I got out there today. And I rocked it! Today's intervals felt much more manageable than W2D1, truly. I didn't start losing my breath until half way into it, then realized I should slow down a little. I paced myself better from the start, and as a result I went farther before turning around to head home. Having my water bottle with me was still a life-saver but I wasn't guzzling it. The weather was sunny but not as hot as earlier this week, which was really nice. I was able to, for the most part, ignore the small aches in my ankles, and the dull pains in my shins. That said though, Matt and I will be buying proper running shoes soon. (Hopefully before W5D3, running for 20 minutes is so beyond my scope of thought I can't picture myself doing it, but dealing with pain caused by improper foot-gear is going to make the attempt hell.)
So I just want to reiterate that I am SO proud of myself for doing my run today and not even consider stopping at any point. Though, I still have mini-panic attacks thinking about how much longer I have to go. During the last running interval I gave it everything I had.
And I didn't die. Far from it, in fact - I felt great! The hill I had to walk up during my cooldown wasn't as bad as it usually is.
On a separate note, the flip-top on my water bottle fell off around the fifth interval, and I didn't stop to retrieve it. Hopefully I'll find it on my next run. Maybe.
I'm actually looking forward to D3 this week. Redeem myself for last week. I'm going to kill it. And I don't have any fear that it will kill me in the process.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
C25K W2D1
I didn't expect 90 seconds of running to be so hard! I was doing really well with 60 seconds. Maybe I shouldn't have half-skipped D3 last week? Yeah. It's coming back to haunt me. No joke.
It was probably 75 or 80 when I went out, which was my first mistake. My second mistake was starting out at a pretty fast pace. By the end of my run I was jogging at half my usual speed and I was panting something fierce. I never gave up though. I never walked when I should have been running. One thing I did get right was bringing my bottle of water with me. It saved me from certain death I'll tell you what.
Also, Matt and I chose to purchase a C25K app for my iPod, instead of making our own playlists. The main reason for this was because the scripts for making our own playlists didn't allow half-minutes, so we would've had to go 2 full minutes running and that was definitely NOT going to happen. lol. The unfortunate thing is that I can't run my iPod's pedometer while the running app is going, so I can't tell you my steps stats, or how far I went. Oh well. Maybe we'll put a real pedometer on the list of things to buy, right next to "proper running shoes".
I must express my fear for W3: I can't picture myself running for three minutes straight and it scares me to DEATH that I won't be able to do it. It's all mental though, right? As long as I don't pass out or start throwing up only my own lack of will can hold me back.
Because I can do this. I WILL do this. My goal is to complete C25K in its entirety. I've stumbled slightly but I'm pushing onward. W2D2 tomorrow, hopefully it goes better than D1.
It was probably 75 or 80 when I went out, which was my first mistake. My second mistake was starting out at a pretty fast pace. By the end of my run I was jogging at half my usual speed and I was panting something fierce. I never gave up though. I never walked when I should have been running. One thing I did get right was bringing my bottle of water with me. It saved me from certain death I'll tell you what.
Also, Matt and I chose to purchase a C25K app for my iPod, instead of making our own playlists. The main reason for this was because the scripts for making our own playlists didn't allow half-minutes, so we would've had to go 2 full minutes running and that was definitely NOT going to happen. lol. The unfortunate thing is that I can't run my iPod's pedometer while the running app is going, so I can't tell you my steps stats, or how far I went. Oh well. Maybe we'll put a real pedometer on the list of things to buy, right next to "proper running shoes".
I must express my fear for W3: I can't picture myself running for three minutes straight and it scares me to DEATH that I won't be able to do it. It's all mental though, right? As long as I don't pass out or start throwing up only my own lack of will can hold me back.
Because I can do this. I WILL do this. My goal is to complete C25K in its entirety. I've stumbled slightly but I'm pushing onward. W2D2 tomorrow, hopefully it goes better than D1.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
C25K W1D3
To say I half-assed this one is a total over-statement. It was over 90 degrees, I had a thirty-pound baby in a stroller and my heart just wasn't in it.
Do not think I'm going to make this a habit because I most certainly will NOT. Week one has just been a learning experience. One - make the runs a priority. Wake up thirty minutes earlier. It won't kill you. Two - if it's hot out, wear less clothes, or wait til it's past high-noon. Three - charge the iPod. Four - No excuses, because once you just DO it, you'll be glad you did. And Five - no matter how sore and tired you already are, you can still do the run in its entirety. Get your ass out there and stop being a baby.
My goal for week two?
Mainly not to die. Because I can't seem to make my iPod script do in-between minutes, I will be doing the full two-minutes of running instead of just 90 seconds. Maybe I'll do 2 mins running, 2 mins walking followed by one min running one min walking and alternate that between warm-up and cool-down.
Yes, that sounds a bit more bearable.
My other goals for week two? Do all three days, do not half-ass them, blog about each one, improve my average pace, and drink more water overall.
Anyone out there who wants to do C25K: Just get started. Don't make it complicated or list excuses why now's not a good time. Now is the PERFECT time. It isn't complicated, and you CAN do it.
Do not think I'm going to make this a habit because I most certainly will NOT. Week one has just been a learning experience. One - make the runs a priority. Wake up thirty minutes earlier. It won't kill you. Two - if it's hot out, wear less clothes, or wait til it's past high-noon. Three - charge the iPod. Four - No excuses, because once you just DO it, you'll be glad you did. And Five - no matter how sore and tired you already are, you can still do the run in its entirety. Get your ass out there and stop being a baby.
My goal for week two?
Mainly not to die. Because I can't seem to make my iPod script do in-between minutes, I will be doing the full two-minutes of running instead of just 90 seconds. Maybe I'll do 2 mins running, 2 mins walking followed by one min running one min walking and alternate that between warm-up and cool-down.
Yes, that sounds a bit more bearable.
My other goals for week two? Do all three days, do not half-ass them, blog about each one, improve my average pace, and drink more water overall.
Anyone out there who wants to do C25K: Just get started. Don't make it complicated or list excuses why now's not a good time. Now is the PERFECT time. It isn't complicated, and you CAN do it.
Friday, September 24, 2010
C25K W1D2
I didn't want to do this one. In fact, I honestly thought I couldn't do this one. My excuse? I had just walked over a mile, mostly uphill, and my whole body ached. But you know what? I did my run. I knocked it out of the park! (Though I decided to skip the cool down in favor of catching my favorite show, America's Next Top Model).
I went out just after sunset on Wednesday night, in time to see the beautiful super harvest moon, and did my run around the school I live right next to. By the time I was done, the stars had come out and I felt very peaceful and accomplished :)
The run itself was better than the first day, definitely. Not as much pain in my shins (though the soreness in my quads was annoying) and I didn't get a pain in my side at all! The next day I definitely felt both the uphill walk and the intervals but that didn't stop me from walking nearly two miles, which I do every Tuesday and Thursday.
Today should've been my W1D3, but once I got out there my iPod died and I had no other way of keeping track. I tried to count in my head but then I felt I was spending too much energy concentrating. My fiance has to go to work so I'll probably go tomorrow. (If I had a jogging stroller I'd go with my son, but I don't).
Steps: 3500. Distance: 1.5 miles. Avg. Speed: 3.2 MPH. Time: 25 minutes. Calories: 124.5.
I went out just after sunset on Wednesday night, in time to see the beautiful super harvest moon, and did my run around the school I live right next to. By the time I was done, the stars had come out and I felt very peaceful and accomplished :)
The run itself was better than the first day, definitely. Not as much pain in my shins (though the soreness in my quads was annoying) and I didn't get a pain in my side at all! The next day I definitely felt both the uphill walk and the intervals but that didn't stop me from walking nearly two miles, which I do every Tuesday and Thursday.
Today should've been my W1D3, but once I got out there my iPod died and I had no other way of keeping track. I tried to count in my head but then I felt I was spending too much energy concentrating. My fiance has to go to work so I'll probably go tomorrow. (If I had a jogging stroller I'd go with my son, but I don't).
Steps: 3500. Distance: 1.5 miles. Avg. Speed: 3.2 MPH. Time: 25 minutes. Calories: 124.5.
Monday, September 20, 2010
C25K W1D1 DONE!
Well. In some ways it was everything I thought it was going to be, and in other ways it was harder.
After the 5 min warm-up walk, I started the first one-minute jog. It felt like my feet were made of lead and my whole body felt awkward. This could be because I was at a fairly steep downhill slope. At any rate, I was relieved when my iPod told me to start the walking interval. In the back of my head, a tiny voice spoke fears about doing the running part SEVEN more times but I kept repeating "you can do this, it's challenging but you can do this" to suppress it.
Too many times I've let that voice tell me what's what, let it convince me I couldn't, that I was too out of shape, too lazy, not good enough. Well that's OVER.
Because I finished today. And I feel great. And I can't wait to get back out there, and get better each time.
At the halfway point I had gone about 12 blocks then turned around to head back. Flagged down a driver who turned the wrong way on a one-way road, and got honked at once (cuz I'm a sexy babe!). Other than that it went off without a hitch. My main concern are my shins, which started to hurt near the end of each one-minute jog.
For my records, I'll record the stats from my pedometer at the end of my posts. All numbers are approximations because the pedometer isn't calibrated specifically for me.
Steps: 3727. Distance: 1.65 miles. Calories: 125.5. Time: 31 mins. Avg. Speed: 3.2 MPH.
After the 5 min warm-up walk, I started the first one-minute jog. It felt like my feet were made of lead and my whole body felt awkward. This could be because I was at a fairly steep downhill slope. At any rate, I was relieved when my iPod told me to start the walking interval. In the back of my head, a tiny voice spoke fears about doing the running part SEVEN more times but I kept repeating "you can do this, it's challenging but you can do this" to suppress it.
Too many times I've let that voice tell me what's what, let it convince me I couldn't, that I was too out of shape, too lazy, not good enough. Well that's OVER.
Because I finished today. And I feel great. And I can't wait to get back out there, and get better each time.
At the halfway point I had gone about 12 blocks then turned around to head back. Flagged down a driver who turned the wrong way on a one-way road, and got honked at once (cuz I'm a sexy babe!). Other than that it went off without a hitch. My main concern are my shins, which started to hurt near the end of each one-minute jog.
For my records, I'll record the stats from my pedometer at the end of my posts. All numbers are approximations because the pedometer isn't calibrated specifically for me.
Steps: 3727. Distance: 1.65 miles. Calories: 125.5. Time: 31 mins. Avg. Speed: 3.2 MPH.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Health Benefits of Running
My main motivation for starting a running program is the emotional benefit. I want to accomplish something I never thought I'd ever do - run for 30 minutes straight. But I've been looking up the other ways that running is good for you and I've found a long list.
Number one is weight loss. Running burns the most calories of any cardiovascular workout. Running 1 mile will burn approx. 100 calories, 2 miles will burn 200 and so on. When you really get into running, you're more likely to watch your calorie intake and avoid foods that are high in calories but that don't give you lasting energy. Runners tend to eat more whole foods - fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. They tend to drink more water.
Weight loss occurs as a result of a calorie DEFICIT in the body (weight gain, obviously, results from a calorie SURPLUS). A deficit of 3500 calories causes one pound of weight loss. If you eat exactly as many calories as you need each day (your weight times 11), running 10 miles per week will result in almost 15 pounds lost in one year.
More health benefits: Improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and maintaining arterial elasticity. Slowed aging process, maintaining muscle and bone density, and avoiding osteoporosis.
Psychological benefits: overall happier mood, less stress, increased focus and determination, sense of pride in accomplishments, and the "runner's high" caused by endorphins doesn't hurt either!
Also noteworthy: improved coordination, improved muscle definition and tone, alignment of hips, better posture, increased lung usage, and lower resting heart rate.
I can't believe I haven't thought of this sooner! Monday can't get here soon enough :)
Number one is weight loss. Running burns the most calories of any cardiovascular workout. Running 1 mile will burn approx. 100 calories, 2 miles will burn 200 and so on. When you really get into running, you're more likely to watch your calorie intake and avoid foods that are high in calories but that don't give you lasting energy. Runners tend to eat more whole foods - fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. They tend to drink more water.
Weight loss occurs as a result of a calorie DEFICIT in the body (weight gain, obviously, results from a calorie SURPLUS). A deficit of 3500 calories causes one pound of weight loss. If you eat exactly as many calories as you need each day (your weight times 11), running 10 miles per week will result in almost 15 pounds lost in one year.
More health benefits: Improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and maintaining arterial elasticity. Slowed aging process, maintaining muscle and bone density, and avoiding osteoporosis.
Psychological benefits: overall happier mood, less stress, increased focus and determination, sense of pride in accomplishments, and the "runner's high" caused by endorphins doesn't hurt either!
Also noteworthy: improved coordination, improved muscle definition and tone, alignment of hips, better posture, increased lung usage, and lower resting heart rate.
I can't believe I haven't thought of this sooner! Monday can't get here soon enough :)
Friday, September 17, 2010
It has been quite a while.
I'm really not proud of my lack of motivation. To be completely honest, I expected to be down about thirty pounds by now.
But I'm not. I'm about the same weight I was when I started this blog. 180-ish.
So. I've decided to do something drastic about it.
I'm going to run. And I'm NOT going to quit on the program I've chosen to get me running.
It's called "couch to 5k" and you've probably heard about it. The program uses interval training and starts out slowly to gradually build up a new runner's strength and stamina. At the end of 9 weeks, I'll be running a 5k (that's 3.1 miles) or atleast 30 minutes straight.
I am so serious about this. I'm GOING to complete the C25K whether I like it or not. At the end, I'll let myself decide if I want to continue running or do something else.
I've recruited my fiance Matt - he's going to do the program with me. We're going to start on Mon. September 20. We'll complete the program around Thanksgiving of this year. I've already put together a playlist on my iPod for myself complete with *ding!*s at the correct intervals so I don't have to mentally keep track of where I am in the workout.
At this point, I'm ready to go out there and just do it. My fears are, though, that I won't physically be able to complete the first workout (passing out halfway through) or that I'll be so sore after Week 1 Day 1 that I won't be able to move on to Day 2.
But I've never done a running program before, and I'm placing my trust in the person who created C25K to get me, literally, off the couch and running with minimal pain and maximum stay-with-it power.
My plan is to do a post after every workout to keep myself accountable. I'd also love to look back at week nine and read over how my first week went and see how much I've improved.
More later, bye!
But I'm not. I'm about the same weight I was when I started this blog. 180-ish.
So. I've decided to do something drastic about it.
I'm going to run. And I'm NOT going to quit on the program I've chosen to get me running.
It's called "couch to 5k" and you've probably heard about it. The program uses interval training and starts out slowly to gradually build up a new runner's strength and stamina. At the end of 9 weeks, I'll be running a 5k (that's 3.1 miles) or atleast 30 minutes straight.
I am so serious about this. I'm GOING to complete the C25K whether I like it or not. At the end, I'll let myself decide if I want to continue running or do something else.
I've recruited my fiance Matt - he's going to do the program with me. We're going to start on Mon. September 20. We'll complete the program around Thanksgiving of this year. I've already put together a playlist on my iPod for myself complete with *ding!*s at the correct intervals so I don't have to mentally keep track of where I am in the workout.
At this point, I'm ready to go out there and just do it. My fears are, though, that I won't physically be able to complete the first workout (passing out halfway through) or that I'll be so sore after Week 1 Day 1 that I won't be able to move on to Day 2.
But I've never done a running program before, and I'm placing my trust in the person who created C25K to get me, literally, off the couch and running with minimal pain and maximum stay-with-it power.
My plan is to do a post after every workout to keep myself accountable. I'd also love to look back at week nine and read over how my first week went and see how much I've improved.
More later, bye!
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