Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday - 12/30/09

Long Cardio - 1 hour of aerobic exercise, MHR 60 - 70%

I hit the snooze bar on the alarm clock one too many times today and then ran out of time to do the full long cardio. I was up at 5:00 am, 5:30 am, and then 6:15 am with Addison asking "Mom, can I go wake Papa up now and play zhu zhu hamsters?" so when it came time to get u for real I just didn't want to. We had to go meet my Dad and Step Mom for lunch and presents so I was really pressed for time.

I managed walk 2.0 miles even at just a little over 30 minutes.

Tomorrow the weather here in Louisiana is supposed to be cool but sunny, just like I like it, and my parents neighborhood is flat as a pancake, which again is just like I like it for running! Tomorrow I am going to run 5k outside and am thrilled to be out there and off the treadmill. Its the little things that make me happy. ;)

Sunday - 12/27/09

Interval training: 10 minute warm up, 90 seconds at 80%+ MHR, 3 minute recovery at 60% MHR, repeat reps for 20 minutes, 5 minute cool down.

Now I remember why I write everything down, why I make tons of To Do lists, why I have post it notes everywhere, and why people are always irked with me for not calling/emailing/texting back.

I have the short term memory of a fruit fly.

I can remember clearly my 1st grade teacher and what the class room looked like but I cant remember anything about my run 3 days ago. Maybe it was so bad that I purposely forgot? But I think I would remember a run that bad.. but then again maybe not.

So all I know is that I did interval work that started with the 90 seconds because my nifty running watch told me so. Good thing it is keeping track!

Stats from the run:
Warm up time - 5:30
Warm up mileage - .37

Interval time - 30:02
Interval miles - 2.35

Didn't record the cool down time or miles

Total time - 35:332
Total miles - 2.72

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Friday - 12/25/09

Interval training. Walk 5-10 minutes, run 80-90% MHR for .25 miles, recover 60% MHR for .50 miles, 3 times total, cool down 5 minutes.

I watched football during this training session and it made me feel better about my running and conditioning. One of the defensive linemen (a big ole boy) intercepted the ball and ran it back for almost 100 yards. The poor boy was running his heart out and you could see it was really a struggle for him to make it all the way to the other end zone and to not slow down and be tackled. He was going as fast as he possibly could, which wasnt all that fast. After scoring a touch down he was so happy but needed supplemental oxygen.. for quite some time.

I identify with him about running your heart out but not going all that fast and just hoping, praying you make it to the end. I am soo happy as well when I get my touch down - 3.1 miles. But the difference between us is that I don't need supplemental oxygen, at least not anymore. 4 months ago I couldnt say that and would probably need a whole oxygen chamber if I had tried to run like that.

Still no heart rate monitor by choice.
Stats from the training:
Warm Up:
10 minutes and .60 miles
Interval training:
28:25 minutes and 2.30 miles
Cool Down:
5 minutes and .25 miles

Total time - 43:25
Total miles - 3.15

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Thursday - 12/24/09

Long Cardio - 1 hour of aerobic exercise, MHR 60 - 70%

Nothing really exciting about this walk and I watched Star Wars which helped pass the time. I tried to go a little faster walking to get in more mileage but there is only so fast you can walk before it turns into running. So my stats and mileage are about the same at the last long cardio.

Stats from the walk:
Miles walked - 4.00
Time - 1 Hour

Cool down distance - .50
time - 10 minutes

Total miles - 4.5
Total time - 1 hour 10 minutes

Wednesday - 12/23/09

Cardio: 30-45 minute run. 60-80% MHR

I have become way too obsessed with numbers, stats, heart rates, and other figures that it is taking over my running. I decided for this run to just run. No looking at the pace, no looking at my speed, no looking at the 10 other stats my watch offers, and I did not wear the heart monitor.

I decided that I was going to run 4 miles no matter how long it took me and even if I had to walk some of it. The first 3.1 miles was not too bad and really the next .90 wasn't that bad either but it was a mental game to get through it. I had to keep telling myself 'ok, just run .25 more and then you can be done'. I would run that and then tell myself again. Too bad I can't just say 'run 4 miles fast!' and do it. ;)


Stats from the run:
Miles run - 4.0
Warm up and cool down miles - 1.4
5.4 total miles

My public service announcement - Do not run 4.0 miles on the treadmill while watching Man vs. Food. I was already nauseous from running and watching him eat some sort of meaty, cheesy, liquidy thing was almost too much to get through. Barf!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Monday - 12/21/09




Interval training: 10 minute warm up, 90 seconds at 80%+ MHR, 3 minute recovery at 60% MHR, repeat reps for 20 minutes, 5 minute cool down.

Everyone says that running on the treadmill is supposed to be easier than running outside but I completely disagree. I think the treadmill is so much harder and downright painful. I hate it so much that I am tempted to put on Chris's cold weather military gear and run outside even though it literally below freezing. Problem is that I think I would get frostbite quicker than I can run 5k.
I swear the next day that it is over 32 degrees I am running outside. Wind or no wind, Snow or no snow, I am out there!

The photos are stats from my run and what I see when I hook up my watch to my laptop.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Friday - 12/18/09

Cardio: 30-45 minute run. 60-80% MHR

I ran 5k today and got a new personal best time of 34:30 but I completely overdid it. The first mile and a half was not too bad. I was watching tv and purposely not paying attention to my watch when I then realized that I was doing pretty well and close to my best time. So, me being the Type A all about getting a new PR person that I am, I pushed it and ran too fast. The last half a mile was a pure struggle and I knew my heart rate was completely out of control. I could barely breathe, my face was so red that I looked like I had a bad sunburn, and even had to stop my cool down walk to catch my breath. I just couldn't help myself and wanted that new PR time.

But I have learned my lesson. I know there is no way I can run faster without continuing to work on endurance, heart rate training, and following the schedule I have. Who would have thought that it takes all that? I always thought you just ran however fast you wanted to.. now I see why they call it 'training' and a 'work out'.

Stats from the run:
5K
Miles run - 3.10
Duration - 34:30
Average HR - 86%
Max HR - 97%
Speed Average - 5.11 mph
Speed max - 5.81 mph
Pace average- 11:45
Pace max - 10:21

Walking
Miles walked - .90
Duration - 15:45

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thursday - 12/17/09

Interval training. Walk 5-10 minutes, run 80-90% MHR for .25 miles, recover 60% MHR for .50 miles, 3 times total, cool down 5 minutes.

Interval training is pretty interesting. Just when you get bored doing one section it is time to do another one and then you can really push yourself. I was running the .25 miles at about 6.5 to 7.0 mph and and again thought I would fly off. It takes a lot of concentration to run fast on a treadmill.. at least it does for a klutz like me!

I did 4 reps instead of 3 this time. For some reason I thought I was supposed to do 4 and realized it half way through so I kept going. I hope that doesn't come back to bite me tomorrow when I have to run a 5k.

Stats from the run:
Miles total - 4.30
Duration - 1 hour and 7 minutes
Average HR - 71%
Max HR - 98%

I would like to thank Judge Judy once again for getting me through a work out. One thing I have learned - Get it in writing!!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tuesday - 12/15/09

Interval training: 10 minute warm up, 1 minute at 80%+ MHR, 3 minute recovery at 60% MHR, repeat reps for 20 minutes, 5 minute cool down.

You wouldn't think that running 1 minute as fast as you possible can would be that hard. Boy was it hard! Actually it was not that hard until the last few seconds when I could feel my heart in my ears. Amazing how 10 seconds can seem like 10 minutes.
Until today the fastest I have run on the treadmill was about 5 mph. I was at 7.5 mph and thought I was going to go flying off. But I did get a little taste of how the real runners run.It was thrilling but I dont see my self ever going that fast for a whole race.

It was too hard to do the detailed stats on my watch for each segment. I was just trying to keep an eye on the time and going that fast there was no way I could keep hitting the lap button.

Summary from the run:
Miles run - 2.35 (it was probably more like 2.5 but my foot pod died towards the end)
Duration - 40 minutes (this included the warm up, intervals, and cool down)
Max HR - 96%
Speed average - 3.6 mph
Speed max - 7.6 mph
Pace max - 8:06 minute mile

Monday, December 14, 2009

Monday - 12/14/09

Cardio: 30-45 minute run. 60-80% MHR

Today I ran 5k but the focus was on keeping my heart rate between 60 and 80%. Let me tell you that is hard to do! In order to keep my heart rate in that range I had to run pretty slow. Running pretty slow is something I just do NOT want to do. I kept speeding up and then would have to make myself almost walk to bring my heart rate back down. I am still not sold on the whole 'to run faster you need to go slower' thing. I am giving it two weeks and then we will see. I just hate having slower 5k times than what I have had before. Though I do understand that the times will be slower because I am purposely going for slower.

For Christmas I got the Polar Link (thanks Dad!) that allows me to upload data from my watch to a personalized web site. It looks like a little hot plate and I just set my watch on top of it. Pretty cool! But the best part is that it gives me even more statistics and figures to work with. Just what I need.. lol

Stats from the run:
Miles run - 3.10
Duration - 39:00
Average HR - 88%
Speed Average - 4.6 mph
Speed max - 6.9 mph
Pace average- 13:02
Pace max - 8:41

You can really see how I speed up and slow down by looking at my pace of 13:02 and then 8:41 and also the difference in my average speed and max speed. If I am doing that on a treadmill I wonder what it will be like when I am back on the road.

My MHR was 88% and it should have not gone over 80%. Besides speed walking, I just don't know how to get it any lower when I run.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Saturday - 12/12/09

Long Cardio - 1 hour of aerobic exercise, MHR 60 - 70%

It was weird to get on the treadmill and not run after the 5 minute warm up. I don't think I have ever just walked on a treadmill and certainly not for an hour. I got caught up on all the news I have missed the past week so the time went by pretty fast.

I recently switched from the YMCA to 24 Hour Fitness because it was about $18 cheaper a month and they have a much better play place for Addison. The day I signed up there was no one there so I thought it would be ok. Turns out that the place is always packed and I am not blond/skinny/buffed enough to be working out there! I was hoping to get on the treadmill next to out of shape moms like me but instead was running next to Barbie and her friends. Chris says to ignore it but it is pretty hard to ignore Barbie bouncing along next you you. LOL

Stats from the walk:
Miles walked - 4.10
Pace - 13:45 minute miles
Time - 1 Hour
Heart Rate average - 63%

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Thursday - 12/10/09

Walked 3.3 miles

Disney Day 3

I was still feeling pretty bad from the massive sinus infection so I went late to the park and left early. I was faster walking because I was not with the girls all of the time.

I have to give a shout out to my Keen shoes. I wore them all weekend for Fly Ball and then a week in Disney. With the plantar factitious issues I have I was not sure if my feet would hold up but they did really well. All of the Keen shoes I have ever owned have been so comfortable so I highly recommend them!

Stats from the day:
Miles walked - 3.3 miles
Time in the park - 5 hours

Wednesday - 12/9/09

Walked 3.55 miles

Disney Day 2

Today we spent the day at Disney Animal Kingdom. The park was a little bit smaller and we went on more rides so I did not have quite as much walking. My backpack was a lot heavier than the day before so that must count for something! According to Jill it all counts as exercise and cross training.

Stats from the day:
Miles walked - 3.55 miles
Time in the park - 10 hours and 7 minutes.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Tuesday - 12/8/09

7.5 miles. Yikes!

I spent the morning of my birthday by doing Interval/Speed work on the jogging trails at Disney World.

Jill put me on a new work out schedule in order to improve my time and lung function. My goal is to run a 5K in a certain time and she said the interval speed work is the only way to get there. I had thought about upping my mileage but have decided that I want to get faster before I go farther. So for now I am not supposed to run 5Ks 3 times a week anymore. I will have one day of interval speed work, one day of a 5k, and then one day of long heart rate training. It has been a bit of an adjustment to not run 5ks 3 times a week, and I feel like I am slacking, but I trust Jill and her advice. After all she has run many marathons and I have not!

My total miles on the interval work was 2.0 miles.

After the morning run I met my Mom, Step Dad, Addison, and Grace at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. I wore my foot pod on my Keens since I knew we would be walking a lot and was curious as to how much. I never guessed it would be 5.5 miles!

Stats from the day:
Interval training - 2.0 miles
Walking at Disney - 5.5 miles
Time in the park - 9 hours and 43 minutes

Boy am I tired!!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Saturday and Sunday - 12/5 and 12/6

Flyball Tournament.

My nutritionist/coach says that a weekend of Flyball counts as exercise! Woo Hoo. God knows I am utterly exhausted and my legs, back, feet, and knees hurt after the weekend.

Saturday the tournament went from 7:30 am until 5:30 or so on Saturday and then 7:30 until 4:30 on Sunday. It was a lot of sprinting, bending down, jumping up, and then running up and down the lanes.

I should have worn my foot pod to see how much I walked and ran!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wednesday - 12/2/09

Ran 3.1 miles in 35:00.

Tonight was not my fastest time but it is still 35 seconds faster than my race time. It is so hard to run on a treadmill and I don't look forward to spending the winter training on it. I also run better in the cooler temps and the gyms are always so warm. I am on the lookout for an indoor track but not having much luck so far.

Next week I will be running in Florida and will look forward to the warmth and being able to run outside! Anything beats the 15 degree with windchill weather we have right now.

Stats from my run:
Mile #1 - 11:47

Mile #2 - 11:39

Mile #3 - 11:34 (1.1 mile)

Monday, November 30, 2009

Monday - 11/30/09

Ran 3.1 miles.

Back to the grind of running. Today wasnt much fun running wise and I struggled to catch my breath. I think spending 8 hours in a car yesterday and not drinking water along with the bad food choices made today difficult. I also really wasn't into it mentally since all I could think about was how much I have to do at home. But I am glad I ran anyway since I got a new fastest time!

Either I really am getting faster or my foot pod is getting wacky. Since my watch was pretty much even with the time clock at the race,when you factor in where I started the time vs the start line, I think I really am getting faster.

My new time is 34:53 which is 42 seconds faster than my official 5K race time and 6 seconds faster than my super secret goal of 34:59 for the race. WOW!

Mile #1: 10:54
Max heart rate 176, 96%
Average heart rate 167, 91%

Mile #2: 11:24
Max heart rate 178, 97%
Average heart rate 171, 93%

Mile #3: 12:35
Max heart rate 178, 97%
Average heart rate 171, 93%

I usually do not record my warm up and cool down walks but thought it might be interesting to see how my heart rate and speed are before and after I run.

Warm up walk: It was uphill most of the way
.37 miles, 14:38 mile
Max heart rate 143, 78%
Average heart rate 116, 63%

Cool down walk: uphill part of the way
.54 miles, 17:09 mile
Max heart rate 158, 86%
Average heart rate 134, 73%

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Saturday - 11/28/09 5K race!

Today was the official 5k race to celebrate the Couch to 5K program!

Amanda and I ran in the 2nd Annual G3 "Stuff 'N Puff" 5K Run/Walk in Sullivan, Il and finished with a new best time of 35:35! Whoo Hoo. Amanda also got 3rd place for her age group. How awesome is that?

It was scary, exciting, nerve wracking, and so much much fun that I can't wait to do it again!
Part of the fun was seeing all the different people, the different age groups running, and the funny things. There was a guy dressed in turkey feathers, a guy dressed as Santa who lost half of his costume half way through the race, a guy whose socks said left and right, a group dressed in '80s flashbacks, and a little old lady and a little old man that came in faster than we did! On one hand talk about an ego buster.. on the other hand You go Grandpa/Grandma!

The run happened so fast that there wasn't much time to think of things and to remember to do all of the things I normally do in a run. I watched my speed but completely forgot to watch my time. Had I realized how well we were doing I could have pushed it and come in under my super secret goal of 34.59. We also slowed down at the end so that Chris and Sue to take photos of us. LOL. What is more important.. good photos of your first race or a fast time? Geez, that really is a toss up! ;)

So stats from the run.. I had my fastest overall time and also my fastest mile! I did not wear the heart monitor so I don't have the stats for that.

Mile #1: 10:37

Mile #2: 11:13

Mile #3: 12:45

I think we slowed down so much on that last mile because we got caught up in the excitement at the start and ran too fast. At one point we were doing 8 minute miles when we were in the pack!

Sue, Richard, Chris, and Addison were there to cheer us on and I am so glad they were there to see me run. Addison told me that next time I run in a race she wants to run too and that she could help me go faster. Hey, whatever it takes!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Friday - 11/27/09

Ran/walked 3.1 miles.

I changed my schedule this week to run Tuesday, Thursday, and then the race on Saturday so that I did not have to run back to back Friday and Saturday. Well, that plan didnt work out so well. We are in Illinois and the weather was horrible yesterday. It was low 30s, raining, and the wind was wicked. All of the health clubs were closed and it would have been a sure recipe for me getting sick running outside so I waited until today.

Today was a beautiful day for running with it being in the low 30s, bright and sunny, and no wind. I have not run 3.1 miles without a day of rest in between so I took it easy today. I only ran 2 miles and walked the rest of the way.

Stats from my running: My first mile was my fastest time ever and the second mile was still pretty quick.

Mile #1: 11:02 mile
Max heart rate 175, 96%
Average heart rate 155, 85%

Mile #2: 11:50 mile
Max heart rate 170, 93%
Average heart rate 159, 87%

Tomorrow is the big day! Any good thoughts for me and Amanda are appreciated!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Ran 2 miles.

I have a slight injury to my rear end area, specifically the piriformis muscle in my left buttock. Yes, it is a pain in my ass. ;)

The treatment is rest, ice, specific stretches, and massage therapy. Since it has been getting worse, and the big race is just a few days away, I decided to take it easy today and only run 2 miles. Not an exciting run since I was on the treadmill again.

Stats from my run:
Mile #1: 12:09 mile
Max heart rate 170, 93%
Average heart rate 159, 87%


Mile #2: 12:12 mile
Max heart rate 170, 93%
Average heart rate 159, 87%

I only have one more practice run before the race! Time really has flown by. It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that I started the Cto5K program and the real race was so far away. Now it is in just a few days! Keep your fingers crossed that my injury gets better and I am able to run on Saturday.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Saturday - 11/21/09

Ran 3.1 miles with a new best time of 36.21!

My legs and rear were killing me from the run with Disco but I stretched a lot before hand and powered through. My watch and the treadmill were pretty much in sync but I think Ill take the times from my watch to keep it consistent. I noticed that my average and my max are a lot closer together time wise. I am sure that is from being on the treadmill and not being able to fluctuate like I do on the road.

Stats from my run: I forgot my heart rate monitor strap so I dont have that data.
Mile #1: 11.59 minute mile.

Mile #2: 12:10 minute mile.

Mile #3: 12.07 minute mile. (1.1 miles)

Pace - Max 11:22 mile, Average 12:07 mile

I am not sure how but I am getting faster! At what point do I get kicked out of the penguin club? I think I may be safe for a while longer.

PS - To the guy next to me on the treadmill who was running at 11.5 mph which is 5:30 minute miles.. Show off.

And you sound like a heard of buffalo when you run faster than you should be running.

But you did make me run faster, so thanks for that! lol

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday - 11/19/09

Ran 3.1 miles.

Ran 3.1 miles with a new best time of 37.43!

I ran with Disco the dog today so I didn't have much hope in getting a new time or running the full 3.1 miles but he was great and I got a new low. I am not sure if it was because of running with him or now that my foot pod has been calibrated .. but who cares! 37.42. Woot!

I also ran a new route that had a lot more hills. With running up and down the hills and Disco pulling on me I am sure my back and knees are going to rebel tomorrow.

So stats from my run:
Mile #1: 12.14 minute mile. 11.44 average
Max heart rate 172, 94%
Average heart rate 159, 87%

Mile #2: 12.44 minute mile. 12:12
Max heart rate 177, 97%
Average heart rate 171, 93%

Mile #3: 12.33 minute mile. 11.34 average. (1.1 miles)
Max heart rate 178, 97%
Average heart rate 173, 93%

Pace - Max 9:57 mile, Average 12:17 mile

Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday - 11/16/09

Ran 2.5 miles. Should have been 3.1 miles.

Today was an interesting day for two reasons...
1)the time/speed/distance on my watch did not match up with the treadmill
2)the crazy lady.

This was the first time I was able to check the stats on my watch and foot pod versus the stats on the treadmill. I had not calibrated the footpod because everything I read said that you did not need too. I think I needed to. The pace time on my watch was 26 seconds slower than what the treadmill said.. so when my watch said 12:46 the treadmill said 12:20. I tried several different speeds and each time my watch was 24 to 26 seconds off.

If this is true then that means that my training times have really been approximately 40.02, 39.35, 39.34, and 37.08. Wow. I dont know enough about training with a watch to know it it translates the same on the road vs. the treadmill or if it will be off. Based on the pure math of the treadmill nubers.. running with the speed set to 5 mph which is 12 minute miles according to math and the treadmill but 12:26 on my watch.. I am more likely to believe the treadmill. Wow again.

I used the second mile to calibrate the foot pod and the numbers were more in line with each other after the calibration. I still dont know if I trust it so I am going to recalibrate it on the road and then try it on the treadmill again.

So on to the crazy lady and why I didnt run a full 3.1 miles..
I got a late start to the day so I did not get to the Y until lunch time and the place was packed. There was only one treadmill left next to a girl that looked at about my fitness level and speed. So I started on my warm up walk, was getting into the mental zone about to run, and the girl next to me starts screaming at herself. Outloud. It honestly scared me that I almost fell off the treadmill.

She started yelling at herself saying things like "COME ON. COME OOOOONNN. Dont be a big fat QUITTER! You're a QUITTER! QUITTER!" About every half a mile she would yell something "do it! DOOO ITTTTT! ARRRGH! ARRGH ARRGH!" It was just so bizarre and I couldnt take it anymore and quit at 2.5 miles.

I am all for whatever you need to do for motivation but could you please do it 4 or 5 treadmills down from me? Thats a little too much motivation right up next to me.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday - 11/13/09

Ran 3.1 miles.

3.1 miles in 38.36! A new Corey world record! ;)

I figured out how to use the lap feature on my watch to time each mile. Even more stats to work with!

Mile #1: 12.45 minute mile. 12.41 average
Max heart rate 174, 95%
Average heart rate 160, 87%

Mile #2: 13.13 minute mile. 13.01 average. This is with some wind, partly uphill, and .10 walking.
Max heart rate 174, 95%
Average heart rate 166, 91%

Mile #3: 12.33 minute mile. 11.34 average.
Max heart rate 179, 96%
Average heart rate 171, 93%

So my last mile was faster but my heart rate was up and I really worked for it.

One year ago today I was diagnosed with food allergies and Adult Asthma. The food allergies were a complete shock but the asthma was not since my mom and brother have/had asthma pretty bad. I went back to the allergist to see how I was doing since all the allergy treatments and with running.

11/05/08 - My fev1* was 76% before treatment and then 91% after a breathing treatment
06/01/09 - My fev1 was 79% before treatment and then 90% after a breathing treatment
11/12/09 - My fev1 was 89% before treatment and they did not do a treatment!

It looks like exercising really does make a difference! I have gone for mild obstruction to normal.. or at least as normal as I can be. Ha!


*FEV1 is the maximal amount of air you can forcefully exhale in one second. It is then converted to a percentage of normal. For example, FEV1 may be 80% of predicted based on your height, weight, and race. FEV1 is a marker for the degree of obstruction with your asthma:
  • FEV1 60% to 79% of predicted = Mild obstruction
  • FEV1 40% to 59% of predicted = Moderate obstruction
  • FEV1 less than 40% of predicted = Severe obstruction

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Wednesday - 11/11/09

Ran 3.1 miles.

So I have enlisted the help of Jill who is a Certified Sports Nutritionist. I met with her the other day for an initial consultation and to get help with my running struggles. I eat pretty healthy and know a lot about nutrition but was struggling with what to eat and when in order to really fuel and refuel. She took my height and weight, asked how much and when I run, and then asked a zillion questions about my eating habits.

Yesterday she gave me a meal plan for the days I run and the days I am off along with my calorie, carbohydrates, fat and protein requirements. she has it broken down to each meal so that I can substitute things and make sure that I am getting enough food. It is strange to say this but I knew I was not eating as much as I should have before. I think I was a challenge for her (aren't I a challenge for everyone? ;) ) since I have a corn and corn derivative allergy and am trying to go dairy free. With those restrictions it does not leave a lot for me to eat. It looks like she did really well with the plan and I have plenty to chose from.

I also bought a super cool food scale that has the data for 999 items and can calculate everything and anything you want to know about that particular food. Don't worry.. It will be used for good and not for evil. Used for good in making sure that I am eating enough of the portion.

So on to my run today.. The weather was beautiful but the wind was wicked and I am a bit wind burned tonight. It is so hard to run with a strong headwind and it really takes a lot out of me.
Stats from the run:
3.1 miles in 40.02.* A new personal best by 1 whole second!
I am putting an * next to it because technically 40.02 was my total time but not my actual time. In order to get to the running path I have to cross a pretty busy road. Most of the time I am able to get across without stopping but today I had to wait.. and wait.. and wait. I waited for about 20 seconds before I could cross. So if I had not had to wait I would have broken the 40 minute mark with a time somewhere around 39. 42. Talk about being bummed!

Max heart rate was 174 (95% of my peak zone)
Average heart rate was 166 (91% of my peak zone)
You can see that I was working harder than last run for almost the same time. This shows how much running into strong wind affects you.

Average 12.56 mile. This average comes from my running time and the small of walking during the 3.1 miles.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Monday - 11/9/09

Ran 3.1 miles

Since I am all about statistics and numbers here are some fun facts from my run today thanks to my watch..

3.1 miles in 40.03 which is a new personal best for me! Wooo Hooo!
Max heart rate was 170 (93% of my peak zone)
Average heart rate was 159 (87% of my peak zone)
11.53 mile with an average of 12.56 mile.

I only walked about .2 so my miles are still slow but they are getting faster. I can feel that my lungs and legs are getting stronger from going slow the previous times and building up my strength.

Today I ran with a dog for part of the way.. but it was not my dog. This mangy looking thing ran up to me along the path and for a minute I wasn't sure if he wanted to sniff me or bite me. He sniffed around a bit and then started running with me. We ran for about a half a mile when he ditched me for something more interesting. What is it with animals wanting to run with me?

Friday, November 6, 2009

Week 9 Day 3 - 11/06/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 3.0 miles or 30 minutes.

Due to many different factors I was super short on time so I was only able to run for 2 miles. I am not exactly sure of all of my times and stats since I was messing around with my fancy new watch and deleted some of the data. But my running time for the 2 miles was 26.38 which averages 13.19 miles. Still pretty slow but I do feel stronger each time I run. Next week I am going to work on going a little bit faster and bringing down the time.

Technically today is the last day of the Couch to 5K program! I can't believe I did it and want to keep doing it! I really didn't know what I was getting into when I agreed to do this with Amanda. I thought it would be some short thing that lasted like a week or two and wouldn't involve much. Little did I know! LOL But I am glad that I am stubborn and stuck with it, even with the ups and downs of training to run.

Amanda, thanks for talking me into doing this. I am proud of you too! You have put a lot of time and effort into training and you have been a great motivation for me. I am excited about running with you in the next few weeks and how much fun we will have at our first 5k.

We'll celebrate finishing the 5K with a Bloomin' Onion. ;)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Week 9 Day 2 -11/4/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 3 miles or 30 minutes.

I ran 5K again today. This time I was outside and even had a strong wind! I actually had the energy to keep going so I really ran 3.25 miles and went 4 miles total with my before and after walking.

I bought a heart rate monitor watch that also has a foot pod that calculates speed and distance. Boy what a difference it made! I was able to watch how fast I was going and see how high my heart rate was. I found out that I run like Chris drives.. I speed up, slow down, speed up, slow down. ;) So I used the mph function to keep my stride consistent which kept me from going too fast and burning out. It was also nice to glance at my watch and see the distance instead of having to fool around with my Blackberry. The watch is a Polar RS300x sd and I highly recommend it if you are looking for something like this. It is expensive, and I had to promise my birthday money to pay for it, but it is well worth it!

I also liked that I could just run without having to map out my routes beforehand. I found a new path today that was not hilly and had pretty scenery which I would not have found if I had been concentrating on sticking to a predetermined route.

I am now starting to get excited about the official upcoming 5K race!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Week 9 Day 1 -11/2/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 3 miles or 30 minutes.

Today was a huge success since I ran 3.1 miles.. a 5K. Woooo Hoooo!

I did everything differently than I normally do. I listened to slower music, reduced the speed on the treadmill, ran in the evening instead of the morning, ate different foods, drank more water, and then had a teaspoon of peanut butter before running.

I don't know if it was one of those things or all of them, and I was pretty slow at 43 minutes, but who cares!

I ran my own personal 5K today!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Running with a Dog - 11/1/09


With Chris being gone, the bad weather lately, and us being so very busy the dogs have not gotten enough exercise so I thought it would be a good idea to run with them. This morning I took Disco out with me for a 3 mile run.

Those of you that know Disco are now laughing AT me and not with me, aren't you?

Yes, it was comical to say the least. Disco is probably the worlds worst leash walker and he set a new personal best today. During the 5 minute warm up walk I had to stop at least 10 times to untangle him from the leash, tripped over him 3 times, had to stop for him pee on 8 bushes, he tried to follow a scent and jerked me off my feet 2 times, and tried to run after numerous squires/joggers/dogs/blowing leaves. I was hot, sweaty, and exhausted even before I started running.

He did really well on the actual run part. He had his ears back, tail down, and was just trotting along in front of me. He seemed to enjoy it and didn't want to stop running when I did. I wasn't sure how far he could go, and really didn't want to carry a 37 pound Border Collie home, so we only went for 2 miles and ran for a little over a mile of that.

Now Jesse is mad and pouting. I swear that having two dogs is a lot like having two extra kids!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Week 8 Day 3 - 10/30/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 2.75 miles or 28 minutes.

Fail. That about sums up today.

I did not feel well on the way to the Y and it got worse with each step I took on the treadmill. I walked for the 5 minutes and then ran 1 mile straight. It was a fight to get to that full running mile in and my body completely rebelled after that. Not even Matt Lauer dresses as Luke Skywalker or a Judge Judy rerun could keep me going. I even thought of the Biggest Loser contestants and thought if Abby can do it, I can do it.

Nope, Nothing.

My body simply refused to keep running. I walked until the 2 mile mark and gave up.

Can I have a do over?

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Week 8 Day 2 - 10/28/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 2.75 miles or 28 minutes.

30 mile an hour gusts so back to the Y for this run. I ran 3 miles again but with some walking in between each mile. At least I am running the full miles each time!

I bumped the mph to try to do better than a 14 minute treadmill mile and was pretty successful.
Mile #1 - 11.30
Mile #2 - 12.15
Mile #3 - 13.00

This isn't too far off of the time of my road miles so I was pretty happy... totally wiped out but happy. I still can't run the 3 miles straight, and have absolutely no idea why, but I am glad to be able to run miles in one time period.
You would think by now I would be able to run the 3 miles or at least 2 miles without having to stop for air but apparently a lot of runners have that issue at one time or another. I have a friend that runs half marathons (13.1 miles) for the fun of it and she had to walk a large portion of a 10K (6.2 miles) the other day. Her body just would not run.

That makes me feel better to know it is not just me and also when I think that 9 weeks ago I could barely run 60 seconds without losing a lung!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Week 8 Day 1 - 10/26/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 2.75 miles or 28 minutes.

I ran outside today since it was cold but clear. There was no wind and the sun was shining so it was a good day to be outside.

I ran 3 miles today! ... but not in a row.

I wanted to really work on my per mile times so I ran 1 mile, 3 times, without any walking.
Mile #1 - 10.43
Mile #2 - 11.30
Mile #3 - Forgot to restart the GPS but I am guessing high 12s. I was burnt out and slooow.

I was a bit surprised, but very happy, at the 10.43 but realize this is why I burn out in the end.
I guess slow and steady really does win the race.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Week 7 Day 3 - 10/24/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 25 minutes or 2.5 miles.

Since it is Saturday I had to go back to the Y to run. Back to running longer times in a row but also running much slower than when outside. I can not figure out how to run faster on the treadmill without falling off of the thing. I bumped up the mph but it still didn't equate to how fast I run on the road. My time was 2.5 miles in 35 minutes which equates to 14 minute miles. When I run on the road I feel like I am going so slow, basically running in place, at 11.48 miles. Geez, what do I look like when I am on the treadmill at 14 minute miles?? And how is that even possible?

On the positive side.. I ran 2.5 miles without any issues and with little walking! My lungs felt great and my leg did not go numb at all. Running on the treadmill really is so much easier than the road.

So.. I think we need to have a 5k treadmill race. Can you just see it? 200 treadmills in a parking lot all set to run 3.1 miles? Someone yells "Ready, Set, GO!" and then you hear the beep beep beep beep of everyone increasing the speed to start running. The commemorative tee shirt can have a treadmill with a little stick figure running. We might could get Bowflex, Proform, and Horizon to sponsor it.

Now to come up with a name for the 1 Annual Treadmill 5K...

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Week 7 Day 2 - 10/21/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 25 minutes or 2.5 miles.

Toady I focused on the distance since I really need to be able to run 5k. I mapped out a run and went for it. It was tough and I struggled with every step but it still was a good run and I completed the 2.5 miles. I really do not understand why it isn't getting any easier for me since I have been at it for 8 weeks now. But I guess it is easier considering 7 weeks ago I could not run more than 90 seconds at a time.

I think the cold, chilling weather and wind are finally getting to my asthma. My legs are fine and my body feels good but my lungs are really struggling. Someone suggested chewing gum and for some reason that really does help. I also am running faster each time and faster than when on the treadmill so I imagine that gives my lungs a work out.

My time today worked out to be 11.48 minute miles. Still a Penguin but getting quicker!

A few weeks ago I had to battle the grasshoppers while running. Today it was worms.
With all the rain we have had the worms are out in full force and it was impossible to avoid them. I tried not to step on any of them but then it looked like I was playing hopscotch and I kept getting tripped up. I gave up and just ran over them.

Does anyone know how to get matted earthworms out of the groves in their running shoes? As Addison would say - gross!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Week 7 Day 1 - 10/19/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 25 minutes or 2.5 miles.

I decided with the past week of traveling, not eating well, little sleep, and not feeling well overall to go back to Week 7. We really preach about success and set up the training to be successful with our dogs when training for Fly Ball so why not have that same philosophy for running? Week 7 was when I fell in love with running so I figure that is a good week to go back to.

Since I had not run in 4 days I went for the time instead of the distance. I wanted to run but also didn't want to push it. I ran 2 miles in the 25 minutes which works out to be a 12 and a half minute mile. I did walk a little bit and ran slow on purpose so I am pleased with the time. It was tough on my body after taking a big break but it was also easy to get back into it mentally.

I did spot my old friend/nemesis the cat. He didn't try to follow me but he looked like he wanted to. I think he got the hint when I gave him the 'dont follow me' stink eye. Maybe I should bring Jesse with me when I run.. at least then it would be a dog following me and not a dang cat!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Just Running #2and #3 - 10/14/09

I have learned a lesson this week with being out of town and not having a lot of control with what I eat. It really does make a huge difference in running when you do not eat well. It is pretty hard to eat healthy when traveling but I have also made poor food choices..like the fried crab cakes, Addison's leftover french fries, and clams with red sauce.

I also have not been eating before running and I think that is part of why I am running out of steam after the first run.

This should have been Week 8 but I am using it more as just a week to run without worrying about the times and distance. I will get back to the grind on monday.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Just Running - 10/11/09


Just an extra run.

Today was very surreal.

We are in Virginia visiting Chris and are on the same base that I lived on as a child. You can look out the window of his BOQ and see the house I lived in for 3 years, 30 years ago. Who would have thought that back then when I was 7 and playing in the front yard that 30 years later my husband would be stationed on the same base and we would come visit? It really is true that things come around full circle.

The base hasnt changed much. The trees are a lot bigger, some of the old wooden houses have been torn down, the bowling alley is now a gym, but it still looks just like I remembered. Except for our house... I alway remembered our house as this big, beautiful, modern looking house with a giant yard and awesome place to ride our bikes. It reality it is a tiny little bungalow that was outdated already 30 years ago and is a bit sad looking. It is so funny things seem so much bigger when we are children.

It was surreal to 1. be running in general 2. to be running on a military base where we are not stationed and 3. to run past my old house, my old friends houses, the playground we played on, and to run by various other childhood memories.

Life really does come around full circle, doesn't it?

Friday, October 9, 2009

Week 7 Day 3 - 10/9/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 25 minutes or 2.5 miles.

Well, I am definitely getting my moneys worth of my Y membership. It was 36 degrees this AM and I just could not get up the courage to run outside. I may be a fair weather runner.

So today I focused on the distance instead of the time and ran/walked for the 2.5 miles, not counting the warm up and cool down time. I was feeling pretty good during the run and went for 22 minutes straight! W7 D1 was 13 minutes straight, D2 was 18 minutes straight, and then D3 22 minutes. That's pretty good progress, especially since I was struggling the previous weeks!

So I ran for 22 minutes, walked for 3, then ran for another 12 minutes. I had to walk for another 6 minutes to make the 2.5 miles. I think I could have run some of that 6 minute walk but I didn't want to overdo it.

The time on my first mile was 13.5 minutes. I am still a proud member of the Penguin Club!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Week 7 Day 2 - 10/8/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 25 minutes or 2.5 miles

Treadmill at the Y again today. Actually I ran this evening and it seems like I had so much more energy. With Chris gone it is not possible to run in the evenings all the time but I might switch from the AMs once he gets home.

I ran for 18 minutes straight this time! Whoo hoo. That is an improvement of last time when I did 13 minutes. I did 18 minutes, walked for 2, and then ran the last 5. I would like to thank Judge Judy and the back to back 'my ex is no good, lazy, cheating, can't hold a job bum who owes me money' cases for getting me through the 18 minute run. Without you Judge Judy, I dont think I culd have gone as far!

Although I do think that watching tv and reading the closed captioning while running is making me a bit sick. Can you get motion sickness on a treadmill?

When typing out the plan for W7D2 I realized that I have been all about the time and not looking at the miles. Since the 5k is all about the miles, and I am getting close to the end of the program, I really need to switch my game plan. D3 I am going to keep going, even if it is running and walking, until I reach the 2.5 miles.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Week 7 Day 1 - 10/6/09 (part b)

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 25 minutes or 2.5 miles.

It was off to the Y again today due to the weather. The wind is so bad that at one point I thought our house was going to blow down.

I have noticed that the first few minutes of my runs are pretty bad but the last part I feel a lot better. So today instead of doing just 5 minutes of walking and then going straight into running I decided to walk for 5 minutes, run for 3 minutes, and then walk for 5 more. I think it did make a difference as I didn't have that same feeling during the first big run.

I still have not been able to run 25 minutes straight without walking but I am pretty proud of myself today. There were quite a few times that I wanted to give up but I made myself keep going. I would go as far as I thought I could go and then make myself keep going. It was a pretty big mental struggle but I met my goals each time. I ran for 13 minutes, walked for 2, and then ran for 10. The last 4 minutes was pure torture. I thought I was going to lose a lung, a leg would fall off, or that I was going to pass out. I think the thought of embarrassing myself is the only thing that kept me going. Hey, whatever it takes!

So my total running time for the day was 26 minutes. Sure, it wasn't in a row but I just look back at how far I have come and am thrilled that I am running as much as I am. 6 weeks ago I could not imagine running for 90 seconds! It is amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it!

Week 7 Day 1 - 10/5/09

Today was D1 of W7 but I had to take Addison to Urgent Care for a massive ear infection so I didn't get to run. She felt better in the afternoon and was playing with Polly Pockets so I got on the elliptical. I did 40 minutes straight while watching Castle on tv. If you have not seen this show I highly recommend it! It is very witty, well acted, and probably one of the best shows on tv.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Week 6 Day 3 - 10/2/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 25 minutes or 2 1/4 miles with no walking.

It was 46 degrees here with 40 mph winds so I had to go to the Y to run on the treadmill. It was not as bad as I thought it was! My fear with the treadmill is that I can get off at any time whereas with running how ever far out I run I have to keep running/walking to get back home.
I do not like the physical running on the treadmill.. my stride is long and I wound up at the back of the treadmill and then overcompensated and wound up hitting the front of the treadmill. It also seems to be a bit more jarring than running on the road. But I stayed on and went longer and farther than I thought I would!

Today was supposed to be running for 25 minutes with no walking which I did do but with some walking. Did the brisk walk then ran for 10 minutes, walked for 3, ran for 5, walked for 3, and then ran for 10 more minutes. I am not really sure of my times but my total distance was 3.1 miles.

I am going back tomorrow and will try to run the time straight through since I now know how the treadmill works. I am going to ask if they will play the LSU game on one of the TVs so that may help me get through 25 minutes straight.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Week 6 Day 2 - 9/30/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 10 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 10 minutes.

Well, today was a bomb... and a success. When I checked the schedule this morning I got mixed up and looked at the wrong week. I thought it said to run 8 minutes, walk 3 minutes, then run 8 minutes, which is really Week 5 Day 2. I should have run for 10 minutes each time for W6 D2. So today was a bomb in that I did not do what the schedule said but it was a success that I ran for the whole 8 minutes each time. Right at the end I realized the mistake so I walked another 1.3 miles to make up for it.

The run wasn't too bad except for the 30 mph headwinds. Again, I should have listened to the newscaster when he said it would be bad out there. I wore gloves this time, which totally rocked, but my ears and face were frozen. (Maybe a nice par of earmuffins for Christmas? hint hint)
The temps were great for running but just not with the wind.
I learned my lesson toady and will go to the Y to run on the treadmill if we have wind like this again. Being in Omaha that is likely to be more often than not. I just really really REALLY do not want to go to the Y and run on a treadmill so I am prolonging it as long as possible.

Nothing interesting to report.. no weird smells, the geese have flown away, the grasshoppers hopped off, and I haven't seen the cat in a while. He must be bored with me.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Week 6 Day 1 - 9/28/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 5 minutes, walk for 3 minutes, run for 8 minutes, walk for 3 minutes, run for 5 minutes.

Today was the first day that it was cold. The cold was a nice change but the wind was killer. I guess I should have paid attention when the weatherman said it would be gusty. My weather station said 20 mph winds and I felt every bit of it both in my hands and with the headwind. When I got home my fingers were frozen in place. I think it may be time to break out the gloves!

Even with the wind, and the runny nose, I was still able to complete the run. I honestly think that attempting to run 20 minutes straight last Friday did wonders for my running mental state. When I wanted to give up during the 8 minutes, I kept thinking about how I did almost 2 miles last time. If I could do that surely I could run 8 minutes! I use to think it was nuts to do 2 miles/20 minutes at the end of W5. Now I think it was brilliant.

The sun was just right today that I could see my shadow perfectly the whole time I was running.
Holy cow that was something I could have lived without seeing.
Public Service Announcement - If at all possible, avoid watching yourself while doing any form of exercise.

Trust me, it's not pretty.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Week 5 Day 3 - 9/25/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 20 minutes or 2 miles. No walking.

Yikes! Even typing that out makes my shins hurt!
Since the 5k is about distance and not time, I decided to run 2 miles straight and worry about the time later. I changed routes to a flatter part of the neighborhood, downloaded new music, had gum to chew like everyone keeps saying to do, and was ready to go... then I fell down and skinned my knee walking Addison to the bus stop.

Addison's sees me on the ground and says "Hurry up Mom before my friends see you on the ground". Geez, it starts early, doesn't it?

Skinned knee aside, I ran and did pretty well. My total time for the 2 miles was 22.30 minutes. I walked 3 short times of 1 minute each so that makes my total running time 19.30. Not too shabby! I wish I had run the whole 2 miles straight but am happy with how I did today. Based on the times that puts it at an 11.15 minute mile. That seems a bit fast for a Penguin like me but I'll take it!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Week 5 Day 2 - 9/24/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run for 8 minutes, walk for 5 minutes, run for 8 minutes.

Today was actually a pretty good run! My lungs were on fire with the cold that has moved into my chest but I was able to work through it. I really concentrated on my breathing which kept my mind off of running. Amanda wasn't there to help push me but the guys building 3 houses in a row were. I was afraid of falling/passing out/looking dumb in front of a bunch of people so I just kept running even when I wanted to quit.

I am not sure which is worse.. construction workers watching you run or the moms driving by and honking. Whatever. It keeps me running!

Tomorrow is the big dreaded 20 minutes straight of running. I keep reading on message boards where people are scared of it and then it is no big deal when they actually do it. I think they are crazy. 20 minutes straight of running? Lord help me is all I can say.

I want to give a big shout out to Angie since without her I really don't know if I would be able to do all of this. I owe you...big time. ;)

Monday, September 21, 2009

Week 5 Day 1 - 9/21/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 5 minutes.

We did it! We did it! Whooo Hooo We did it!

It was chilly, misting rain, and we are all still sick so I did not have much hope for running 3 5 minute runs. Amanda and I did a repeat of W4 D3 on Friday and it did not go well so I really thought today was going to be a bust. I think running together pushed us both to keep running when we normally would have quit. It was good for me because now I cant give up the next time because I know that I have done it already. Amanda leaves today and I will be sorry to see my running buddy go. We wont get a chance to run together until November when we run the 5k.

I also figured out why last week I could not finish that last 5 minute run. I have long legs and a long stride so I would take off when it was time to run and go too fast. I would burn myself out and then have nothing left at the end. Today I ran behind Amanda and that forced me to slow down and to stay at a steady pace. My lungs were burning but my legs felt good at the end of each 5 minutes. I think if I can get over this sinus/cold stuff and work on my lungs functioning (I have asthma) I will be in pretty good shape!


Our total walk/run was 2.04 miles in 27 minutes which averages to a 13.5 minute walk/run mile.

I am a Penguin. Hear me roar!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Week 4 Day 3 - 9/16/09


Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes, walk 2.5 minutes, run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes.

I just can not seem to get through week 4. I have no idea why it is so hard but I can not finish the last 5 minute run. I did 4 minutes the first time, about 3 minutes last time, and maybe 2 minutes today. Amanda and I are both struggling with this week so I think we will repeat it on Friday when we run together. I have to admit that this is the first time that I have started to doubt if I can actually do this. The schedule for week 5 scares me .. running for 20 minutes straight with no walking on day 3! I just don't know if I can do it.

Part of my excuse today, there always seems to be an excuse right?, is that I am pretty badly hurt. Yesterday morning I kicked a tennis ball out of the way and Jesse the dog (who has giant teeth) mistook my foot for the ball...I was barefoot.
The pain was instant and traveled all the way up my leg and even into my shoulder. I hit the ground and it was a while before I could get up again. It swelled up and bled through several band aids. I have two deep puncture wounds and it is badly bruised so it was murder putting on a tennis shoe and then running. I guess, looking on the bright side, it is pretty amazing that I was able to run as far as I did!

The photo makes it look better than it is..It is pretty gross in person. And please excuse my toes, its been a while since Addison gave me a pedicure.

Side note - Have you ever tried to take a photo of your own foot? It's almost impossible to get a good shot! Try it!

Week 4 Day 2 - 9/11/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes, walk 2.5 minutes, run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes.

I ran.
I ran so far awaaaaay. I couldn't get away.

Yes, I am a bad blogger and forgot to write about W4 D2. I think it was so bad that I made myself forget. But a bonus to anyone who can name the song and artist of my post.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Week 4 Day 1 - 9/11/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes, walk 2.5 minutes, run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes.

Mentally today was great but physically it was brutal. I was all excited to start week 4 and to see if I could run 5 minutes, not once but twice, and do it in a decent time. Physically I started off ok but during the first 5 minute run I got a charlie horse in my left calf. I was determined to run through it but it was determined to spread down into my ankle and toes. It got a bit better during the walking parts but then came back with a vengeance on the 3 minute run. If that wasn't bad enough, my right leg decided to join in on the fun and get a charlie horse too. I was only able to do 4 minutes of the last 5 minute jog before I had to stop.

I am leaving this afternoon to go to Amana, Iowa for a weekend Fly Ball tournament. It will be a lot of getting up and down, squatting down, and running short sprints so it will be interesting to see how my legs hold up. I will have to power through though because this is Jesse's (our dog that plays Fly Ball) chance to really do well and to get a lot of Fly Ball points!

Today is also 9/11. I have a heavy heart and wish I knew the right words to say. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone today.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Week 3 Day 3 - 9/9/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Do all of this 2 times.

Today was the last day of week 3 and I am glad it is over. I am not sure why, maybe it was doubling the running time which was hard for me, but this week was just not fun. I did not enjoy it as much as the other weeks. Next week is a good mix of running and walking times so maybe it will be better. Nichole, a new friend on my pep squad ;), said that she liked week 4 better than 3.. so we will see on Friday!

I felt fine physically while running but mentally I was not there. I started my 5 minute walk in a different location which then threw me off for the rest of my run. I was not in the normal locations when it was time to run and that meant I had to go up and down the hills at the wrong time. It threw my pace off because I didn't end where I normally did for each segment. It really shows you that running is so very mental... lol it is mental to be running!

Who would have thought that a person like me, a person who has moved around the country 6 times in the past 9 years, would have a problem with change? I would have never thought that changing my routine would even matter. Interesting.. and strange.

Amanda will be here next week and it will be our first chance to run together. I am excited to see her but hope that I don't make a fool of myself while running! I am use to running alone where only I can see what a dork I am.. well, me and the passing cars that still like to honk at me as they go by.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Week 3 Day 2 - 9/7/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Do all of this 2 times.

Well, the walk the night before did not seem to have affected me much. My toes still hurt a bit but I have been doing stretching exercises for that. My shins are holding up well but the backs of my knees are hurting. I don't know why they hurt but at this point they don't hurt enough for me to investigate it.

My GPS was a bit off on this run due to operator error.. meaning I forgot to start it. I felt like I was faster this time but I don't really know. I will be interested to see how I do on the last day of week 3.

I don't think I will run with a hat on anymore since my daughter saw me and said "Wow Mom, your hair is all sweaty like when the dogs go running" And then this gem.."Mom, let me smell your hair. I bet it smells like wet dog." The joys of a 5 year old.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Just walking - 9/6/09

Just Walking.

As if keeping up with 15 5 year olds at Addisons Birthday Party today wasn't enough exercise, I decided to walk this evening. It was a little muggy but the sunset was beautiful. I had planned on walking about 20 minutes but I was motivated and kept going.. kept going for 2.98 miles with a time of 48 minutes. That gives me a 17 minute walking mile to which I am not sure if that is fast or slow. I do know the hills here in Omaha are killer and really slow me down.

Today and yesterday were my days off from the Cto5k program but I did not want to go two days with a big run coming up the next day. I just hope I don't pay for it tomorrow!

Week 3 Day 1 - 9/4/09


Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Do all of this 2 times.

I am a bit late in updating.. but WOOO HOOO I ran for 3 whole minutes! Twice! I think that is the farthest I have ever run. Maybe even total combined running. I was a bit nervous since this week took it from running 90 seconds to 3 minutes and that is a big jump for someone like me. The first 3 minutes seemed to go on forever but I felt ok while running. The second 3 minutes was a lot harder, and my legs felt like jelly, but I did not want to quit.

I felt like I was gaining speed and not quite as slow as last time.. until I looked back and saw that a cat was following me.. and keeping up the pace. :/ I pass this cat each day and I guess he decided to run with me. It must not have looked that hard to do..or he was that bored. Talk about an ego buster.. having a cat, a kitty cat, run with you on your daily run.

Well, I guess it is better than a snail.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Week 2 Day 3 - 9/2/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 90 seconds, walk 2 minutes, repeat for 20 minutes.

I can not believe that I am about to say this.. I think I actually like running. Not in a 'I'm going to do this and then run a marathon' kinda thing but more like this Couch to 5k thing is not all that bad. Today's run was a good one with the exception of some pain in my shins and ankles. I have been doing toe exercises and jumped rope a few times so hopefully that will help.

I was reading this really funny article about people that run so slow that they look like a penguin waddling own the road. There is a whole group of people out there that proudly call themselves Penguins. They have support groups, tee shirts, web sites, and even a motto - "No Need for Speed".

Olympic runners run less than 4 minutes a mile. Typical marathon runners usually run between 4:45 and 5 minute miles. Stats say that a really good marathon runner can run a mile in 5 to 6 minutes. An average runner runs about 9 minutes a mile. My friend Jimmy ran a 5k in 16 minutes, so that was a 5.3 minute mile. According to the map my run site, today I ran 1.5 miles in 20 minutes. If you do the math that works out to be about a 13.3 minute mile. In all fairness only about 9 minutes of that was spent running and the rest was walking. But still. 13.3?

I am a Penguin. Where is my tee shirt?

Monday, August 31, 2009

Week 2 Day 2 - 8/31/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 90 seconds, walk 2 minutes, repeat for 20 minutes.

Today was a much better day! I downloaded a running podcast that was specifically for Cto5k Week 2. It is set to music that has the right tempo for the running/walking parts and there is a guy who tells you when to run and walk. Although I don't know if I trust the little podcast man.. He says you should be able to hold a conversation while you are running. Seriously? I run by myself and can't hold a silent conversation in my head, let alone grunt at someone next to me. I also think he cheats on the time because his 90 seconds seem way longer than that!
But the podcast really did help. Instead on fiddling with a timer and constantly looking at my watch I was able to concentrate on running and getting through each part, knowing that little podcast guy would tell me when to switch. I think it made the run much easier.
The weather was beautiful this morning..no headwind and a little chilly. I would so much rather it be chilly than hot for a run! It also smelled like dryer sheets all through out the neighborhood. How weird is that?

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Week 2 Day 1 - 8/29/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 90 seconds, walk 2 minutes, repeat for 20 minutes.

Today was a new routine and it was brutal. If my first day had been like today I would not have kept running. It doesn't seem like adding 30 more seconds of running would be that big of a deal but it really was for me. It was tough on my lungs and the lingering sinus infection didn't help.
Most of the problem for me today was mental and running is very much a mental game. My ipod wouldn't download a running podcast, Chris and Addison got me off to a late start, I didn't eat well before running, the headwind was back and I was not dressed warm enough, and the list goes on and on. It all added up to put me in a mood that was not good for running.
My lifes mantra is "Everything is what you make of it" and that really applies here. Today was a bad day for running because *I* made it bad.

On a funnier note-
Holy Grasshopper Batman! The grasshoppers were everywhere and completely covering the ground everywhere I ran. Running through them was like parting the grasshopper sea! Normally I don't care about bugs but I do mind when they swarm on me and get in my hair and clothes. Those booger are hard to get off and really stick to you! I didn't want to lose momentum so I kept on going.. all while trying to beat them off of me. I am sure it looked like I was having some sort of seizure while running down the road, to which I am slightly offended that no one stopped to see if I was ok. I think I was several peoples morning entertainment.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Week 1 Day 3 - 8/27/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds, repeat for 20 minutes.

Today wasn't any better running wise than day 2 but it also wasn't any worse so I guess that is a good thing. It was an awful day to run though. It was half misting and half raining with a strong wind. Running home I felt like I was running in super slow motion. At one point I even did the Bionic Man noise in my head. (remember that show? now that was quality tv!) The elementary school is in our neighborhood and I run right during drop off time. 4 people honked at me today.. is that a good or bad thing? Either way I think I need a new time to run!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Week 1 Day 2 - 8/25/09

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds, repeat for 20 minutes.

Today was worse than day 1. After about 5 minutes my body realized what I was about to do and it rebelled. Everything hurts..my shins, my rear, my back, my legs, even my hair hurts from the pony tail. It doesn't help that I also have a sinus infection from Addison starting Kindergarten and all the germy little kids. I am plugging through but not having a good time. My friend Jimmy who is a life long runner swears that it gets better. It better or I am running over there and kicking him in the shins.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Week 1 Day 1- 8/22/09 (why do all important things in my life deal with the number 22?)

Brisk walk for 5 minutes. Run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds, repeat for 20 minutes.

I did it! So take that all you people who laughed hysterically when I told you I was going to start running. Honestly, I can't believe I made it the whole way through without stopping or giving up. I think my body allowed me to do it because it had no clue as to what was going on.
Chris followed me on his bike, pulling Addison in the trailer. I am not sure if they were a positive or negative factor. Addison yelled out "Hey mom! I didn't know you knew how to run!" and Chris keeps repeating "Wow, you don't run totally like a girl" Thanks guys. lol
I hurt already so I am sure the day after will not be much fun.