COFFEE! At least for the first couple of hours in the morning. I can't lie, I still need my cup of Joe! I'm officialy half way through week 7 of this new running experience that I've embarked on. My first run of the week was on Monday and oh what a run it was. It was definitely one of those accomplished feelings and the high afterwards was amazing. Monday was by far my longest run time with 36 minutes of running and 13 minutes of walking (which includes the 5 min warm up and cool down). Over the last few weeks I've been trying to focus on building my endurance and not worrying about how fast or how far I'm running. Curiousity finally won me over and although I'm still not worried about my speed, I do want to know the miles that I'm putting on. I purchased the nike plus sensor to track all of this and was super happy with the results. Monday's run ended up being just about 4.5 miles in 49 minutes, which equals about an 11 minute mile. I was ecstatic knowing that I was setting a good pace (especially considering the walking breaks).
This week has been absolutely crazy even though its only Wednesday morning and I knew that if I didn't get myself up and take Ollie for a run this morning I might not get all of my runs in for the week before I leave for Seattle on Saturday morning. Here's my issue though, I love my sleep and the mornings have been chilly lately and there is nothing more cozy than being tucked in my nice warm bed next to Dale.
6:15....the alarm is blaring, Dale is sighing, and the dog is ready to go. I however was not so sure I was. I laid in bed for a few more minutes and somehow pulled myself out of bed and in to my running clothes. Before we made it outside I had already talked myself out of running and talked myself in to just taking the pup for a nice walk, then we got outside. It was a GORGEOUS spring morning and perfect for going for a nice run. This mornings run was 14/1 x 2 with the warm up and cool down, so a total of 40 minutes. After the warm up we started running and I immediately wanted to stop, but I pushed through and finally found the runner's zone and before I knew it I had ran 14 minutes and it was time for a quick 1 minute walking break. Ollie and I cruised around the neighborhood enjoying how beautiful it is in the spring time. It was a nice crisp morning, the tulips are up and the smell of lilacs is starting to hit the air, which is my favorite part of spring! And now for the results from this mornings run........3.45 miles in 37 minutes with a pace of 10 min 38 sec a mile.
One more run for the week, 15/1 x 2, and my 45 minutes of cross training which I'll take care of at my soccer game tonight!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Success is....
fitting into an old pair of jeans! After 6 weeks of running I'm finally starting to see some results, even though the scale hasn't moved much I was thrilled to pull on a pair of jeans that I haven't been able to wear in awhile. Although I can't see much of a change in the mirror I'm starting to FEEL the change and I love it.
I'm also finally experiencing that "runners high". I always thought that this came during the run but I'm finding that, for me at least, it comes a few minutes after. After I've gone through some stretches it just hits me. I'm energized and just plain happy. I have heard that as my run time increases I'll get some sort of a "high" during the run and will just be in the zone. I'm looking forward to not checking my watch every few minutes and just being able to go run.
Right now I'm still not worried about how fast I'm running but I am starting to get curious as to the distance that I cover in each run. So to figure that all out I invested in the Nike plus sensor for my ipod. A few weeks ago I bought a new pair of Nike running shoes that worked with the one plus sensor knowing that soon enough I would want to start using it. Oh and these new shoes are incredible, I love them and they are awesome to run in. The sensor thing seems cool because it will tell me my pace, distance, time, calories, etc... This morning I took it out to get it all set up and calibrated and went for a little over a mile, running the whole time. Now I know that I've probably been doing this for awhile but it was liberating to see that mile point come up on my ipod. I feel like I'm finally starting to get the hang of this!
The runs last week were great, Dale took me out for my second run of the week, 10/1 x 3, and it seemed like such a breeze doing it with someone. I was really happy because I was able to keep up a decent pace and have a conversation through the whole run. I got lazy and skipped my third run of the week. To my defense I did end up working over the weekend so it through me off a bit. NO excuses I was just lazy. So tonight might be a little bit more punishing as I jump into week 4 of the 5k program....
Run 1: 12/1 x 3
Run 2: 14/1 x 2
Run 3: 15/1 x 2
45 min x train
I'm also finally experiencing that "runners high". I always thought that this came during the run but I'm finding that, for me at least, it comes a few minutes after. After I've gone through some stretches it just hits me. I'm energized and just plain happy. I have heard that as my run time increases I'll get some sort of a "high" during the run and will just be in the zone. I'm looking forward to not checking my watch every few minutes and just being able to go run.
Right now I'm still not worried about how fast I'm running but I am starting to get curious as to the distance that I cover in each run. So to figure that all out I invested in the Nike plus sensor for my ipod. A few weeks ago I bought a new pair of Nike running shoes that worked with the one plus sensor knowing that soon enough I would want to start using it. Oh and these new shoes are incredible, I love them and they are awesome to run in. The sensor thing seems cool because it will tell me my pace, distance, time, calories, etc... This morning I took it out to get it all set up and calibrated and went for a little over a mile, running the whole time. Now I know that I've probably been doing this for awhile but it was liberating to see that mile point come up on my ipod. I feel like I'm finally starting to get the hang of this!
The runs last week were great, Dale took me out for my second run of the week, 10/1 x 3, and it seemed like such a breeze doing it with someone. I was really happy because I was able to keep up a decent pace and have a conversation through the whole run. I got lazy and skipped my third run of the week. To my defense I did end up working over the weekend so it through me off a bit. NO excuses I was just lazy. So tonight might be a little bit more punishing as I jump into week 4 of the 5k program....
Run 1: 12/1 x 3
Run 2: 14/1 x 2
Run 3: 15/1 x 2
45 min x train
Monday, April 12, 2010
Spring has Sprung
Last week was a pretty great week. We had gorgeous weather, minus some crazy strong storms earlier in the week that left the area with quite a bit of damage, luckily not our house! After my iffy run on Monday I took a rest day on Wednesday and headed to my soccer game on Wednesday. It proved to be another great workout and it is interesting to count the bruises after those games.
After the poor run on Monday I was pretty nervous/anxious to get my Thursday run out of the way. It was a repeat of Monday's run (7/1 x 4) and knowing how much I struggled then I really didn't want to struggle with Thursday's. I didn't have to worry because that run was great! I'm still getting some cramping but it wasn't nearly as bad as Monday's. I think that the weekend festivities in Milwaukee definitely played a part in the poor run, I'm thinking that I must have been dehydrated. I had a ton of water on Monday but after the lack of water and excess beer over a two day period I think the beer won out!
Friday was a rest day and Saturday was the big finale for week 2 of 5 k training. We had a gorgeous weekend weather wise and Saturday afternoon I headed out for my run in the 75 degree sunshine and insanely windy weather. Saturday's run was 8/1 x 4, another step up, and I got through the first 8 minute stretch okay. I was running straight in to the wind and was so unbelievably hot. The next 8 minute stretch came and I made it to minute 3 and then I did what I normally do when trying to start a running program, I quit. The entire walk home I kept kicking myself and was just so angry that I gave up so easily. By the time I got home I was almost in tears because I was so mad at myself. I started stretching and complaining and this is where my husband stepped in to kick me in my butt. He told me to rest for a little bit, drink some more water and after about an hour he grabbed his running shoes and out the door we went. I'm super happy to say that thanks to him I finished my run and with barely any cramping. It was an AWESOME run and I can't thank Dale enough for pushing me to do it and for making me feel great while doing it. I seriously have an amazing, supportive husband!
Bring on week 3! This weeks runs are 9/1 x 3, 10/1 x 3, 11/1 x 3 and of course 45 minutes of cross training!
After the poor run on Monday I was pretty nervous/anxious to get my Thursday run out of the way. It was a repeat of Monday's run (7/1 x 4) and knowing how much I struggled then I really didn't want to struggle with Thursday's. I didn't have to worry because that run was great! I'm still getting some cramping but it wasn't nearly as bad as Monday's. I think that the weekend festivities in Milwaukee definitely played a part in the poor run, I'm thinking that I must have been dehydrated. I had a ton of water on Monday but after the lack of water and excess beer over a two day period I think the beer won out!
Friday was a rest day and Saturday was the big finale for week 2 of 5 k training. We had a gorgeous weekend weather wise and Saturday afternoon I headed out for my run in the 75 degree sunshine and insanely windy weather. Saturday's run was 8/1 x 4, another step up, and I got through the first 8 minute stretch okay. I was running straight in to the wind and was so unbelievably hot. The next 8 minute stretch came and I made it to minute 3 and then I did what I normally do when trying to start a running program, I quit. The entire walk home I kept kicking myself and was just so angry that I gave up so easily. By the time I got home I was almost in tears because I was so mad at myself. I started stretching and complaining and this is where my husband stepped in to kick me in my butt. He told me to rest for a little bit, drink some more water and after about an hour he grabbed his running shoes and out the door we went. I'm super happy to say that thanks to him I finished my run and with barely any cramping. It was an AWESOME run and I can't thank Dale enough for pushing me to do it and for making me feel great while doing it. I seriously have an amazing, supportive husband!
Bring on week 3! This weeks runs are 9/1 x 3, 10/1 x 3, 11/1 x 3 and of course 45 minutes of cross training!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Intimidation
So this week is apparently all about intimidation. It's week 2 of my 5k training and right now I'm not feeling all that comfortable. After a two day rest (and lots of beer in Milwaukee) Oliver and I headed out on Monday for our run of 7/1 x 4. The first 7 minutes of the run was fine, I walked it out for a minute and started up with the next 7. This did not go over so well and about 4 minutes in my legs just started cramping up and just hurt. I pushed through the 7 and then walked 2 minutes to stretch the legs out. The next 7 seemed to go okay and the last 7 was pure hell again. I got home and did a lot of stretching and used yesterday as a rest day as well.
Tonight will be my 45 minutes of cross training during my soccer game and tomorrow I'll hit the pavement for my 2nd run of the week, another 7/1 x 4. I don't know why I do this to myself but after the not so great run on Monday I'm pretty nervous and intimidated to do this run on Thursday and my final run of the week, 8/1 x 4, on Saturday. I want this so badly and just have to keep pushing through. I guess the positive is that I pushed through and finished and my lungs could handle the run.
Any words of wisdom or advice on how to get rid of these pains in my legs?
Tonight will be my 45 minutes of cross training during my soccer game and tomorrow I'll hit the pavement for my 2nd run of the week, another 7/1 x 4. I don't know why I do this to myself but after the not so great run on Monday I'm pretty nervous and intimidated to do this run on Thursday and my final run of the week, 8/1 x 4, on Saturday. I want this so badly and just have to keep pushing through. I guess the positive is that I pushed through and finished and my lungs could handle the run.
Any words of wisdom or advice on how to get rid of these pains in my legs?
Friday, April 2, 2010
TGIF...
I'm not even sure where this week has gone but the gorgeous weather has definitely made it go by quickly. Week 1 of the 5k training went great. Monday and Tuesday were perfect days to head out and to 5/1 x 5. I think the dog is even getting the hang of running and doesn't try to pull me into a ditch every 2 ft. It's hard to blame him though since he is A LOT faster than I am.
The nice thing with the 5k program is that it is three days of running and one day of 45 minute cross training. I joined an indoor soccer team with my mom a couple of months ago so until indoor season is over i'm using my Wednesday nights for cross training. Playing soccer is seriously one of the best workouts I have ever had. So after two nights of running I was off to my soccer game. We played the best team in our league, and a team that really shouldn't even be in our league so the game was a tough on. It became even tougher when I thought it would be a good idea to block a goal shot with my face. Luckily I was more shocked than hurt, eventhough I had one heck of a headache!
I've also learned through this running program that rest days are essential. Thursday was a much needed rest day as my legs were shot from the runs and soccer. So in true "resting" fashion" I was out in the yard for a couple hours raking and getting ready to fertilize. I forgot how much "work" yard work really was!
My final run came this morning, 6/1 x 5. Morning runs never really seem to go my way but after today I have a newfound love for them... I think. It was a gorgeous run watching the sunrise and a perfect way to end the week.
I'm proud to say that I'm 4 weeks in to this whole running thing and although I can't see the results I can definitely feel them. This is the longest amount of time that I've commited myself to running (without a bootcamp instructor yelling at me to do it)!
Dale and I are off to Milwaukee for the weekend to ctch up with some friends, see some baseball, and take some much needed "rest" time. Happy Easter everyone!
The nice thing with the 5k program is that it is three days of running and one day of 45 minute cross training. I joined an indoor soccer team with my mom a couple of months ago so until indoor season is over i'm using my Wednesday nights for cross training. Playing soccer is seriously one of the best workouts I have ever had. So after two nights of running I was off to my soccer game. We played the best team in our league, and a team that really shouldn't even be in our league so the game was a tough on. It became even tougher when I thought it would be a good idea to block a goal shot with my face. Luckily I was more shocked than hurt, eventhough I had one heck of a headache!
I've also learned through this running program that rest days are essential. Thursday was a much needed rest day as my legs were shot from the runs and soccer. So in true "resting" fashion" I was out in the yard for a couple hours raking and getting ready to fertilize. I forgot how much "work" yard work really was!
My final run came this morning, 6/1 x 5. Morning runs never really seem to go my way but after today I have a newfound love for them... I think. It was a gorgeous run watching the sunrise and a perfect way to end the week.
I'm proud to say that I'm 4 weeks in to this whole running thing and although I can't see the results I can definitely feel them. This is the longest amount of time that I've commited myself to running (without a bootcamp instructor yelling at me to do it)!
Dale and I are off to Milwaukee for the weekend to ctch up with some friends, see some baseball, and take some much needed "rest" time. Happy Easter everyone!
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