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.