W2D3
I was planning on going for Day3 on Sunday but found myself getting excited about the run and not wanting to wait.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?????
I am completely enjoying the new feelings of excitement about exercise. I must say, I'm not used to them.
I got up early, ate my Cheerios and headed out. It was chillier than it has been so I was in a long sleeve t, hoodie and black sweat pants. I took gloves with me this time, too. Same old baseball cap.
My route was the same but I ran in the street this time. After my conversation with Karen, I knew that it would be better for my knees. I don't know if it made any difference in the actual running, but it will probably save me some pain in the long run.
My stamina was pretty good. I made it through all of the runs except for about 5 seconds on #5. I pushed that one just a little to get across Becket and so slowed a tiny bit early. My route remained the same but I got to the final hill a bit earlier this time. I pushed through it and ended strong. Yay!
I must say, the cool down walk cresting the hill of Camp Fire Trail at sunrise is quite stunning and enjoyable. I feel such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Keep it up!
I am nervous about W3. I am considering running one more day of W2 for the comfort of my mental state and my lung strength. It is not weakness - it is taking it slow so I can build up my strength.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday slightly uphill W2D2
W2D2
I got the kid off to school - all dressed in my sweats and ready to go - and right after I pulled into the driveway I started up the podcast and took off. I had such a great response to Tuesday's run that I was shy about how this one would measure up. I tried not to expect too much. I have a feeling the "runner's high" is a lot like heroin and there is never again one like your first and each time it takes more effort to achieve. *sigh*
That being said, I did feel good afterwards - just not as elated as Tuesday.
I took off Thursday with everything I needed except some water. Even just a little would have been nice at times. I just need to find a way to carry some that is not so cumbersome. The run seemed to start a little earlier this time, I don't know how that happened but I did make it the 90 seconds for the first 4 runs. My last 2 were cut short again by 15 seconds or so.The cool down walk was great - I think I should speed it up just slightly past the saunter I am doing and I wrapped it up right at the driveway. One big circle. It still amazes me that I can travel almost 2 miles pushing myself in various speeds and live to tell the tale. Maybe I can do anything.
Later at work, Karen saw me in the hall and asked what was going on - I looked different. I told her about C25K and the podcasts and she went on and on about me carrying myself differently and having a great energy. I do feel that way. It's cool that someone noticed - even if it was highly intuitive Karen who notices things other people don't.
When I told her about my route, Karen suggested that I run in the street. Sidewalks are too hard on the knees and ankles. I knew this - just didn't want to be in the street. Maybe subconsciously I thought that if I wasn't in the street, no one could see me. :) Whatever, I want to be kind to the old knees so the street it is for me from now on.
I've started noticing runners when I'm driving. I try to see how they are landing on their feet - front, back, middle - and noticing their form. I wonder if I will get to the point where I can run non-stop and just travel along for a few miles. I think that would be very freeing.
My back started to hurt a bit by the end of Thursday. It may have been that I wore my cowboy boots on Wed and my Mary Jane Docs yesterday. Not exactly my best comfort shoes. Back to the Merrills I go.
I have to work Saturday so I'm going to plan on running on Sunday.
I got the kid off to school - all dressed in my sweats and ready to go - and right after I pulled into the driveway I started up the podcast and took off. I had such a great response to Tuesday's run that I was shy about how this one would measure up. I tried not to expect too much. I have a feeling the "runner's high" is a lot like heroin and there is never again one like your first and each time it takes more effort to achieve. *sigh*
That being said, I did feel good afterwards - just not as elated as Tuesday.
I took off Thursday with everything I needed except some water. Even just a little would have been nice at times. I just need to find a way to carry some that is not so cumbersome. The run seemed to start a little earlier this time, I don't know how that happened but I did make it the 90 seconds for the first 4 runs. My last 2 were cut short again by 15 seconds or so.The cool down walk was great - I think I should speed it up just slightly past the saunter I am doing and I wrapped it up right at the driveway. One big circle. It still amazes me that I can travel almost 2 miles pushing myself in various speeds and live to tell the tale. Maybe I can do anything.
Later at work, Karen saw me in the hall and asked what was going on - I looked different. I told her about C25K and the podcasts and she went on and on about me carrying myself differently and having a great energy. I do feel that way. It's cool that someone noticed - even if it was highly intuitive Karen who notices things other people don't.
When I told her about my route, Karen suggested that I run in the street. Sidewalks are too hard on the knees and ankles. I knew this - just didn't want to be in the street. Maybe subconsciously I thought that if I wasn't in the street, no one could see me. :) Whatever, I want to be kind to the old knees so the street it is for me from now on.
I've started noticing runners when I'm driving. I try to see how they are landing on their feet - front, back, middle - and noticing their form. I wonder if I will get to the point where I can run non-stop and just travel along for a few miles. I think that would be very freeing.
My back started to hurt a bit by the end of Thursday. It may have been that I wore my cowboy boots on Wed and my Mary Jane Docs yesterday. Not exactly my best comfort shoes. Back to the Merrills I go.
I have to work Saturday so I'm going to plan on running on Sunday.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tuesday: Hello, Endorphins! W2D1
W2D1
Wow! I was pretty nervous about heading into week 2. I didn't think I would be able to do the 90 sec run after barely making the 60 sec runs last week. But lo and behold, Robert Ullrey makes it easy again! I altered my route slightly so that I would NOT be running uphill at the very end. Leave that incline to the 5 minute cool down, thank you very much. And so my warm up walk took me almost to the library on Convict Hill and then I started into the run. Not having to think about the time really made a difference. Plus the music is something I am completely unfamiliar with so I couldn't sing along and alter my breathing to the beat.
At the end of the first 90 seconds, I actually found myself saying incredulously, "I did it! I DID it!" outloud. And having that boost of, "get outta here!" about myself propelled me through the next runs, too.
I did have to cut the last 2 runs short by about 15 seconds each. I was just running out of steam and starting to really feel it.
I finished the last push (-10 seconds) at the start of that small hill and took my cool down walk as a victory lap. I found myself smiling and feeling really good. And that feeling lasted way into the day. I even bragged on myself just a little to some of the moms in storytime and my coworkers. There was nothing little about my braggadocio on FB. This was my status after my run and my shower:
Wow! I was pretty nervous about heading into week 2. I didn't think I would be able to do the 90 sec run after barely making the 60 sec runs last week. But lo and behold, Robert Ullrey makes it easy again! I altered my route slightly so that I would NOT be running uphill at the very end. Leave that incline to the 5 minute cool down, thank you very much. And so my warm up walk took me almost to the library on Convict Hill and then I started into the run. Not having to think about the time really made a difference. Plus the music is something I am completely unfamiliar with so I couldn't sing along and alter my breathing to the beat.
At the end of the first 90 seconds, I actually found myself saying incredulously, "I did it! I DID it!" outloud. And having that boost of, "get outta here!" about myself propelled me through the next runs, too.
I did have to cut the last 2 runs short by about 15 seconds each. I was just running out of steam and starting to really feel it.
I finished the last push (-10 seconds) at the start of that small hill and took my cool down walk as a victory lap. I found myself smiling and feeling really good. And that feeling lasted way into the day. I even bragged on myself just a little to some of the moms in storytime and my coworkers. There was nothing little about my braggadocio on FB. This was my status after my run and my shower:
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday Funday W1D3
W1D3 reprise.
I feel really good.
I decided to do my W1D3 over again since Thursday night's try and semi-fail.
I got the Ullrey podcasts onto the ipod and it really helped. He has some techno poppy music for all the stages and his voice is soothing and encouraging. It was so nice not to have to look at my watch or keep track in my head. The music kept me going and let me focus on milestones such as "to that mailbox" or "to the signpost and turn around." I also feel like I slowed down the running. It was pretty much the fat girl shuffle but my breathing was easier (not EASY, easiER) and I'll be able to see my progress more clearly and not get so discouraged.
I did have a bit of a failing on the second to last run. I just couldn't tough it out - it was going uphill (bad bad planning on my part) and I stopped to a walk about 15 seconds too soon. I'm going to cut myself a little slack on that one and focus on how good it feels to have finished Week 1. And to possibly change my course.
Week 2 scares me just a little.
Oh well, day off tomorrow. We'll see how Tuesday treats me.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Saturday breather
So I took Friday off from the C25K as instructed but came home from work with a sore throat. I don't know if it was from the coughing public or from co-workers that refuse to go home when they are sick or if it was allergies. Cedar fever is taking Austin by storm.
Saturday found me with a bit of phlegm and still a sore throat so I decided to aim for a Sunday run. I still plan on redoing W1D3 with the 60 second run/ 90 second walk repeat repeat etc. since my original attempt was less than stellar.
Someone posted on the C25K Beginners FB page that there are podcasts by Robert Ullrey that give you the music and the timing for running/walking. I found them at http://www.c25k.com/podcasts.htm and downloaded them onto the ipod. <- that took a bit of doing since the mother ship is down and I didn't want to lose everything already on the ipod by syncing it to the ITunes on the laptop.That will be much easier than keeping my eye on the second hand or trying to count it out. His voice is pretty soothing, too, so maybe he'll keep me moving.
I did a little research on the breathing thing. This website suggests 3 steps for inhale and 2 for exhale. http://running.about.com/od/howtorun/f/breathing.htm My problem seems to stem from me being too literal with the in/out pattern. I did like the statement at the bottom about being able to have a conversation while running. Um, yeah. And they wrapped up with "Slow down or walk if you're running out of breath. If you relax and slow the pace, breathing problems often take care of themselves." It was like a light bulb went off over my head...I don't need to go fast - I just need to go.
Go, Ann, go.
Saturday found me with a bit of phlegm and still a sore throat so I decided to aim for a Sunday run. I still plan on redoing W1D3 with the 60 second run/ 90 second walk repeat repeat etc. since my original attempt was less than stellar.
Someone posted on the C25K Beginners FB page that there are podcasts by Robert Ullrey that give you the music and the timing for running/walking. I found them at http://www.c25k.com/podcasts.htm and downloaded them onto the ipod. <- that took a bit of doing since the mother ship is down and I didn't want to lose everything already on the ipod by syncing it to the ITunes on the laptop.That will be much easier than keeping my eye on the second hand or trying to count it out. His voice is pretty soothing, too, so maybe he'll keep me moving.
I did a little research on the breathing thing. This website suggests 3 steps for inhale and 2 for exhale. http://running.about.com/od/howtorun/f/breathing.htm My problem seems to stem from me being too literal with the in/out pattern. I did like the statement at the bottom about being able to have a conversation while running. Um, yeah. And they wrapped up with "Slow down or walk if you're running out of breath. If you relax and slow the pace, breathing problems often take care of themselves." It was like a light bulb went off over my head...I don't need to go fast - I just need to go.
Go, Ann, go.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday night W1D3
W1D3
So, after Sunday's run - accidentally typed "fun" and fixed it immediately which says something, I guess - anyway, after that run/walk my neck was killing me. I was able to do storytime on Tuesday but only after lots of stretching before the program and by mid-afternoon, I was almost nauseous because of the pain.
I took it really easy Tuesday night and took 1/2 a Vicodin before bed. It was just enough to let me sleep for real and I did feel better Wednesday.
It wasn't until today that the neck pain was 90% gone. So, on the way home in traffic, I decided I felt good enough to try again.
It was dark when I started and this time I went alone. I missed the kid. :) I also missed the sunlight. It was difficult to watch my seconds when I couldn't even see my watch. So I tried counting to 60 in my head but it started to interfere with my breathing. And speaking of breathing, I can't seem to do it naturally while running. I fall into two beats in two beats out but that just puts me on the edge of hyperventilating.
I need to do a little research on this breathing thing.
I found myself not quite running for the 60 seconds. 50-55 seemed to be the top of my game. Maybe it was because I had already had a full day of working, etc.
On the good end, I was sure to take a full 5 minutes at the end for a quick walk cool down and that helped with the recovery immensely.
Next up - Saturday. Maybe. :)
So, after Sunday's run - accidentally typed "fun" and fixed it immediately which says something, I guess - anyway, after that run/walk my neck was killing me. I was able to do storytime on Tuesday but only after lots of stretching before the program and by mid-afternoon, I was almost nauseous because of the pain.
I took it really easy Tuesday night and took 1/2 a Vicodin before bed. It was just enough to let me sleep for real and I did feel better Wednesday.
It wasn't until today that the neck pain was 90% gone. So, on the way home in traffic, I decided I felt good enough to try again.
It was dark when I started and this time I went alone. I missed the kid. :) I also missed the sunlight. It was difficult to watch my seconds when I couldn't even see my watch. So I tried counting to 60 in my head but it started to interfere with my breathing. And speaking of breathing, I can't seem to do it naturally while running. I fall into two beats in two beats out but that just puts me on the edge of hyperventilating.
I need to do a little research on this breathing thing.
I found myself not quite running for the 60 seconds. 50-55 seemed to be the top of my game. Maybe it was because I had already had a full day of working, etc.
On the good end, I was sure to take a full 5 minutes at the end for a quick walk cool down and that helped with the recovery immensely.
Next up - Saturday. Maybe. :)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Monday off
MLK Jr. holiday and a day off from run/walk for me. It's a good thing, too. My whole body is screaming. Especially my neck. I'll do some stretching before bed and take some pain killer and hope that I will be able to get out of bed tomorrow and do storytime.
We'll have to wait and see if W1D3 will be Tuesday or not. I may have to stretch it to Wed so I don't jank my neck or back.
Kiddo and I did get on our bikes and ride the 4-5 blocks to a friend's house to finish up the science project. At least I got a little bit of exercise in today.
And, I posted in the FB group Fit in 2012 and asked for advice on evening snacking. I must fool my mouth into thinking it has something to do while I retrain it just to stay shut.
Anyone who knows me knows that that is futile. *sigh*
We'll have to wait and see if W1D3 will be Tuesday or not. I may have to stretch it to Wed so I don't jank my neck or back.
Kiddo and I did get on our bikes and ride the 4-5 blocks to a friend's house to finish up the science project. At least I got a little bit of exercise in today.
And, I posted in the FB group Fit in 2012 and asked for advice on evening snacking. I must fool my mouth into thinking it has something to do while I retrain it just to stay shut.
Anyone who knows me knows that that is futile. *sigh*
Sunday, January 15, 2012
W1D2
Sunday 1/15/12
W1D2
Discovered a bit of lingo today. W1D1 = week 1 day 1.
Since it is a 9 week program using 3 days a week - this only took me a few minutes to figure out. So today is W1D2.
I posted on the C25K Beginners FB page today. Come on support system!
Was probably supposed to skip a day but since it is the holiday weekend, this is when I have time to do this. The kid and I went out again today - this time at 12:30. We left the dog home so there was considerably less stopping, near tripping and poop scooping. We will have to change our route slightly if we go without the dog again, he makes it take longer so it seems like a longer distance.
The "brisk 5 min walk" at the beginning feels good. The first 60 sec run jars my knees a bit and feels like tiny needles on the bottoms of my feet. By the final stretch of the run/walk I was cutting my 60 sec runs to about 55 sec.
My recovery time was less this time. Still breathing hard and needing water but I rebounded quicker.
Kiddo asked me, "Do you think we look stupid?" and I replied, "The only people who would make fun are mean. The folks who already run are thinking, 'keep it up!' and the people who don't are thinking, 'I need to do that.'" I need to keep telling myself that.
Tonight, I have a crink in my neck and a bit of stiffness in my back. My thighs are sore, too. I'll take Aleve before bed.
All of the program descriptions warn the novice runner from pushing too hard. I don't want to injure myself so I will take tomorrow off (maybe a bike ride instead) and plan something for Tuesday. Possible running plan: drop Kid at school 7-7:10 am, walk/run 7:15-20 - 7:45-50 or clock out 5:30, change clothes and walk/run 5:35 - 6:05 head home from work I could do Tuesday morning, Thursday afternoon and Saturday. Must ruminate.
This evening I did pass by some sweets thinking, "I worked too hard to ruin it with that." Maybe I'll pass by even more as the runs go on.
W1D2
Discovered a bit of lingo today. W1D1 = week 1 day 1.
Since it is a 9 week program using 3 days a week - this only took me a few minutes to figure out. So today is W1D2.
I posted on the C25K Beginners FB page today. Come on support system!
Was probably supposed to skip a day but since it is the holiday weekend, this is when I have time to do this. The kid and I went out again today - this time at 12:30. We left the dog home so there was considerably less stopping, near tripping and poop scooping. We will have to change our route slightly if we go without the dog again, he makes it take longer so it seems like a longer distance.
The "brisk 5 min walk" at the beginning feels good. The first 60 sec run jars my knees a bit and feels like tiny needles on the bottoms of my feet. By the final stretch of the run/walk I was cutting my 60 sec runs to about 55 sec.
My recovery time was less this time. Still breathing hard and needing water but I rebounded quicker.
Kiddo asked me, "Do you think we look stupid?" and I replied, "The only people who would make fun are mean. The folks who already run are thinking, 'keep it up!' and the people who don't are thinking, 'I need to do that.'" I need to keep telling myself that.
Tonight, I have a crink in my neck and a bit of stiffness in my back. My thighs are sore, too. I'll take Aleve before bed.
All of the program descriptions warn the novice runner from pushing too hard. I don't want to injure myself so I will take tomorrow off (maybe a bike ride instead) and plan something for Tuesday. Possible running plan: drop Kid at school 7-7:10 am, walk/run 7:15-20 - 7:45-50 or clock out 5:30, change clothes and walk/run 5:35 - 6:05 head home from work I could do Tuesday morning, Thursday afternoon and Saturday. Must ruminate.
This evening I did pass by some sweets thinking, "I worked too hard to ruin it with that." Maybe I'll pass by even more as the runs go on.
So it begins. Blame Amy.
Saturday 1/14/12
I chatted with a friend who has turned her body around (losing 91 pounds in 2 years) and discovered that she began running by following the Couch to 5K program. She said it is free all over the internet and I should take a look. I did. And I started with my first walk/run/walk/run/almost pass out just a few hours later. The kid and the dog really wanted to go, too, so we made it a team effort.
I could feel the new and strange jarring to my legs and feet as we ran. Guess I haven't done that in awhile.
When we got home, it took a while for my breathing to slow and my face to return to its natural hue but we were alive. The dog was more than alive - he was happy, happy, happy.
Some things we may need for next time. Sweat pants for the kid and water bottles for both of us.
I chatted with a friend who has turned her body around (losing 91 pounds in 2 years) and discovered that she began running by following the Couch to 5K program. She said it is free all over the internet and I should take a look. I did. And I started with my first walk/run/walk/run/almost pass out just a few hours later. The kid and the dog really wanted to go, too, so we made it a team effort.
I could feel the new and strange jarring to my legs and feet as we ran. Guess I haven't done that in awhile.
When we got home, it took a while for my breathing to slow and my face to return to its natural hue but we were alive. The dog was more than alive - he was happy, happy, happy.
Some things we may need for next time. Sweat pants for the kid and water bottles for both of us.
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