Old Blogs

It's funny to look back at what I thought I was doing. I love that I can look back and see and I hope it educates others. I thought I was moving so quick and injury after injury happened slowing down my training. Now I've got new shoes with the proper support and so far I've been good. Let's keep on running and work up to our goals!

Did I Mention That This is an Addiction?

So I ran my second 5k and now I'm thinking I want to train for a half marathon. I still have a few steps to go before that but I love the feeling of race day and I want to do more! I know my body can do it and the more I stick to training the better I become! My goal is to run in the Disney World Half Marathon in 2011 that gives me a little over a year to train.

My race was great the other day. So much fun! I shaved almost 3 minutes from my race in September. I'm still slower than I would like to be but as long as I'm improving I'm happy. Now I hope to stick to my training and keep moving forward. I have 30 more pounds to lose as well so when I do that I'm sure I'll speed up just from that.

Hi I'm still at it

I have still been training but at my own pace. With winter setting in my knee has been giving me problems and so has my asthma. Nothing too major though I went to the doctor and got a new inhaler to help me out. Also I haven't injured myself since I have bought new shoes! I LOVE them! I went to a running store and they fit me for a pair, I felt like I had new legs! Everyone needs to get a professional shoe fitting, it will change your running life. :)

I now have joined a team that is going to do the couch to 5k program and I'm going to get up to running the whole 5k!

My second race is tomorrow and it looks like it is going to be cold and rainy/snowy, it will make it all that more rewarding!

Running in the rain

I ran in the rain for the first time the other day, it was great. It wasn't raining too hard so I didn't get soaked. The biggest obstacles were avoiding puddles and worms. My heart rate is improving and I am getting faster as well. Every other morning I run 3.1 miles (with some walking still) but I am getting better times.
I did sign up for my next race on Thanksgiving morning. I figure it would be a great way to burn some calories before I eat a bunch of turkey and pie! I hope to get my time down to 35 minutes or less. This race is also computer chipped so I will have an accurate time as well. I am excited!

First Race

Me and my friend Ana

Me coming to the finish

I did my first race on Sunday! It was great! I didn't run the whole thing but I ran most of it and my time was 39:01, which was my goal (under 40 minutes). It was nice outside and many people were walk/running the course so that was good as well, I didn't feel like a wimp. I came in 306th place out of 420. Running in this race has got me more motivated to train hard core again. I would love to be able to race and really compete. For now I'm competing against myself but I hope next year I can place in the top group and win a metal. If I keep training I think I will be able to place in many races.

New Program

So I haven't been able to blog with every run since I've been back so I guess I'll just do what I can. I signed up for my first 5k today and have one month to get ready! I wanted to run this morning and my right leg was hurting so I decided to wait until tomorrow.
I'm trying something new, adding a quarter mile almost every run I'm going to run 2 miles tomorrow. If I stay on track I should be fine for my race. I wish I didn't get hurt a few moths ago it really slowed me down. I kinda lost my enthusiasm for running but think it is coming back. With taking a step back it makes me not as excited I think but now I can see a clear plan and that makes me happy.

Energy?

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 191
Average HR 151
Speed 3-6MPH

I just didn't have it in me this morning, and like I mentioned it's probably all in my head. I just felt like I couldn't do it today :( That's okay though I'll have a stronger run next time. My diet has been way off for a while and I'm sure that doesn't help either.

Today I walked .25 of a mile and then ran 1 mile then walked .25. I think I'm just going to add to my run distance every time I run until I'm at 3.1 miles. The race is in about a month so I need to get up to it quick, it makes me nervous.

It's All Mental

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 194
Average HR 160
Time 30 minutes
Distance 2.4 miles?
Speed 3-6MPH

Wow today's run was a lot different than my last run. I did five minutes less of cool down and ran for 20 minutes with no walking. It is so hard after having that break, my legs were hurting a little through the whole run and it became very difficult to breathe after 10 minutes. I think my max HR was for the last eight minutes of the run or so. So I think I'm going to do two 10 minute runs the next time I run and then go to a 25 minute straight run the following run. from there I can do three 25 minute runs, then three 28 minute runs, and my 30 minute run. Once I'm there, I think I just need to get my speed up. The race I'm going to run is in the beginning of September, so I need to be able to do 5k by then. I might start to run outside soon, but only once a week to get ready for it.

I'm still amazed at what our bodies can do. I was off for about a month and feel like I can get back on track. I'm glad I wen back a few weeks I don't want to risk injury, and this feels challenging, but good. I can't wait until I can run 30 minutes again!

I CAN RUN AGAIN!

Run from 7/19:
On treadmill
Max HR 193
Average HR 155
Time 30minutes
Distance ? miles
Speed 3-6MPH

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 191
Average HR 149
Time 35 minutes
Distance 2.4 miles

That was too long of a break! I hope I don't get injured like that ever again. It is so hard to run, I went back to the 5th week of my plan so I can rebuild what I've lost in the last month. It feel s like the right place to start, it's hard but not so hard I need to quit. I need to stay on track now because the Shorewood Scoot will be here before I know it.
Speed 3-6MPH

Still Hurt

I'm still hurt and need to go to the doctor, bummer. My lower back is killing me and my shin seems to be fractured? I guess I'll find out if I ever go to the doctor. I know I should go but I don't have the best insurance. We shall see. Until then I'm not running and I hope that I can at least start going back to the gym and get back on track.

Injured Again?

Still no running for me my leg is not better. I was going to run yesterday and didn't have time but when I ran into my house to get something the pain was back. It is in my right lower leg and goes all the way through the shin to my calf. My big fear is that I will hurt myself and not be able to run and here I am. In the morning (if i get to sleep soon) I'm going to the gym so I can do some other exercise keep the heart training.

Rest is Needed

My right leg has been hurting so I've been taking it easy. I have been doing some light cardio but I'll pick up running again tomorrow My leg has felt better for the last few days so I think I'm good to run again.

I Missed a Post

This is info from a day I forgot to blog 6/19/09
Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 192
Average HR 162
Time 40 minutes
Distance ? miles
Speed 3-6MPH

Week 9

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 192
Average HR 159
Time 45 minutes
Distance 3.4 miles
Speed 3-6MPH

Today was better than my last run, not as hot. My last week of the "couch to 5k" plan! I'm walking 5 minutes running 30 minutes and then walking 10 minutes, it's awesome. Now I need to work on speed and I'm sure that will come as I lose weight and I am just lighter. I do feel like the speed thing will just get easier and easier, running at 6 MPH is a challenge and I only do it for a minute at a time right now but soon it will be my whole run. Right now I'm just proud of myself for being able to run 30 minutes! I think I'm going to keep my running routine like this for a while and just improve on speed and being able to go further in the same amount of time. By time I run my first race, I'll be in great shape, and fast.

Hot in Chicago

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 192
Average HR 163
Time 40 minutes
Distance 3 miles
Speed 3-6MPH

Today it was so hot in my room (where I run). I turned my fan on high and drank cold water. I haven't been sleeping well either just very hot upstairs. I had a hard time breathing and more than the normal challenge. My max heart rate didn't get too far up there but my average is elevated. Today's run was supposed to be 28 minutes no walking but I had to stop short at about 23 minutes running then I ran the last 5 after a 2 minute walk. The heat is my enemy, I think it's time to move the treadmill to the basement.

Running before breakfast is still doing well If I had ate this morning before I ran I might have gotten sick. I do workout later in my day as well after I eat to maintain and hopefully build muscle. When I go to the gym I do strength training and a little more cardio. So far I feel like I'm more fit everyday and I want to keep on going.

Week 8

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 194
Average HR 155
Time 40 minutes
Distance 3 miles
Speed 3-6MPH

Today's run went well. I never think I'm going to be able to finish, but I do. This week I'm running 28 minutes with no walking, it is tough (as always). Next week I'll be running the full 30 minutes and then I'll need to work on speed.

I joined a gym yesterday to get a more well rounded workout. Now I'm incorporating other cardio into my routine so I can do more without over doing the running :) I am really enjoying being a runner and can't wait until I can race!

Back After the Weekend

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 197
Average HR 156
Time 40 minutes
Distance 3 miles
Speed 3-6MPH

So I had a non workout weekend, a little rest was needed. I went out Saturday night and was out way too late. I got home at 4am so I slept most of yesterday. This morning it was back to my normal routine get up and run. Running without breakfast is still what I'm doing and it is great. I keep dropping weight this week too, 2lbs in two days. I'm just coming off a plateau so I suspect that is why, but I wonder if the morning runs have helped break that plateau. As long as I feel good doing it I'm going to continue with this method.

5k in 40 Minutes

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 194
Average HR 158
Time 40 minutes
Distance 3
Speed 3-6MPH

I lost my post and need to go to work. more later...

5k in 40 Minutes

Today's Run:

On treadmill

Max HR 194

Average HR 158

Time 40 minutes

Distance 3 miles

Speed 3-6MPH



Well I'm getting there. One more 25 minute run in a few weeks I will be running the whole 5k. Then I'll need to work on my speed. Once I'm doing that well I will progress to 10k training. I am still very challenged and enjoy the feeling of finishing my run more improved from the last run, it's great.



Running before breakfast has made it much easier to stay on track. I can get up and run and have the whole day to do whatever I want without worrying about fitting my run in and having the energy to do it. This really shocks me as I usually need to eat every 3-4 hours to keep my blood sugar up. The last few weeks I have been eating a better more well balanced diet and I'm sure that helps as well.

I'm Still Amazed

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 191
Average HR 155
Time 40 minutes
Distance 2.94
Speed 3-5.5MPH


I'm running 25 minutes without walking in the middle. My routine now is walk 5 minutes, run 25 minutes, walk 10minutes. The "couch to 5k" routine has been perfect for me. Every time I run I am challenged and I feel stronger every time I finish. In a few weeks I'll be running 3.2 miles with ease, then I'll have to work on my time. My first 5k is in September and I want to finish with a good time.

I also ran on empty again today. running before breakfast seemed impossible but so far I enjoy it. I like to get up and go, getting my run done first thing is so nice. I hate the feeling of trying to find time later in the day.

Before Breakfast Run

Today's Run:On treadmill
Max HR 213
Average HR 148
Time 35 minutes
Distance 2.3
Speed 3-5.5MPH


So I don't think my max HR is accurate today, I didn't go that crazy. I did run before I ate breakfast though, and it went well.

I read (in a few books) that running before breakfast will burn more fat because of the lack of glycogen in the system, your body starts using fat for energy. If done for much longer than 30min (at high intensity) it could be more harm than good, eating away your muscle. This idea is very controversial, but when you need to lose a large amount of fat it is (supposedly) effective. Strength training is also recommended and I do that as well so I can maintain my lean muscle mass. I like the idea of running first thing because it feels good to just get it done. Running is great it makes me feel good but I hate having to get up... eat... wait for a while... then run... cool down etc... So I'm going to try this and see what kind of results I get and how I continue to feel. Muscle cramping in my right leg was a problem today for a bit, I don't think I drank enough water before I ran. Next time I want to drink a few glasses of water first and see how I do.

The thing that cut my run short today is a blister on my foot rubbing on my shoe. I'll have to get a blister bandage they work great and cushion the blister so I can run without pain. Since I ran yesterday I didn't mind cutting things short, I didn't want to blister more. When I used to do Karate my feet would blister but when new skin grew back it was tough and wouldn't blister again. I imagine it is the same with running, my feet need to be broken in and toughened up. Another improvement stronger skin on my feet, lol.

Much Better

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 189
Average 156
Time 45 minutes
Distance 3.1 miles
Speed 3-5MPH

Morning runs are the best! Today I ran 25 minutes no walking and it was possible. I think I need to just get up earlier to run. My issue is breakfast and finding time to eat, digest, and then run, so I just need to change my sleeping/waking up habits. I think the run later in the day is hard for me after being on my feet at work, my legs get tired so quickly. I think I'm going to start running more often now that I've been doing it for a while. I was reading today to run on an empty stomach in the morning. I'm not a huge fan of this idea because of the lack of energy but like the idea of no food in my belly to cramp up. So I figured I would give it a shot in the morning and see. This is something I keep hearing about and if it works I can sleep in a little more, lol ;)

Running After Work

I didn't have a chance to post yesterday after my run, but it was tough. I had to run after work and my legs were tired. I think this is just something I need to start doing on a regular basis. I don't think I had enough water either and I cramped up a bunch so I still had to do a run/walk. I hope to start running more often but then I will have to run after work more days. I'm sure it is something I will adapt to. I love running and getting stronger. I can't wait until my next run, to get and feel better. I am always moving forward, even days like yesterday when I don't feel like running I went and did what I could.

Rough Day

Today's Run:
On treadmill
Max HR 192
Average HR 134
Time 40 minutes
Distance 2.67
Speed 3-5.5MPH

Today I had a hard time. I didn't feel that great before I ran and did anyway. I made it through and I'm glad that I made myself do it. Today's run was 10 minutes running and 3 minutes walking 10 minutes running. My next run is 25 minutes without walking. It's still amazing to me that I can run at all.

Week Six

Today's run:
On treadmill
Max HR 190
Average HR 147
Time 40 minutes
Distance 2.775 miles
Speed 3-5.5 MPH and one sprint 8MPH for 30 seconds

I did not feel up to running today. I haven't been sleeping very well the last few nights and I'm feeling lethargic. Even though I didn't want to run, I feel good that I did. Today was a walk/run so it wasn't too bad. I can't wait to improve on speed I tried to run most of the time at 5.5MPH and when I got tired I slowed to 5MPH. I love to add a sprint after my normal run, today it was 8MPH for 30-40 seconds, it feels great to go that fast. Next week I don't have any more walking during my run. If I can get my speed up to 6MPH I will almost have my 30 minute 5k. So I feel like I'm right on track and by he end of the 9 weeks I'll be in great running shape. If I continue to lose weight too just being lighter will help make me faster. I sometimes think being overweight helps in training because the extra weight is extra resistance, but I'll be very happy to shed the excess weight.

Now that I'm getting close to the end of this program I'm getting the itch to run outside. I have a route that is about 3 miles long around my neighborhood. I'll need to get some new running wear so I'm not running in my pajamas (which is what I wear now) through the neighborhood.
I also would have to get up early to beat the heat and I'm not a morning person, at least it isn't too hot yet.

Whooooooie

Today's run:
on treadmill
Max hr 198
average hr 160
time 37 minutes
distance 2.5
speed 3-5mph


Holy cow today was tough, I didn't think I would make it through the whole run. I had to run 20minutes with no walking, and about 10 minutes is all I am comfortable with, after that it was very challenging. So far out of my comfort zone that I wanted to quit at that point, but knew that I could push myself and I would only improve after it was over. Recovery from running today took a long time I walked for 10 minutes and still couldn't get my heart rate below 135.
I can't believe I CAN run for 20 minutes. Even if I'm slow I CAN run 20 minutes. I can't wait until I can do this with ease and increase my speed! Today I ran the slowest I ever have. Most of the run was my norm of 5MPH. After that 10 minute point I had to slow down to 4.8MPH for about 8 minutes, still not too bad as long as I ran the full 20. My knee feels almost 100% again too :)

I'm Back in the Game

Today's workout:
On treadmill
max heart rate 188
average heart rate 150
time 40minutes
distance 2.624 miles
speed 3-6mph

So happy to run today after a week or so off. My knee is still not right and didn't feel that great today when running. It is more swollen and tight than anything. The pain that is there is dull but tolerable and it even seemed to go away after about 3 minutes of running. Now I'm icing it and trying to keep it from getting worse. After my break I didn't think I would be able to pick up from where I left off but I was able to. My run today was walk 5 minutes run 8 minutes walk 5 run 8, I also added a 2 minute sprint and extra walking as usual. Most of the time running I run at 5mph it seems so slow but I'm sure I'll get faster. My next run is 20 minutes no walking! I hope my knee cooperates.

Injured List

Super sad :( I hurt my knee the other day. I'm bummed out hat I can't run but I don't want to hurt myself more. I should be able to run in the morning I hope.

Week Five

This week has a different run every time. I ran after work today and didn't enjoy it as much as running in the morning. I ran at about 5MPH, my max heart rate was 189 and average was 147. Today I had to walk run with running 5 minutes at a time. By the end of the week I will be running 20 minutes without walking! I almost can't believe it.

I'm a Runner

It has been one month since I started running. Today is my 30th Birthday and I love that I have accomplished this goal by this day! By the end of next week I'm going to be running 20 minutes strait, I can't believe it. I did add a 1.5 minute 7MPH sprint again at the end of my run and that maxed out my heart rate to 192 and I averaged 149.

I twisted my ankle last week (walking up a flight of stairs)and I keep twisting it over and over. When I run it hurts for a little while and then works itself out. Hopefully my new running shoes will help.

Can't wait to see how next week goes!

Getting Stronger Everyday

I love this program, "Couch to 5k" is working great for me! Every time I run I feel improvement. I have to push myself every time, I am out of my comfort zone, but it feels great! Today I had a max heart rate of 189 and averaged 142. I ran at 5 MPH and walked 3-3.2 MPH, I also added a 2 min 6 Mph sprint at the end.

Thursday is my birthday (I'll be 30) and I hope to get my shoes this weekend with the extra money. Can't wait to have a new pair of kicks! I love the way new shoes feel. I'm getting them at a running store so they are fitted correctly. When I get them I'm sure they will be announced.

The healthy eating bug has bitten me too. I have been logging all of my food intake so that I'm eating the correct amount of calories. It makes it a lot easier to make better choices when it comes to food. If I can get rid of some weight I will run faster, I like to think. I did lose 10lbs a few months ago and it helped my knee, and last week I carried a 10lbs weight down the stairs and my knee hurt. So at least I know it helps that problem, and it's been doing pretty well so far with running. I have a little pain here and there but not when running :)

Week Four

Today I did the first day of week four! It is so great to have such fast progress, I can run 5 minutes at 5MPH, I never would have been able to do that a month ago. This week I walk/run with running 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes and repeat. My legs felt it today and so did my heart and lungs. My max heart rate was 191 and averaged 155. A great challenge not too hard but pushing it a little more every week. I get my new shoes this week too :)

5/7/09

Today was my last day of week three on the couch to 5k plan. It amazes me how fast the human body adjusts to workouts. I feel an improvement every time I run. The challenge is still there but I don't feel like I'm going to die (which is what I normally feel like). Working up gradually is the trick I think.
Today I walk/ran at 3-6MPH as usual and my max heart rate was 187 with an average of 139.
Yesterday I played a few rounds of disc golf and I even have more stamina for that. I'm so glad I decided to try to become a runner.

5/5/09

Still with it, still taking it slow. My knee has been doing well, some pain here and there but not so much when running. Today I ran/walked 2.5 miles in 40 minutes, 3miles in 50minutes and strength training. My max heart rate 194 average 139. I ran 90 seconds at 6MPH and 3minutes 5MPH walking between at 3-3.2MPH. It is still a challenge to run, but it does feel like I am improving every time I do run. My main issue is my breathing but hat will come in time, my legs feel good.
Soon I'll get my new shoes! I told myself if I stuck with it for a month I would get shoes and my birthday is coming up so it will be a gift to myself too. Only 4 more runs until I'm done with week 4!

5/2/09

Today I started my third week of running. It is going well, it's challenging, and fast moving. A half hour of walking seems like forever running flies by. Today was warm up 90 seconds running 90 seconds walking then three minutes running three minutes walking. My max heart rate was 189 and average 146. My knee feels fine today, I didn't tape it, or need any Advil today :)

4/30/09

Today was an easy workout day, Wii and strength. Running sure burns a lot more calories (while exercising) than what I did today. Good thing muscle burns calories after the workout too. I do enjoy the Wii though it is a good way of changing things up.

4/29/09

Running....today not so fun, just not into it, must be the rain. The good thing is that my heart rate is getting better today a high of 189 and average 145. I did 2.5 miles in 40 minutes and 3 miles in 51 minutes. My biggest problem today is being extra short of breath I think, I'll have to go to the doctor and make sure my asthma is under control. Next time I run the program gets tougher can't wait to see how I do

4/26/09

Running is still going well. My knee is hurting so I took an extra day off. I think my heart rate is improving. Today I ran walked run 90 seconds walk 2 minutes for 20 minutes. I add extra warm up and cool down of 10 minutes walking before and after. Today I ran at 6 MPH and walked at 3 MPH for a total of 2.5 miles after 40 minutes. My max heart rate was up there at 194 but only for the last two sprints the rest were in the high 180's.

4/24/09

Today I played a long round of disc golf it was a good workout. I ended up burning almost 1500 calories. On my days off of running I'm going to try to golf or play on the wii something low impact. I wanted to do lower body strength but I don't want to hurt myself so I'm taking it easy.

4/23/09

So far so good. Today I feel sore but not too sore, a good muscle ache. I found a new resource for running http://www.coolrunning.com/. It has tips on training and injury prevention as well as info on races and other important information on running. This site also has training schedules to prevent injury. The one I'm following now is "From Couch to 5k" it works you up to running a 5k in 9 weeks. Today will be the first day of following this plan but I'm starting in week 2 since I've been doing some stuff on my own. I might be able to do week 3 but don't want to push it too much.
Yesterday I did the wii fit and lower body/core strength. Today I plan on walk/run for 40 minutes and upper body strength. Getting stronger everyday.

4/21/09

Today was the second day of run/walking. I wanted to try and run 4 mins, walk to catch breath and run 4. Didn't work that way, I was able to run the first sprint at 5MPH for 4 minutes (to after max heart rate for a bit) then walked to catch breath. Then I was only able to push 3 minutes at a time of running, one sprint shortened to 2 mins by a cramp in side. I walked more than I ran but still did 2.75 miles in 45 minutes, and meets my goal.
I also did strength training today, my favorite.
My body feels like mush and aches but it is good pain for sure.

Back to it again

So I'm back to getting on a healthy lifestyle track, for the millionth time. This time I'm going to try and blog my progress. My workouts and food habits will be posted, I figure this will help me be accountable to myself and it will keep goals organized. My Birthday is next month and I'll be 30. I wanted to get on track before that mile stone. So by time my B-day comes I want to habitually workout 4 times a week. I'm starting to run/walk. My current goal is to run/walk 2.5 miles in 45minutes, next week I'll shoot for 3 miles. I would like to be able to work up to 5 miles at a time but will work up to that.