Monday. Brisk 5-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog for 90 seconds; Walk for 90 seconds; Jog for 3 minutes; Walk for 3 minutes.
A new week is here! I got some good rest over the weekend, including nursing that dag'gum blister on my heel as well as a muscle strain in my right calf. I felt like this week's workouts would be a bit "easier" than last week's as the intervals of walking and running seemed more manageable. I say, "easier," because it is still challenging, it's just a little less challenging than last week. Well boy was I surprised!! The workout was effectively easier than last week, and the running portions seemed to be over much quicker. But three minutes is a long time when you're running!!
The weather was a bit cooler today, so at least it made for optimal running conditions. Still hot in the sun though...
I started off strong, like always, and decided to take the high school route again. I mapped the route on the computer and discovered that it's about 2 miles round trip. I reached the half-way point faster than I thought I would, and my legs were burning, but I was feeling good. Once the 4th running interval was over, I knew I had done it. It was hard, but I was proud that I didn't quit, once again. "1 minute remaining!" said my C25K trainer, and I did my own personal fist-pump because I was basically done. All that was left was cool down. One of my favorite songs from RENT ("Out Tonight") came on just as I was starting the cool-down, and I danced all the way to my front door.
I am so ready for Week 3 Day 2!!
And just remember....
Friday. Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
I was so busy trying to inspire you all on Wednesday that I forgot to mention the wicked blister I acquired on my left ankle while I was running. I had worn new shoes that day to work, and so the blister was already starting to form on my Achilles tendon. When I went out running, about half-way into the run, I could feel my sock slipping down inside my shoe, thus causing my shoe to rub up against my ankle. It was really starting to hurt, and when I rounded the corner for the home-stretch, I could tell I was bleeding. But I was determined not to stop. Yes it hurt, and yes I couldn't wait to be done and get home, but I was not going to stop. I channeled Steve Prefontaine (who once finished - and won - a race with a cut on his foot), and just kept pushing.
Sure enough, when I finally reached home, I ripped off my shoe, and yup, there was blood on my shoe and my sock. My ankle stung like no tomorrow. Even putting peroxide on it stung like crazy. I had suffered my first running injury.
I told you all that to say that I was a little worried about running today. The blister was still there, and it still stung really bad. I made sure wear socks that would not slip down into my shoe, and kept the blister covered. And off I went.
It was a muggy day today, so it made the running conditions not-so-ideal. But do you think I was going to let that stop me? Heck no! I decided to take a different route today to change it up a bit. Instead of the "M-R-W" run, I ran over to Middlesex High School to run around the track and come back. When I reached the track, I realized it was entirely in the sun (why did I decide to start running in the middle of summer?!). I kinda wanted to stay in the shade, so I decided to take a detour through the woods behind the high school. I then doubled back and headed home. It actually was a bit longer than my other route, which was good because it gave me more time to cool down. I felt energized and tired all at once. I think I may have to repeat one more day of week 2 before moving on to week 3, but I can definitely handle it.
And as for my blister? It was hurting a bit during my warmup, but once I started running, I barely felt it anymore. I'm loving this!!
Wednesday. Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
With no rain in the forecast and cooler temperatures today, I was excited to get out there. I created a new "running mix" of songs from my iPhone, so I was ready to go. Since I'm getting used to my route, I knew how far I had to go before I was halfway. I knew I could do it today. Well, not like I was going to give up anyway!
That is a good tip and a good reminder not just for myself, but for everyone: Eliminate the phrase "I can't" from your vocabulary. Eliminate it! When I tried exercising in the past, I would look at what I set out to do and think, "I can't do that...I will never be that good." And it never failed, I would give up, and I would be left disappointed. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you say "I can't," well, you won't. If you say, "I CAN," you will! When I first looked at the C25k program, I looked ahead to the later weeks to see what I would eventually have to do. Week 5 has you running 5 minutes straight, then walking for 3 minutes. "I can't do that!" I thought to myself. Well of course I can't...right now anyway! I was only on week 1! When I get to week 5, I will be able to do it.
I think people do that often, not just in working out, but in life. They will look ahead to where they have to end up, and think they can't do it. Well of course you can't, because you're not ready yet. Everything in life is a journey. You can't go from being an entry level employee to being the CEO the next day. You can't lose 40 pounds in a day (or even a week). You can't graduate high school or college after your first day. It's all because you're not ready. Everything takes time and practice. Instead of looking ahead to where you need to end up and think "I can't get there," or "I can't do that," look only to the next step you need to take. Trying to reach the end right from the beginning is impossible, but trying to reach your next step is not. Like the advice my cousin Linda gave me before I started this journey: Go slow, stay confident, don't give up, and don't be afraid to repeat some weeks if you have to. It's OK. As long as you are out there doing it, you're out-doing your old self who thought "I can't do that." You CAN do it.
OK, so this was more of an inspirational post than a "what I experienced on my run today" post, but I think it's necessary to motivate and inspire yourself and others too. Motivation and inspiration is what keeps us going, keeps us honest, keeps us "out there" instead of on the couch (or bench, if you prefer a more sports-related analogy). Can't wait for Friday's run...see you then!
Monday. Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
Well, I made it to Week 2! I'm not sure why, but Week 1 seemed VERY long. I had a lot to do last week, so maybe that contributed to the cause. Due to weekend plans I had made to spend with my mom, and an unexpected migraine, I was not able to run on Friday, Saturday OR Sunday (ack!). I was really bummed because I was afraid to skip more than 2 days of running. But I kept as active as I could, and I was excited to get out there today.
The weather forecast was calling for "PM thunderstorms," but I was going running come hell or high water. Sure enough, as soon as I pulled in my driveway, the thunder clouds rolled in and it started pouring. I got ready anyway, and practically stood by the door waiting for it to pass.
That's something I really like about this program...it actually makes me WANT to run, which I have never experienced before. I might go out for a few days, then decide that I'm tired and end up sitting on the couch instead. But I guess that's why they call it "Couch to 5k!"
I started off strong again, but I soon realized that skipping three days of running is NOT a good idea. My legs started burning almost immediately into the first set of jogging. I just kept pushing and saying to myself, "Don't give up. Don't give up." I took the same route as I did on Thursday, which I am dubbing my "M-R-W Run" since it brings me past McDonald's, Rita's and Wendy's.
When I got halfway into the workout, I thought for sure that I wasn't going to make it. But again, I just kept repeating, "Don't quit, don't give up. Don't quit, don't give up." Just then, somebody who was also out for a run rounded the corner the same time as me, only across the street. He was running much like Evan does, which discouraged me a bit. He was only in my sight for a minute or two, and then he disappeared. "Whatever," I thought, "At least I'm out here, I'm doing it."
I finally came to the 1-minute mark and was so proud...I made it, again. I didn't quit. I finished my cool-down and headed for home. I was hot, sweaty and tired, but I did it! And lesson learned, don't skip more than two days at a time!! Bring on week 2 day 2!!
Thursday. 5-minute warm-up walk, then alternating between 60 seconds of running and 2 minutes of walking for a total of 30 minutes.
This was the last of this type of workout, so I was pumped! I was not going to let a little rain stop me this time (it was POURING yesterday, so I had to postpone my workout 'till today). I had a pretty bad day at work, so I channeled all that adrenaline to running. I started off strong, with my Rocky Horror Picture Show station on Pandora to keep my company. I decided to take a slightly different route this time, so when I got to the spot where I normally turn around, I kept going. This made me run past not only McDonald's, but Rita's and Wendy's too. Pfft...who needs 'em?!
I slowed down a little bit when I rounded the corner past Rita's, but shortly after, the voice came on and said I was half-way. I got a sudden burst of energy and pride because even though my legs were burning, I knew I could finish strong. I turned down some of the side streets of Middlesex, and passed by a sweet old Asian man sitting on his porch. When he saw me, he smiled and waved, so I smiled and waved back. Totally made my day, and I got another enormous energy burst! Next thing I knew, "Livin' on a Prayer" came on, and I felt like I could take on the world!! Just then, the voice came on and said, "1 minute left." I was happy, but slightly disappointed...I kinda wanted to keep running!
The next set of workouts increases the running increments to 90 seconds...bring it on!!
Monday. 5-minute warm-up walk, then alternating between 60 seconds of running and 2 minutes of walking for a total of 30 minutes.
Wow, day 2 was a LOT harder than I thought it was going to be. My muscles were still a bit sore from Saturday's adventure, so I started "feeling the burn" a lot quicker this time. It was another hot and humid day, and the sun was right in my face for the first leg. Evan joined me this time for a little extra motivation.
The workout was the same as day 1, so I knew what to expect this time. For some reason though, the running parts seemed to last longer. Maybe because instead of listening to music, I was just running alongside Evan. (It's definitely easier with music!) We did get to see a fox and a couple of deer though :)
I took a slightly different route this time, which actually led me to have to run by McDonald's. I kind of stuck up my nose as I ran by, and was proud that I wasn't inside eating!
I finished my workout in the park again, in the shade. My legs were burning towards the end and I kept checking to see how much time was left. When the voice finally came on and said, "Begin your cool-down," I was so thankful. Thankful that it was cool-down time, and thankful that I hadn't given up. I made it through day 2! I'm not diggin' this heat outside, but I am diggin' that I'm getting out there instead of sitting on the couch. I feel more fit already. On to day 3!
Saturday. 5-minute warm-up walk, then alternating between 60 seconds of running and 2 minutes of walking for a total of 30 minutes.
I set out for my very first adventure on the "C25k" program. I had my best workout clothes on, and new running shoes to complete the outfit. I plugged in my headphones, started up my music, and began the program. The voice told me to begin the 5-minute warm-up walk. "Here goes nothing..." I said to myself, and took my first step.
It didn't take long for me to notice how hot and humid it was outside. But I wasn't going to let it bother me, and I kept going.
Five minutes later, the voice came back and said "begin running." 60 seconds of running...I can handle this. My cousin Linda gave me some good advice for this program and suggested that I run slower than I think I should. Like so slow, it feels silly. I remembered that as I was running. I literally had been walking faster than I was running, but I was doing it.
60 seconds went by faster than I thought, because before I knew it, the voice was back saying, "start walking." OK, two minutes of walking...so far so good. I was feeling good, although I was really feeling the heat outside. I cycled through a few more rounds of running and walking, and started to turn around and head home. At one point, the voice came on and said "you are at the half-way point!" UGH! I thought. Hearing that, I decided to head to the park across the street from my house where I could run in the shade. That felt a little better, so I ended up doing about 4 more laps around the park and soon, the voice came on and said, "Begin cool-down."
I made it! I thought to myself. I did one more lap around the park, and waited for the voice to say "workout completed." I breathed a sigh of relief and headed for my front door. I had done it. Day 1 is in the books. Looking forward to Day 2!
