Late Gym Yesterday, None Today

The girls had no school yesterday, and then Annika had her art class, so I was not able to get the the gym until after dinner. But I went - and did a hard workout on the elliptical.

Today I am not able to go due to other obligations. Work in classroom, Roofer here to fix missing shingles, (should be called ka-ching-gals, like the sound the cash register makes!!) and then the girls have their parent-teacher conferences tonight. Maybe I could go around 8pm. groan

Back from the Gym

I ran again today. 2.50 miles exactly - in 35 mins ... maybe a few seconds less I can't remember if I cut it off or not. Nope, I did not ... just remembered the treadmill counting down and turning off. The big news is I ran 2 sets of 3 mins! I also ran 2 or 3 of my 2 min sets at 5.5mph - up .3mph from normal. I felt a bit stronger last time; I felt too "spent" early on today. I want to push myself some, to go farther/longer each week, but I just felt tired today. Ehh, tomorrow I will not be able to work out. The girls have the day off of school and then Annika has Art Class and Lauren has Play Practice. Unless Bill comes home while Lauren is at play practice, I am stuck at home w/the kids all day.

Skipping the Gym Today

It is Halloween today, and I had to "work" at the Sub's Halloween party all afternoon, so I decided to skip working out today. Which means NO CANDY for me! I did manage to skip all the doughnuts at the party. Yea me! I was hungry too.

Funny story for the day: I love to weigh myself 1st thing in the morning, then go to the bathroom and see how much I lost. hehe. Well, today it was 4lbs! yea, my scale is not so reliable/consistent.

Day 2 of the Resumed Regime

Went to the gym again today. I ran on the treadmill today (using my replacement ipod - Blue Velvet - since I lost poor Purple Pal a month or so ago.) and I did pretty good. I ran for a total of 37 mins: Walked at my usual 3.5 for 5 mins as a warm-up, then ran at 5.2 for 3 mins (I could have gone longer; I was completely amazed that I was not very tired!) and walked for 1.5 mins, then ran for 2.5 mins, walked for 2, ran 2 etc. until the last 7ish minutes when I changed things up and ran at 6.5 for a minute, walked for 2 minutes, ran @6.5 for another minute, then walked the last 5 minutes on a 4.0 incline at 3.8.

I know I know, a lot of detail here ... but I feel the need to be accountable for my workout right now. As I'm inclined to blow them off! In total I ran 2.75ish miles today. Well, walked/ran combo. And all my 2 minute runs were fairly easy. I guess next week I'll have to up my run times to 2.5 mins, or 3 mins. Hmmmmmm

Grope, Grasp, Fumbling

I need to find that motivation I had last year. I was so strongly motivated to stay on tract with both my diet and exercise. I know I can run now. (I don't love it, but I love that I can do it) I just need to find that something and grab on to it again.

Grope

Grasp

Grapple

Flounder.

Line Drying Challenge

Remember my old friend, Crunch Chicken? Well she is hosting a month long Line Drying your laundry challenge! Since I'm all about line drying, (see this old post) but actually (said with a sheepish grin) have succumbed to the convenience of my new drier lately, I decided to jump on it - starting now!

My new washer will make drying faster, which is good since it the season of cool weather, rain and clouds here in MI now. Well, today is beautiful = smile! But not for long.

OK, I'm now off to hang up some laundry and then go for a run in the sunshine! Gotta enjoy it while it lasts; I do love fall.

Free Gym Trial

So, I have a free one-week membership to Snap Fitness. It is a total no-frills gym, but it is close to me and it has a month-to-month option if I want to join something until Trish re-joins the gym and we can once again meet up. (Trish, I miss you!!)

I am going to the gym at different times to see how the "crowd" is. HA! There are hardly any people in the gym. I have not gone at 7ish, which was when Powerhouse got busy, so I have yet to see a real busy time, but so far I have been either the only one there, or one of 2 people there.

My free week is up Wednesday. I'm going to try Anytime Fitness next. They are even closer to me than Snap Fitness. They are also a bigger gym and offer 24 hr access. I like that part. However they do not have a month-to-month option. Trish would have to sign up for this gym (there is one in Brighton) for us to meet up yet again. Or I'd have to find a new workout partner. hmmmmm

Running Again

Yup, back at it. I ran yesterday; 2 miles in 28 mins., and BOY was it hard! I ended up running a bunch of 1/4ish miles because that was all the stamina I had. ick!

Well, the good news is that I am down 2 lbs from 2 days ago! whoooot!! Doing good; now to keep it up!

New Month, New Goals

So, I blew off August as far as exercise goes. I exercised 4 times total. blah. While it was nice to be lazy for the hot month of August, I am ready to get moving again! So ... diet and exercise here I come!!

Our 10th anniversary is coming up in 7 1/2 weeks, and I am going to lose 22 pounds by then! (I'd love to make it 25, but that is really pushing it; I just like that number better.) So, daily exercise sessions and back to the diet once again. Keep me motivated folks, cause it sure was nice to have the summer off! ; )

Photo of W&D Finally

Because Trish really wanted to see a photo of my new "toys" I have finally managed to drag my camera down there and take a photo.

Problem is, the silly unit is so tall that I cannot get back far enough to get the entire unit in the shot! hehe. But, it is working nicely, so that is good!!

Never SO Happy To Do Laundry

I got my new washer and dryer yesterday; I have never been so happy to be able to do laundry! You'd have thunk I'd be happy for the excuse *not* to do laundry, right? Yeah, but you'd be very very wrong. (Especially since we added Calamity - puppies pee on towels and blankets!) I think I was stressing over having loads of laundry pile up. That , and the simple fact that I have three pair of pants that fit me. So I have to do lots of laundry to keep me in bottoms. : )

All Washed Up

I went to grab laundry from the washer and hang it up to dry, and the little rug I have on the cement floor (to keep feet warm in the winter!) felt a little wet. Turns out we have a leak in our washer, and Bill cannot figure out where it is coming from.

So, I think it is time to replace our already limping dryer as well as our washer. Now the big question is, traditional top loader or front loader? I really want a front loader as I have heard so many things about them, but the cost is quite a bit more! hmmmmm, such decisions to make, and I have little to no time to make them due to the rapidly growing mound of laundry in my house!

A Chink in the Plan

There is a lot of Calamity in our house right now. She may be tiny, but our newest addition is a big bundle of love!! At just 8 weeks she hasn't entered to much into the calamity stage, so I'm hoping her name (Calamity) is all about reverse psychology!

It is pure puppy love, I tell you! Cute as a button, curious, playful, sleepy, and loving! All four of us humans are in deep love already.

But I have not exercised since Thursday. I tried on Fri. but I arrived at the gym just as it closed. Oh well, I'm supposed to meet Trish today.

Just Finished Reading ...

Water For Elephants.

I liked it, and managed to finish it in less than a week - which for me is really fast since I am not a big reader. I loved the parallels of this story and my Grandfather's stage in life right now. Although, I'd say that Grandpa is a bit better off currently, but it was an interesting "coming of age" story for the senior years. Insightful tidbits to getting older, even though that was not the jist of the story.

Regardless, it was good, and I'd recomend it to others.

More Vacation Woes

One full week of not exercising was very detrimental to me!! My neighborhood run was cut to close to 1.5 miles yesterday and I felt as if I was huffing and puffing after less than a quarter mile! I did, however, recover very very quickly, and after a good mile I felt like my old self again, just a bit more breathless.

This is the longest I've gone without exercising since Christmas!

Vacation is Evil

I ate so much food.

I did not exercise.

I put on 3lbs.

I got sun burned, badly.

Vacation is evil - but I had a ton of fun.

A Second 5K

Here I am rounding the corner and heading towards the finish line!

This is me running and playing Rocky, but Trish caught me at a wierd moment.

And here I go zooming towards the finish line - which I could not find. Yes, there were a few issues with this race, but all in all it was fun. Yes, it was fun. Good gracious what am I saying!

Trish hurt her foot and did not feel quite ready for the WL 5K, so it was just me that ran it. (Well, Bill and a handful of others also ran, but as for training partners it was just me!)

I had the goal of running it in 39-ish minutes, and TADA!! I ran it in 38.56!! I feel as if I *could* have pushed myself harder, because I was no where near as tired as I was at the Hartland run. I think increasing my runs from 2 miles to 3 miles really helped a lot with my performance. So, next 5K I will have to do in close to 38 minutes. At my current running pace (11.30-12 min mile) 37.1-35.5ish mins is a non-stop run. So ... I guess I have to work on

A Whole Bunch of 5Ks!

Well, YIPPIE, Trish has rejoined the game! We met up 4 days last week, and I worked out 6 days in a row! I pushed myself hard, doing 5K 3 days last week. Turns out I sort of over did it, because Friday's workout was really really hard, and Saturday I was so deeply fatigued, it took most of Sunday to recover too!

Today I am back at it, and I even ran another 5K today. I guess I can do the WL run now. blah

Break is Over

I went to the gym last night, a bit late due to summer happenings around the house, but I went. And I ran.

I did over 2.5 miles, but I did it in quarter-mile increments. I suck on the treadmill. I kept saying to myself, "I'm not doing the WL 5K," cause I hate running! We'll see. I need another motivation boost. Its been 6 months of diet and exercise. Blah!

Need Trish to re-join the game. Well, we'll see how life eases up for her after the triplet's graduation party Saturday. Are ya ready Trish? Kim ... how's your effort going? And I wont even ask Rachelle!! hahahaha

Apparently I've Taken a Break!

Haven't worked out since Thursday. This summer break is going to throw a wrench in my plans, I can see it already!

200 Squats

So, a FB friend posted a link about 200 Squats. I was intrigued, so I investigated. (I'm beginning to think I have a "fitness" problem/obsession! har!) Anyway, it is a method to get you into shape. I noticed an "initial test" to see how fit you are prior to beginning the program, and decided to take it myself.

The test was simple: do as many good squats as possible. So I make sure I am doing a correct "good squat" according to their instructions, and begin squating and counting. 1, 2, 3, 4, .... 22, 23, 24, .... 45, 46, 47, .... 63, 64, (I am feeling it a bit, but really not too bad), 72, 73, ... "Mom, can you help ....." So I stop at 73. Now I was tired and a bit "winded" but really by half-mile running I am feeling much worse!

So, feeling a bit bummed that I was interrupted, I decided to check my score on the chart anyway. I found my age (over 40 - always fun!) and the highest number was "over 31." Apparently if you can do more than 31 squats at my age you are in, get this, EXCELLENT shape! Me?!? Well, I am over 40 now :)

So I look at the youngest category, Under 30. Of course I am not going to rate so awesome with the young set. Ummm, well wait. Over 41 squats is listed as excellent for the under 30 crowd.

Really? Huh. Go figure. Old lady legs are doing pretty good, apparently.

Should I Start Up Again?

I'm meeting Trish, in like 30 minutes, at the gym tonight. I'm wondering if I should start up the 5K program again. Yes, I know I have already done a 5K, but I still have room for improvement ... like running the whole entire thing! (yea, right, as if!) So if I pick up where I left off I can either do 3/1.5, 5/2.5, 3 OR 5/3, 5/3, 5. But you know, I do more than that outside, so hmmmmmm .... must think about this a bit.

In the meantime, I need to work on finishing the next 5K in under 40! 39 ish is my goal. Run run run ....

Have I mentioned that I really do not like running??

I Wish I Had Longer Leggs

I have these short stubby legs, and my running stride is just short and thus slow. If I stride out longer it is just a lot more work, and not efficient. My 11:30 min mile pace is my natural pace, and I think that is all I'll ever do.

Oh yea, and longer legs sure would look nicer too! And pants would not be constantly too long on me. I'm not asking for much, just another 2 inches or so. 32" legs would nice!! If I stretch, I just barely make 30". And I'm 68' tall folks! That's short!

Oh yea, my 4' 8 year-old has legs almost as long as mine. Seriously!

I wish I had longer legs. Just saying .... that's all.

New Run

So, I just got back from my "new running route." (Still hot and sweaty!) I am now running my usual 2 mile route, but then continuing on back to the path and a bit more. My goal was to add another half mile to my daily run, and turns out I added .64 miles to it - good estimating Kay!

That last 100yrds of my new run was hard today!! I ran a mile and quarter non-stop. I suppose I could have run more; I was breathing hard, but quickly recovered, and very soon my legs felt like they could run and should be running. So I continued on after maybe a minute of walking. Since I was trying for more than 2 miles today, I did not want to tire myself out prematurely. During the 5K on Monday, I really felt tired around 2.25-2.5 miles. I guess that is the hump I have to get over now. I've been completing 2 miles for a long time now. Time to up that distance!

Todays Workout

I am beginning the training to run my 5K in under 40 mins. So today I did the elliptical. I can go farther and faster on the elliptical than I can running. The weird thing, however, is that today was the second time I set the machine for 45 mins, but it only gave me 30 mins. Go figure.

Anyway, today I managed to do 3.13 miles in 35 minutes. Not too bad! I really pushed myself the last 5 minutes of the workout, but I survived OK. The really amazing thing is that I recover so quickly now. My heart rate finally reached 140 (my goal) during the last 30 seconds, and within a minute of my ending the workout and doing the 5 minute cool-down my heart rate was 118 again. Cool, I'm officially getting into shape!

Tomorrow I am going to run. Not sure what (Oh no!! Rocky is playing on TV and I hear the theme song coming up!! eeeeekk!) what I am going to do, but I need to push myself a bit harder! I want to have a better time come July, and I also want to get some more of this weight off me! Like ... maybe another 5-7 pounds. It is just over 4 weeks away, and weight is not coming off easily now, so I'll be gentle with myself! :)

Bigger & Better Goals

So, I have goals to run another 5K. July 4th in Whitmore Lake to be precise! So ... I'd better start training myself to run a full 5K; I have 5 weeks! I think I can shave 3 mins off my time.

So, I am making it official - I want to run my next 5K in 39ish mins. OK, here goes some training now folks.....

Hartland's 5K Run

I DID IT!

Not only did I do it, but I did it in 41.50 (official time, but I would take 45-60 secs off bc I started behind the starting line in the very back of the pack, and then I waited 30 secs to run) my average mile time was 13.30 ... not bad actually. When Trish & I were trying to do 2 miles under 28 mins., a time of 27 was considered pretty good! (by us)

Waiting for the race to begin, and putting the silly "luggage tag" on my shoe; it is the computerized ID that figures out my "official" time.

At the beginning of the race. See the two women (#130 & 186) I actually ran behind them the whole run, and the person in the dark shirt behind those two -- I beat her! (go me!)

At the end of the race just before the finish line. Like the purple face I have! Just goes to show that I was working it!
Look, I'm so fast that Trish couldn't even get a photo of me! hahahahahahaha........

And there I go into the tunnel towards the finish line. I think I was running so fast (snark!) because I had to pee pretty badly. And look at those cows. dang I have large calf muscles!

OK, seriously, I am excited and pretty dog-gone proud of myself for doing the entire race. Now, to train for the Whitmore Lake 5K!

Tomorrow is THE DAY

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, and thus it is the Hartland 5K run. Gulp! Four months ago when Trish & I started training for a 5k I was not so sure I would ever really be up for running 3.1 miles. I have to say that, while I have not yet ever run more than probably 2.5 miles, I am not too worried about my abilities to complete this run. I highly highly doubt that I will be able to run the whole thing, especially since there is one HUGE hill and one smaller hill to contend with. I am hopeful that I will finish in 45-ish minutes. If I ran my 11.50 minute mile for all three miles then I would finish in 35.65 mins. So, that gives me 10 extra minutes to walk the hills and such. This is my goal, and I am really afraid that I will do it in less than 45 minutes. So wish me luck!

Evening Run

Well, today I decided to try night/evening running. Since it has been in the 80's this week, I have not really been able to run outside, and I have been rather busy to be able to go to the gym - where I assume it is cooler than outside. (or so I hope!) - so I tried going for a run once the kids go to bed. UGG. It was still hot outside, and humid, so it was more difficult to run. I need to push myself and get into hot weather running shape. Maybe a good thing to do to help me loose the next 50 pounds, huh?

Glad I don't live in FL like another friend of mine does!

OH! And I officially signed up to run the Hartland 5K on Monday. EEEkkkkkkkkkkkk

Heat

It was 83 degrees out today when I returned from my run. Why did I choose to do a run in the heat, you ask? I have no answer. I am insane!

Hip Pain

So, I have been struggling with this bizarre pain in my hip - since March when I went for the 3 hour walk in Tawas. You'd think it would be better by now, but it is not. So .... I really think I need to just take some time off. But I still need to exercise to loose weight. The bizarre thing is that it does not hurt to run, in fact it seems to feel better after I workout.

So, maybe after the 5K I will take some time off. Maybe. Not sure. I am liking this working-out and losing weight thing I have going. I need to continue on this same path!

70 is too hot to run

I just got back from a neighborhood run; it is too hot! Today is a beautiful day, 70 and not a cloud in the sky; truly one of those postcard perfect days! But my 2mile run was a KILLER! (read it - I was not able to run a full mile even!) I was bothered by the sun, the heat, and my shirt! Even my socks and shoes felt too hot today. grumph!

But, I did step on the scale this afternoon, fully dressed, and weighed my birthday goal weight! I know it is 3 weeks later, but I have not been loosing weight, in fact I have been up-ing and down-ing a pound or two lately, so to be at that weight fully dressed is a good thing! I want to start loosing again. Running is good, but I still have 50 more lbs to loose here! I think I took a long enough break!

Now to figure out how to run/work out during the summer months with kids and the blessed heat! I just may have to get up in the bright and early morning. grumph!

Slacking

That is all there is to say. I need to re-motivate. Sunday is Lauren's 5K, and then 8 days later is the Hartland 5K. I have not lost any substantial weight since my birthday week. I've stayed at my current weight for all intensive purposes.

I need to get back into the swing of things; soon it will be summer and even harder (and hotter!) to work out with the kids around all day.

I'm slacking and I need to re-motivate myslef.

grrrrrr

I Survived GS Camp

My Daisy troop (Annika's fellow 1st graders) and I went camping for the day this past weekend. This meant a TON of walking and hiking around - no official exercise this weekend, and lots of un-diet-friendly foods. HOWEVER, I did manage to lose one full pound with all the hiking and walking and even some running and playing.

Yesterday I was really tired and sore, however. Turns out I can run 2 miles no problem (well, it tough, but I do not suffer the next day) however, I cannot walk all day long without being tired the next day! Still need to do some work to get into that good of shape.

However, one time we were walking all over the camp on a hike with the girls, the other mom was hot and tired and complaining about being out of shape. Me, I felt fine! In fact, when we returned I ran - yes I ran - to another building to grab the girls bags and water bottles for them. It was probably only a quarter mile total there and back, but the great thing is that after walking pretty fast for a whole hour and half I felt good enough to run a quarter mile.

Rain, Craziness, Sea of Brown & Green, and Gym Time

It is raining hard today ... all day long.

This week is so busy! I have 15 mins right now between getting home from todays daytime activities and going to the bus stop to get the kids. This is the first time I've been home today since 7:45am. I will then leave again around 6:30. The rest of the week is just about as bad as today. In fact, Thursday I take Lauren to the orthodontist to get her braces put on (eek) in the morning, come home and get dinner ready, then prepare for meetings for the rest of the day! I actually have 4.5 meetings at 7pm that night. Must figure out how to clone myself.

I went to the GS Council Shop in A2 today and checked out 12 "old fashioned" GS uniforms, and one hideous 1980's/90's suit for me... maybe. Most likely not! I have now seen enough Brown & Green to last a LONG time! But the float will be cool! ..if only we could find an interested vet to ride with us. sigh

But luckily today I am meeting Trish at the gym again! I think I might run, but at a faster pace than usual. So, if she does 3 mins at the 5.0, then I will do 6.0. yesterday I ran in the hood, but I probably only ran 1.75 miles. I feel bad that I cut myself short in the middle of the run, but oh well .... I did run at least!

I'm 44 Now!

Yup! My birthday was Monday, and my crazy family took me out to celebrate with Nachos (that were horrible - boo! I actually almost cried I was so depressed!) and Pizza (which was YUMMY!) We then came home to have cake and ice cream (Which was yummy! Made by Lauren and Annika w/help from Bill)

Much better than the lump of somethin' I made Bill last year!

The card from the family - it was funny and slightly raunchy because Bill chose it!

My crazy hubby that I would not trade for even the best nachos in the world. He rocks!

But yes, he is a bit odd at times!

The paper dolls Annika made for me. I love them!

The note Annika wrote for me! Awesome awesome awesome!

And the laptop carrier Bill got for me to carry the laptop we are going to get! whoo hoo! It was a great birthday!!

I'm On My Own Tonight

Boo. Trish is SO busy right now - between three kids graduating, her job, her mom and her dad's health issues, not to mention her family and a personal life somewhere in there, boo; I got rejected tonight. (Not really, just kidding, because I can.) I really like meeting Trish up at the gym and having someone else there to "be accountable" for what I am doing. Even though, in the end (pun intended) I am the only one who is accountable for what I do.

I've Fallen & Am Getting Back on Track!

Well, this past week has been a doosey. I've chosen to just be a sloth and hardly exercise and eat and eat and eat.

So, FINALLY today Trish & I are going to meet up and work out together. She is nervous because apparently it has been 2 weeks since she worked out. I am nervous because I have slacked for a week and ate yummy food!

Regardless, we are back on track again! I think we need a new set of goal and maybe a little friendly competition. I'm thinkin .....

Later:
Ahhh! That actually felt good! I did 45 mins on the elliptical, and burnt 500 calories. There goes that cake I ate this afternoon. Now to officially get back on track with diet and exercise! It was good to meet up with someone at the gym and feel like I was doing something besides just exercise. :)

30 mins left of 43

Wow - I am almost 44 yrs old now. Still trying to figure out how time flew by so quick ... my body and mind sure do not feel like they are the same age as my parents are now. 'Cause you know that they are like 45ish too. right?

Food food food foodfoodfoodfoodfood

I've been craving yummy (fattening) foods this whole week. I have been "giving in" to those cravings too. Not over indulging, just eating small portions of things I love to eat. So ... no weight loss this week, but not any gaining either.

I'm holding my own.

Forced myself to go to the gym today - in fact, I found myself driving down the road towards the gym when I realized, "Hey, guess I'm going to the gym." I was debating what to do for exercise today, and my body just took over! Ended up doing a fast/hard workout on the elliptical and burned 300 calories. I wanted to give up 15 minutes into it, but made myself continue.

I need my workout partner back! Trish is sick today, not good! I hope she recovers soon. (for her sake, OK, for mine too, but mostly for her.)

2 Miles Today!!

I did it! I actually ran 2 miles today - non-stop! I did it in 23.19.4 too! So, that is just a bit faster than 12 min miles! Whoo Hooo Kay! Earlier in the month I changed my goal from running 2 miles to running 1 mile, figuring I'd struggled SO hard with week 4 that there was no way I'd make it to 2 miles by May 3rd. HA! I was wrong!

So, sometime in Feb., when I first seriously started running, I said that I would lose 25lbs and be able to run 2 miles non-stop by my birthday, and I DID IT!

I was almost crying today as I finished my run; I am so proud I could burst! I truly never thought I would be able to do this so quickly.

yea!

Planning B-Day Meal

I really really want chips & cheese for my birthday meal. Nothing remotely healthy about that, but man does it sound so very good! So, I have made a deal with myself .. if I run 2 miles and keep my weight below my b-day goal I can have cake and yummy nachos for dinner on May 3rd!

Dreaming and drooling about it!

Another Goal Achieved!

I did it!! I finally reached my birthday goal weight!

Thinkin It Just May Be Possible

The other day I ran in the neighborhood again. (well, I have done the 1.25 miles 2x now actually, so I tried something new) Being that I found the one mile run not so difficult, I decided to push myself towards 2 miles. I mapped out a run and I thought it was 2 miles, but I guess I remembered it wrong. Cause I only ran 1.75 miles or 21 mins. Still - Whoo Hoo me! And, with a run that was just a quarter mile short of 2 - my goal for my b-day -that was not that hard to complete ... I'm thinkin'

Running a full 5K nonstop may actually be possible. By Memorial Day, of course.

Contemplating Today's Workout

So, I just got back from working in the classroom. I am going to eat something and then go for a run. Am I going to do W4, or move on to W5D1 - 5/3 x3 , Or am I going to run my neighborhood run again. I might just move on to W5. ...but that means that W5D3 has me running 20 mins or 2 miles non-stop. I guess I could do it, that is only 6 mins longer than my run the other day.

Oh the decisions I need to make :)

Later:
And so, the verdict was - just run! I ended up running for 15mins straight, and competleting 1.25 miles!! I walked and ran for a total of over 30 mins today, but the biggest thing is that I ran a mile yet again!

Hmm, do I need to try for 2 miles by my birthday? I'd have to figure out another route to run, but I could do that, I guess. ...figure out the route, not run :)

One Goal Down, 1.9 to Go!

I weighed myself this am and I officially have 1.9lbs to go to reach my goal of loosing 25lbs (from Feb) by my birthday!

AND

Today I went for a run in the hood. At first I ran 5.41 mins (just a bit more than half mile) but I stopped because I had to pee really badly and every "jog" was threatening to jiggle it out of me! (note to self, pee before you go for a run!) so I quickly walked back to my house (I was on a path near our house, so it was a quick walk back!) and relieved myself, then headed out again.

This time I just ran and ran and kept on running. First I thought I'd quit when I got to the path, then I thought I'd quit when I got to the end of a friend's yard, then I though heck, I'll go all the way to the end, then I thought I'd just turn around and head back for awhile, then I thought I'd go back to the beginning of the path, which would have been 10 minutes, then ... I figured I'd go for a whole 12mins which would be a mile, then I figured I'd just go till I got back to our driveway! Which I would have, but the neighbor's dog jumped on me right as I passed their driveway, so I stopped. Which is OK, because I ran 1.23miles, in 14.28 mins. I'm OK with stopping a few yards short!

I met a goal and I'm happy!

So so so very close!

I went to the gym today and ran: 5 minute walk warm-up, 3/1.5, 5/2.5, 3/1.5 ... and then the last 5 min set I broke up into three short runs with 15-30 secs walk between them. The last one I did run for one minute at 6 or maybe even 6.5 (not so sure any longer) as I was going for the 2 mile time ... and are you ready to hear what that time ended up being? (drum roll, please) 26.24!!! Freaking awesome!!

Oh, and I have only 3 more lbs to go till I reach my May 3 goal! Damn I'm doing good!

Still Fighting Something

Still fighting some weird illness; my throat "hurts" (mildly) and I am sort of developing a cough. Maybe I am fighting a cold, who knows. Today I finally succumbed, admitted I was trying to be sick, and did my anti-cold voodoo.

Yesterday Lauren stayed home sick - a short bought of stomach flu. Luckily by mid day she was feeling better. But I was not able to go to the gym or run out doors. (She had pretty bad diarrhea, so we had to stay near a toilet just in case the sudden urge came about!) But Bill took both girls to soccer and I went to the gym. I called Trish, but her mother just came home this evening from some fairly major surgery, and she was getting her all settled in.

Poor Trish is struggling; I wish I could make things click for her. (It will come together Trish, just be patient and strong!) I have no idea what made things click for me this year, but things seem to be pretty easy. I'm doing decent food wise, and exercising 5 days a week, or more, every week. I'm really close to the 45lb mark - WOW!

Yesterday I did the elliptical for 45mins. I've been playing around with the different workout options, and I chose the hill workout last night. I did not think it felt that different, but 15 mins into the workout I was tired and wanted to quit. Half-way into the workout I was exhausted, but kept on pushing. I knew I could do it, so I just plugged my earphones into the TV outlet and watched some cool nature documentary about fish. I watched each and every minute tick off, but I did it. When I got off my legs felt like noodles, and today they are definitely tired! Of course, it does not help that I could *not* fall asleep last night so all of me is tired. And sick (did I mention that at all? snicker)

Working out today will be a tough one. Not sure what I am going to do. hmmmmm.

OK, off to be productive. and maybe take a long nap too.

Feeling Icky

I have been battling some wired sore throat for the past two days. yuck. Which makes me want to be lazy and not run.

I did not run yesterday. But today I squeezed it in. sort of.

I walked a lap, ran a lap, walked 110yrds, ran lap .... etc. for a total of running 4.5 laps. Hey, I ran; that's all I have to say.

I did pretty good, running them in my usual 3 min time. The first was under 3 mins, and I felt as if I was running fast, but I felt good so I continued at that pace. But after that lap I slowed down. Also, my walking was pretty consistantly about 1.15 secs. So time wise it was too short, but I was ok, except for the last half lap; I did want more time then. And I was just ready to quit. So I did.

Two New Milestones!

I went to the gym alone last night - nothing new, but I wish that Trish were there to share my excitement!

I was not going to run, but at the last minute I turned right rather than left and hopped on a treadmill. I cranked up my ipod and began my run. I have been pushing myself to get thru week four and seriously work towards progress in my 5K goal. Today I finally just about did the real week 4 workout! I ran 3/2, 5(!!!)/4, 3/3, and 2.5 (drop ipod and stop treadmill in the middle of Theme From Rocky) 2.5 and then about 8 mins of walking on a 4-5 incline.

So - the big milestones I'm talking about: I ***finally*** did 5 minutes on the treadmill. I also hit the 2 mile mark at 27:14!! That is the best ever for me! Now, I did not do the official week 4 workout because 1: I was having ipod issues that caused me to walk longer than scheduled, 2: at one point (I think after the 1st 5 min run, but not sure any more) I was caught up in the TV and lost track of time and therefore walked longer than scheduled, and 2: It too me a long time to recover from my 2nd 3 min run just because I was still feeling winded and such. Regardless, I did the running!! Well, I did take a small break on the last run when I caught the cord of my ipod and thus yanked it off the shelf and unfortunately also unplugged the earphones and sent the poor Purple Pal clattering to the floor. So I pressed pause, got off and grabbed ipod and rehooked earphones, and unpaused the treadmill to resume said run.

I was hot, tired, and red-faced - but it felt good to finally concur that beast of week 4!

Chicago is Full of Yummy Food

Since the girls were on Spring Break last week, Bill decided to take a few days off and we all went to Chicago for a few days. Bill and I made a point of staying at a hotel with a fitness center and we took our running shoes and clothing along with every great intention of running.

But we walked our asses off, so no running occurred!

The first day we walked from our hotel (in Grant Park) to Navy Peer - I just figured out that was approx. 2.5miles! Then we walked another 2 miles (round trip) to our restaurant for dinner. The girls were supper troopers and gladly walked all that distance ... in fact on the way home from dinner, at like 10pm mind you, Annika was dragging a bit and I was cold so I started jogging a bit to warm up. She jogged with me. Then I thought I'd run up past Lauren and Bill for fun. Well, that started this very good natured "running challenge" and we ended up jogging half the way home, laughing and having a good time. Which was a good thing (the running part) because I ate two pieces of deep-dish pizza! Oh so yummy and good!!

The next day we walked to the Aquarium, stood in line for 2.5hours, then walked all over the aquarium until 5pm when it closed. It was fun, but by then my knees and legs were tired and I had little desire to go running. Besides, we had plans to go to Ed Debevic's for dinner. We successfully navigated the train and walked the few blocks to the restaurant, only to be met by the largest crowd ever! My frustration level was beyond tapped!! So we left and walked a few blocks to another restaurant type place. I ended up eating an Italian Sausage dog, fries, and a large beer. None of that was on my diet; it was all pure frustration eating.

Lunch and breakfast meals were semi-ok. I did a good combination of eating something tasty, yet not too high on the calorie list. But man were there tons of temptations all over the place. Luckily we walked and walked and walked and walked the entire time we were there. Big cities are good for that, I guess. Around here it is hard to walk anywhere. And feel like you wont be run over by crazy drivers on 59! :)

So ... today I thought I'd finally get enough gumption up to weigh myself. Mind you I did this after eating breakfast and lunch. What do you know, I am one full pound lighter than I was last time I weighed myself ... so like last Wed. probably. Whoo Hoo! Now I only have 6 pounds to go, and three weeks, till my 44th birthday. I believe I should make my goal of loosing 25lbs (from February) by my birthday. That will put me at 50lbs total since the beginning of the year. wow!

I Really Hate the Treadmill

I met Trish at the gym last night. It has been a while since either one of us ran on the treadmill, and it showed! I started out strong, running my first 3 minutes at 5.3 no problem. Well, I was tired but I did it ... I really wanted to stop at 2 minutes, but I kept going like a good kid. (chuckle) I walked my 90 seconds, which goes by SO very fast, let me tell you! Trish pushed herself hard and finished her 3 min set too. However, her heart rate was in the 180's, so "Coach Kay" helped her get it under control before she began again.

I never ran my 5 minute set ... I have not managed to go 5 minutes on the treadmill yet! I just do not understand what is going on, but I cannot make myself do it; on the track it seems so much easier. I did a lot of 2 minute runs and one minute breaks between.

I finished with two runs of 5.7 and one run of 6.0 to get me to the 2 mile mark. I did my 2 miles in 27:30-45 (I was not paying that much attention to the time, just the distance!) and in my 35 minutes I did over 2.25 miles. Oh, and I ran one extra minute at 5.7 just because I could! I did not really want to, but I felt I needed to do a bit more.

I felt like I pushed myself pretty hard, but not as hard as I did for week 2 or 3. This being in decent shape now makes it harder to push yourself that hard. My heart-rate was up in the 140's and even in the 150's towards the end, but within a minute or two of walking (at 3.7) it would drop back down to 138-ish. That was my arbitrary recovery goal. And I have to say that when I get to the 145+ mark I am uncomfortable; I just do not enjoy anything about pushing myself farther than 145 area for more than a short period of time.

I need to get over that feeling! It is amazing, too, because I can feel when my body hits that heart rate range ... I start "shutting down" and want to quit. Without even knowing where my heart rate is, my body feels it. I guess it is good that I can recognize that physical feeling, but I would like to get past it and push myself just a bit harder.

Maybe I do better outside because I do not get as hot. That could definitely be part of it, now that I think about it. Because I felt far too hot to lift afterward; I was bubbly headed and not feeling "strong." Hmmm, I'll have to think about that for a while.

A New Possible Goal

So, Trish and I have this little "competition" going with ourselves and each other to see how fast we can complete 2 miles. So far we are both right around 27-28 minutes.

I just figured out how to get a really good (read, the quickest!) time:

1. walk at 3.7 - which I have basically upped my speed to 3.7 most of the time.
2. Run my 3 min set at 5.5 - I've recently upped my running speed to 5.2 /5.3 because thats what I seem to average outside on my own. That pace feels pretty good to me, too. And I know that I can do a whole 3 minutes at 5.5!
3. Then, run my 5 minutes at 5.2.

This will have me complete 2 miles just as I finish my last 5 min. run! Talk about motivation to keep going during the 5 minute last run! OK, this is what I want to do this week. HA!

If I ran 2 miles straight at 5.2 it would take me just over 23 minutes. Not going to happen soon, but just a little tiddy fact to keep in my hat for future thought.

Well, I *almost* did it!

I made the decision to go forward with the C25K program full force this week. This means no more putzing around with my pseudo week 4 attempts! So, this afternoon the girls & I went off to the track to run. It was cute, because they both ran some with me.

So how'd I do, you ask? Not too bad. I walked a lap in 4.22.7, then ran a lap, (I am not 100% sure of my time because I had my ipod locked and forgot about that! So that meant I pushed the buttons, but no splits were recorded. duh!) walked a 1/4 lap and began running again. I then ran 1.75 laps, or just short of 5 minutes. I thought it was 5 minutes, but I was wrong. Oh well. Walked my half-lap, then ran a full lap in 2.53.6 - which makes that full lap about 5.7ish mph! For me that is fast! I then stopped and began my walking break, but had to pee so badly! I ended up squatting on the field and relieving myself right there! Hey, when ya gotta go ya gotta go! Then I began my last run, 5 mins or 1/2 mile or 2 full laps. I did not do that run non-stop. I ended up breaking it up into 3 segments.

As I said, the kids were running with me and talking to me, and it was all a bit more complicated to get into my head and run correctly. I always feel as if I am running painfully slow on the track, then my splits prove me wrong; I end up running faster than my treadmill time of 5.0 / 5.2. I have a bit of a learning curve to work thru still. But it is all good, I am making progress and feeling strong out there.

I know I will be able to run a mile by my birthday. And, if I keep pushing myself this month maybe I will be able to run more than a mile.

Windy Run Today

Ran on the track again today - boy was it windy!!

walked quarter mile, ran half mile, walked 110yrs, ran quarter mile, walked 220yrds, ran quarter mile, walked 110 yrds ran 220 yrds, walked 220 yrds ran quarter mile.

Wait - I just did the math and I ran a quarter lap short of 1.5 miles! that means I only walked half mile out of my 2 miles I did! And actually I just stopped running because 1)the wind was really too strong, 2) the rain was starting, and 3)I had to get back to a birthday party and pick up Lauren soon. I was OK for going farther. huh, I do love running on the track so much more than the treadmill. Although, I don't truly love either one :)

I really need to make myself do Week 4 so that I can move forward. Although, I think I have moved forward more than I think I have! Still, not quite a mile straight. To repeat the 3x around performance of the other day!! Just gotta psych myself up for that one!

Its April, I Need to Get Going!

I just realized that it has been a few weeks in a row that I have not been serious about my running. I would really like to make some progress, but I simply am not pushing myself too hard. Yes, I have been plagued with some minor "injuries" and pains and such. But really, I have little excuse as to why I am not closer to my 3/90. 5/2.5, 3/90, 5/2.5 workout. I have done 5 minutes twice now .... just never on the treadmill. The above workout (my week 4 of the C25K program) is also the same as running .25 miles, .50 miles, .25, .5 miles. I could do it on the track pretty easily. Maybe this week the girls and I will go to the track and run. I can do it ... I know I can!!

I have exactly one month until my 44th birthday. I am supposed to lose another 7lbs and be able to run 2 miles non-stop by then. Well, I did adjust it to one mile fairly recently. So ... In 4 weeks I need to be able to run a full mile. I think the 7lbs should be no big problem. I'd like to lose more even, but I'm not getting greedy! Wow - that would be close to 50lbs lost! The sad thing, I have a lot more to go! Oh well. I'll get there.

Amazing the difference 20lbs can make

I'm looking at my self-portraits on the side, taken 1/28 and 20ish lbs ago, and I'm thinking I look "chubby" in those shots! Funny now, because at that time I was thinking how much I could see the 20lb weight loss in my face! Amazing how much a difference 20 lbs makes, yet again!

Before: The 1st 20 lbs

After: The next 20 lbs (and pardon the hair - it is my post-workout look)

WOW! Ouch

It is really nice out today, so I decided to go for a run outside, rather than go to the gym. So, with my trusty Purple Pal in hand, complete w/new uploads of B-52s and the Theme from Rocky, I headed off to the track with the determination to run 2 complete laps non-stop.

I have been visualizing myself doing just this for a while now. And I felt confident that, while I would be very tired, I *was* capable of running 1/2 mile if I just did not let myself come up with an out. And I do so much better on the track or outside than I do on the treadmill. I can go that extra minute it takes to go to the landmark outside, but inside each and every second is torture!

So off I went, walking only one full lap at quite a brisk pace before I started running; normally I walk 5 minutes and that is just a bit more than a quarter mile. But I walked my quarter mile faster than normal ... 3.5 mins actually. Then I began running. One lap was easy, this was looking good! Another half lap, I was running into the wind which was defiantly harder, but oddly enough easy once I just let the sound take me away. Now I was only 1/4 of a lap from 2 full laps; I was going to do this!! 2 laps down and I felt OK. So, I said just go a quarter of a lap farther. I did, and then some; I ended up running 3 full laps today!!

Then my hip hurt. It just came on quickly as I was almost to the end of my 3rd lap. I felt tired-ish, but not spent and was going to keep on running. But when I got just past my lap mark I had to quit as it hurt too much.

Rats!

I was never able to run again either, the pain was too much and I was afraid of hurting something seriously. And now I am so very bummed that I was not able to get a "real" workout in today. Hardly even was breathless, did not even break a sweat. grrrrr..... this being in shape thing is hard now! ...well, not quite in shape now, but much more so than 3 months ago!

Officialy Allergic To Running

So, this is the 2nd time my eyes have swelled up after running. Sniffelous has nothing on alien eyes!

So, do I take Bennedryl for running, or do I just not run!?

On The Track

The girls had gymnastics today, and since it is an hour long class right next to the old HS track, I decided to use the time to run on the track today. I did pretty good! I completed 1.5 miles in 20 minutes.

I ran 4 quarter mile sets, or close to that at least. The first set I did a complete lap (Well, I'm pretty sure this track is metric, but it is like 3yrds short of a quarter mile, so I'm counting it as a quarter mile for this purpose.) and I ran it in 2:52 ... that works out to me running at about 5.8 ish too! WOW!

The other runs were a bit slower - more like 5.3 ish or 5.5 ish. And I ran about 3/4 of a lap or a bit more before I stopped. The last lap I ran half a lap, walked for 22 seconds, then finished running the lap. I was getting tired by then, and my shin was hurting. Unfortunately I think I am developing shin splints. rats!!

But all in all I did pretty good, I think. I still need to find a day when I am supposed to do the real workout and run my 5 minutes / half mile. I've been 2 weeks at this "week 4" gap and still have not done the official week 4 workout. But I'm doing good at keeping on going.

Hmmm - It Was Supposed to Be Easy

Well, it was easy to do, but I surprised myself by just how easy my afternoon run was today!

I know what those in the know are thinking - I'm supposed to meet Trish this evening at the gym to run, and I will. I just wanted to go outside and get a little bit more lovely exercise today. (?Lovely?) Well, I ran a 1.5mile neighborhood run today - same route I ran yesterday, only today I kicked ass for taking it easy!! I ran a few sets at close to 6mph - for 1.40 minutes! For me that is killer!! I ran 3.22 mins at 5.2mph - just about perfect! And, really, I could have gone on longer, but I was at the end of the path and that was where my mental break was already scheduled to stop, and since I was trying to NOT push myself too hard, I decided to go ahead and stop.

Hmmm, I ran a total of .82 miles, walked .68 miles and it was all just a light little jaunt. hmmmm, 3 months ago that would have been my day!!

Warm Weather

Wow - spring has finally arrived here! A bit early I think too! Not that I am complaining - I am eager to be outdoors in the sun a bit. Especially since last summer was so cool! Not complaining there either :) Just saying, that's all.

Went "running" outside yesterday. It was just so nice that I had to go outside. I ran 5 times in my mile-and-halfish run. The longest split (on my lovely Purple Pal!) was 2.08mins. yawn My hardest run was the first: 1.05 mins and I thought I was going to die after it ... I must have been going WAY too fast. The other sets were soooo much better, breathing wise.

Weighed myself today - first time in a week. Not too bad considering the weekend of eating I had ... I am .5lbs more than last week. That feels good. I have a long weigh (sorry, had to do that) to go still, and I have hardly lost any weight this past month or so. Trish is also feeling out of sorts, and I need my motivating partner!!

Going out for a semi run right now. Then I will meet Trish at the gym tonight too. ugggg.... But, I think it is a good kickstart to get me back to where I need to be. I still have 16 lbs to loose by my birthday. I'm also supposed to be able to run 2 miles straight. HA! So very very far away from that; doubt I'll be doing that by then. But you never know. maybe ....

Oi-Vey! A Week of "Leisure" is Very Evident!

Today was a very bizarre workout! I can tell that last week was a low-key workout week!

Last week I went to the gym on Sat, but I only used the elliptical -- I did do 3 miles / 45 minutes on it, and maintained a 128-130 heart rate, but I did not run. Sunday and Monday I took off. Tues I went to the gym and did a wonky workout that never had any run longer than 3 mins. I did do my 2 miles, but I did not push myself because I have my class on Tues evenings. Wed. I took off due to Girl Scout craziness. Thurs I went in early, in an attempt to cross paths with Trish in the afternoon. I ran some, but not the official workout or even close to my crazy version of week 3.5 -- I did mostly 2 minute runs, some fast some normal 5.0 speed, some at an incline, one or two 3 minute runs, some one minute runs. I did do my 2 miles in under 28 mins, but not the "real" workout I really needed. Friday I left for WWW4 and did not workout. Sat I walked 3 hours on the beach, and Sunday and Monday I recovered. Today still a bit sore in my hip.

Went to the gym today and DID NOT want to work out at all. Walked for 5 mins at 2.5mph, then finally upped it to 3.5mph. Walked for 15mins before I finally ran. Ran for 2 mins at 5.0mph -my normal speed. Walked for a few minutes, ran for 2, walked for a few minutes, ran for two, walked, ran for 90 .... yea, I was feeling lazy! I was not so tired by the 2 min mark, I simply did not want to run! I can feel the leisure and indulgent weekend and week prior in my body. I hope Trish & I meet up Thurs and inspire each other! I need it!

WWW4 - Tawas Baby!

Oh these lovely weekends are so much fun, even if we just sit on our butts and eat far too much food. I think that was fun for me simply because I have not eaten so much food in 2.5 months! Yum!
Women should not knit and drink ... I think that is the Catheter Cosey Andra is knitting for her dad there.

But then there was the questionable fashion choices we made in lovely downtown Tawas. Ya like?


And really, have you ever hear of light-up knitting needles? How funny!

OH, what a great weekend, but I think I seriously put on 5 lbs this weekend! Even the 3-hour walk in the sand did not burn off the beer, chips, hummus, brownie, pizza, and whatever else we ate and ate!

Good times, good friends, who could ask for much more? Oh wait - I get good times with more friends soon too! Trish & I are going to do a girls night out soon too! Whoo Hoo me!!

Jumped the Hump!

It has been beautiful out lately - sunny and 50's -so being a bit short on time today, I decided to go for a run outside rather than go to the gym. I thought about mapping out a run, but then thought I would just be lazy and use my pod-runner podcast for week 4. I set out, dressed in a long sleeve t-shirt w/a regular t-shirt over it, and chose the least snowy route. When I reached the path in our sub I quickly changed my mind and continued along the road way. It was hilly, but snow free! OK, here is the really really really really good news; I ran for my 5 minutes!!! I did: 3/90, 5/2.5, 3/90, 2.5ish ... the last run was all uphill, and it ended at our house. Bad planning, but oh well. I am still amazed that I did the 5 minutes, and it was not even that hard! Luckily I finished downhill, but still I was ready to go a bit farther if need be. Glad it was not required, but I was ready none-the-less.

And, to make me even happier .... it looks like I ran the 5 mins at about 5.6mph! I was right that once I got outside I would be able to get over that hump! Now to plan a better run and do the 2nd of my 5 min sets too!!

But still, big celebration in my head today since I did the 5 min run!!!!!

A Big Fat (Mental?) Hump

So, last night Trish & I ran again. But crap, getting past the 3min mark is just damn hard! I did do 4 mins - once. the last time I crapped out at 3 mins and had to walk for 15 secs .. then ran once again. I just suck!!! Yes I am tired, but I am 90% sure I could push on for that extra minute or so ... my head just screams STOP RUNNING! and I succumb.

I have have have to get over that hump in my head!!

And the End Of Success

Today was not successful in my running! I was all over the place with my heart rate and length of running. I was simply not able to mentally or physically maintain my running. It is getting "too long" feeling, not so much physically, but mentally time wise. Makes little sense, I know.

I'm waiting for things to warm up some more and the snow melt so that I can try running on the track. Or in the neighborhood.

Regardless, I am making some progress; I did a total of 2 miles in less than 28 minutes, I ran 5.0 for all my runs, and I even did 2 runs at 5.5/7 and one full minute at 6.0.

Ehhhh, tommorow is another day.

Successful 1st attempt!

Trish & I pushed ourselves and did it. Well, on the 3rd run I was getting a bit bubbly-headed (go ahead, make the joke .... I know you all want to!) so I only ran a bit more than 2 mins on the 3rd run. But ... we did run 3.5 mins on the second run, and then I ran 2 mins, and then added a 90 sec after the 4th run.

So - I did 3/2, 3.5/2, 2/2, 3/2, 2/2, 90/cooldown.

I am thinking of doing the 3/90 x 4 for week 3.75, or even 3-4/90 for next week. We both felt OK at the end of the 1st 3min run and thought we could have gone farther ... didn't want to, but could! *snark!* Thus the reason why we ran 3.5mins for the second run. I think I could have run for 4mins, but I would have been spent! hmmmmm, this 5min run is sounding a bit (jut a bit, mind you) more doable!

Tomorrow is Week 3.25

I decided that I am going to attempt week 3.25 tomorrow. That will be run 3 walk 90, repeat 4-6 times depending on my stamina. The reality is going to be that I need a longer recovery time between runs, I know that, but I am going to give it my all.

I am not sure if I will need another week to get to run 3 walk 90, run 5 walk 2.5, run 3 walk 90, run 5 walk 2.5, but we'll see. I may have to do a simple run 5 minutes only trial before I feel like I am capable of trying it in combination. uggg, I am SO dreading this 5 minute run. Crap - and that is only slightly less than .5miles!!

I might have week 3.75 the following week: 3/3, 5/3, 3/3, 5/die

Did I mention that my knee hurts a bit? I hope it does not get worse.

Finishing Week 3

I am so amazed that I can do week three so "easily." Trish commented that we need the theme to Rocky playing while we attempt the runs. That makes me chuckle; but I think we need it after we run, personally!

So Monday I went up to the gym and did week 3 again. (90/90, 3/3, 90/90, 3/3) I ran at 5.2 on a 1.0 incline for the first 90 and half of the second 3 min run. Then I ran at 5.0 on a flat surface. The last 3 min run was hard, but I did it! And, after walking for 3 mins I added yet another 90 second run on a 1.0 incline! Go me!

Still dreading week 4 - trying to figure out what to do to test the waters ... do I just jump in? Do I add time to the runs gradually? Not sure what to do before I jump into week 4. But if 3 mins is a hard thing, what is 5 mins going to feel like .... death? snicker

Oh - milestone here: I've lost 30lbs since Christmas!

Finished week 2 and on to week 3

And, yes, I do realize that I should be on week 4 technically. But lets face it, I'm old and out of shape! I needed an extra week to get up to week 3!!

So, week 2 was hard at first, then it got easier. So Trish and I made up our own week 2.5: we ran for 2 minutes then walked for 2 minutes, repeat 4-6 times depending on your stamina! One time I actually ran one set of 2 1/2 minutes and that made me less afraid of Week 3's agenda.

So today we ran the official week 3 workout. And really, it was not that bad! 90/90, 3/3, 90/90, 3/3 ... and then I did 60 seconds of running at 6.0! I finished the workout with 10 minutes of walking 3.9 at a 4 incline. Then I was done. Not exhausted, but mentally ready to quit.

So ... one whole week of this level of working out, then on to: run 3, walk 90, run 5 (eeeeek) walk 2.5, run 3, walk 90, run 5! Oh boy that is a big tall order folks! I read that a lot of people drop out of this program around week 4/5. I will definitely need strong motivation to get through this one ... and probably at least a week or so. But ... we can do it.

Right Trish?

Lordy That was HARD!

Week two of my 5K program has you walk 5 minutes to warm up, then alternate running 90 seconds and walking 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes run/walk combo. Well ... that was a hard one for this old lady!! But, yesterday I managed to run for 90 seconds for the first 4 sets. (at 5.2 for the first set, the remaining was somewhere around 5.0-5.2 depending on the set) However, by set 5 I needed an extra 30 secs to walk and recover ... my HR was still around 144 ... so I only ran for 1 minute, and the last run I quit at 60seconds. Wimp, I know. If Trish were there I bet I would have continued on for the whole 90 seconds, but I was just whipped and was out of gumption to push myself longer. Those 90 seconds are hard for me!! I know people run for much longer than I did, but I gave it 99% yesterday! ...maybe even more.

So, tomorrow I shall try it yet again. I hope I do just as well or better. But let me tell you, after yesterday's workout, which had me doing 2 miles w/warm-up and cool-down, the thought of running another mile is NOT sounding attractive. What in the world did I commit to!!!

Pushing a bit harder!

W1D2/3: I ran at 5.0 and 5.2 for my runs today - that is almost a full mile/hr faster than the first time. I will admit that by the end of my 20mins of intervals I am ready to quit, and my heart rate is up there, but the good thing is that it quickly comes back down, so my cardio system is really getting in shape. But the down side to that ... it means I have to work harder to get the heart rate up. ugggggg.

I think I am almost ready to try W2 now. I know I can do the first week, so it might be time to push on to W2. I peeked ahead, and W3 is looking really hard! It has a 3 min run in it. yea, not so sure about that!!

Well, doing good. Time to keep it up and keep going.

Pushing

Well I did it! I jumped right in and did W1D1 on the C25K program. (Anyone feel like that is too much alphabet soup?) Wednesday I met Trish up at at the gym and we did an awesome workout together. We both felt strong and really good about our run. No problems making it through the official workout.

So yesterday I decided to push myself a bit harder; I cranked up the speed of my running segment by .5mph. And I did it too! It was harder - I definitely pushed myself! But I did it. I have two more times to do the first week's workout, then I'm on to week two where I alternate running for 90 seconds and walking for 2 minutes. I really do not think that will be too hard. Pushing, yes, but doable.

Today I go off to work on the eliptical for awhile. Taking a break from the treadmill, I think. Maybe, we'll see. Technically I am only supposed to train for the 5k 3 times a week and take a break one day between. But that doesn't mean I should stop working out, I should just do different things.

Haven't weighed myself today, but I am getting close to the 25lb mark! wow - that is a lot of weight. I can finally see it now, too. Makes it all feel good. OK, off to the gym now.

Week Zero of My Training Program

So how do you get a week zero, you ask? By not quite being ready to jump into week one, that's how!

This week I decided to ease into the C25K training. The first week of the program you are officially supposed to walk 5 mins, then alternate running for 60 seconds and walking for 90secs until you have 20 mins of walk/run in. I had difficulties doing that on the treadmill at first, so I alternated the workout to give me a week 0! I think most of my difficulties came from the learning curve on the treadmill, because after the third time on the treadmill I was fine and really could have pushed harder.

So, here is a summary of my Week 0:

W0D1: Tried to do the regular W1 workout, but failed miserably as I kept wandering all over the treadmill! Ended up walking for 5 min, jogging for 1 min, walking for an unknown time, jogging for 30ish seconds, walking for unknown time, jogging for maybe a minute, then just walking and playing with the treadmill.

W0D2: Walked about 2.5 miles with Trish. I think I jogged for two 60 second sets, but mostly walked. Umm, and talked a lot!

W0D3: Walked 3.5ish miles in somewhere between 45-50 mins. No jogging was even tried ... ended up with painful feet!!!

Edit: apparently I did try to jog - I just read Sat's entry. Must not have tried hard though, cause I don't remember ... either that or I was in such a food coma I lost memory :)

W0D4: Bought new shoes and tried them -- ahhhh! Walked 2.5ish miles in about 45 mins. (I think) did not try to run, but man I should have because I felt hardly even "stressed" by that walk.

W0D5: Feeling much more confident on the treadmill now! Shoes are comfy. walked 10 mins, (took that long to get my ipod set, and then I had to do my 5 minute warm-up!) then did 20 minutes of alternating: jog 60 seconds walk 2 mins. I was listening to the raido on my ipod, and it was easier to use whole numbers for my walking/running start time than it was to use 30 sec intervals. I was going to use the pod-runner podcasts, but I was listening to an interesting story on NPR and just wanted to finish it. It did help time go by quite quickly!!

Tomorrow I meet Trish (we are both feeling the need to re-motivate and reinvigorate our workouts - in a slump!) up there and I think I shall jump into week one officially.

Indulgent Weekend

Saturday we were supposed to go to my brother's house for a family celebration of all the January birthdays. Unfortunately his wife got sick; really sick. So it was canceled. But my mother decided that the girls needed to spend the night at their house (they had an absolute ball, btw!) and Bill and I were to have a night out.

So off to the gym I went and walked 3.5 miles. I jogged a few times in there but did not do the interval thingy all the way through. I was on the tread mill for 50 minutes. When I got off my feet hurt so bad. Turns out that my shoes have this bar like thing running under them between my arch and heal. Today I am still in minor pain from it. But it took about 2 hours for me to be able to walk on my feet after the work out. It did not hurt at first, but after I drove home and got out of the car I could hardly stand up. Not good. Today I purchased new shoes. Here is hoping they are better!!

Anyway, I got home, showered and changed, and Bill and I went to a movie and out to dinner. I decided I would have a little bit of popcorn, but not much. I am not a big popcorn fan so this was easy to say No to. But we then went to Blue Fin ... a Japanese Steak House. I ate. and ate. I would be willing to say that the food was not that bad calorie wise, if you only eat a small portion. I ate: 3 spicy tuna sushi roll pieces, 3 grilled shrimp appetizers, grilled veggies, a huge helping of noodles, almost all the fried rice, and about 2/3 of the steak. burp. It was not my intention to eat so much, but I guess I was not really paying attention and it was so damn good.

Today it is now 9:30 and I should go downstairs and work out. But my feet hurt. So I am taking a day off. It has been 2 weeks since I have taken a day off. I feel a bit guilty! Especially since I was planning on working really hard and being extra good this week. Oh well. The best laid plans.

I want to get serious about doing this C25K program on the treadmill. I think it will take me a few weeks to get up to speed on the first week. I will have to push myself harder than I have been too. I hate running, have I mentioned that before? Not sure why I decided to do this, but I know it will be good for my body, so .....

Well, I keep ya posted on my running progress. Tomorrow back to normal workout schedule!

Milestones

I have been working out virtually every day since Dec. 26th. I think I missed 3 days in there. Some days were definitely light on the effort meter, others were quite heavy. But all in all I have been dedicated. This is only the second time in my life that I have been so consistent in working out on my own. The other time I was going to have surgery, and decided I did not want to weigh in over 200lbs for surgery, so my but got moving! And it kept moving for two or three months!

I did join the gym w/Trish. (well, I have a free week and then I will join) We met up last night, and while it was not the hardest of workouts, it was a decent effort while I got used to the equipment and facility. I found out just how weak my upper body really is. Ug - and I used to be so very strong. Oh well, we can change that too.

Anyway - my milestone today: I have lost 20 lbs since Dec. 26th. I have a few too many of those 20lb milestones to go still, but YEA! One is gone. The gym is in my daily reach, and soon I'll be running a 5K race. (Har har har!)

I think next week I will seriously get down to training for my 5K run. And I just might add an extra week here or there to help me get into shape. Oh god that sounds like such a long distance to run .... since I've never ever run more than one mile w/out stopping. and one has always been pushing it!

Dare I Say This...??

My friend Trish and I both are feeling the pounds of time and need to get into shape. We have been encouraging each other for a few weeks now, and today I think we may have committed to a HUGE step in that direction!

I committed to training for a 5K run! (not actually run it, because I am not a runner, have no endurance at all) And Trish just may be along for the ride with me! Yea Trish!

Today I downloaded these Runner Interval Podcasts that really will help motivate me towards that end. The idea is you take 9 weeks to ease yourself into 5K shape. You run for 60 secs, walk for 90, run for 60 ..... each week you increase the running times. I did the first week's workout today ... in the house. It was really not that hard at all. In fact, I've been working out harder than that all month. I'd love to try it on a track or outside where my stride would be more normal. (But I'd have to wear shoes -ouch!)

Anyway - I'll keep you posted on how this goes. The podcasts (love my ipod!!) really help keep you going without using a stop watch, which I tried this fall and found cumbersome so I stopped.

Eeekkkkkk

It Has Been Awhile!

I've been behind in all my blogging as of late. Oh well; I only do this because it is fun, and also to help keep far away family and friends up to date on what is going on in our lives. They can holler if they feel a need for an update!

So what is new in my personal life? I have made the commitment to get into shape and loose this excess weight! It is going to be a long road, I know. But I feel committed to the process and hope that at least 60lbs will come off! That is a whole glob (literally and figuratively!) of weight to loose!

My friend Trish & I are cheering each other on. I am seriously thinking of joining the gym with her. That way we could meet up a few times a week and work out together. Great excuse to see each other, and better way to help a friend be healthy!

In November I enrolled in a Power Yoga class, and while it kicks my butt, it is fun-ish. But I need more than one day of working out per week. We got a Wii in Sept., and for Christmas we got the Wii Fit Plus. It is fun, and if you are creative you can get a decent cardio work out in on that. But after 3 weeks I am getting a bit bored with just that.

Bill and I also talked about investing in a treadmill. Not sure about the final outcome of that conversation, as it was very brief. But living in the land of rain and snow it would make working out easier in foul weather.

Today I did a workout I developed last fall - but did not stick to for more than 10 days! It is an interval training ... walk for 5 mins to warm up, then run stairs for one minute, walk laps (around house) till recover (usually 3-4 mins) then do stairs for another minute, walk till recover ... etc. until I have 20 mins of elevated heart beat. I can use my wonderful ipod as a stopwatch, and now I know my splits, so I can see over time how my recovery time is improving! whoo hoo!

Weight loss wise, I have actually lost 13lbs since Dec. 26th. The Wii board consistently weighs me in at 20lbs more than my bathroom scale. sucks! I'll just have to work at getting that 20 pounds off of me. And then some ............