Motivation Fail

I realize it's been a month since I last updated. Trust me, I feel pretty guilty about it. It's not that I haven't been running, I have (occasionally), I just cant find the time for blogging. The little time I do make for exercise is just for that, exercise.

In the last month I've run 4 times. That's about 10 times too few, if you ask me. I'm beginning to lose my fitness level at the rate I'm going. Today I wheezed through a mile and wanted to quit. Ugh.

Maybe a training plan will help me keep my motivation? I'm not sure, but I do know I don't want to end up on the bad side of "use it or lose it".

My first 5k!

Well, today was my first official race. I was mostly concentrating on finishing (and not being last), but I think I did ok. My gun time was 39:21.something, but chip time was 39:10.05. Considering my previous 3 milers ended up being about 45:00, even without walking, I did alright.

Aside from the race, I haven't run in about a week and a half. I got a job, which is both awesome and a roadblock at the same time. I've been eating crap all week, and I haven't had the energy to exercise. Maybe the crap food is causing the lack of energy? Tomorrow is grocery day so I hope to pick up some tasty/healthy things for office lunches and snacks (so I'm not tempted to visit the too-convenient vending machines).

Here's the 5k. I forgot to stop it at the finish so it's a minute and something off.

Hills and Getting Sick

Ugh. Just ugh.

Sunday's run was interesting, to say the least. I was in Bourne, TX visiting my college roommate's family. Aside from getting a crappy night's sleep and the cold (it felt at least 50*, maybe colder), it was HILLY.

I'd never done hills before. They kicked my ass.

I did a loop that was a little under 3 miles, and ended up walking a mile of it (including warm up/cool down). The really steep hills were walked because I didn't want to accidentally pull a muscle or (more likely) trip and fall. I stopped a couple of times to take some pictures because it was absolutely beautiful. During the entire hour or so I was out there I only had maybe 4 cars pass me, and saw far more deer. The pics are a little dark, but hey, it was early still.

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Fast forward to this morning. I've been sick for the last couple of days. Not an awful kind of sick, it's just a mild cold. I got myself up early this morning not knowing if I would be ready to run after 3 days of congestion, but I tried. My hamstrings and shins are still sore from the hills and I'm still stupidly tired. I didn't get very far. I have about 10 days until the 5k and want to get in a 4 miler before that. Hopefully I can knock that out on Friday or Saturday, depending on how I feel.

Postponed long run

*long sigh*

My 4 miles on Tuesday didn't turn out so hot. It was pretty much a non-run. My hip just wasn't letting me run. It was tight or sore or something and caused me to limp along for about a quarter of a mile before I decided to postpone. Maybe I ran on it funny on Saturday? I'm not sure.

I let my hip rest until today when I did a mile and a half. That didn't go so well either and I ended up walking when I shouldn't have. My stomach cramped up pretty wickedly, and I got one hell of a stitch that made me quit altogether. Maybe it was because all I ate before running was a little cheese. I'm not used to the cooler weather, either.

Bleh. It doesn't matter because I'm redoing last week. Today was 2 miles (more or less), Sunday will be 3, and Wednesday or so will be 4.

Yeah, that's the stuff

I did a totally awesome 3 miles today. It was maybe even more fun than Thursday's 2 miler. I used the treadmill again, I don't really dislike it anymore. There's something to be said for watching tv while dragging yourself along for a few miles.

Anyway, today is a personal non-stop-distance record. Every other time I've done more than 2 I've let myself walk some, but not this time, huzzah! It made me feel like the 4 miles on Tuesday could actually happen.

Oh, and I finally signed up for the Monster Mash 5k on November 1st. I'm excited for my first race!

2 Not-So-Easy-But-Still-Fun Miles

I was supposed to do 2 easy miles at about a 14:30 pace, but instead ended up doing 2 miles miles of fartleks (snicker). Meaning, I used today as a speed run. After about a half mile of warming up, I increased my speed by a few seconds every couple hundred meters or so until I wanted to slow down (just to speed back up again). It wasn't difficult since I was on the treadmill, and was really pretty fun. The fastest I got going for any length of time was about 5.2 mph, or about 11:54 per mile. While that pace wont get me to the Monster Mash 5k finish line in 30:00, hopefully I can bring down my current 3 mile finish time of about 45:00.

A redo

Saturday's run was supposed to be my 3 mile long run, but that just didn't happen. I did almost 2.5 miles instead. It just wasn't happening. I know physically I could do it, but I have some kind of mental block. I get intimidated by distances easily and end up convincing myself that I can't do it.




Not only did I cop out on Saturday, I missed yesterday's run. I made excuses and ended up skipping it altogether.

So today I redid the run. I wish I could say it was without walking, but it wasn't. I walked twice for about a minute apiece toward the beginning of the run. After the halfway point I wouldn't let myself walk again. Every time I wanted to stop, I forced myself to go a little faster on the treadmill. I guess it worked, because I made it the last mile and a half without alot of trouble. It's shower time, so here's today's run:

On the treadmill again

I didn't get up in time to run outside today. The treadmill is getting boring, it's time to start getting my butt up earlier every day, not just running days.

It was a pretty uneventful run, just two miles of tv. Watching Paula Dean make one of her horrible-for-you casseroles while burning off 200 calories gives me a weird sense of satisfaction. It makes me hungry, but it also makes me feel good knowing that my body thanks me for taking care of it every time it lets me run an effortless mile.

Time for (maybe) some blood giving, library visiting, and house tidying. Until Saturday, when I WILL do my first successful 3 miler.

Finally calibrated!

Saturday morning I finally got to calibrate my Nike+ without using the treadmill. I did an even 2 miles that weren't even really that difficult. It was cool and almost autumney outside, prime weather for a run. I stopped for a few seconds twice, first to get rid of a rock in my shoe, and then for the stop light I have to pass. I picked up the pace for the last 200 yards so I wouldn't cop out early, it was pretty fun. Here's that run:




I calibrated that down to 2 miles, not thinking it would really work, but lo and behold, it does! I did today's run on the treadmill because of the heat and they numbers were virtually identical, huzzah! I guess calibrating it is 40% skill at keeping a steady pace, and 60% luck.

As for the run itself, it went pretty well. Once or twice I wanted to stop, but not out of fatigue, it was because I was just feeling lazy. So I kept going and finished strong. This is today's run:



Over the weekend I told a few family members that I'm planning on running the 2010 Houston Marathon and they said they'd be there to cheer. I'm making an effort to continue to be held accountable to running, and telling as many people as possible makes it less likely I'll fail.

Oh, yesterday I got a new running hat! I've wanted one for a little while now because my hair constantly gets in my face and I hate the feeling of sweat dripping, so I got a grey Nike dry-fit hat. And while I was at the running store I picked up a couple of fliers for the Monster Mash Road and Trail 5/10k (warning, annoying webpage music). It'll be held pretty close to my house on November 1st, which gives me plenty of time to work on a respectable 5k time. Maybe even sub-30:00!

A Step Back

I was supposed to do a mellow 3 miles today, but it just wasn't happening. More lack of motivation and shins that were killing me for some reason prevented me from finishing successfully. I only managed 2 miles running with lots of walking sprinkled in. I'm going to take a step back in my new program and repeat last week. The thought of doing 3 miles is still daunting, and I need to get to the point where I can do 2 easily. Unfortunately, I know I can do it, I'm just not for some reason.

2 days from now I'll be doing 2 miles instead of 4, but hopefully I'll find the motivation to do some cycling or wii fit tomorrow.

The start of a 9 mile week

This week is raising the bar on my mileage. In the past weeks, I've done at most 8 miles 4 days a week (but usually closer to 6 miles, 3 times a week). Today started the first of a 9 mile week, over 3 days. It culminates on Saturday with a 4 mile long run. 4 miles?! I could barely wheeze through 3 last Saturday! That'll be like a full hour of running, there's no way I can do that non-stop. I did an "easy" 2 miles this afternoon and wanted to stop.

I'm slowly losing my motivation. I could have easily continued sitting on the couch today instead of running, and that worries me some. I'm hoping it was just a fluke, and that Wednesday's 3 miles will go well. Maybe it's because while I was doing C25k, all of the weeks looked possible. They looked totally doable, even the first 20 minute run in week 5. In this new program it feels like it's not a big deal to tack on another mile or two, when to me it is. It's a big deal to go from 3 miles to 5 next Saturday.

On another note, I think it's pretty much impossible for me to calibrate my Nike+. It's consistently unreliable when it comes to distance. I always have to map out my runs first, which kind of defeats the purpose. Also, I found out that a new Garmin Forerunner 405 is coming out later this year for $299. I really want it, maybe I'll get it for Christmas.

Kk, shower's all warmed up, time for me to get unsmelly.

A nonexistent road

This morning I used mapmyrun to find a route that was as close as possible to 3 miles. I found one that was at 3.03 going down a street I had never gone down before and taking me through another neighborhood. I even wrote down the street names on my arm so I'd know where to turn.

Well, I got to that street I was supposed to turn down and lo and behold, there was no street. It was a ditch. Bleh. That threw off my whole run because after that, I didn't know what route to take that would be 3 miles. Anyway, I did a few circles around other streets and took the long way home, hoping to rack up some mileage. It worked, because looking at the route I DID take, I went about 3.5 miles total. I walked more than a fair share of that, I'd say 2/3 mile, so it wasn't a totally awesome run, but it was pretty good. I'd feel better if I could have done it without walking, but that's how it goes, I guess.

I really want a Garmin Forerunner 305. It's a wrist-mounted GPS unit that gives real distance and pace instead of the "try to calibrate it and hope it works" Nike+. Too bad it's like $300 that I don't have. Maybe I'll get it for myself for Christmas when I (hopefully) have a job.

Here's the run. I'll have to recalibrate it again, there's no way I only did 2.37 miles. I should recheck it with the treadmill sometime this week, maybe on Monday or Tuesday when I have a 2 miler.

A new training program

Ugh. I screwed with my schedule and I'm paying for it now. Last night I went for short, quick run and wore myself out. I only ran about 2/3 mile, but I did it relatively fast. My pace was probably about 10:30, much faster than my usual 15:00. Anyway, I guess my legs didn't like the change in pace and decided to rebel today.

I was going to list some reasons why today's run sucked, but I shouldn't be making excuses. It sucked, but next time will be better.

It's pretty clear that I still need at least one rest day between runs, which is pretty disappointing. When I read "real" runners' blogs, they go on runs close to every day. I have to keep in mind that I'm still very new to running and still need to take it slow.

In other news, I found a pretty satisfactory training schedule at Runner's World that will ease me into more mileage. It has me running 3 days a week, incrementing my milage by 1-3 per week, with crosstraining another 3-4 days (which should be cycling, if I can get the motivation). The first week is just 3 days doing 2 miles apiece, so I think I can skip it because that's what I've been doing lately. My next run will be on Saturday, 3 miles. That'll be a personal distance record, but I can do it. Two full rest days and I usually feel like I can do anything, haha.

Runs from the last two days:

Couch to 5k: W8D3

I guess today is W8D3, but I'm still not really following the program much anymore. I'm continuously stuck in the limbo between going longer on time but not far enough on distance.

Oh well, I'll get to 5k level soon, no need to rush it.

Today was my first run since Ike blew through on Saturday morning, and I got to take a look at some of the damage in the neighborhood. Lots of people were out cleaning up, raking, mowing, fixing roofs, etc. I had to dodge a few downed trees, but nothing totally epic.

I ended up walking at about half way for maybe 1/5th a mile. I was wanting to take it easy and not tax my legs too much, considering my shins started aching at the first quarter mile. It was (is) such a beautiful day outside I didn't feel the need to push myself very hard, and instead relaxed and enjoyed being outside.

Next time I'll be going 2.25 miles nonstop, hopefully. I've got nothing against walking breaks, I know even seasoned runners work them into their long runs to improve their endurance, but I'd like to get to at least 3 miles without. All of the beginner training schedules I've found start at 4 miles as the long run, so 3 miles without walking should prepare me for a new program. Tacking on .25 once a week, it shouldn't take me too long to get there.

Or, maybe I'll just haphazardly put together my own schedule for a few weeks until I "catch up" with one I've found. I'll post here when I come up with something.

I did go about 2.5 miles today not including my walk break, a personal distance record. It turns out that when I calibrated my Nike+ on the treadmill, my natural pace was off and instead of over reporting my mileage by 30%, it UNDER reported it by about 13%. Since I can't go back and edit my previous calibration, I have to try it again. Maybe tomorrow I'll head to the track since the schools are still closed and get a quick .5 in.

Couch to 5k: W8D2.5

I hate those days that are just totally miserable. It just wasn't happening today, I only jogged about 1.5 miles total.

I think it's because I'm an evening runner. As long as I let dinner sit a little while my evening runs are usually pretty good. I'll be running again tomorrow, here's hoping the weather will hold up for me to do it in the evening. If not, it's back to the treadmill.

It's a short blog, but I have to go grocery shopping before all the bottled water is gone.

Couch to 5k: W8D2

I did a solid 2 miles today on the treadmill. This morning I gave myself the excuse that because I spent about 4 hours yesterday scrubbing the kitchen floor, my quads and glutes deserved a day off. After my (late) morning cup of coffee, the caffeine got me going enough for a run. I did compromise, though. I went for the treadmill instead of waiting till it was cooler in the evening. I figured I could get a (relatively) easy run in while ensuring that I kept a steady pace for calibrating my sportband.

The first mile and a half or so was easy, and I'd have never thought I would say something like that 3 months ago. I've noticed that I'm still amazed by my progress, but my honeymoon with running is pretty much over. That's not to say I don't still love it, but it's getting a little harder to find the motivation to hop on the treadmill or run down the street. But I guess that's part of every relationship, there's a point where the fun newness is over and the real intimacy begins. In this case, the intimacy is embedding running into my life wholly, and calling myself a true runner. There will be good runs and bad runs, and maybe extended breaks here and there, but I know I will always be a runner at heart.

On a less sentimental note, I was finally able to calibrate my Nike+ sportband. Considering it was about 30% off, that's some really good news. I was going slightly faster on the treadmill than I would have down the sidewalk, so it wont be 100%, but at least it'll be better and slightly more reliable than it was. The bad part of that is it'll be a little more difficult to keep up with my "100 miles in 12 weeks" goal.

I'll be upping my mileage by .25 on Thursday. I'm not strictly keeping with the c25k program these days because I'm ahead on time (I'm doing ~30:00 now), but still behind .75 on distance. In my head, I've really already finished the program. Of course, if I ran a 5k tomorrow I don't think I could finish without walking, so maybe I'm not really done. I think it's time to write my own program to get into 10k shape.

Today's run (the calibration doesn't take effect until next time):

Couch to 5k: W8D1

Wooo, today went pretty well. Not awesome, but I wasn't dying.

I took my dad to the track with me. It's different to run with someone, even though we didn't really run together. He worked on W1D1 while I did my 2 miles.

I've realized that I really don't like running on the track. I feel like I'm not going anywhere. It's loads easier for me to say "ok, just gotta get to that intersection" than "ok, 2 more laps" because a lap feels like forever.

During my last lap I really pushed and gave it everything I had in terms of speed. I'm generally a slow jogger so it really wasn't all that fast, but it was certainly faster than I had ever gone for any length of time. It seemed like during that time my sportband's distance "caught up" with my actual distance, and I ended up with a more accurate finishing distance. On Thursday it said I had gone 2.35 miles when my actual was exactly 2. This time Nike+ said I did 2.05 when I was closer to 1.9.

Maybe on my in between days I'll start doing a mile at a faster pace until the end of the program. I haven't sat down and actually written out a running plan for after c25k, but I know I'll have to include intervals or fartliks (*snicker*) to improve my endurance.

Anyway, here's my run:

Couch to 5k: W8, rest

This morning I got up with every intention of running. I threw on a sports bra and running skirt and got about 8 feet down the hall before I turned around and got back into bed. My left shin is still sore after Thursday's run and I didn't want to just make it worse by jogging on it.

Ah well, I'll go out tomorrow. Dad says he wants to work out before his next physical to try to get his cholesterol down some so I invited him along with me. I think I'll take him to the track so maybe he won't feel too bad when I outrun him (which I'm pretty sure I'll do--he's fit from his job, but no runner). I'm hoping he won't be compelled to overdo it when I can just loop back around to him. It could be difficult to keep him from running too long/fast, we'll see.

Maybe I can talk him into starting c25k. I've suggested he should run a 5k with me and he didn't seem too averse to the idea. I'd just be worried about his heart with all that cardio. Here's hoping I can get him to have a physical before he begins running.

Any ideas for keeping him from overdoing it?

Edit: I've also been seeing some pretty nice definition in my legs. My calves and quads especially, but some even in my shins. Pretty nice considering I've only been running for about 2 1/2 months. It kind of makes me want to take a picture of my legs to compare them to another 2 months from now, haha.

Couch to 5k: W7D3

Well, today was the first day I counted miles instead of minutes and boy, it was rough. Usually I can go about a mile before the thought of walking crosses my mind, but today was just miserable. I only got about half a mile before I started to feel it, but managed to push through to 2 full miles. I did stop for a few seconds (maybe 20?) for a stop light twice, though.

I accidentally went a little too fast during a portion of the run, I think that's where I went wrong. Another runner caught up with me at a street light and I subconsciously ran a little faster than I should have. I need to pay more attention to that, it'll be bad news at a race one of these days.

I had a distance and one mile PR today, so that's something. I'll be redoing the same run on Saturday since week 8 is 28 minutes. It took me 30 minutes to go 2 miles, so I figure I shouldn't increase my mileage for another week or so. I don't want to overdo it when I'm making such awesome progress.

(Edit) Oh, and today was the first day it actually felt like it could be fall next month! There was even a cool breeze! I'll be glad when it finally gets cool enough for me to run in the late afternoon before I make dinner for the family.

Couch to 5k: W7D2

I love those totally awesome runs that make me want go right back out and go again.

Morning runs are great; the sun shines, I feel productive, it's a little cooler, but there's something to be said for evening runs. It's quieter and I have a chance to eat better before going out.

*sigh* If only I was nocturnal I'd have the best of both times of day.

Well, tonight I went for 25 minutes, or 1.75 miles. It seems I'm behind on distances for week 7, I should be up to 2.5 miles. I guess I'm just really really slow? I think it's time for me to start concentrating on miles instead of times, which means I'll have to deviate from the plan some to catch up. I'll try for a full 2 miles next time, measured out beforehand instead of watching my Nike+ sportband.

I still haven't calibrated it, I'm waiting for it to recognize one of my runs as "calibration ready". I'm not sure why it hasn't worked yet, I haven't walked the past couple of times, and when I do I always pause the band before stopping. Maybe it's time to just use the treadmill. I've read they're not awesome to use for calibrating because they're not very accurate, but it has to be better than being about 13% wrong every time.

Nike+ Human Race 10k

I did it! I finished 6.3 miles and it didn't kill me!

The whole first mile I walked because I was trying to pace myself. I didn't want to start jogging too soon and end up not being able to finish or something. At the one mile mark I started jogging. I kept a 14:25 pace going on the treadmill for 8-10 minutes, then walked for 2-3. And that was pretty much how I finished it. I kept that up for a total time of 1:28:03, or 13:57 per mile. It's not a fantastic time, or hell, even a good time, but it's the best time I could do on my first race. I'm proud of myself for making it through it (without dying or wanting to saw off my legs) at an even better time than what I had set out to do (1:40:00).

Afterwards I sat in a cool bath instead of icing my legs down with my trusty bag of peas, and I feel like that made a difference in how my legs have reacted. I know I'll be sore, but hopefully not that horrible. Here's hoping I can get back on the c25k saddle on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Now I just need to sign up for a real 5k. :D

Couch to 5k: W7D1

*long sigh*

I'm so disappointed I copped out again. First, I had to walk at about 12:00 for a minute, then again at 17:00, and stopped altogether at 22:00. I don't know why, I feel like my progress took a step backward today. Maybe I didn't beat the sun enough, I was a little late getting out the door today.

Oh, wait. I know what the problem is, I had a peach before I went out instead of my usual Clif Mojo bar. Fewer carbs and less protein, I'll bet that's why my run was so miserable.

Ok, well at least I can fix the problem now. On Sunday (the 10k) I'll make a real breakfast since I don't have to worry about getting out of the house at a certain time, so that should be an improvement. I'll have plenty of time to chill out and let my stomach settle before jogging, too.

I think what I'll do is break my jogging up into 10 minute segments with 5 minutes of walking during the 10k, then add a buffer of about a mile of walking to either end. Total, I figure I'll do about 3 miles of jogging. I think that's optimistic, but doable. We'll see how it goes.

Couch to 5k: W6D3

Huzzah, I did it! I ran for 25 minutes today! I went so slow I probably could have walked at the same pace, but w/e. I was a little apprehensive after my last bad run and wasn't sure if I should have redone it, but I felt mostly ready for day 3. After all, I did 20 minutes last week sucessfully.

I got through it, only stopping once for about a minute at halfway to stretch. That's even with weaving between cars, parents, and strollers in front of the elementary school. I think I'll be going my other route on Wednesday, all those cars make me nervous someone's not going to see me.

It didn't occur to me on Saturday, but that was my last interval run. Today began the first of my "pure" runs, and the beginning of my "real" training. Not that the previous weeks haven't been real, but I don't have to think about exact timing to the second anymore. I don't have to worry about making a specially timed playlist. I can just focus on my music and putting one foot in front of the other. I'm amazed by my progress over the last two months and I'm anxious to see even more improvement as I start to count miles instead of seconds.

Also, I've decided to use the treadmill for the Nike+ 10k. It's always been sooo much easier for me to run on a treadmill than outside, and I can use that to my advantage. I'll do week 7 day 1 on Wednesday and then rest until Sunday. Considering I'll be walking most of it I think that'll be enough down time. Then I'll do day 2 on next Wednesday or so. Oh, and there's a local 5k on 9/20 that I think I'll sign up for. It'll be like 5 days after my last c25k run, which I think will give me enough rest time that maybe I'll finish at a respectable time. Likely not sub-30:00, but maybe 35:00.

Couch to 5k: W6D2

Today was mediocre at best. I didn't get enough sleep last night because my alarm was still set for stupidly early from yesterday, but I still thought I would do alright, since my 20 minute run last week went so well. I rode my bike over to the track and started jogging. Within about 5 minutes I knew I was going to have trouble. I was huffing and puffing even before the halfway mark, and no matter how much I slowed my pace I was still having problems. I made it through the first 10 minute run, ended up taking 5 minutes to walk instead of 3, and tried to get through the second part. I ended up having to stop with about a minute left.

I feel like a copout. I'm still exhausted and will probably take a nap after I shower.

The Nike+ Human Race 10k is in one week from tomorrow, and there's no way I'm going to be able to jog more than like 2.5 miles. Maybe if I split that and do intervals instead of the full run that I'm supposed to be doing that day I'll be able to go further. And the route I'm taking will bring me by my house at the halfway mark so I can rest for a few minutes. My goal is to finish it in 1:35:00, which makes out to be about 15:00 per mile. That's slightly faster than a walking pace, so here's hoping I can make it.

Couch to 5k: W6D1

Bleh, I had to run on the treadmill today because it was so icky outside.

It was shorter than my last run by a couple of minutes, so I tried to pick up the pace some and run a little faster than my snail's pace jog. It went as well as expected, and I wasn't even winded much when my last 5 minute run ended.

The next one should be more fun, hopefully I'll get to the track for that.

Couch to 5k: W5D3

OMG I DID IT!!

I went 20 minutes without stopping! Well, ok. That's a lie, I stopped for < 10 seconds while waiting for a stoplight.

I used my playlist to break up the run into 4 manageable segments, so I knew where I was in the run. During the first segment ("Heart of a Champion"--Nelly) I kept telling myself that if at the halfway point I was dying, then I could stop and walk for a minute. But, halfway came and went ("That's Not My Name"--The Ting Tings) and I was still going, and even feeling pretty good. During the third song ("B.O.B."--Outcast), I was beginning to think that I could actually finish it. After that, it was just a matter of knowing it was almost over for me to keep moving through the last song ("'Till I Collapse"--Eminem (a great ending song, btw)).

I'm pretty sure I didn't go 2 full miles, there was no way I was running at a 10:00 pace. Nike+ said it was around 11:30 or so, but I still haven't calibrated, so I think it's closer to 12:00/mile. Oh well. I ran for 20 minutes straight!

This is a huge milestone for me. Up till now I've been dependent on the C25k program to guide me, but I'm seeing the end of it and the beginning of the "real" training that will make me a runner.

Couch to 5k: W5D2

Today was another one of those days where I really didn't want to go running, but did anyway and am SO glad I did. this is what I did:

• Jog 8 min
• Walk 5 min
• Jog 8 min

It sounded alot tougher than it actually was. I didn't walk at all when I wasn't supposed to, and really wasn't all that winded. Totally an awesome run.

Day 3 still looks pretty rough, but I'll give it a try. I'm sure I'll have to redo it, but I'll get it eventually.

In other news, I got Wii Fit as a supplement to jogging. I'm loving the yoga and balance exercises, and I was even feeling a little sore this morning after playing for about an hour yesterday.

Couch to 5k: W5D1, redo

So I redid week 5, day 1 today because I kind of copped out last time. I'm glad I did, today was alot better. It was still tough, but I didn't once walk when I wasn't supposed to. I've found that as soon as I focus on how my body is feeling, running gets alot more difficult. When I'm just mentally singing along with my music and watching the sidewalk in front of me I can go farther.

I'm ready for day 2, but day 3 is still pretty daunting. 20 minutes without stopping feels like it'll kick my ass, but I'll trust the plan. I may have to redo day 2, too, but I'll get there.

Couch to 5k: W5D1

Went for week 5, day 1 today at the track. This is what I did:

• Jog 5 min
• Walk 3 min
• Jog 5 min
• Walk 3 min
• Jog 5 min

Well, almost. I copped out for about 20 seconds in my last 5 minutes.

It's funny, I "failed" the day in the technical sense, but I really don't feel like I did badly. I pushed myself probably not as hard as possible, but I certainly did more than I have in the past weeks. I still feel good about it, which I think is the most important part of my jogging.

I'll redo day 1 again on Friday before I move on to day 2 (with 2x 8 minutes jogging), and hopefully I wont have to stop when I'm not supposed to.

Couch to 5k: W4D3, D4

I may not have updated in a little while, but I have been running.

Saturday (W4D3) went pretty well, I didn't cop out at all. I think alot of that has to do with using my own music instead of generic podcasts. I finally got around to making my own playlist with shortened songs and sound effects to indicate running/walking. For my two 5 minute walks I've been using Outkast's "Bombs Over Bagdad" and Eminem "'Till I Collapse". Rap has a nice strong beat to jog to, I think I'll be keeping it.

And yesterday was W4D4, a repeat day. I did it on the treadmill because it was stupidly hot outside for it only being 8am. It seemed ALOT easier. Deceptively easier, even. I felt like I could have gone for another few minutes it was so easy. I'll decide tomorrow morning if I want to do week 4 for one more day or move on to week 5.

Couch to 5k: W4D2

Today was... ok. Just ok. I tried a different c25k podcast(Podrunner Intervals) than the one I've been listening to and while the music was ALOT better, it didn't feel as personal as my usual. Podrunner also didn't tell me when I was half done so I could turn around, or tell me when my final runs were almost over. Guess I'll be sticking to my usual podcast until week 6 or so when I can just start setting a timer on my phone and listen to my own music.

I may have to redo a day or two in week 4, I had to stop again for a few seconds today. And week 5 looks daunting enough to make sure I'm totally prepared for it. In another 4 running days I'm supposed to jog for 20 minutes straight? Yikes.

My right shin also hurt alot after this morning. I iced it down with my bag of peas and it seems to be ok, but I might have to take an extra rest day. Bleh. At this rate, I'll barely be able to eke out 2.5 miles at the Human Race in a few weeks.

Couch to 5k: W4D1

I just did my first day of week 4, and it wasn't totally terrible. Here's what I did:

• Jog 3 min
• Walk 90 sec
• Jog 5 min
• Walk 2.5 min
• Jog 3 min
• Walk 90 sec
• Jog 5 min
  

I had to stop for about 20 seconds toward the end of the last 5 minute run, but overall I feel like it was a success. It was my first time running for 5 minutes straight without feeling like I was going to die. I didn't push myself as hard as I could have, hence the 20 second break, but hopefully Wednesday will be different.

When I got back home I discovered a bag of frozen peas hiding in the back of the freezer. Good thing, too. My right shin needed to be iced down, it was pretty sore.

Time for a stretch and shower now, I have alot of homework to do.

Couch to 5k: W3D3

Best run evar!

I was a little wary of today's run, my dad and I went for a long walk (~3mi) with the dog last night and my shins weren't too keen on it. They were a bit sore today so I was considering taking another day off, even though it had been two days since I last ran. I talked myself into running, and I'm sooo glad I did. It was pretty much the best run ever.

Maybe it was because I ate dinner about half an hour before I went, or maybe it was because I focused on my breathing and posture and didn't have to worry about 12-year-old boys outrunning me. Whatever it was I didn't have to work too hard at running, and it felt like the most natural thing to be doing right then. When I finished my last jog (3 min), I was still ready for more. No labored breathing, not much soreness (though the shins are still aching a bit), it was awesome.

I had pasta and veggies for dinner, I think those carbs contributed to it. I may make up a big batch of pasta for breakfast later this week to test my theory.

After my last run, I had my doubts about progressing to week 4, but I'm confident now I can get through it. I'm so ready for it.

OH! Also, I signed up for the Nike+ Human Race 10k on August 31. I wont be done with C25k by then, but since I'm "racing" on my own with my Nike+ Sportband I have a full 24 hours to finish it. Running every other day, I'll be about finished with week 8 by then, and will be at almost 3 miles. 10 kilometers is approximately 6 miles, and I can just tack on a mile and a half to each end of my run. I'm excited about it, I'm going to get an official race day Nike shirt with my bib number next week with my grad moneys.

I *may* even run with my local running store. I was invited when I got my new shoes last week but I shyed away from it. I've never run with other people, and I'm worried I'll suck at it. Well, I'll go back for some new running clothes this month and try to get a feel for the fitness level there. Well, I have time to think about it.

Couch to 5k: W3D2

Ugh, well, my Nike+ Sportband crapped out on me. On Tuesday evening I had begun to notice that the LCD on the band was kind of "bleeding" in the screen. Liquid crystals were all over inside. I went to take it back yesterday and realized I had forgotten the shoe sensor at home. Fortunately, I had read somewhere that more than one sensor could be linked to a sportband, so I just swapped the band out at The Texas Running Company.

I took it home, plugged it into my computer and everything seemed to be working as expected... until I tried to link it with my sensor this morning. I spent about an hour trying to get it to work, turning on and off he sensor, resetting the new band, and a few other things I found on the internets and nothing's worked. Guess I'll have to take it back to the store and have them try it.

So, of course I had to run without the band telling me my time and milage, bleh. I'm hoping I'll be able to catch up to my 100 miles in 12 weeks goal, a two mile run/walk isn't really a big deal in the long run (I'm so punny).

I rode my (dad's) bike to the track so I could still get real-time feedback on my milage and an estimate on pace. While I was there, a bunch of middle schoolers came and ran with a coach. It was pretty amusing, they would speed up when they'd get close and "beat" me. But, I'm not immune to the competition bug, so of course I ran a little faster. Bad news, I was having a rough time toward the end of both of my 3-minute runs. Hah, next time I won't let some 12-year-olds challange me.

Couch to 5k: W3D1

Just finished up my first run of week 3. It's so awesome to see my progress over the last weeks. Today I did two cycles of [run 90sec, walk 90sec, run 3min, walk 2min], and I know for a fact I couldn't have done that successfully a month ago. The last 3 minute run was the most difficult, of course, but I managed the whole thing, and even went a little longer to pass a guy on a lawn mower who had stopped so he wouldn't shoot grass all over me.

Also, Nike+ says I went 2.3 miles, but MapMyRun says it was 2.08. I still need to calibrate, but that's not going to be easy until I can run for longer than 3 minutes at a time. Looking at the plan, week 5 looks like a good time to do it, especially the third day. That's the first time there's no walking interrupting the run.

I also got a couple of running books at the library yesterday, Runner's World Complete Book of Running and Marathon and Half Marathon: The Beginner's Guide. I'm trying to wait until I finish school on August 9th to begin reading them, but my willpower is pretty weak when it comes to books. I've already started the first one.

Oh, and I have a new goal there in the left column. 100 miles in 12 weeks. Nike says I'm ".9 miles behind schedule" (even with the wonky distance measurement), but I'm sure I'll make that up as I begin to run for longer periods. I love goals, and this one "sounds" big enough to feel like an accomplishment when I finish it.

Couch to 5k: W2D3 (redux)

Yesterday I ran my last official day of week 2, huzzah! What's even better is that on Friday I got new running shoes AND the Nike+ Sportband I've been wanting.

My new Nikes feel so much better than my old New Balance 854s. They're super squishy, which is especially good because I run on concrete alot around my neighborhood. They also breathe much better, and are lighter and more flexible. My ankle pains are gone, but replaced by shin soreness, bleh.

I also ran with my new Nike+ Sportband yesterday. It was interesting to get realtime feedback on my pace, distance, time, etc. It's a little distracting being able to check my stats, but I think I'll get used to it. Also, the internets tell me that I should calibrate it by running > .25 mile, and then walking > .25 miles. My run/walk yesterday was 2.9 miles according to Nike+, and 2.65 miles according to MapMyRun, so it's pretty far off. My main worry with calibration is that you can't mix walking and running. If you go running specifically to calibrate, you can't walk, too. Maybe I can run a lap at the track, pause the workout on the band, walk a lap, then start recording again and run another lap to be sure I have a session of just running. I'm pretty sure it'll take some trial and error to get it right.

My first bike ride in years

I took my dad's bike around the neighborhood this morning in an effort to cross train some. I seriously hadn't ridden a bicycle in several years, so it started a little shaky. And it didn't help that I couldn't figure out his Delphi cycle computer and had to ride with all of his presets, including the time of his last ride (several months ago). I'll definitely be looking over the manual before I go again.

One thing I had forgotten about bicycle riding is how much it hurts my butt. The internets tell me I'll "get used to it". Hah, we'll see.

It was alot of fun, though. Especially for those days like today when I'm taking a rest from running.

Couch to 5k: W2D3

It was pretty icky outside today so I decided to stay in and test the treadmill again. It went pretty well, my ankles didn't hurt as much as they have been, but I think that could be because I warmed them up first.

I'm going to redo a day of week 2 since my day 1 was a copout and I'm trying to stick to the schedule as closely as possible. I'm perpetually worried about doing too much too soon, the threat of injury makes me ok with taking it slow.

Couch to 5k: W2D2

I *almost* didn't run this morning. My alarm went off at 7 but there was no way I was going to get up. Fast forward to about 8:30. I realized what time it was, then rushed out the door so I could be done before it got really hot. It was pretty icky outside, but that's what I get for oversleeping.

Other than that, today was my first legit day of week 2 since I didn't have my podcast last time and had to estimate my times. I thought I was supposed to rest for 3 minutes, not 2, so I was pretty far off. Oh well, I did it right today. It wasn't too bad until about halfway through when I started huffing and puffing, but I got through it. I'm always so proud of myself when I finish a run, and today's no exception. I couldn't have done what I did today three weeks ago, I'll bet. Or, I could have, but would have been too sore to run again for like a week.

My ankles have been aching alot lately, I'm pretty sure it's because of my shoes. For some reason they keep wanting to point inwards when I'm running (pidgin toed). It's not like I walk like that usually, so I think it's the shoes either giving too much or too little support, not sure which. Last night I mentioned to my mom that I need new running shoes and she didn't immediately balk, so I think new duds could be in my near future. Maybe they'll help with the (slowly diminishing) shin pains I have.

Couch to 5k: W2D1

Well, you might say I slacked some over the last couple of days. I prefer to think of it as giving my ankles and knees some rest time since I ran on them funny on Wednesday. Something about the treadmill made me sore as hell. I'm not sure what, it's not like it was too difficult of a run for me to do.

I don't know, either way I went out to the track this morning. Unfortunately, I forgot to sync my iPhone to get the next podcast in the series I'm listening to and had to estimate 90 seconds and 2 minutes. I think I was off by alot, so I may do an extra day of week 2. We'll see how I'm doing next weekend.

Couch to 5k: W1D3

Today was the last day of week 1 and it went really smoothly. I felt like I could have jogged longer, which I think is a really good sign for next week. After my run/walk I did some yoga, more humbling proof that I'm out of shape.

I've got a sunburn I'm nursing for the time being from this past weekend, so no running outside for me. It's amazing how different running on a treadmill vs. outside are. I feel so cooped up inside and the treadmill seems so much more difficult and less rewarding than jogging outside. Too many buttons to press and numbers to read for me. Well, as soon as my red shoulders heal I'm going to try the track at the local high school (my alma mater). I have some pretty unpleasant memories of running (or trying to) during gym class in 90 degree heat. The track felt like it was forever long. Here's hoping it won't be too bad once I actually get there in a week or two.

Couch to 5k: Week 1, Rest Day

Hello all you people out there in the blogosphere.

I've started this blog as a place to put my accomplishments, goals, and maybe even failures in my new hobby, running. I'll be writing about my runs, fitness related gadgets, and anything else I may want to put in writing and have immortalized on the internet.

In the short run, this blog will be about me pursuing the Couch to 5k program. I'm super new to running so I'm sure I'll probably complain about the occasional joint pain or shin splint. Over the long term, my goal is to run the 2010 Houston Marathon. It'll be a gift to myself, the marathon is the day after my 25th birthday (or should be, anyway).

Well, that's all I have for now. Later!