First Run in the Rain

"You are much stronger today than you were only 1 month ago."
 
Knowing that I can't determine what the weather will be on race day, I forged ahead and ran today anyway.  It was a little annoying since I was wearing my glasses but I  made it!

Since Matt was sleeping and I was basically running alone, I just went around the block a couple times in order to get my time in.  It worked out fine and I felt close to home in case the weather got unbearable (although I'm pretty determined so it would have to be really unbearable!).

I find that I'm not really hurting while running but I am tired.  My body doesn't hurt it just gets worn out.  I have no regrets!

We exercised 32 minutes total, 16 minutes running, 6 minute maximum run.

HALF WAY TO 5K!

"Aren't you glad you decided to change your life?"

Woohoo!!  This was an exciting day!!  I 'm so glad I decided to change my life.

After Saturday being so hard, I mentioned it at work and Vic says if it was easy everyone would be doing it.  So true!

We exercised 34 minutes total, 16 minutes running, 5 minute maximum run, and got the 1/2 Way To 5K badge.

Challenging Saturday

"You can make things happen.  Decide to do it , and do it!"

Yes, today was challenging...  We were out of town last night and decided to run today and with the times getting longer, it is getting harder.  We also had to increase the distance a little bit so we went almost three miles today in order to get all the time in.

We did go to MoJo Running today before we ran and got Matt fitted for shoes.  It looks like his back pain was a result of rolling his foot which is prevented with the new shoes.  The process involves measuring his foot, checking his arch, looking at his old shoes, watching him walk, and trying several different options.  All in all it worked out great!

I wanted to buy a "running girl" magnet for my car but everyone says I should jinx myself.  I plan to get the 5K magnet after my first race.

We exercised 36 minutes total, 16 minutes running, 5 minute maximum run.

Cold but hanging in there!

"Determination in spite of difficulties guarantees success."

And determined I was!  I have to run!

After much contemplation and considering running at the Rec, Matt and I decided to run the neighborhood tonight after all.  It was really only cold for the first couple minutes and without the wind blowing we were actually fine.

Right before we left, Matt split the side of his shoe and had to wear his Jordans.  We will definitely need to go to MoJo Running this weekend to get him shoes.

We took a little bit of a different route because we are now running more than walking.  Total distance is 2.6 miles.

It was fun to run with Matt alone since we hadn't done that for a while.  I told him how much I love and appreciate him running with me.  During our five minute cool down we saw a group of deer (maybe five or six of them) hanging around in someone's yard.

I  WE exercised 34 minutes total, 14 minutes running, 4 minute maximum run.

Bitter cold success

"If you expect to be successful, you will be successful."

The high today was supposed to be 12°F however it did get up to about 20°.  Brenda and I ran and it was bitter cold.  Three minutes was the max run and the next one is four!  Hopefully the temperature increases during this week.

I exercised 30 minutes total, 10 minutes running, 3 minute maximum run, and got the Rising Star badge.

Saturday, January 19th

"You are already on your way to winning!"

I feel good! I haven't smoked I'm almost three weeks and am on the road to 5K! My plan to replace smoking with running is working well. Am I really just replacing one addiction with another? If so, the new addiction is a good one.

Today we walked.  Our knees are a little sore so we wanted to do some activity.  We also stopped by to see Michael's "wall of fame!"  Michael also gave us some information about strengthening muscles in our thighs to help the knee pain.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming runs as they increase quickly now and I feel ready!

A Little Better Weather

Matt, Brenda and I ran today after work. We couldn't decide whether to run today or tomorrow since the weather would be nice both days. The consensus was to run today, walk tomorrow, and rest on Sunday.

The weather was a little nicer than it has been but still chilly. The app is increasingly having longer runs which is oddly exciting! We exercised 26 minutes total, 8 minutes running, 2.5 minute maximum run.

I'll always remember where I came from!

"Decide to continue.  Decide to succeed.  Decide to reach your goal."

Something happened yesterday that was a little unsettling for me.  A friend, who is an athlete, posted something on Facebook that made fun of people who wore medals on a plane after a race in Disney World.  I wanted to post a comment but decided against it but if I had it would be something like this: "I'm working so hard training for my first 5K that I'm planning to wear my first medal everywhere for a month, even to bed!"

Anyway, the positive side is that this makes me really appreciate all the people I know who are runners and are supportive me every step of the way!  I vow to always remember how it felt to get started.

I exercised 26 minutes total, 8 minutes running, 2.5 minute maximum run.

Another badge... I love badges!

"The rest of your life begins today.  You are already creating a great future!"

The runs are longer and the walks are shorter and I feel great!  I exercised 31 minutes  total, 9 minutes running, 1.5 minute maximum run, and got the Hidden Athlete badge.

Discovering Ibuprofen (and fashion)

Okay, so I should have done this before but I started taking Ibuprofen for my knees and it is helping!  Yeah!!

And today I went to Old Navy and bought a couple new items for running.

Unfortunately tomorrow the weather will get cold again but Matt and I will plan to run after work and before his class.  It will be a little harder run than previously but we are building up slowly for our 5K!

Running... with company

"There are always peaks and valleys.  You are a winner that continues through both."

I sort of feel like Forrest Gump!  First it was me... then Matt and me... then Brenda, Matt and me... today it was Matt, Brenda, Karlee, Savanah and me!  And the best part is that the weather was beautiful and in the 60s.  I could really get used to this!

My knees are hurting a little more so it was a struggle for me but I'm determined to make this happen.

And by the say, the quotes are from the app and I find them relative as well as inspiring.

I exercised 28 minutes total, 8 minutes running, 1.5 minute maximum run.  Same distance as usual, see map below:

 

A day off to recuperate...

My knees are causing me issues so this is my rest day.  Tomorrow I will resume my running but from what I have been told, I need to take a day now and then to just rest my body.  So that is today!

Can't wait for tomorrow and hoping my knees are better.

Registration to first race... check!

"When you hear 'it's too hard,' you are close to doing something amazing."

Well, I did it!  I registered for the Shamrock Shuffle today!!  I'm so excited about this new journey I'm taking.

Brenda decided to run with us today after work.  I think it makes it easier to get started when you have other people who are on the same path.

I exercised 28 minutes total, 8 minutes running, 1.5 minute maximum  run.

And I'm sending Jody the notifications from the 5K app so she can see my accomplishments!!

Making it happen! Week One, Day Three

"Reality always begins with a dream. Make reality happen."

It feels so good to want to rush home from work to run!

I exercised 30 minutes total, 8 minutes running, 1 minute maximum run, and got the Determination badge.

Un-Run Day

On the days I don't run I feel lazy. I need an "unday" activity. For now I think it will be a nice walk with whoever I can get to join me.

Stretched. Ran. Stretched.

"Motivation is a fire from within, only you can light it"

I think I've got it!  My knee is much better and now I'm pretty sure it was merely a muscle strain and I'm going to have to just work through it.

I am loving running!  I feel like I can now say "I am a runner!"  While I have been thinking of other ways to exercise on my non-running days, I've decided to just walk.  Perhaps in the future I'll join the Rec Center and swim or use the equipment, but right now I just want to focus on the task at hand... Couch to 5K!

I really could never have done this when I was smoking.  And I truly believe that I have replaced one addiction (smoking) with another (running).

Time and distance:
30 minutes total, 8 minutes running, 1 minute maximum run.
2.2 miles

2nd First Run

Tonight I rushed home from work to be sure to get my run in before it got too dark because I don't have any reflective clothing.  I am finding that I am looking forward to it more than I thought I would.

I ran with Matty, again using my app!  The problem was that when we finished I realized I had done the "1st day" run again.  Bummer!  But my knee is bothering me a little so it is probably for the best.

I have discovered the important of stretching before I run.  I don't think the knee is a huge issue (since it is the same pain I experience the morning after a night of dancing) but I also don't want it to get worse.  Hopefully I can run on Saturday but am still wondering what to do on my off days.

Time and distance
25 minutes total, 6 minutes running, 1 minute maximum run, and got the LionHeart badge.
1.8 miles

First Run

"The longest journey begins with a small step taken by a brave person."

And so it begins today with my first official run using the "Couch to 5K" app. I love that it tells me exactly what to do - when to walk, run, slow down, etc. The timing worked perfectly with the neighborhood route I chose and I felt completely confident.

I will have to alter the route as it gets a little longer but today I went from Maxine to Sandra, left on Dana, right on David almost to the end, back up Marcia, left on David, left on Dana, right on Melissa and home. It was about 1.75 miles.