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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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.
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!
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. ;)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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?
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?
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