelets; not that I hadn't tried before. I used to be anemic and get deferred. I've corrected that issue and I was pretty excited that the Red Cross had called me yet again to donate platelets. Unfortunately, the Red Cross scheduling office made an error and, "Oops, I'm sorry. We don't need your platelets at this time. But we appreciate you coming out so here's a coffee mug." What?? I was back home by 8 a.m. and desperately needing a run to help my mood.
I hit the road sans music, off to just enjoy the run and soak up the sunshine. For once I didn't care about my pace or how many miles I needed to log. I just ran. It would have been totally awesome if I had remembered to pee before I hit the trail!
Sunday - rest
Showing posts with label reasons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reasons. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Add Distance Slowly
Saturday, 09/04
Distance: 3.88
Time: 48:57
Pace: 12:37 m/mi.
Time of day: 10:35 a.m.
Weather: Absolutely fabulous! Mid-60's, sunny, bright, breezy
I was really looking forward to running Saturday. It was an absolutely fabulous day! A forecasted high in the low 70's meant I could run any darn time I wanted to. So while The Love was out getting a haircut, I was out running.
I did pretty well. I upped my mileage from 3 to almost 4 miles. Probably I should have done just 3.5 miles, because I did have 2 1-minute walking periods. Not terrible, mostly an indication of too big of an increase. The good news is I felt great afterwards and all day.
A bit of good news. I weighed and checked my body measurements. I have had a really stressful summer and with the heat & humidity keeping me from running I knew I had gained a couple pounds. The good news is that my body measurements stayed the same and the weight gain truly was just a couple of pounds. Although the stress is still with me, I believe I can manage it better with running thus eating less. I sure hope so anyway.
Distance: 3.88
Time: 48:57
Pace: 12:37 m/mi.
Time of day: 10:35 a.m.
Weather: Absolutely fabulous! Mid-60's, sunny, bright, breezy
I was really looking forward to running Saturday. It was an absolutely fabulous day! A forecasted high in the low 70's meant I could run any darn time I wanted to. So while The Love was out getting a haircut, I was out running.
I did pretty well. I upped my mileage from 3 to almost 4 miles. Probably I should have done just 3.5 miles, because I did have 2 1-minute walking periods. Not terrible, mostly an indication of too big of an increase. The good news is I felt great afterwards and all day.
A bit of good news. I weighed and checked my body measurements. I have had a really stressful summer and with the heat & humidity keeping me from running I knew I had gained a couple pounds. The good news is that my body measurements stayed the same and the weight gain truly was just a couple of pounds. Although the stress is still with me, I believe I can manage it better with running thus eating less. I sure hope so anyway.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Personal PR
Distance: 2:03 mi.
Time: 26:38 min.
Pace: 12:08 (m/mi)
Time of day: 6:19 a.m.
Weather: 71°F, humid, overcast
So this is a little thing, but I need all the kudos I can get right now.
My running app is set to announce time, distance & pace every 10 min. I have been trying all summer to break .8 mi. in the first 10 minutes and just haven't done it. Until today that is!!! I made .82 mi. in my first 10 minutes. Woo-hoo for me!!
I also ran this morning when I didn't really feel like it. I was hot all night and woke with a minor headache. It would have been really easy to just sit at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and avoid the effort and the sweat of running. I also would have missed that PR (above) and the great feeling it gave me. And, at the end of my run my headache was gone and I was feeling much better. Yeah me!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Restart
Distance: 2.21 mi.
Time: 25:55 min.
Pace: 11:45 (m/mi.)
Time of day: 6 a.m.
Weather: 65°F, less humidity, nice breeze--a great morning to run!
I printed off the original running plan from January of this year. In the first 3 weeks I run a maximum distance of 3 miles. That sounds so good to me. I'm not sure why, but I need the security of a written plan telling me it's o.k. to only run 3 miles. I let out a big sigh of relief as I put the schedule on the fridge.
I also decided to not run the Lewis & Clark half marathon in October. I heard about a 5k run on 09/26 that benefits ovarian cancer and I'm going to participate in that. I have long had a small nagging voice inside urging me to be involved in ovarian cancer efforts. I have a direct connection to the disease; my mother died of it about 25 years ago. I will be running a more manageable distance plus helping out a worthy cause.
Time: 25:55 min.
Pace: 11:45 (m/mi.)
Time of day: 6 a.m.
Weather: 65°F, less humidity, nice breeze--a great morning to run!
I printed off the original running plan from January of this year. In the first 3 weeks I run a maximum distance of 3 miles. That sounds so good to me. I'm not sure why, but I need the security of a written plan telling me it's o.k. to only run 3 miles. I let out a big sigh of relief as I put the schedule on the fridge.
I also decided to not run the Lewis & Clark half marathon in October. I heard about a 5k run on 09/26 that benefits ovarian cancer and I'm going to participate in that. I have long had a small nagging voice inside urging me to be involved in ovarian cancer efforts. I have a direct connection to the disease; my mother died of it about 25 years ago. I will be running a more manageable distance plus helping out a worthy cause.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Finding the Good in Resting
4 days & counting down.
Wednesday & Thursday are rest days, again. Actually I should call them "wait" days, because that is what I am doing this week—waiting for the race on Sunday.
It was really warm Tuesday and Wednesday (highs in the mid-80's) and I got out a pair of sandals to wear with my jeans. I love this particular pair of sandals! They are a great medium brown color, they fit like a glove, they have a great 2" wedge heel. And they make my legs look longer and thinner, especially in jeans. So as I was admiring how great I am looking in the jeans & sandals I realize that wow! my body is beginning to really lose the chubby factor. I still have the dreaded, awful midriff bulge thing going on, but my legs actually have some muscle tone to them. Believe it or not, my biceps have a tiny bit of definition. My butt isn't quite as saggy as it was 4 months ago. All in all, I'm liking the side effects of running.
3 days & counting down.
Wednesday & Thursday are rest days, again. Actually I should call them "wait" days, because that is what I am doing this week—waiting for the race on Sunday.
It was really warm Tuesday and Wednesday (highs in the mid-80's) and I got out a pair of sandals to wear with my jeans. I love this particular pair of sandals! They are a great medium brown color, they fit like a glove, they have a great 2" wedge heel. And they make my legs look longer and thinner, especially in jeans. So as I was admiring how great I am looking in the jeans & sandals I realize that wow! my body is beginning to really lose the chubby factor. I still have the dreaded, awful midriff bulge thing going on, but my legs actually have some muscle tone to them. Believe it or not, my biceps have a tiny bit of definition. My butt isn't quite as saggy as it was 4 months ago. All in all, I'm liking the side effects of running.
3 days & counting down.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Oh My Gosh! This Was Why I Started Running
Distance: 4.09 mi.
Time: 51:53 min.
Pace: 12:41/mile
Time of day: 12: 30 p.m.
Temp: 67°F; Bright sunshine, slight breeze
Oh my gosh! This is why I started running…to go outside on a beautiful, warm day, bright with glorious sunshine and run till sweat drips off my face and runs down my back and it doesn't even bother me and I feel absolutely great!
On a fashion note, I am going to have to do something about my running clothes. I ran today in capris (which were o.k.) and a long sleeved shirt (which was not). I chose the LS shirt because I just wasn't sure how warm it would feel. I wasn't "way too hot" or anything, but I will definitely wear a short sleeved shirt at this temperature from now on. The issue I am grappling with is I have only 1 pair of capris. So do I buy a couple more pairs of capris or just go ahead and buy shorts, because I don't have any running shorts? Such decisions. I don't think I would be comfortable in shorts right now, both because of the temperature and my not-so-chubby-anymore-but-still-not-svelte legs. Hmmm. What to do, what to do.
Time: 51:53 min.
Pace: 12:41/mile
Time of day: 12: 30 p.m.
Temp: 67°F; Bright sunshine, slight breeze
Oh my gosh! This is why I started running…to go outside on a beautiful, warm day, bright with glorious sunshine and run till sweat drips off my face and runs down my back and it doesn't even bother me and I feel absolutely great!
On a fashion note, I am going to have to do something about my running clothes. I ran today in capris (which were o.k.) and a long sleeved shirt (which was not). I chose the LS shirt because I just wasn't sure how warm it would feel. I wasn't "way too hot" or anything, but I will definitely wear a short sleeved shirt at this temperature from now on. The issue I am grappling with is I have only 1 pair of capris. So do I buy a couple more pairs of capris or just go ahead and buy shorts, because I don't have any running shorts? Such decisions. I don't think I would be comfortable in shorts right now, both because of the temperature and my not-so-chubby-anymore-but-still-not-svelte legs. Hmmm. What to do, what to do.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Thinking While Resting
Today is my rest day. I'm going to swap Thursday's and Friday's workouts due to a scheduling conflict. I considered swapping Wednesday's and Thursday's workouts, but decided I really wanted today off.
I had a great session with Coach Jeni this morning. We talked mostly about howmental I am I need to work on my mental training. She suggested the following:
After my mediocre experience Sunday I have been thinking about running during every free moment. I think I've reached another point where it would be easy quit. I haven't built up that foundation that makes longer runs enjoyable so LSRs are taxing for me. I was exhausted the remainder of Sunday and have been in bed by 8:30 p.m. every night since. It would be easy for me to say, "This is harder than I thought; I don't think I can do this". I admit to having considered quitting Monday morning. But I'm not going to. I really, really, really want to reach my goal of running the half-marathon. And I really, really like the way I am feeling and beginning to look. I really really like running outside all the time, especially now that the weather will be warming up and the sun shining more. I've made it through all the snow and cold and clouds and grey skies, I now want to experience the beautiful weather when I run. So I'm in for the long haul. Many many thanks to my family for their suppport.
I had a great session with Coach Jeni this morning. We talked mostly about how
- Clock the distance of my running route with my car before running so I know how far I have to go on The Road before I start out. This will eliminate any surprises like Sunday.
- Quit running the short side streets and run straight up and back on The Road. This should provide a huge psychological boost by physically running a little farther almost everytime I run.
- Practise safe running by being aware of my surroundings, turn down my music if I have to, run on the sidewalk when possible, and just go run on The Road.
After my mediocre experience Sunday I have been thinking about running during every free moment. I think I've reached another point where it would be easy quit. I haven't built up that foundation that makes longer runs enjoyable so LSRs are taxing for me. I was exhausted the remainder of Sunday and have been in bed by 8:30 p.m. every night since. It would be easy for me to say, "This is harder than I thought; I don't think I can do this". I admit to having considered quitting Monday morning. But I'm not going to. I really, really, really want to reach my goal of running the half-marathon. And I really, really like the way I am feeling and beginning to look. I really really like running outside all the time, especially now that the weather will be warming up and the sun shining more. I've made it through all the snow and cold and clouds and grey skies, I now want to experience the beautiful weather when I run. So I'm in for the long haul. Many many thanks to my family for their suppport.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Day After 5 Miles on a Treadmill
Rest Day
I was exhausted yesterday afternoon and evening after running 5 miles on the treadmill. Jeni & I talked late in the day about how tired I was and I asked her if it could be because I didn't eat any GU while I was running. She said she didn't think so, not at this distance. But when I casually mentioned later about having shoveled snow in the morning she broke in and said, "That's probably why you are so tired now." Maybe. I guess so. I know shoveling snow is hard work, but still…would it make that much difference? So as the day wore on I contemplated my tiredness and the snow shoveling and how it all is intertwined.
One reason I wanted to start running is to increase my fitness level. I did not like being only 54 and feeling so out of shape. I felt physically weak; I lacked energy. And I just didn't want to feel that way. I want to be physically active and strong. I also want to be mentally sharp. Sometimes I look at the vast majority of women around me and I cringe. I don't want to be huffing & puffing my way through life, unable to shovel the snow in winter or rake the leaves in the fall. I don't want to qualify for the Olympics, but I do want to be active and energetic.
I realize that I've only been on this journey for a 3 months. I'm no where near what is called "fit". But I am better than I was last summer. And that's a start. And every time I increase my running distance or time or speed my body must adjust. Maybe next winter I'll be better able to shovel snow and run 5 miles on a treadmill without being so darn tired. But today—I'm really glad it's a rest day.
I was exhausted yesterday afternoon and evening after running 5 miles on the treadmill. Jeni & I talked late in the day about how tired I was and I asked her if it could be because I didn't eat any GU while I was running. She said she didn't think so, not at this distance. But when I casually mentioned later about having shoveled snow in the morning she broke in and said, "That's probably why you are so tired now." Maybe. I guess so. I know shoveling snow is hard work, but still…would it make that much difference? So as the day wore on I contemplated my tiredness and the snow shoveling and how it all is intertwined.
One reason I wanted to start running is to increase my fitness level. I did not like being only 54 and feeling so out of shape. I felt physically weak; I lacked energy. And I just didn't want to feel that way. I want to be physically active and strong. I also want to be mentally sharp. Sometimes I look at the vast majority of women around me and I cringe. I don't want to be huffing & puffing my way through life, unable to shovel the snow in winter or rake the leaves in the fall. I don't want to qualify for the Olympics, but I do want to be active and energetic.
I realize that I've only been on this journey for a 3 months. I'm no where near what is called "fit". But I am better than I was last summer. And that's a start. And every time I increase my running distance or time or speed my body must adjust. Maybe next winter I'll be better able to shovel snow and run 5 miles on a treadmill without being so darn tired. But today—I'm really glad it's a rest day.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Blah
Friday's Stats
1 mi. in 13:03 min. as a warm up for strength training.
Kudos to me for pushing through a bad case of the blahs, sleet & snow, and late afternoons to get to the gym at 4 p.m. and work out.
1 mi. in 13:03 min. as a warm up for strength training.
Kudos to me for pushing through a bad case of the blahs, sleet & snow, and late afternoons to get to the gym at 4 p.m. and work out.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
I'm Such a Lightweight!
1.0 mi. in 13:34 min., 0% incline as warm up for strength training.
I feel really silly when I am in the free weight area at the gym. There are all these muscular guys who have been working out daily for as long as I've been a member. Then there is me. Middle-aged and really out of shape. I lift my 5 lb. & 10 lb. dumbbells next to the guy who is grunting his way through bicep curls with a 50 lb. dumbbell. Quite a scene to the outside observer.
I don't want to get stiff and sore. I don't want to injure myself. And I'm not interested in having a muscular body. I just want to develop strength in my upper torso so I can run better. So I will continue to lift light weights as I develop my muscles gradually. Hopefully those triceps that are beginning to flap in the wind will slowly tighten up and go away.
I feel really silly when I am in the free weight area at the gym. There are all these muscular guys who have been working out daily for as long as I've been a member. Then there is me. Middle-aged and really out of shape. I lift my 5 lb. & 10 lb. dumbbells next to the guy who is grunting his way through bicep curls with a 50 lb. dumbbell. Quite a scene to the outside observer.
I don't want to get stiff and sore. I don't want to injure myself. And I'm not interested in having a muscular body. I just want to develop strength in my upper torso so I can run better. So I will continue to lift light weights as I develop my muscles gradually. Hopefully those triceps that are beginning to flap in the wind will slowly tighten up and go away.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Is It the Song or the Artist(s)?
2.88 mi. in 41:28 min.
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Weather: 23°F. wind chill
It was a beautiful run outdoors today! The sun shone; the breeze brisk. I moved at a pace that was challenging but not too fast. The music inspiring—wait, music? Me listen to music when I run? What's up with that?
I am a podcast junkie and listen to a lot of podcasts. I have about 150 episodes on my iPod right now. And until very recently I listened to a podcast when I ran outside. What a great use of time, right? At the gym I usually listen to the news on the TVs. But a couple of days ago the news just wasn't helping me out. So I switched to one of the music channels. It was not the kind of music I would ever choose to listen to for enjoyment, but the beat of the rock music helped me keep my pace and energy. So yesterday at the gym I listened to music the entire time.
Before I headed out today, I synched a couple of Shape playlists over to my iPhone, combined them so I would have about an hours worth of music, and headed out. I have to say it was pretty awesome. The music was uplifting. And, my favorite song from the playlist, Footloose, began just as I started my 5th circuit. I love that song! I can never decide if it is the actual music or Kenny Loggins singing, or the memory of Kevin Bacon dancing in the movie, but that song just totally ignites me. And the timing was perfect. The 5th circuit is usually the toughest for me and this song really helped me get through it on pace.
I have discovered that running affects my disposition in a good way! I've always heard that "exercise" is a great way to relieve stress, helps lessen depression, etc. ad nauseum. The doctor I see for my migraine headaches promotes walking 30 min. a day as one of the ways to manage my headaches. Honestly I've never felt that any kind of exercise had an overwhelming influence on how I felt. But I am quickly learning that running does affect my outlook in a very positive way.
Today was a very stressful morning at work. It's the end of the month, the end of the year which always brings extra work. Plus, it has been a challenging year in our business. It kind of overwhelmed me this morning. But I had scheduled my run for 11:00 o'clock and out the door I headed. As noted earlier, the sun was shining brilliantly. The air cool, the breeze brisk. I have to focus on my form, my pace, my breathing, my time. So it is usually into the 4th circuit before I feel like I've got it all together and can relax a little and enjoy the actual act of running. And it is usually about there that my mind clears itself of the cobwebs, the bad thoughts, the worry. I am able to "see" beyond the challenges and difficulties. Today was no different. I was well into my 4th circuit when I realized that worrying doesn't accomplish anything. God already has tomorrow figured out if only I will trust Him. He will not fail me. He will provide what I need. I returned home tired but happy and relaxed. If I never run any better than today, that will be o.k. Because I got what I needed from just the 40 minutes I was out there.
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Weather: 23°F. wind chill
It was a beautiful run outdoors today! The sun shone; the breeze brisk. I moved at a pace that was challenging but not too fast. The music inspiring—wait, music? Me listen to music when I run? What's up with that?
I am a podcast junkie and listen to a lot of podcasts. I have about 150 episodes on my iPod right now. And until very recently I listened to a podcast when I ran outside. What a great use of time, right? At the gym I usually listen to the news on the TVs. But a couple of days ago the news just wasn't helping me out. So I switched to one of the music channels. It was not the kind of music I would ever choose to listen to for enjoyment, but the beat of the rock music helped me keep my pace and energy. So yesterday at the gym I listened to music the entire time.
Before I headed out today, I synched a couple of Shape playlists over to my iPhone, combined them so I would have about an hours worth of music, and headed out. I have to say it was pretty awesome. The music was uplifting. And, my favorite song from the playlist, Footloose, began just as I started my 5th circuit. I love that song! I can never decide if it is the actual music or Kenny Loggins singing, or the memory of Kevin Bacon dancing in the movie, but that song just totally ignites me. And the timing was perfect. The 5th circuit is usually the toughest for me and this song really helped me get through it on pace.
I have discovered that running affects my disposition in a good way! I've always heard that "exercise" is a great way to relieve stress, helps lessen depression, etc. ad nauseum. The doctor I see for my migraine headaches promotes walking 30 min. a day as one of the ways to manage my headaches. Honestly I've never felt that any kind of exercise had an overwhelming influence on how I felt. But I am quickly learning that running does affect my outlook in a very positive way.
Today was a very stressful morning at work. It's the end of the month, the end of the year which always brings extra work. Plus, it has been a challenging year in our business. It kind of overwhelmed me this morning. But I had scheduled my run for 11:00 o'clock and out the door I headed. As noted earlier, the sun was shining brilliantly. The air cool, the breeze brisk. I have to focus on my form, my pace, my breathing, my time. So it is usually into the 4th circuit before I feel like I've got it all together and can relax a little and enjoy the actual act of running. And it is usually about there that my mind clears itself of the cobwebs, the bad thoughts, the worry. I am able to "see" beyond the challenges and difficulties. Today was no different. I was well into my 4th circuit when I realized that worrying doesn't accomplish anything. God already has tomorrow figured out if only I will trust Him. He will not fail me. He will provide what I need. I returned home tired but happy and relaxed. If I never run any better than today, that will be o.k. Because I got what I needed from just the 40 minutes I was out there.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Today Was Fabulous!
2.87 mi. in 37:09 min.
Today was one of those rare days when life is really, really good. DH & I were hitting on all the same cylinders. As we went about our business everything just kind of fell into place. Even lunch at the worst Mexican restaurant ever was fun because we both hated the food, hated over hearing what the guy in the next booth was talking about, hated the music. It was a fabulous day!
But back to running, I ran at the local middle school track today while DH walked. I am amazed again what a difference hills, even small inclines, make in my distance. I ran the 3/2 circuits, all 6 of them, and I rated my effort as an 8. Part of that was the cold, stiff wind I was up against on one part of the track.
I was talking to DH last night about my running experience so far and these are some of the things I told him. I amazed I have been doing this for 3-1/2 weeks already. I am amazed that I have stuck with it for that long. Also, when I first talked to DD1 about training for a 1/2 marathon and she talked about the first phase as working up to running for 30 minutes, I just couldn't see myself doing that. I was like, "oh sure, I can do that", but inside the thought of being able to run 30 minutes in one session was just unimaginable to me. But I can see it on the horizon. I figure that by Christmas I will run 30 minutes in one session! That thought takes my breath away.
One thing I have noticed since I started this journey is how much better I feel about myself. I am still very critical when I look in the mirror, but I am beginning to look at myself differently. This truly is a journey that will affect my whole being. So far I'm having a great time.!
Today was one of those rare days when life is really, really good. DH & I were hitting on all the same cylinders. As we went about our business everything just kind of fell into place. Even lunch at the worst Mexican restaurant ever was fun because we both hated the food, hated over hearing what the guy in the next booth was talking about, hated the music. It was a fabulous day!
But back to running, I ran at the local middle school track today while DH walked. I am amazed again what a difference hills, even small inclines, make in my distance. I ran the 3/2 circuits, all 6 of them, and I rated my effort as an 8. Part of that was the cold, stiff wind I was up against on one part of the track.
I was talking to DH last night about my running experience so far and these are some of the things I told him. I amazed I have been doing this for 3-1/2 weeks already. I am amazed that I have stuck with it for that long. Also, when I first talked to DD1 about training for a 1/2 marathon and she talked about the first phase as working up to running for 30 minutes, I just couldn't see myself doing that. I was like, "oh sure, I can do that", but inside the thought of being able to run 30 minutes in one session was just unimaginable to me. But I can see it on the horizon. I figure that by Christmas I will run 30 minutes in one session! That thought takes my breath away.
One thing I have noticed since I started this journey is how much better I feel about myself. I am still very critical when I look in the mirror, but I am beginning to look at myself differently. This truly is a journey that will affect my whole being. So far I'm having a great time.!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Outside vs. Treadmill
2.31 mi. in 34:19 min.
It's Friday. Business is always slow on Friday afternoon, especially this close to the Christmas holiday. So I decided to wait until lunchtime to run in hopes it would be warm enough to run outside. Yeah! It was! It felt so good to be outside.
I had been beating myself up for not running yesterday. (Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to a cold house and no electricity just started the day off bad and it went downhill from there.) But when I was logging today's run I realized that I had already run 5 days in a row so it would be o.k. to count yesterday as a rest day. I feel so much better.
I had no trouble upping my intensity to the 3/2 level today. The only problem was my legs got so tired. Seriously. About 10 min. into the run my lower calfs were so tired I didn't think I was going to be able to continue. But continue I did. They got a little better, but I was really glad to get home and just sit down. Weird I know.
I used to see people running in cold weather and think how crazy they were. But I get it now. It feels great to be out in the cold, in the sunshine, running. It clears my head. And I feel so much more energetic. I like it so much better than running on the treadmill.
It's Friday. Business is always slow on Friday afternoon, especially this close to the Christmas holiday. So I decided to wait until lunchtime to run in hopes it would be warm enough to run outside. Yeah! It was! It felt so good to be outside.
I had been beating myself up for not running yesterday. (Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to a cold house and no electricity just started the day off bad and it went downhill from there.) But when I was logging today's run I realized that I had already run 5 days in a row so it would be o.k. to count yesterday as a rest day. I feel so much better.
I had no trouble upping my intensity to the 3/2 level today. The only problem was my legs got so tired. Seriously. About 10 min. into the run my lower calfs were so tired I didn't think I was going to be able to continue. But continue I did. They got a little better, but I was really glad to get home and just sit down. Weird I know.
I used to see people running in cold weather and think how crazy they were. But I get it now. It feels great to be out in the cold, in the sunshine, running. It clears my head. And I feel so much more energetic. I like it so much better than running on the treadmill.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Great to be Back
1.3 mi. in 34:20 min.
I took it slow this morning and ran a little later than I usually do. It felt good to get out there and run. I had promised DH that if I didn't feel good or got too cold (it was 27° F.), I would turn around and come home. I was none of those things. I am surprised at how good it felt.
Why am I surprised? I have never been enamored with exercise. On a logical, conscious level I understand the benefits, but I was never able to find anything I really liked doing enough that I would do it day after day. There are 2 exceptions. I loved step aerobics and I loved Jazzercize. My knees couldn't stand up to the step exercises. I got to the point where I couldn't go up and down our stairs, and I really hurt my back at Jazzercize and was scared to start back up. I also really like lifting weights but I would always get discouraged and quit before seeing any results. Any other kind of exercise I got bored with and quit. I was the Queen of Excuses as to why I couldn't work out. So even though I had to take 2 days off this week due to illness I am really proud of the fact that Wednesday I ran even though I felt bad and today I got right back at it—and it felt so good.
Something else I am really happy about regarding feeling good when running is the lack of stiffness and soreness. When I first started a few weeks ago my knees, ankles and feet ached everytime I went out to run. The feet, only a couple of days. But my ankles and knees hurt for a couple of weeks; actually, up until just this week. I thought I might not be able to do this because of my knee joints hurting. But this week I noticed that they didn't hurt. I didn't have to run for 10 minutes before they felt "loose". And I also noticed they don't hurt in the morning when I wake up. I guess the old adage, "Use 'em or lose 'em", really is true.
I took it slow this morning and ran a little later than I usually do. It felt good to get out there and run. I had promised DH that if I didn't feel good or got too cold (it was 27° F.), I would turn around and come home. I was none of those things. I am surprised at how good it felt.
Why am I surprised? I have never been enamored with exercise. On a logical, conscious level I understand the benefits, but I was never able to find anything I really liked doing enough that I would do it day after day. There are 2 exceptions. I loved step aerobics and I loved Jazzercize. My knees couldn't stand up to the step exercises. I got to the point where I couldn't go up and down our stairs, and I really hurt my back at Jazzercize and was scared to start back up. I also really like lifting weights but I would always get discouraged and quit before seeing any results. Any other kind of exercise I got bored with and quit. I was the Queen of Excuses as to why I couldn't work out. So even though I had to take 2 days off this week due to illness I am really proud of the fact that Wednesday I ran even though I felt bad and today I got right back at it—and it felt so good.
Something else I am really happy about regarding feeling good when running is the lack of stiffness and soreness. When I first started a few weeks ago my knees, ankles and feet ached everytime I went out to run. The feet, only a couple of days. But my ankles and knees hurt for a couple of weeks; actually, up until just this week. I thought I might not be able to do this because of my knee joints hurting. But this week I noticed that they didn't hurt. I didn't have to run for 10 minutes before they felt "loose". And I also noticed they don't hurt in the morning when I wake up. I guess the old adage, "Use 'em or lose 'em", really is true.
Monday, November 23, 2009
And Let There Be Light
1.8 mi. in 40:47 min.
Wow! I used my new head lamp this morning. It was so amazing the difference it made in lighting my way. Thanks to DD1 for recommending this equipment to me.
And speaking of equipment…Note to self: do not restart iPod after starting interval timer. That's why there are 4 extra minutes on my time today. I am beginning to "feel" the time intervals and at one point I felt like I was over the 4 minute walk. I checked my interval timer and sure enough. I had changed what I was listening to on the iPod and it had shut off my interval timer. Lesson learned.
Tomorrow's lesson will be how to post to my blog when I'm out of town.
I may have mentioned how I really don't like to sweat. Well, I've started to sweat from my workouts. Not so much while I'm running, but when I get back home, sit down and gulp down the coffee. I suppose I will get used to the sweating thing. Hard to do what I'm doing and not sweat at some point, but I still wish I could magically workout and not get all sweaty.
Part of the reason for wanting to run this race has nothing to do with the physical challenge. It has to do with the mental challenge. I look back on my life right now and wonder, "What have I accomplished?" I am great at coming up with grand plans but rarely follow through. I don't know what makes me so sure I can follow through with this particular plan. I just have this feeling inside that the moment to do this is now. I am pleased that I trained 4 days (in a row) last week, took a day off to rest, and then didn't quit. I got up yesterday, a weekend day, and ran; I got up this morning and ran. This is more consistent than I think I have ever been about exercising. What probably seems like a small thing to everyone else is a big accomplishment for me.
Because of Thanksgiving this week I am actually thinking ahead to what time each day I will run. This is a change in thinking for me. In the past, I had the unrealistic attitude that no matter what was going on I would walk, or go to the gym, or whatever. I realize today that I really do need to think ahead and make a plan. Right now I am doing this in my head, but I finally understand the philosophy of making an appointment and writing it on your calendar to schedule workouts.
Wow! I used my new head lamp this morning. It was so amazing the difference it made in lighting my way. Thanks to DD1 for recommending this equipment to me.
And speaking of equipment…Note to self: do not restart iPod after starting interval timer. That's why there are 4 extra minutes on my time today. I am beginning to "feel" the time intervals and at one point I felt like I was over the 4 minute walk. I checked my interval timer and sure enough. I had changed what I was listening to on the iPod and it had shut off my interval timer. Lesson learned.
Tomorrow's lesson will be how to post to my blog when I'm out of town.
I may have mentioned how I really don't like to sweat. Well, I've started to sweat from my workouts. Not so much while I'm running, but when I get back home, sit down and gulp down the coffee. I suppose I will get used to the sweating thing. Hard to do what I'm doing and not sweat at some point, but I still wish I could magically workout and not get all sweaty.
Part of the reason for wanting to run this race has nothing to do with the physical challenge. It has to do with the mental challenge. I look back on my life right now and wonder, "What have I accomplished?" I am great at coming up with grand plans but rarely follow through. I don't know what makes me so sure I can follow through with this particular plan. I just have this feeling inside that the moment to do this is now. I am pleased that I trained 4 days (in a row) last week, took a day off to rest, and then didn't quit. I got up yesterday, a weekend day, and ran; I got up this morning and ran. This is more consistent than I think I have ever been about exercising. What probably seems like a small thing to everyone else is a big accomplishment for me.
Because of Thanksgiving this week I am actually thinking ahead to what time each day I will run. This is a change in thinking for me. In the past, I had the unrealistic attitude that no matter what was going on I would walk, or go to the gym, or whatever. I realize today that I really do need to think ahead and make a plan. Right now I am doing this in my head, but I finally understand the philosophy of making an appointment and writing it on your calendar to schedule workouts.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again
1.7 mi in 35:34 min.
Why was it so darn hard to run this morning? Those 1 minute jogs were tough. Plus, when I got out of bed this morning, my legs were really stiff. What's up with that? I had only 1 day of rest. Honest. I pushed through the sluggishness and completed my course. Now for a hot shower.
Why was it so darn hard to run this morning? Those 1 minute jogs were tough. Plus, when I got out of bed this morning, my legs were really stiff. What's up with that? I had only 1 day of rest. Honest. I pushed through the sluggishness and completed my course. Now for a hot shower.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Learning Curve
Day 3. The fact that I have actually trained 3 days in a row is an accomplishment. Previous attempts at working out usually ended after 2 days. Add to that the fact that I have been rained on every day while jogging--well, let's just say that those who know me know I don't like to be wet, or hot, or sweaty. So why am I doing this?
One reason is because this morning when I woke up I felt really good. I had a bit more energy than usual. I wasn't foggy and sluggish. I actually rolled out of bed feeling happy. And that's an improvement.
I try to learn something new everyday. And, right now it's all learning about this running thing. How to figure out how to time myself. How to alert myself to time to jog, time to rest. How to run safely when it's pretty darn dark outside. So don't laugh, but here's how I equipped myself this morning: IPod for something to listen to, iPhone for timer(s), lip balm (gotta keep those lips protected), gloves (hands are the window to a woman's age), and a flashlight.
The flashlight batteries went dead about 3/4 of the way through the run. But I think until I can afford a headlamp this is a good idea. The gloves were a good thing, but did hamper my ability to check my progress on my iPhone. I am going to move some of my podcasts over to my iPhone so I don't carry the iPod. And, I really have to get over myself when it comes to checking my progress. The lip balm? Need I reiterate just how important soft, kissable lips are?
And, oh, did I mention I finished all 6 sets of the 1 min jog/4 min rest. All Six! In the rain! In the dark! In the cold-well, not really cold, but definitely chilly!
One reason is because this morning when I woke up I felt really good. I had a bit more energy than usual. I wasn't foggy and sluggish. I actually rolled out of bed feeling happy. And that's an improvement.
I try to learn something new everyday. And, right now it's all learning about this running thing. How to figure out how to time myself. How to alert myself to time to jog, time to rest. How to run safely when it's pretty darn dark outside. So don't laugh, but here's how I equipped myself this morning: IPod for something to listen to, iPhone for timer(s), lip balm (gotta keep those lips protected), gloves (hands are the window to a woman's age), and a flashlight.
The flashlight batteries went dead about 3/4 of the way through the run. But I think until I can afford a headlamp this is a good idea. The gloves were a good thing, but did hamper my ability to check my progress on my iPhone. I am going to move some of my podcasts over to my iPhone so I don't carry the iPod. And, I really have to get over myself when it comes to checking my progress. The lip balm? Need I reiterate just how important soft, kissable lips are?
And, oh, did I mention I finished all 6 sets of the 1 min jog/4 min rest. All Six! In the rain! In the dark! In the cold-well, not really cold, but definitely chilly!
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