Before talking about my running, I must talk about my life in general first. Shawn has now taken to hauling loads of pipe, or whatever else he finds available for loads, across the country. He started out this week. He left early yesterday morning to head to Texas. He'll get home at bedtime tonight and leave early in the morning to load up and go back to Texas. He won't be back again until Friday. While he's giving up precious time with Bennett (and I suppose me, too), he will be able to make quite a bit of money. This is in hopes that we can pay the house off, get a bunch saved and me be able to be home with Bennett and help him with books sometime in the (hopefully not far away) future. I've been very spoiled in that I only had to get myself ready in the morning and supper was on the stove when I got home most nights. Now, I have to get myself up and ready, Bennett up and ready, drop him off at daycare (where he spends way more hours there than he used to), get home, make a meal, fit in my run, all the other household things I need to do, gardening, entertaining a 2 year old, and finding a moment to relax a bit. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the thought of this, but I'm certain I'll get into a groove and it will be just fine.
For the last 2 weeks I've been struggling with getting up and out of bed and getting myself to work. It's not that I hate my job, it's just been hard to go. I think I've been stuck in the office too much and not moving around at all.
I went for a run outside on Sunday. The humidity was at 90%. Holy crap, that sucked. We were heading to Cedar for "coffee" so I had Shawn drop me off at Duke's hill on the highway so I could run into town. It ended up being about 2.75 miles. I ran the entire first mile at a faster pace than I'm used to (weird not having the treadmill to keep me at an even pace). After that, I had to walk some. I walked 1 minute, ran 4 minutes and continued that a bit, then moved to run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute for the last bit. I ended up running about a 12:00 mile pace, which is still quite slow, but with the humidity, I felt it wasn't bad for me.
Today, I was back on the treadmill since it's just me and Bennett at home. He was great and entertained himself. I don't know if it was me not eating anything since noon today or what, but man did I feel like crap. I ran the first mile at about an 11:00 mile pace. About what I normally do on the treadmill. I couldn't force myself to push through my mental block so stopped to walk a minute at 1.25 miles. Then I ran 0.5 miles at about a 10:15 minute pace. Then I was literally a mess. My legs weren't horrible and my breathing was okay, but I was lightheaded. I felt horrible. I ended up jogging slowly for 0.25 miles and calling it quits. I had planned a 35 minute jog, but ended with 2.12 miles in 24:46. Ugh.
I'm struggling with my motivation to keep going at this point. Logically, I know that I just need to jog at my own pace, be patient, etc, etc, but that is a huge struggle for me. I really had to talk myself into getting on the treadmill tonight and that's the first time that has happened. I want to keep going. Even if I never attempt running a 1/2 marathon like I'd love to do, I want to keep going. I'm struggling with me thinking this should be getting easier, but it really isn't. I'm hoping that I'm just in stress overload and when things calm down a bit, I'll feel better and motivation will be on the upswing again. Oh yeah, I also have the 2 mile run for my alumni this weekend. I'm a bit freaked out. When I ran in Albion, I ran 25:01. I wanted to run a 22:00 or better, but I really don't know if that's possible, especially if the humidity is like it has been. I know it's for fun, but I would really like to see an improvement. I would also like to be able to push through my mental block and run the whole time and not stop for a walk break period, but who knows. I recently read a book by former Olympian runner, Jeff Galloway. He has trademarked the run/walk/run method. He firmly believes in taking walk breaks at a set ratio throughout your entire run. His philosophy is it saves you mentally and physically and helps you cut time off your run in the end, or allows you to run farther and feel the same as you would have running far less. For example, if you take walk breaks as he suggests, you can run 8 miles, but feel the same as if you'd only run 5miles, which helps with endurance, calorie/fat burn, etc. I may try this, but for some reason feel like a failure because I won't be running continuously. Why do I care? I don't know!!!
Hopefully, my motivation picks back up again and soon.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Oh the struggles
I'm following a women's running program that goes 16 weeks. If I follow it correctly, I run 4 days a week for the first 8 weeks, then add an extra day after that. The first 12 weeks works just on building endurance. It's based on time, so right now I do 3 days of running for 30 minutes, then I do a 40 minute run on the 4th day. The last 4 weeks builds some speed intervals into the mix and keeps the length of time about the same.
Prior to this I was poking along at about a 12:00-12:30 minute mile. I have been feeling like that was almost painful to go that slow, so I picked it up a little bit. I'm now running at about 11:00 miles, but over the course of the 30 minutes, I end up having to take about 3 walk breaks, which is frustrating. I end up, with walking, going about 2.5-2.75 miles in the 30 minutes.
It's good to see a few improvements (that I can actually go faster than I was), but frustrating at going back to doing walk intervals. I know patience, patience, patience. I did lose a little weight this week, so that has made me feel better. I even bought a pair of shorts a size smaller than normal, so that's progress also. If it weren't for my hubby's very fattening (but yummy) cooking, I'd probably lose a bit more weight!
2 weeks until the alumni run. Not sure I'll make my goal of 22:00, but we'll see. I'm pretty certain I can beat my 25:01 time from Albion though, and that would be enough for me!
Prior to this I was poking along at about a 12:00-12:30 minute mile. I have been feeling like that was almost painful to go that slow, so I picked it up a little bit. I'm now running at about 11:00 miles, but over the course of the 30 minutes, I end up having to take about 3 walk breaks, which is frustrating. I end up, with walking, going about 2.5-2.75 miles in the 30 minutes.
It's good to see a few improvements (that I can actually go faster than I was), but frustrating at going back to doing walk intervals. I know patience, patience, patience. I did lose a little weight this week, so that has made me feel better. I even bought a pair of shorts a size smaller than normal, so that's progress also. If it weren't for my hubby's very fattening (but yummy) cooking, I'd probably lose a bit more weight!
2 weeks until the alumni run. Not sure I'll make my goal of 22:00, but we'll see. I'm pretty certain I can beat my 25:01 time from Albion though, and that would be enough for me!
Monday, July 12, 2010
I think I can....no, I know I can!
So here's my new schedule:
Saturdays I do a long, slow run, trying to increase the mileage by 0.5 miles each week. I do this at a slower pace than normal.
Mondays, I'm going to do a maintenance run, which is whatever mileage I just covered on Saturday, but at a quicker pace.
Wednesdays, I'll do a speed workout, which currently is running about 2.5 miles while alternating walking 0.25 miles with running at a fast for me pace for 0.25 miles. I'll likely add some hills or increase the incline on the treadmill this week or next also.
I just started this last week. Saturday was my longest run yet, which was 3 miles. In looking back, I cannot believe that 9 weeks ago I could barely do 90 seconds of running! So on most days when I feel slow as a snail, I need to focus on how far I've come.
Today was very good! I went 3 miles again, but I ran faster than I've ran before. I normally run a 12:00 mile pace (5mph), so today I decided to try 5.3 mph for as long as I could go. I kept going to 1.5 miles, then increased to 5.6 mph for another .5 miles. I then was pretty pooped, so walked a couple minutes then started in again. I took another walk break around 2.5 miles, but other than the 2 short walk breaks, I never ran slower than 5.3mph. Overall, with my 2 minute warm-up and the walk breaks I did an 11:30 pace, which is a 30 second improvement! Great news is I still have 3 more weeks to the alumni race, so my goal of 22 minutes is looking more and more attainable all the time!
I have made some changes to my diet also. After doing some reading, I don't think I was eating frequently enough. I've added more fruits and veggies and complex carbs to my diet also. I lost weight last week and I continue to think that my legs look a bit better. I read an interesting tidbit about how women store fat. Men tend to store fat in a layer over their muscles, so it's easily noticeable when it's occurring. Women store fat in the small spaces in between muscles and when those are all filled up, then they start storing fat in layers. So by the time a women notices fat on their legs, hips, butt, etc, they actually have a lot of fat already stored amongst their muscle also. So when I started exercising, the lean muscle I was building was getting rid of all the small fat deposits amongst my muscles instead of the large deposits. Interesting to me! I also read the most effective way to turn sugar burning cells into fat burning cells. So, hopefully I'll continue to see weight drop and inches to decrease!
Overall, I have to say that I'm so amazed at how this is going. I never thought I would stick with this! I'm so glad I started. I actually look forward to my workout days. I tried adding a 4th running day, but legs just aren't ready for that yet. I'm going to add some sort of cross-training in though because I feel like a slug on days I don't run.
I have went from thinking maybe I can do this running thing to knowing that I can do it and the only person it really matters as to how fast or slow I go is me! And right now, tonight, I'm pretty proud of me.
Saturdays I do a long, slow run, trying to increase the mileage by 0.5 miles each week. I do this at a slower pace than normal.
Mondays, I'm going to do a maintenance run, which is whatever mileage I just covered on Saturday, but at a quicker pace.
Wednesdays, I'll do a speed workout, which currently is running about 2.5 miles while alternating walking 0.25 miles with running at a fast for me pace for 0.25 miles. I'll likely add some hills or increase the incline on the treadmill this week or next also.
I just started this last week. Saturday was my longest run yet, which was 3 miles. In looking back, I cannot believe that 9 weeks ago I could barely do 90 seconds of running! So on most days when I feel slow as a snail, I need to focus on how far I've come.
Today was very good! I went 3 miles again, but I ran faster than I've ran before. I normally run a 12:00 mile pace (5mph), so today I decided to try 5.3 mph for as long as I could go. I kept going to 1.5 miles, then increased to 5.6 mph for another .5 miles. I then was pretty pooped, so walked a couple minutes then started in again. I took another walk break around 2.5 miles, but other than the 2 short walk breaks, I never ran slower than 5.3mph. Overall, with my 2 minute warm-up and the walk breaks I did an 11:30 pace, which is a 30 second improvement! Great news is I still have 3 more weeks to the alumni race, so my goal of 22 minutes is looking more and more attainable all the time!
I have made some changes to my diet also. After doing some reading, I don't think I was eating frequently enough. I've added more fruits and veggies and complex carbs to my diet also. I lost weight last week and I continue to think that my legs look a bit better. I read an interesting tidbit about how women store fat. Men tend to store fat in a layer over their muscles, so it's easily noticeable when it's occurring. Women store fat in the small spaces in between muscles and when those are all filled up, then they start storing fat in layers. So by the time a women notices fat on their legs, hips, butt, etc, they actually have a lot of fat already stored amongst their muscle also. So when I started exercising, the lean muscle I was building was getting rid of all the small fat deposits amongst my muscles instead of the large deposits. Interesting to me! I also read the most effective way to turn sugar burning cells into fat burning cells. So, hopefully I'll continue to see weight drop and inches to decrease!
Overall, I have to say that I'm so amazed at how this is going. I never thought I would stick with this! I'm so glad I started. I actually look forward to my workout days. I tried adding a 4th running day, but legs just aren't ready for that yet. I'm going to add some sort of cross-training in though because I feel like a slug on days I don't run.
I have went from thinking maybe I can do this running thing to knowing that I can do it and the only person it really matters as to how fast or slow I go is me! And right now, tonight, I'm pretty proud of me.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Found my groove
I finally found my groove! After a disastrous workout last week, I did a "max run" test. It was to go at my current pace and see how long I could go without stopping. I made it 24 minutes (2 miles). Not great, but not horrible. It was hard though. I was still a mental mess! That was last Wednesday. Then I took Thursday and Friday off due to 4th of July stuff going on.
Saturday was the day I've been waiting for, and wondering if it would ever come. I decided I'd stick to my current pace and hope that I could at least make it to 2 miles with no slowing down and no stopping. Well, I did that and added a 1/2 mile! I felt absolutely great and for the first time could really say that I enjoyed my run. Bennett was quiet throughout the run (busy watching Bugs Bunny DVDs) and that helped me maintain my focus a bit more. I felt really, really good! I couldn't believe it. I felt like I could have kept going or picked up the pace a bit even! That was so encouraging for me! I'm so ecstatic! I know I'm still slow as a snail, but looking through my logs, I know I'm improving, even tiny bits at a time!
Today I did another 2.5 miles in 30 minutes and felt good while doing it. I hit 2 miles and I start getting all "mental," so I'm working on that. My goal this week is to do 2 more 2.5 miles workouts at the same pace. Next week, I plan to increase to 3 miles on 3 days and 1 day do a shorter distance at a faster pace.
I am going to sign up for the Cedar's Rapid Run (alumni run) on August 7th. I'm going to do the 2 mile run. My goal is to run that in 22 minutes or less. I know it's doable. I would really like to be 20 minutes, but I'm not sure in a month's time if that is really achievable or not. We shall see. I'll be happy so long as I can beat my 25:01 from the Albion run!
Saturday was the day I've been waiting for, and wondering if it would ever come. I decided I'd stick to my current pace and hope that I could at least make it to 2 miles with no slowing down and no stopping. Well, I did that and added a 1/2 mile! I felt absolutely great and for the first time could really say that I enjoyed my run. Bennett was quiet throughout the run (busy watching Bugs Bunny DVDs) and that helped me maintain my focus a bit more. I felt really, really good! I couldn't believe it. I felt like I could have kept going or picked up the pace a bit even! That was so encouraging for me! I'm so ecstatic! I know I'm still slow as a snail, but looking through my logs, I know I'm improving, even tiny bits at a time!
Today I did another 2.5 miles in 30 minutes and felt good while doing it. I hit 2 miles and I start getting all "mental," so I'm working on that. My goal this week is to do 2 more 2.5 miles workouts at the same pace. Next week, I plan to increase to 3 miles on 3 days and 1 day do a shorter distance at a faster pace.
I am going to sign up for the Cedar's Rapid Run (alumni run) on August 7th. I'm going to do the 2 mile run. My goal is to run that in 22 minutes or less. I know it's doable. I would really like to be 20 minutes, but I'm not sure in a month's time if that is really achievable or not. We shall see. I'll be happy so long as I can beat my 25:01 from the Albion run!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Defeated
I'm feeling so incredibly defeated again. I've had a decent couple of weeks, but have hit a point where mentally I can't run past a certain point and just "have" to stop to walk. It's not that my lungs are going to explode or my legs are going to fall off, it is totally a mental issue. I'm so frustrated. I don't know why this is so hard for me.
I was looking at online coaching sites to see what they offered, if I thought it would be something I'd be interested in, etc. I found a site that gives a 1-week free trial. I'm doing that this week. I'm not doing anything hard by any stretch of the imagination. Tonight was jog 9 minutes, walk 1 min, then repeat 2 more times for a total of 30 minutes. I did the first 9 just fine. The 2nd 9 were tough and I stopped at 8 minutes and walked for 2. The last 9 were miserable. I stopped 2 different times to walk for about 20 seconds each time. Wednesday is my "max run" day. I have to see how long I can run without stopping. The way things are going it will be about 10 minutes and I'll be done.
I'm so frustrated!!!! I just don't know why this is so hard for me. I have given up on "speed" at this point and am just focusing on endurance, but even that isn't coming along very good. I've lost a total of 7 pounds since I started 8 weeks ago. I'm still frustrated with that and am going to start keeping a food journal so I really know for sure how much I'm eating. People close to me say that I look better and seem to have lost weight, but I don't see it much. It's been about a month since I took a picture, so I'll do that again and see if I notice a difference.
I'm beginning to think that a 1/2 marathon on May 1st is a completely unrealistic goal at this point. UGH!
I am signing up for the Cedar's Rapid Run alumni weekend so I can be the slowest person out there, but I'm going to do it anyway.
UGH, UGH, UGH! I'm just so frustrated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was looking at online coaching sites to see what they offered, if I thought it would be something I'd be interested in, etc. I found a site that gives a 1-week free trial. I'm doing that this week. I'm not doing anything hard by any stretch of the imagination. Tonight was jog 9 minutes, walk 1 min, then repeat 2 more times for a total of 30 minutes. I did the first 9 just fine. The 2nd 9 were tough and I stopped at 8 minutes and walked for 2. The last 9 were miserable. I stopped 2 different times to walk for about 20 seconds each time. Wednesday is my "max run" day. I have to see how long I can run without stopping. The way things are going it will be about 10 minutes and I'll be done.
I'm so frustrated!!!! I just don't know why this is so hard for me. I have given up on "speed" at this point and am just focusing on endurance, but even that isn't coming along very good. I've lost a total of 7 pounds since I started 8 weeks ago. I'm still frustrated with that and am going to start keeping a food journal so I really know for sure how much I'm eating. People close to me say that I look better and seem to have lost weight, but I don't see it much. It's been about a month since I took a picture, so I'll do that again and see if I notice a difference.
I'm beginning to think that a 1/2 marathon on May 1st is a completely unrealistic goal at this point. UGH!
I am signing up for the Cedar's Rapid Run alumni weekend so I can be the slowest person out there, but I'm going to do it anyway.
UGH, UGH, UGH! I'm just so frustrated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Not so bad
I did the 2 mile fun run/walk in Albion yesterday. It started raining when the kids were doing their 1 mile run. It wasn't too bad, it stopped shortly after the 2 milers/5kers started. The temp was actually pretty good. I really wish my contacts felt better in my eyes, I had to take my glasses off and was virtually blind the whole time!
I was a bit intimidated at first with a lot of the 5k runners. Several of them finished long before I finished my little 2 mile jog. Other than about 1 minute of walking right around the water stand, I jogged the whole time, which was really what I was hoping for. I'm slower than a snail and really hope someday that will improve! Good news is, I now have a personal best!! LOL! I completed my 2 miles in 25'01" Slow, slow, slow! I'm okay with that and know that I'll get better. I was really surprised and kind of excited by complete strangers, who were obviously very experienced runners saying very motivating, encouraging things as they passed by me! That was pretty cool!
I'm glad I decided to go, even though my friend wasn't able to join me! It was worth it!! I'm going to sign off now before lightening strikes the house!
I was a bit intimidated at first with a lot of the 5k runners. Several of them finished long before I finished my little 2 mile jog. Other than about 1 minute of walking right around the water stand, I jogged the whole time, which was really what I was hoping for. I'm slower than a snail and really hope someday that will improve! Good news is, I now have a personal best!! LOL! I completed my 2 miles in 25'01" Slow, slow, slow! I'm okay with that and know that I'll get better. I was really surprised and kind of excited by complete strangers, who were obviously very experienced runners saying very motivating, encouraging things as they passed by me! That was pretty cool!
I'm glad I decided to go, even though my friend wasn't able to join me! It was worth it!! I'm going to sign off now before lightening strikes the house!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Refocused
Tonight's run went much, much better than Tuesday's workout did. I did 25 minutes of solid running...well, jogging anyway. I've been reading that treadmills really aren't accurate in the readouts for distance and speed, so I decided to use my Nike+ sensor tonight that is calibrated for my stride. It says I did 2.67 miles in 25 minutes of jogging and 4 minutes of walking. Treadmill said I did 2.26 miles in the same time. ??? I will try out the Nike+ sensor again on Saturday for the 2 mile run in Albion and see what the tells me.
I did take some time to reflect yesterday and today on my drive home. I really am so worried about how fast I'm going, or really, how fast I'm not going. My focus really at this point is to get my body used to running. As Eric P pointed out, I would never have been able to run 10 minutes straight 6 weeks ago, let alone 25 minutes, so I really need to celebrate that accomplishment. Once my body is used to running for 30 minutes straight, several days a week, for several weeks, then I can focus on increasing my speed. I've found myself frustrated with my high expectations (also as Eric pointed out). I realize I can keep those expectations, but timeframes must be different and I can't expect everything all at once.
I've also been trying to focus on the positive things that are coming from running several days a week. I've been naturally inclined to eat food that is better for me and not to eat so much at one sitting. It's amazing how that is just a natural thing to want to do. Today I was in Norfolk and I went to Hastings bookstore and when I walked out I was blasted with the greasy, fried food smell of Sonic. I almost threw up. Never, ever would I have felt that. I would have normally said, "screw the lunch I brought with me, I'm gonna have me some greasy fried food!" In thinking about it in driving back to the office, I laughed. I couldn't believe that my lettuce, veggie, chicken in a whole-wheat tortilla lunch sounded better than Sonic!! Another major thing that has changed is I'm drinking so much more water! I've found that I love Crystal Light and that helps me drink so much more water! I've also managed to drop 1.5 pounds so far this week, so that is great also. I have only had 1 soda this week, which is highly unusual also! I'm normally an everyday kind of girl!!
I'm glad tonight went well and it's hard to believe I've completed 6 whole weeks of this program already. I'm completely done with run/walk intervals and just work on increasing my time over the next 3 weeks to a full 30 minutes. YEAH! Never would have thought I could do it!
I did take some time to reflect yesterday and today on my drive home. I really am so worried about how fast I'm going, or really, how fast I'm not going. My focus really at this point is to get my body used to running. As Eric P pointed out, I would never have been able to run 10 minutes straight 6 weeks ago, let alone 25 minutes, so I really need to celebrate that accomplishment. Once my body is used to running for 30 minutes straight, several days a week, for several weeks, then I can focus on increasing my speed. I've found myself frustrated with my high expectations (also as Eric pointed out). I realize I can keep those expectations, but timeframes must be different and I can't expect everything all at once.
I've also been trying to focus on the positive things that are coming from running several days a week. I've been naturally inclined to eat food that is better for me and not to eat so much at one sitting. It's amazing how that is just a natural thing to want to do. Today I was in Norfolk and I went to Hastings bookstore and when I walked out I was blasted with the greasy, fried food smell of Sonic. I almost threw up. Never, ever would I have felt that. I would have normally said, "screw the lunch I brought with me, I'm gonna have me some greasy fried food!" In thinking about it in driving back to the office, I laughed. I couldn't believe that my lettuce, veggie, chicken in a whole-wheat tortilla lunch sounded better than Sonic!! Another major thing that has changed is I'm drinking so much more water! I've found that I love Crystal Light and that helps me drink so much more water! I've also managed to drop 1.5 pounds so far this week, so that is great also. I have only had 1 soda this week, which is highly unusual also! I'm normally an everyday kind of girl!!
I'm glad tonight went well and it's hard to believe I've completed 6 whole weeks of this program already. I'm completely done with run/walk intervals and just work on increasing my time over the next 3 weeks to a full 30 minutes. YEAH! Never would have thought I could do it!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
UGH!
I'm in the middle of week 6 with this stupid running and tonight was horrible. I had to jog 10 minutes, walk 3, then jog 10 again. I think it is even a stretch to say I'm running at this point. I'm staying at 5mph or above, but omg, how freakin' slow can I really be. Tonight the first 10 minutes went just fine, I walked, started jogging again and I just couldn't keep going. I know it was a mental thing because really, everything was okay, but I just couldn't make myself keep going. I have no one or nothing to be accountable to but myself and that just isn't working this week. I ended up in a ball on the floor in tears in the middle of the 2nd 10 minutes.
This whole week is off. I generall start my weeks on Saturday, but I was out of town at a friend's house Friday night and Saturday, so wasn't able to run. Sunday I was so flipping tired from the rest of the weekend I didn't run.
I'm still not losing weight. I've lost a total of 4.5 pounds in 6 weeks. That is just ridiculous and is contributing to my incredibly bad attitude.
I have to find my motivation and some accountabilty within myself again so I can get back on track. I did finally pick my butt up and finish out my last 10 minutes. I finished the last minute strong at 7 mph (holy crap, do people really run marathons at that pace?? I felt like I was sprinting!)
UGH! that's how I feel about tonight. Tomorrow is another day.....
This whole week is off. I generall start my weeks on Saturday, but I was out of town at a friend's house Friday night and Saturday, so wasn't able to run. Sunday I was so flipping tired from the rest of the weekend I didn't run.
I'm still not losing weight. I've lost a total of 4.5 pounds in 6 weeks. That is just ridiculous and is contributing to my incredibly bad attitude.
I have to find my motivation and some accountabilty within myself again so I can get back on track. I did finally pick my butt up and finish out my last 10 minutes. I finished the last minute strong at 7 mph (holy crap, do people really run marathons at that pace?? I felt like I was sprinting!)
UGH! that's how I feel about tonight. Tomorrow is another day.....
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Woo Hoo!!!
Never would I have ever guessed that I could really do it....20 minutes, no stopping! Woo Hoo! Even after I did my 5 minute warm-up, then stretched, I was still doubting whether I could really run 20 minutes without stopping. I started up, felt really good until about 12 minutes into it, then I started feeling tired (I think was a mental thing). My lungs actually felt really good the whole time, my legs did feel tired, and my calves got a little tight toward the end, but nothing I couldn't keep moving through. When I got to the last minute, I did increase my speed and really push myself, although I'm still slow as a snail. My goodness, how do people run so fast, lol?! When I reached my 20 minutes, I actually kept going to 21.5 minutes so I could reach my 2 miles. I was definitely tired when I was done, glad I pushed myself through it all and definitely happy I pushed myself a little more at the end. My legs are tired now, but I'll ice a bit later and they should be fine. (of course Shawn is in Oklahoma, I have Bennett, I'm baking cakes like crazy so I can get all of those and my decorating stuff packed up and ready to go to Kristi's house tomorrow after work. I'll spend the night and decorate, decorate, decorate Saturday for the party!) I'll get Friday and Saturday off this week since I'll be at Kristi's Saturday.
I'm still a bit frustrated with the lack of weight loss. I know I should be patient, but I'm doing a pretty good job of eating better and much healthier than I had been. I'm exercising WAY more than I was (doesn't take much when you go from no exercise at all to 4-5 days/week) and still 3 pounds, that's it. For someone who is as overweight as me, it's frustrating. I did talk to a couple people, including my brother, David. I'm trying something different on my "rest" days from the C25K program. On those days, I'm running as fast as I can stand it for 0.5 miles and then some walking to try to boost my metabolism some. Also need to make sure I'm not cutting too many calories and keeping snacks in me. David suggested not eating a snack like I was 30-45 minutes before my workout so I would burn fat instead of what I just ate for energy. I'll give that a try. He also told me to stop worrying about it as I'm likely losing weight, but also gaining muscle weight at the same time. I do see a difference in how my pants are fitting so there are some changes going on. :) Patience.....not something I always have a lot of. I did take Eric's advice and took a picture with shorts and my sports bra and will do that every month so I can see a difference, hopefully, anyway!
Now, I'm going to bake cakes and bask in the glory of my accomplishment. I'm pretty darn proud of myself tonight!
I'm still a bit frustrated with the lack of weight loss. I know I should be patient, but I'm doing a pretty good job of eating better and much healthier than I had been. I'm exercising WAY more than I was (doesn't take much when you go from no exercise at all to 4-5 days/week) and still 3 pounds, that's it. For someone who is as overweight as me, it's frustrating. I did talk to a couple people, including my brother, David. I'm trying something different on my "rest" days from the C25K program. On those days, I'm running as fast as I can stand it for 0.5 miles and then some walking to try to boost my metabolism some. Also need to make sure I'm not cutting too many calories and keeping snacks in me. David suggested not eating a snack like I was 30-45 minutes before my workout so I would burn fat instead of what I just ate for energy. I'll give that a try. He also told me to stop worrying about it as I'm likely losing weight, but also gaining muscle weight at the same time. I do see a difference in how my pants are fitting so there are some changes going on. :) Patience.....not something I always have a lot of. I did take Eric's advice and took a picture with shorts and my sports bra and will do that every month so I can see a difference, hopefully, anyway!
Now, I'm going to bake cakes and bask in the glory of my accomplishment. I'm pretty darn proud of myself tonight!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Half-Dead
I'm in week 5, and every day is a different workout. Weeks prior everyday has been the same thing. I did day 2 this morning. That was jog 8 minutes, walk 5 minutes, jog 8 minutes. The first 8 minutes, while tough, made it through and felt great. My legs were complaining a bit, but my lungs were good. The 5 minute walk was perfect, then into the next 8 minutes. Surprisingly, I felt really good. I couldn't believe it. Then, for whatever reason, my lungs felt like they were ready to explode and my legs started to feel like jello. That was with about 2 minutes left in the last 8 minute run. Normally, at the end of the workout, I will increase my speed for the last 60-90 seconds, but I was struggling to stay afloat so kept the speed the same. I pushed through and I made it the entire time without having to stop, but it didn't feel great. It took me awhile to get cooled down. I was able to complete the 1.75 miles during that 21.5 minute section and did 2.25 total (including the warm-up and cool-down), but it sure felt hellish.
Since being done, I have been so tired and little sore. I've been icing my legs, which has felt good. But man, am I exhausted. I haven't felt like that before, so not sure if my body is just readjusting to a new level, or what the deal is. Could be that Shawn and Bennett have been sick and I'm coming down with something, but I feel just fine!
Day 3 will be Thursday, and I'm scared to death. While I've enjoyed the program this far and am pretty astounded at what my old, lazy body has been capable of to this point, running 20 minutes straight, no stopping, is just a little bit frightening. Okay, I lied, it's a lot frightening. In looking at this program in its entirety, I can't believe they just throw a 20 minute run in there out of nowhere. I go from running 8 minute intervals to running 20 minutes???? Then I go back to running intervals! HOLY CRAP!
Hopefully, I start perking up soon! :)
Since being done, I have been so tired and little sore. I've been icing my legs, which has felt good. But man, am I exhausted. I haven't felt like that before, so not sure if my body is just readjusting to a new level, or what the deal is. Could be that Shawn and Bennett have been sick and I'm coming down with something, but I feel just fine!
Day 3 will be Thursday, and I'm scared to death. While I've enjoyed the program this far and am pretty astounded at what my old, lazy body has been capable of to this point, running 20 minutes straight, no stopping, is just a little bit frightening. Okay, I lied, it's a lot frightening. In looking at this program in its entirety, I can't believe they just throw a 20 minute run in there out of nowhere. I go from running 8 minute intervals to running 20 minutes???? Then I go back to running intervals! HOLY CRAP!
Hopefully, I start perking up soon! :)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Attacked by a dog....
I've been very nervous about week 5. It's a lot more running than I'm used to, and have just been a bit anxious. I knew day 1 wouldn't be horrible, but day 2 and 3 still have me a bit anxious.
Today when I woke up it was such a gorgeous morning out I debated whether to go run outside. (90% of my workouts are on my treadmill) I know it's a bit harder outside, but also kept telling myself that I need to get some outdoor time if I'm going to run in Albion in a couple weeks. It rained last night so the roads were going to be a muddy mess. Bennett wanted me to go into coffee with him and Shawn, so I decided I'd ride along, they could go to coffee and play cards and I would hit the highway.
We get to town, I get myself and my ipod all situated. (a bit disappointed I forgot my Nike+ receiver) I had downloaded a Couch-to-5k song list with verbal cues for the run/walk intervals that had pretty good music so I knew that would help. I hit the road for my 5 minute warm-up, did a little stretch on the side of the road, then off I went.
HOLY CRAP! The first 90 seconds I thought my knees might explode from the pounding on the pavement, but it got much better and I finished my first 5 minute jog winded, but feeling good. I walked 3 minutes, then off to the next jog of 5 minutes. About half-way through (headed uphill no less) I was to Dave and Gayle's house. I jog past thinking I'd make it to Al and Angie's driveway, turn around and head back to town. I was lost in my thoughts when out of nowhere this gigantic beast comes running from behind me and begins to lick my legs, my arms, my shirt, etc. This dog, while skinnier than all get out, it quite tall. His head easily came up to my boobs! I had his dirty snot all over my shirt, shorts, shoes, arms, and legs. While not about to harm me in anyway, he still was quite annoying. I yelled for him to go away, go home, etc. No luck. Damn dog kept running circles around me, tripping me and I could barely take a step, let alone try to jog. Of course, here comes a van (mind you, I'm on the left side of the road), coming in the lane that this beast and I are having a talk about how he's stupid and really should leave me the Hell alone, and the driver starts yelling at me to get off the highway with my stupid dog. AND to run on the right side of damn road. SERIOUSLY??? I gave up trying to move any further in the direction I was headed. I had a brilliant idea to just go ahead and turn around in hopes the dog wouldn't venture too far away from home. Did I mention the dog was wearing a shock collar, so I had hoped there was an underground fence that just didn't seem to be working much, but still hoped it would keep him close to home. SO, off we go, back toward Primrose. Needless to say, my 2nd 5 minute run really turned into nearly 10 minutes total (some running, and some trying to get away from the slobbering beast). Did the damn dog stay home?? Oh no, why would he do that? The good news is, he got into rhythm with me and enjoyed his trot while I was running. When I walked, he took to venturing into the ditches sniffing out God knows what.
We made it to town with no problems. He wandered off a bit. When I went to the door at the Pub to find Shawn and Bennett, the dog came at me full barrel like he was going to run through the door. I narrowly escaped his tackle and made it inside with no further slobbering episodes. When we left, I made Shawn drive out to clock how far I'd gone, thinking I hadn't done much more than 1.5 miles and since I had left my Nike+ receiver home. Surprisingly, the damn dog went home on his own and I went a total of 2.2 miles. Some of that was uphill and some was fighting off a stupid dog. Even with the dog episode, it was still right at 30 minutes. I'm pretty excited about the fact that I kept up with my same pace even being outside!
Hopefully tomorrow morning is nice and I can head out for another jog on the highway. (Even though I'm terrified of running 8 solid minutes at once.....yeah I know, this from someone who thinks she wants to run a half-marathon!) I think I'll head the opposite direction from town tomorrow though.
Today when I woke up it was such a gorgeous morning out I debated whether to go run outside. (90% of my workouts are on my treadmill) I know it's a bit harder outside, but also kept telling myself that I need to get some outdoor time if I'm going to run in Albion in a couple weeks. It rained last night so the roads were going to be a muddy mess. Bennett wanted me to go into coffee with him and Shawn, so I decided I'd ride along, they could go to coffee and play cards and I would hit the highway.
We get to town, I get myself and my ipod all situated. (a bit disappointed I forgot my Nike+ receiver) I had downloaded a Couch-to-5k song list with verbal cues for the run/walk intervals that had pretty good music so I knew that would help. I hit the road for my 5 minute warm-up, did a little stretch on the side of the road, then off I went.
HOLY CRAP! The first 90 seconds I thought my knees might explode from the pounding on the pavement, but it got much better and I finished my first 5 minute jog winded, but feeling good. I walked 3 minutes, then off to the next jog of 5 minutes. About half-way through (headed uphill no less) I was to Dave and Gayle's house. I jog past thinking I'd make it to Al and Angie's driveway, turn around and head back to town. I was lost in my thoughts when out of nowhere this gigantic beast comes running from behind me and begins to lick my legs, my arms, my shirt, etc. This dog, while skinnier than all get out, it quite tall. His head easily came up to my boobs! I had his dirty snot all over my shirt, shorts, shoes, arms, and legs. While not about to harm me in anyway, he still was quite annoying. I yelled for him to go away, go home, etc. No luck. Damn dog kept running circles around me, tripping me and I could barely take a step, let alone try to jog. Of course, here comes a van (mind you, I'm on the left side of the road), coming in the lane that this beast and I are having a talk about how he's stupid and really should leave me the Hell alone, and the driver starts yelling at me to get off the highway with my stupid dog. AND to run on the right side of damn road. SERIOUSLY??? I gave up trying to move any further in the direction I was headed. I had a brilliant idea to just go ahead and turn around in hopes the dog wouldn't venture too far away from home. Did I mention the dog was wearing a shock collar, so I had hoped there was an underground fence that just didn't seem to be working much, but still hoped it would keep him close to home. SO, off we go, back toward Primrose. Needless to say, my 2nd 5 minute run really turned into nearly 10 minutes total (some running, and some trying to get away from the slobbering beast). Did the damn dog stay home?? Oh no, why would he do that? The good news is, he got into rhythm with me and enjoyed his trot while I was running. When I walked, he took to venturing into the ditches sniffing out God knows what.
We made it to town with no problems. He wandered off a bit. When I went to the door at the Pub to find Shawn and Bennett, the dog came at me full barrel like he was going to run through the door. I narrowly escaped his tackle and made it inside with no further slobbering episodes. When we left, I made Shawn drive out to clock how far I'd gone, thinking I hadn't done much more than 1.5 miles and since I had left my Nike+ receiver home. Surprisingly, the damn dog went home on his own and I went a total of 2.2 miles. Some of that was uphill and some was fighting off a stupid dog. Even with the dog episode, it was still right at 30 minutes. I'm pretty excited about the fact that I kept up with my same pace even being outside!
Hopefully tomorrow morning is nice and I can head out for another jog on the highway. (Even though I'm terrified of running 8 solid minutes at once.....yeah I know, this from someone who thinks she wants to run a half-marathon!) I think I'll head the opposite direction from town tomorrow though.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Week 4 DONE!
I finished up week 4 last night. It went pretty good. At the end, I actually jogged 2 minutes longer, just because I wanted to. I feel much, much better than I did at the beginning of the week, so that's progress. I've also dropped a couple pounds this week, too, so that always helps with the motivation.
I appreciate the words of encouragement from everyone! It would be impossible to stay motivated and committed to this without it! I'm not sure what the "slump" was about earlier this week, but I'm back to be being excited and looking forward to workouts again. I'm looking forward to week 5, but a bit anxious about it at the same time. I'm definitely not sure if next week at this time I'll be ready to run 20 consecutive minutes, but I'm excited to try!
I've also been sticking to my 100 crunches every night. 300 down, 2700 more to go. :)
Tomorrow is my rest day and Saturday is the start of week 5!!! Hard to believe I've been at this for 4 whole weeks!!!
I appreciate the words of encouragement from everyone! It would be impossible to stay motivated and committed to this without it! I'm not sure what the "slump" was about earlier this week, but I'm back to be being excited and looking forward to workouts again. I'm looking forward to week 5, but a bit anxious about it at the same time. I'm definitely not sure if next week at this time I'll be ready to run 20 consecutive minutes, but I'm excited to try!
I've also been sticking to my 100 crunches every night. 300 down, 2700 more to go. :)
Tomorrow is my rest day and Saturday is the start of week 5!!! Hard to believe I've been at this for 4 whole weeks!!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Back in the Saddle
Tonight is one of my off nights that I normally do strength or cross-training of some sort, but with Shawn sick, I decided I'd just jump on the treadmill again. After what I felt like was a horrible workout yesterday, I figured you have to get right back in the saddle after you get bucked off!
Since it is really an off day, I just wanted to do something fairly light, nothing strenuous. I did my 5 min warm-up, stretched, then decided why not jog for awhile. I decided to not watch the time, but try to jog a 1/2 mile continuously. Well I ended up going 0.75 miles because I felt pretty good at the 1/2 mile mark. The entire last 1/4 mile I decided to just push myself and increased my speed by 0.5mph. I was definitely winded and I'm still slower than a snail, but I felt much better than I did last night!
I also joined a facebook challenge, 3000 sit-ups in June. That's 100 sit-ups/crunches a day for the entire month. So, I got my first 100 done and only 2900 more to go this month! :) I will make a decision about Albion at the end of the week, but am pretty certain I will do the 2 mile run/walk. I probably would have just opted out of it if it hadn't been for Eric's encouraging words! THANKS! :)
Glad I decided to get back in the saddle tonight! It was worth it!
Since it is really an off day, I just wanted to do something fairly light, nothing strenuous. I did my 5 min warm-up, stretched, then decided why not jog for awhile. I decided to not watch the time, but try to jog a 1/2 mile continuously. Well I ended up going 0.75 miles because I felt pretty good at the 1/2 mile mark. The entire last 1/4 mile I decided to just push myself and increased my speed by 0.5mph. I was definitely winded and I'm still slower than a snail, but I felt much better than I did last night!
I also joined a facebook challenge, 3000 sit-ups in June. That's 100 sit-ups/crunches a day for the entire month. So, I got my first 100 done and only 2900 more to go this month! :) I will make a decision about Albion at the end of the week, but am pretty certain I will do the 2 mile run/walk. I probably would have just opted out of it if it hadn't been for Eric's encouraging words! THANKS! :)
Glad I decided to get back in the saddle tonight! It was worth it!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Defeated
I'm feeling quite defeated tonight. I did my workout, same as Saturday's and I felt like I nearly died. I was able to download a podcast of the Couch to 5k so it would give me verbal voiceovers of the intervals so I knew when to run and when to walk without having to watch the clock. That helped quite a bit, but my legs felt like they were jello. I literally had to push myself to the limit in order to stay jogging when I was supposed to be jogging. Good news, I did it; I finished my workout just like I was supposed to.
I feel like I should be doing better than I am. While I'm completing the workout, I feel like I should be able to jog faster (I'm really trotting, I'm not sure I can count 4.7 mph as a jog even) and in turn going farther distances, but I can't. I'm also a bit depressed that this same workout on Saturday felt much easier then. I even took yesterday off completely, with no cross training. Also, this is my 4th week of this (going from completely inactive for months to working out at a minimum 3 days a week, but most weeks 5 days) and I've lost a whopping 3 pounds. I'm eating better, but the weight is just not coming off. For someone who's more than 20 pounds overweight, I should have dropped more than 3 fricking pounds! GRRRR!
There's a 2 mile fun run/walk in Albion on the 19th. A friend wants to do it, not sure I can. I was looking forward to it, but because of my commute and Shawn's busy schedule lately, all my training is on the treadmill. I know what going outside on the pavement is going to be like. HELL!
I need to find something positive to focus on the next couple days. I'm not sure what, but I need to find something quick.
I feel like I should be doing better than I am. While I'm completing the workout, I feel like I should be able to jog faster (I'm really trotting, I'm not sure I can count 4.7 mph as a jog even) and in turn going farther distances, but I can't. I'm also a bit depressed that this same workout on Saturday felt much easier then. I even took yesterday off completely, with no cross training. Also, this is my 4th week of this (going from completely inactive for months to working out at a minimum 3 days a week, but most weeks 5 days) and I've lost a whopping 3 pounds. I'm eating better, but the weight is just not coming off. For someone who's more than 20 pounds overweight, I should have dropped more than 3 fricking pounds! GRRRR!
There's a 2 mile fun run/walk in Albion on the 19th. A friend wants to do it, not sure I can. I was looking forward to it, but because of my commute and Shawn's busy schedule lately, all my training is on the treadmill. I know what going outside on the pavement is going to be like. HELL!
I need to find something positive to focus on the next couple days. I'm not sure what, but I need to find something quick.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Whew!
All that worry and anxiety for nothing! I did week 4, day 1 today (jog 3 min, walk 90 secs, jog 5 min, walk 2.5 min, jog 3 min, walk 90 secs, jog 5 mins) and while the last little bit was tough, I felt great! It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. If I'd keep my eyes off the time, and just concentrate on running, I think it would be even better. I'm still slower than a snail, but I'm okay with that. I know I've been so inactive for so long that I have to just get used to running. Once I can do that for at least 30 minutes several days a week, I will work on the speed thing.
I need to work harder on my cross-training and strength training now. We'll see what this week brings!
I need to work harder on my cross-training and strength training now. We'll see what this week brings!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Week 3 complete!
Tonight's workout was the official end of week 3! I felt really good! My last 3 minute jog, I even increased my speed by 0.5 mph, I know, not a big difference when I'm already jogging as slow as a snail, but for me it was good to push a bit. This week wasn't bad, it was jog 90 secs, walk 90 secs, then jog 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes, and repeat the whole thing over. It sounds like nothing, but was tough when I started this week, but felt great tonight. Tomorrow is my day off, but I may do some pilates since I took last night completely off. I'm feeling really good and thinking positive about Week 4. It has me a bit scared! :) I can do this right?
Of course I can, I never would have thought 3 weeks ago I could jog for 90 seconds straight, let alone 3 minutes, but I am! (yes, I know, for all you fit people out there, you are laughing at how ridiculous that sounds, but remember how lazy I have been! )
Thanks again for the support, laughs, and encouraging words. I won't be able to keep the motivation without all of that! I am taking Eric's advice and against my better judgment, going to have Shawn take pictures of me every month. I likely won't post any for quite some time, but it will at least give me something to look at and see some progress!
Of course I can, I never would have thought 3 weeks ago I could jog for 90 seconds straight, let alone 3 minutes, but I am! (yes, I know, for all you fit people out there, you are laughing at how ridiculous that sounds, but remember how lazy I have been! )
Thanks again for the support, laughs, and encouraging words. I won't be able to keep the motivation without all of that! I am taking Eric's advice and against my better judgment, going to have Shawn take pictures of me every month. I likely won't post any for quite some time, but it will at least give me something to look at and see some progress!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Just wondering
Today I have spent a lot of time wondering what in the heck I've gotten myself into! :) I really, truly am feeling so much better just having some activity in my life again. I definitely see a difference in my energy levels, so that's a good thing. My motivation has been really good and I actually look forward to coming home to my workout! That is a huge change for me and I hope that the motivation stays high.
I'm coming to the end of week 3 in my couch to 5k program. I've been doing the majority of my workouts on the treadmill. I tried going outside last night. OMG! After being eaten alive by bugs (I counted 8 very swollen bites by the time I got back home), I seriously thought I might die! Who would have ever thought that running outside was that much more difficult than a treadmill?!? I had to ice my legs when I got home they were so sore. I must say though, that the direction I ran, I did have to do hills, so that was an addition to my workout that I haven't been doing on the treadmill.
So after last night, I began my wondering, what I'm doing. Why would I ever agree to do a half-marathon? I mean, that's 13.1 miles. Right now, I jog 3 minutes and then I stop to walk for another 3 minutes and I'm supposed to run 13.1 miles, in a year's time?? Seriously?? I know I don't technically have to "run" the entire time, that walking is allowed, but wow, 13.1 miles. That's a long ways to run!
Then, I think, why can't I? Yes, I'm overweight. Yes, I'm out of shape. No, I've never ran more than 1/4 mile at a time before. BUT, I can do this! When I started my run/walk program, I looked at week 3 thinking there was no way I'd run for 3 minutes without stopping and look at me, I'm doing it! I've decided while I have to keep my eye on the big picture of running that half-marathon, I need to focus on the little things; like making it through one workout at a time! If I have to repeat a week, so what.
I read recently that running is 90% mental and 10% physical. That is becoming clearer to me. While I think it's more 50-50, I definitely see how self-doubt and negative self-talk can stop you dead in your tracks. With that, I'm going to stop wondering what I'm doing, and begin wondering how great will I feel when I accomplish my goal!
I'm coming to the end of week 3 in my couch to 5k program. I've been doing the majority of my workouts on the treadmill. I tried going outside last night. OMG! After being eaten alive by bugs (I counted 8 very swollen bites by the time I got back home), I seriously thought I might die! Who would have ever thought that running outside was that much more difficult than a treadmill?!? I had to ice my legs when I got home they were so sore. I must say though, that the direction I ran, I did have to do hills, so that was an addition to my workout that I haven't been doing on the treadmill.
So after last night, I began my wondering, what I'm doing. Why would I ever agree to do a half-marathon? I mean, that's 13.1 miles. Right now, I jog 3 minutes and then I stop to walk for another 3 minutes and I'm supposed to run 13.1 miles, in a year's time?? Seriously?? I know I don't technically have to "run" the entire time, that walking is allowed, but wow, 13.1 miles. That's a long ways to run!
Then, I think, why can't I? Yes, I'm overweight. Yes, I'm out of shape. No, I've never ran more than 1/4 mile at a time before. BUT, I can do this! When I started my run/walk program, I looked at week 3 thinking there was no way I'd run for 3 minutes without stopping and look at me, I'm doing it! I've decided while I have to keep my eye on the big picture of running that half-marathon, I need to focus on the little things; like making it through one workout at a time! If I have to repeat a week, so what.
I read recently that running is 90% mental and 10% physical. That is becoming clearer to me. While I think it's more 50-50, I definitely see how self-doubt and negative self-talk can stop you dead in your tracks. With that, I'm going to stop wondering what I'm doing, and begin wondering how great will I feel when I accomplish my goal!
Starting Out
A crazy friend (Jenny W) thought it would be a great idea to work at running a half-marathon and she had an even crazier idea in that her and I should do that together. Now, I'm not a runner, I've never been a runner, and am not sure I can ever be a runner, but for some reason after some thinking and talking, I agreed to work towards the goal of running a half-marathon in a year.
That was the beginning part of May. I have to say I have been completely un-active for quite some time, I'm not at an ideal weight, and like I said before, I've never been a runner. I was a sprinter in high school for a reason...I never wanted to run longer than the 400m warm-up lap we had to do every day.
I had a lot of support from my facebook friends and got some ideas on where to start. I also did some searching online and found a beginners run/walk program at runnersworld.com. The first week went fine, I was tired, but was definitely motivated. When I hit week 2, I was finding it nearly impossible and my calves were on FIRE! After talking to others, I decided that program was a bit aggressive for my inactive lifestyle. So back online I went. I found the Couch to 5k program and I started at week 2 on that. I'm so glad I did!! It has been great so far. Thanks to all who have been supportive in this short time, I couldn't have made it this far without you!
That was the beginning part of May. I have to say I have been completely un-active for quite some time, I'm not at an ideal weight, and like I said before, I've never been a runner. I was a sprinter in high school for a reason...I never wanted to run longer than the 400m warm-up lap we had to do every day.
I had a lot of support from my facebook friends and got some ideas on where to start. I also did some searching online and found a beginners run/walk program at runnersworld.com. The first week went fine, I was tired, but was definitely motivated. When I hit week 2, I was finding it nearly impossible and my calves were on FIRE! After talking to others, I decided that program was a bit aggressive for my inactive lifestyle. So back online I went. I found the Couch to 5k program and I started at week 2 on that. I'm so glad I did!! It has been great so far. Thanks to all who have been supportive in this short time, I couldn't have made it this far without you!
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