Excuses, Excuses...

OK friends, I have been a bad girl. I have been on vacation this past week, and did some day-trips, which really messed up my running schedule. On top of that, I went down the shore on Wednesday and got REALLY sunburned! Seriously, it hurts to sit down, and it hurts to even walk. Swimming in the ocean and running around on the beach really messed up my shin splints and made my muscles very sore. 
All that being said, I have not been running since Monday :( Above all else, I really want my shin splints to heal. I do feel like I'm just making excuses though. I want to get back out there, and get my schedule back to normal. I actually miss running! I never thought I would say that! 
What this also means is that I will most likely not be ready to run the Dunellen 5K on Sept. 15th. I just don't feel confident enough, and my strength is not where I would like it to be. But I'm okay with that! There will be plenty of other opportunities to run 5K's this fall, which I will definitely be ready for. 

What I learned these past couple of weeks is that nothing is ever the same forever. If you get yourself into a schedule, you have to be able to adapt depending on what's happening in your life. Ordinarily, I work Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm, and go running on Monday, Wednesday and Friday when I come home. When I went on vacation, that was not my schedule anymore, and I couldn't find a "good time" to go running (that's code for: I got lazy). Don't get lazy! If you can't find a "good time," make the time. The workout only takes 35-40 minutes, so it's not like it takes up the whole day. 
So anyway, I admit, I got lazy these past two weeks, but next week I will be back in action and better than ever!
Again, thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. Check back next week for updates!

Week 6 Day 1 - Take 2

Monday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then: Jog for 5 minutes; walk for 3 minutes; jog for 8 minutes; walk for 3 minutes; jog for 5 minutes.


I don't know what's been going on with me lately, but I have had a headache every day for the past 4 or 5 days it seems like. Having a headache really puts a damper on running because, well, you just don't feel like going. I'm on vacation for three days this week, and this morning when I woke up, I had a headache again. I had my cup of coffee, had breakfast and tried to ride it out. It got a little better, but not much. I decided, then, to go running later in the day like I normally do. Evan and I spent the afternoon in Lambertville/New Hope, and I still had a headache. I took an Excedrin and waited it out.

By 4pm, I thought, "OK, no matter how I feel, I'M GOING." I did not want to put it off another day. I went to the canal path again, and I had the whole trail to myself. As you may or may not know, I am repeating Week 6's workouts. I skipped too many days last week to be able to move on to Week 7, and I wanted to build up my strength again. Soon after I started running, I forgot all about my headache. I definitely felt the strain in my muscles, but it felt good. It was even raining a little bit, so it felt nice and cool out. 
It was so good to get back out there. I could feel myself slipping back into "excuse mode" and just being lazy. Once you start a regular exercise program, you really have to keep up with it, otherwise you can easily become a couch potato again. I will definitely not give up running now!
Oh, did I mention there's only three weeks to go until the Dunellen 5K?

Weekend Update

Due to circumstances (somewhat) beyond my control - migraines, family reunions, shin splints, etc. - I decided to take the weekend off from running. Believe me, I didn't WANT to take the weekend off, but alas, I did. 
That being said, I will be repeating Week 6 of C25K. I am all right with this because I wasn't quite feeling ready to move on to running 2+ miles with no walking in-between. I didn't want all of you to worry about me, so I thought I'd hop on and give you this update. I have by no means given up, I just needed to listen to my body and rest. 

I did have a lovely time with my family at the reunion, and really enjoyed the time off. Everyone seemed interested to hear about my progress in the C25K program, and I was happy to share!
So, fear not faithful followers! I will be back in action starting tomorrow, and as always, will be posting my results here for you all. 
Week 6 - Take 2. Here goes nothing...

Week 6 Day 2

Thursday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then: Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes); walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes); jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes).

I decided to take an extra day of rest yesterday. I wasn't feeling so great, number one, and number two, I wanted to give my poor shins another day to try and heal. I even went and got myself some brand new ace bandages and insoles for my shoes.
This program has really done a number on my legs! I think it's because I went from doing next to nothing, to doing a LOT in a very short period of time. Even though it's only three days of workouts, that's three days that I wasn't doing before. Not to mention, I've mostly been running on concrete which can really cause a lot of pain and injury if you're not careful.

I think that's a good thing to keep in mind. It's really important to listen to your body. Pain is your body's way of sending you a signal. My husband says that pain is just the weakness leaving your body - which I partially agree with. Sometimes when you feel pain in one area, your body over-compensates for that pain and adjusts itself accordingly, so you could risk even more injury to other areas. It's great to have that passion and drive to want to keep going, but don't risk injuring yourself further. If you're injured, you can't do anything so take it easy on yourself!

Today's run was great. I felt a LOT better than I did last Saturday. Even though there was a 3-minute walk break in the middle, I felt like I could have kept going to do the two miles without stopping. Keeping my shins wrapped, and my arches supported really did make a difference. I felt really strong, and kept getting bursts of energy so I picked up the pace a little bit each time. 
I started playing this game with myself. I would pick a point just within my view and say, "OK, you just have to make it to that point." Then when I got to that point, I would pick another point and do it again. I just kept celebrating those tiny victories, and before I knew it, one mile was up!
I lost a good bit of energy during the second mile, but when I heard the famous "One minute left!" I sprinted to the finish line. I couldn't believe I had done it! I really feel much stronger and much more confident. I was honestly feeling down on myself this morning, and I thought it was only going to get harder. But again, I continue to be surprised as to what my body is capable of!! 

Week 6 Day 1

Monday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then: Jog for 5 minutes; walk for 3 minutes; jog for 8 minutes; walk for 3 minutes; jog for 5 minutes.

I spent the weekend trying to recover from the pain I was feeling in my left calf/ankle. I had my trusty KT Tape on, and kept an ice pack on my shins - 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. On Sunday, I kept a tightly (but not too tight!) wrapped ace bandage around my ankle for compression and stability, and kept it elevated as much as I could.
Today I was feeling good again. I was excited to get out there and start a new week. I decided to bring my buddy Matt along with me this time. He was complaining to me about putting on a little "summer weight," so I made him come running with me for a little extra motivation :)
We went to the Canal Path, since it was still a little hot outside. And off we went! I admit, I was a little nervous about running because I didn't know how my shins would feel. When the first running interval came along, I winced at first, but then the rest of the way felt fine! Having Matt there for motivation really helped. He did a good job of keeping up, and it was fun to keep each other going. We just kept saying, "How much further? We can do this! We got this!" The 8-minute interval in the middle did not feel that long at all. When you have a buddy with you, you're not paying as much attention to how tired you are or how bad your legs are hurting. You know, I usually like running alone, but I thoroughly enjoyed having a running buddy!
I did make sure to stretch properly when we got back, and I kept ice on my poor shins. I just keep pushing and keep going! Only three weeks to go!

Here's me and Matt, post-workout:

Week 5 Day 3

Saturday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking.

Holy crap you guys, I just ran two miles without stopping!! I am continually amazed at what my body can do each week. Granted, there were some points where you could have walked faster than I was running, but the point was, I didn't stop. I was feeling a LOT of pain, but I just pushed through it and kept going. It's amazing how sometimes if you push through the pain, it eventually goes away. (Of course, it's important to pay attention to that pain so you don't injure yourself further.)
This was the first time I have done a morning run. It had just rained, so the air was nice and cool, and the sun wasn't fully out yet. I decided to do my "M-R-W" run because I knew that was just about 2 miles. Evan went running as well, so every so often, we would pass each other on the street. 
I started to think about running the 5K. I pictured the crowd and everyone cheering and how that would make me feel. I pictured crossing the finish line and all the people (myself included) who would be so proud of me. I can't believe I am just three weeks away from being ready to run a 5K. I never would have thought my body was capable of doing this. Just a couple of months ago, I wouldn't have been able to run around the block, let alone run around the neighborhood! 
C25K shared this picture on Facebook and Twitter this week, and I just loved it so much, that I'm sharing it again. I can't thank you all enough for your support and encouragement. On to week 6!!

Week 5 Day 2

Wednesday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then: Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes); walk 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes); jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes).

So today I began running distances instead of times. I was feeling confident and pumped, so I was eager to get out there and do my workout.
I decided to ride my bike to the track at Middlesex High School so that I could easily calculate the distances for each interval. Three-quarters of a mile is three laps around the track, and half-a-mile is two. Just like I was on Monday, I kept thinking to myself, "I can't believe I'm doing this!" I even brought Evan along with me so he could coach me a little and keep me motivated :)
I am absolutely stunned at what I've been able to accomplish in just 5 short weeks...and really, only 15 days since I work out only 3 days a week.  I keep looking back at past times that I have tried running and just failed miserably. I was always trying to accomplish too much, too fast, and too soon. I wanted to be able to run a 5K after a week, but I always failed because that is close to impossible. Unless your name is Superman (or Superwoman), it is crazy to think you will be able to run a 5K after only one week of training, especially if before, you were a certified couch potato like myself. 

C25K is really amazing, and I will confess that when I first started, I didn't think I would make it. I thought, just like every other time, I would get maybe 2 or 3 weeks in and either quit or give up. But now, I am past the half-way point, and I see no signs of quitting, giving up, or failing at all! I have just three weeks to go, and I will be ready for my first 5K! I'm really starting to feel like a real athlete now. I can feel my muscles developing and getting stronger. I have more energy for my workouts (thanks in part to my friend Mary! Check her out at New Reflections!) I feel absolutely amazing. 

By Friday, I am supposed to run 2 whole miles with no walking in-between (yikes!). I'm excited, and I know I can do it. Bring it on!!

Week 5 Day 1

Monday. Brisk 5-minute warmup walk, then: Jog for 5 minutes; walk for 3 minutes; jog for 5 minutes; walk for 3 minutes; jog for 5 minutes.

Now that I am past the half-way point, we are getting into the "meat and potatoes" portion of the workouts. This is where it starts to work you up to the final push before running the 5K. Over the weekend, I was nursing my shins as I seem to have developed shin splints. This is most likely due to the fact that I literally went from being a certified couch potato to being a runner pretty quickly. Plus, I often run on hard surfaces like concrete. My muscles are just not used to this much activity...but all the more reason to keep going, I need to get in shape!
So I found myself some kinesiology tape - that colorful tape you may have seen the Olympians wearing on various parts of their bodies - and tried it out on Saturday. It seemed to be working, as I did not feel any pain in my shin...of course, all I was doing was walking around the house. I was eager to try it out during my run to see if it really would work. Turns out, it did work! I was feeling almost no pain in my shins! Evan was skeptical and thought that it was probably producing a placebo effect. But hey, if I wasn't feeling any pain, I was happy. Of course, I made sure to stretch properly before and after and ice my shin after the run. Just because I wasn't feeling any pain did not mean it wasn't there.

I felt GREAT on today's run. I honestly felt like I could run a 5K today! The first 5 minute interval felt amazing. Since I wasn't feeling much pain in my shins, I felt like I could run forever. When the walking part came up, I was almost disappointed that I had to stop! I wanted to keep going. But I just cheered myself on, and couldn't wait for the next running part. I tried to push myself a little harder, and run a little faster. I felt great. I got to the half-way point a lot faster than I thought I would, but I was still feeling great. I decided to take it easy on the last 5-minute interval until it was time for the cool-down. I kept saying, "I can't believe I'm doing this!" I was grinning ear to ear. I never would have thought I was capable of this type of exercise. I am so proud of myself, and I really appreciate all the encouragement from all of you. Did I mention I felt great today?!

So with that, I leave you with this...

Week 4 Day 3

Monday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then: Jog for 3 minutes; walk 90 seconds; jog 5 minutes; walk 2.5 minutes; jog 3 minutes; walk 90 seconds; jog 5 minutes.
I'm half-way there!! I can't believe it. If you had told me four weeks ago that I would be half-way to running a 5K I would have called you crazy and probably laughed in your face. It's amazing what you can do if you really commit to something and stick to it! It's also great that the Olympics are on right now because it's giving me great motivation!
This is so much more challenging than I thought. Challenging in a good way, though. Even if I never run a 5K, I got my butt off the couch and I am running!  I never thought I would be capable of pushing my body to these limits. Towards the end of each run when my legs and feet are tired, and I just want to quit and go home to lay on the couch, I tell myself "don't stop," and I keep going. 
Today's run was...interesting. I decided to go do a loop around the track at the park and come back. When I got to the park, there were these three teenage boys riding their bikes. I was running pretty slow because my legs were hurting a bit. One of the boys decided to cruise past me on his bike and go, "HELLO!" I just looked at him and said, "Seriously dude?" and kept running. I could see them watching me the whole way around the loop. On my way back around the loop, I saw a deer with a broken leg. I felt so bad, and at one point, she looked up at me. I wanted to go help her, but I knew she would run away. Just then, the ice cream man drove by me! He waved, and I smiled, but inside I was scoffing at him. I don't need your ice cream! I thought. 
When I got to the traffic light, the boys were waiting there on their bikes and the one decided to ride by me again and say, "HELLO!" I just shook my head and ran on.
During the last 5-minute run, I got to a point where I wasn't really paying attention to how long I had been running. Then finally the voice came on and said "One minute left!" and I thought that I could keep going for a few more minutes. I guess that's a good sign because next week starts the heavy running. Here's to the second half of C25K! I know I can do it!!

Week 4 Day 2

Monday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then: Jog for 3 minutes; walk 90 seconds; jog 5 minutes; walk 2.5 minutes; jog 3 minutes; walk 90 seconds; jog 5 minutes.
OK kids, let this be a lesson to you. It is ALWAYS a good idea to eat a well-balanced meal to fuel you up before you go running. Not right before, of course, but at least an hour or two before your workout. Today I had a big breakfast, so wasn't too hungry at lunch. I ate half of my sandwich, 1/4 of a bag of chips, and an ice cream sandwich. When it came time for my workout after I got home from work, I definitely felt that I didn't have enough energy and that the workout was going to be tough. It was tough all right. 
The first 3-minute jog was not bad, and I was actually feeling good. But when it came time for the first 5-minute jog, I swear that 5 minutes lasted 10 minutes. The heat from the pavement was sucking the life out of me. I just kept telling myself to keep going, no matter how slow I was running. I was determined not to stop. 
Finally, the end of the second 5-minute jog came. "One minute remaining," said the voice. OK, I can do this, I thought. I got a little burst of energy at the end and was able to pick my feet up a little more. My favorite song in the world (Bohemian Rhapsody) came on, so that at least made me smile :)
I made it to the end, and started my cool-down. I was so relieved it was over. I was proud of myself that I didn't stop, but from now on, will make sure that I eat a proper lunch!! 
I leave you with this:

Week 4 Day 1

Monday. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk, then: Jog for 3 minutes; walk 90 seconds; jog 5 minutes; walk 2.5 minutes; jog 3 minutes; walk 90 seconds; jog 5 minutes.
I admit, I was a little bit terrified of today's workout. The thought of jogging for 5 minutes straight freaked me out. Not that I thought I couldn't do it, it's just that I've never done it before, so I was curious as to how it would go. Off I went!
The first 3 minute jog was not bad. I had a little tightness in my left calf that started up pretty much immediately, but I just took it slow and pushed through the pain. I made it through with little effort (crazy right?!). I made it through the next walking interval and it was time for the 5-minute run. I had a song picked out that I knew was about 5 minutes long, and that song is "What You Own," from the RENT soundtrack. So I fast forwarded to that song and started off. "I can do this," I said to myself. "I can do this." I took it slow, and kept telling myself that I could do it. I knew when the song would be over, and I knew I could make it. And wouldn't you know it, the end of the song came and I was still going! I did it! 
I knew at that point if I could do it once, I could do it again. And do it again I did. This time, I knew that at some point, the voice would say, "1 minute remaining," and I had decided to do a final push as fast as I felt comfortable. Boy did that feel good. I finished strong and got a final burst of energy to close out the workout. "Begin your cool-down," said the voice. I threw my hands in the air and cheered, "YES!" I felt like an Olympian. I had made it.
So, I'm not as freaked out about Wednesday's workout now because now I KNOW that I can do it. Not that I ever doubted myself ;)

Week 3 Day 3

Friday. Brisk 5-minute warm-up walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog for 90 seconds; Walk for 90 seconds; Jog for 3 minutes; Walk for 3 minutes.
Another week of running comes to a close! I decided to treat myself to a little change of scenery, so I went to the canal path that runs in between the Raritan River and the Canal. It was actually quite nice! There was all kinds of wildlife, and it was mostly in the shade, so that was an added bonus. It's always nice to switch up your route for a change of pace (haha, get it?) :)
It was BRUTAL out there today. The air was so thick and hot, so it made it hard to breathe and even harder to keep pace during the running parts. (Seriously, what was I thinking starting this running program in the middle of summer??) But no amount of humidity was going to stop me, so off I went. 
I admit, this week was challenging. Three minutes is a long time to run without stopping! But it's crazy to think that just a month ago, I would never have thought that I could run for three minutes straight, or even ONE minute straight! Next week's workouts make me a little nervous, but you won't hear me say I can't do it! 
Well, I don't have much to say so I will leave you with this:

Week 3 Day 2

Wednesday. Brisk 5-minute warm-up walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog for 90 seconds; Walk for 90 seconds; Jog for 3 minutes; Walk for 3 minutes.
Running in the rain!! How cool am I?? I wanted to give running in the rain a try, and boy did I love it! There was no one else on the road with me, and the cooling rain felt so good, even though I was still sweating. Of course now I'm soaking wet, but it was totally worth it!!


I realized that I have not yet shared any of my weight loss/fitness goals with you all. By the way, I thank you all for the continued support and encouragement so far. It really does help keep me motivated...really!! Keep it up!!


Anyway...my goals are as follows: 
Weight Loss
I want to lose at least 20 pounds, but ideally, 30 pounds or more. My "wedding weight" was 135, and I would love to get back there. I haven't necessarily put a time constraint on the weight loss because I don't want to get disappointed if I don't make it (e.g. "Lose 30 pounds by Christmas"). I just want to lose the weight, period. I have to teach myself not to be obsessed with the scale. For a while, I was getting on it every day, and it would just discourage me because I wasn't losing any weight. Where I feel the weight loss is in how my clothes fit, and how I look and feel. The other day I put on a pair of shorts that two weeks ago didn't fit me! While the scale didn't really reflect any significant weight loss, I knew something happened because now those shorts fit me! I feel slimmer and with all this running, I feel more athletic. I just feel great.


Fitness
Since I'm doing the C25K program, my goal is pretty obvious...run a 5K! If I complete the 8 weeks without repeating any, I should finish by the first week of September. It has always been a goal of mine to run the 5K in my hometown - the Dunellen 5K. This race usually takes place in late September, after school starts. So my goal is to be ready in time to run the Dunellen 5K. I have always been a spectator at 5K's because my hubby Evan is a runner who regularly runs 5K's in our area. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching, taking pictures and cheering, but how awesome will it be this time to be able to run alongside my husband with people cheering for me?! I'm scared but excited because I know I can do it! And I have all of you to cheer me on and keep me going. 


So there you have it...my fitness goals. Seriously, I really appreciate all the encouragement. And if you're praying for me, I appreciate that too!! I know I can do this!!