Running: Day Twelve

We stepped it up again this week! However, this week is rather intense the way it is on the plan, so we are going to tweak it. Part of me still thinks that maybe we should just try it because, after all, it is the plan!! But then I was reminded that even the writer of the plan says to stretch it out and slow it down if you need to. This week we are supposed to step it up each day and on the third day we're supposed to run 20 minutes straight. We feel like that's too big of a jump. So instead we are going to run the same amount tomorrow (5 minute jog, 3 minute walk, 5 min. jog, 3 min. walk, 5 min. jog). Then on day 3 of this week we'll run 8 minutes, walk 5 minutes, then run 8 minutes. Next week on day 1 we are going to run 10 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 10 minutes. Then on day 2 we are going to run 12 minutes, walk 4 minutes, run 12 minutes. And finally on day 3 of next week we are going to try to run 20 minutes straight.

The scariest part is running that long without any walking breaking it up. That's why we decided to try to build it up a little better, rather than just go crazy. We'll see how it goes.

I will say that yesterday was probably the best I've felt, which is encouraging! I'm ready to be able to run 3 miles with no problem. It will come.

Patience Grasshopper.

Running: Day Ten and Eleven

I. Am. Dead.

Well, I guess not totally, but I think I'm pretty close. Holy cow- this week has ben a difficult one with our running plan. Here's what our schedule is:

- Brisk 5 minute walk

- Jog 3 minutes

- Walk 90 seconds

- Jog 5 minutes!!!

- Walk 2 1/2 minutes

- Jog 3 minutes

- Walk 90 seconds

- Jog 5 minutes

I mean seriously. Ridiculous. But I have done it twice now! And today was easier than the first day because I had Julie to run with.

I'm sticking with it, and while I still don't love the actual running part, I do love how I feel during and after running because of the sense of accomplishment.

Overall, I guess I'm starting to love it!

Running: Day Nine

If you think I woke up early on a Saturday morning to go run, you would be correct.

I am a rockstar.

Okay, not really, but I did meet three of my friends which made it a lot easier. And the weather was absolutely beautiful- cool, crisp, and sunny. Great start to the day.

We step it up again on Tuesday!

Running: Day Seven and Eight

Boy did we step it up!! Last week we jogged 90 seconds, walked 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes. This week we are doing the following:

- Jog 90 Seconds

- Walk 90 seconds

- Jog 3 minutes (!!!!)

- Walk 3 minutes

- Jog 90 seconds

- Walk 90 seconds

- Jog 3 minutes (at this point my calves are ON FIRE!)

- Walk 3 minutes

- Get in car and die

Okay so I might have added that last part. But that's about how I felt today. Yesterday it wasn't quite so bad because I had Julie, Annie, Lindsay, and Debbie to talk to and console me in my misery. But today, all I had was John. As in John Mayer. As in on my iPhone. It was not as easy. And it was so stinkin' humid. I was sweating like a pig by the end. Which I'm sure you wanted to know. But I did it, and that's what counts.

So I'm feeling proud and good about my running so far. It's really starting to become a habit, and I'm choosing to go run rather than sit on the couch.

BUT, I'm so ready to start seeing results!! I want/need to lose weight. The hard part now is eating right. I'm trying, but it's hard when I don't like to cook, and things that are bad for me are just so easy to get.

The next step then is to make a decided effort to make healthy eating choices so that this can become a habit like running.

Any ideas to help me eat healthier?

And I still need new shoes.

Running: Day Six

Today I chose to go run rather than sit on my couch and watch TV. For me, that was huge. I still do not love running, and today was a really hard day for some reason, but I still chose to go! I really had to work on focusing and controlling my mind to keep going. But I did it! And I am very proud of myself.

I bought two Under Armour "heat gear" shirts, and so far I love them. It makes a huge difference when it is warm and humid outside. For whatever reason I find myself frequently running in the heat of the day, and I am naturally a sweater, so these shirts are great for me.

I still need to invest in some good shoes- hopefully that can happen in the near future because my legs are hurting with my current shoes.

Tuesday starts week three, and the running plan goes up a level!

Running: Day Four and Five

We stepped it up on Day Four. Our running plan works in 3 day groupings. The first 3 weeks we ran 60 seconds and walked 90 seconds. For the next 3 days we run 90 seconds and walk 2 minutes. The plan continues this way until, eventually, you are running 3 miles straight. I'm really looking forward to that day.

Things are going well still. I am more sore this week than I was last week, but I'm sure that's to be expected as we continue to work up to our 3 mile goal.

I'm so glad I got started doing this. If you want to run, but haven't tried it, use the plan and GO FOR IT!

Easter Celebration in Pictures

Running: Day Three

Yesterday I ran for the third day! I am really glad that we have stayed committed to this goal of a 5K and are making time for running.

The only problem I'm really facing so far (aside from the fact that I am severely out of shape) is that I have a huge blister on the bottom of my right foot under my big toe. I think this means I need to get new shoes! But my frugal husband thinks it means I just need to get some sort of shoe inserts. So all of you runners out there- what do you think?

Running: Day Two

Today was harder than day one. I don't know why, but it was quite a bit warmer than day one. Also, I'm starting to get a blister on my right foot, and that was bugging me some. However, I had more motivation today to go run. The weather was BEAUTIFUL, and I enjoyed day one so much that I was ready to go tonight.

More than anything, I enjoy the company. The girls I am running with are great, and it's just so nice to finally have friends.

I am enjoying how I feel after running too- endorphins are great! I am really hoping that the combination of all of these things will lead me to actually continue running and not give up, like every other time.

Tomorrow we run again!

Question for all of you runners: what are some good running clothes/shoes? I have Nike Shocks, and I like them. But if I'm going to really start running seriously I might need new shoes eventually.