A new year, a new training program

I can't believe I've been out of it for so long. My classes ended around December 10 and I haven't done any sort of working out since. I did get an A in both classes though and I signed up for Personal Fitness 2 which starts January 27. I also signed up for a scuba diving class! I'm really excited to start that. And of course I'm going to keep running. My winter program, a speed development program, begins Jan. 10 and ends with the Pike's Peek 10K in April. I've run that race twice before and look forward to beating my time. I really hope to run a half marathon next year and I'm definitely doing another 10-miler. I'll do my best to update more regularly, especially since I have so much going on. I'm really looking forward to a great 2009!

Rockville 10k

Last week I was supposed to run with someone on Sunday but I got really sick. I spent Saturday night and Sunday morning throwing up so I wasn't able to run. I did run 4 miles at the track that Tuesday and our race was this past Sunday, Nov. 2. I felt great and finished strong. I ran the 10k in 1:05:39 which is a 10:34 pace. Not too shabby! Even though our program is officially over, we're meeting Wednesdays at a local track to continue running. I think we're also meeting Saturdays for a long run but I don't have all the details yet.

I feel great and I'm defiitely going to continue running. I just spent a good chunk of change on some cold weather running apparel and I'm not letting it go to waste! I've also been pushing myself in class and I'm now up to 275 pounds on the leg press! I'm getting stronger and hopefully leaner too! I'm definitely running a Thanksgiving race so I'll post those results when I have them.

The above picture is our running group pre-race (I'm in the middle next to the coach) and below is me with about a quarter mile to go giving it all I've got! :)

Still going

The week after the Army 10-miler I ended up not running. I justified it by telling myself I needed a week off after the race! Last Tuesday I ran 3 miles at the track and Saturday I ran 7 so I'm still in the game. I can't run this Saturday, but I'm meeting up with at least one other person on Sunday to run the scheduled 6 miles. Knowing I have someone waiting for me will make me get up and go. Tonight the coach wants us to run 4 miles at race pace and I have no idea what's scheduled for next Tuesday, which is our last formal run as a group before the 10K. I can't believe it's almost over! There isn't another program I can join before I move, so I'll be stuck on my own after November 2. It's going to be hard to run on my own especially with the weather getting colder and not having access to a gym anymore. Luckily I'll still have my 2 classes which are going very well.

My strength training class has been awesome and I'm definitely getting stronger each week. I've already added more weight in each exercise. The personal fitness class is good too, it's just hard to do both cardio and strength in 50 minutes. I would love to do 50 minutes of just cardio but that's not how the class is set up. I just need to add more cardio on my own. I'm only running twice a week (with the group) and I really should add a third day on my own. Did I mention it's getting colder and I don't have access to a gym? :)

The results are in!

I finished the Army ten-miler!!! It was so amazing and I loved it! I ran the entire 10 miles without stopping even once. I ran slow, but I ran nonetheless. I am extremely proud of myself. We ran past the monuments (Washington, Lincoln, & Jefferson), the Kennedy Center, and the Capitol. Soldiers were all along the course at water stations, medical aid stops, etc. The weather was beautiful and it was all so great. My time was 2:05:12 so when I finally got to the finish and stopped after running for over 2 hours straight, a wave of emotion came over me. My feet were very sore and I was grateful to be done but I was proud that I had accomplished something so great. It was a wonderful experience and I'm going to try to come back next year to run it again. I have never wanted to run a marathon and after running the 10-miler I have a lot of respect for people who run for 4+ hours. I still have no desire to ever run a marathon and I will not feel any less of a runner if I never complete one. It is not a goal that I have. I would love to run a half marathon, 13.1 miles, but for right now that is the most I will attempt. Mostly, I would like to improve on my 5K and 10K times. My biggest goal is to become a stronger, better runner.

I'm still in the 10K training program. The 10K is November 2, so I will be running with the group until then. Tonight we ran at the track and did 4X800. I don't have any times but I was taking it a little easier than usual. Total I ran 3.5 miles tonight. This weekend I'm supposed to run 7. I'm working Saturday so I need to try to make it up on my own on Sunday. From now on we're going to be decreasing our long run mileage so we don't tire out before the race. After the 10K I'm hoping to resume training on my own and run a few more local races. It won't be easy to do it on my own, but after having the coaching for so long I at least know what I need to do!

The picture up top is at the start of the race at the Pentagon. There were over 26,000 registered runners. I didn't even cross the start until 20 minutes after the gun went off because there were so many people! The picture below is me right after I finished holding my finisher's chip!

9 Miles!!

I just wanted to quickly update my 3 readers (are there even that many?) that I did run 9 miles this past Saturday! It was insane but awesome! Last week I ran 8 which was the most I had ever run, but it was on a treadmill. On Saturday I ran 9 miles on hilly, muddy trails. And I ran the entire way! After mile 7 my feet and legs started to feel sore, but I realized that you get to a point where it can't get any worse and it's not bad enough to stop. I really feel confident that I could successfully complete a half marathon! And after running 9 without collapsing, I feel good about the race this weekend. I'm just going to take it slow and carry gatorade. I'm still going to the track tomorrow but I'm going to talk to the coach and find out if he thinks I should do the full workout or just take it easy. I'm very excited!!

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about." ~PattiSue Plummer

"Games require skill. Running requires endurance, character, pride, physical strength, and mental toughness. Running is a test, not a game. A test of faith, belief, will, and trust in ones self. So hardcore that it needs a category all to itself to define the pain. When game players criticize, it's because they aren't willing to understand, not because they're stronger. Running is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle. If you have to ask us why we run, you'll never understand, so just accept." ~Jessica Propst

Updates!!

I was in Seattle for 4 days and then we moved out of our new apartment so things have been a bit crazy. I do have great updates though. Tuesday Sept. 16, we did mile repeats at the track. So we ran 1 mile at normal pace, 1 mile as fast as we could, and 1 mile at race pace. The coach timed our fast miles and she really wanted us to just go for it. I have never ran so fast in my life! I clocked an 8:27 mile!!! I couldn't believe it was under 9. When we ran mile repeats in the last program, my fastest was around 9:45. I obviously couldn't keep up that pace for an entire race, but it feels good to know that I can do it at all. I'm getting faster and stronger and it's awesome!! My army 10-miler is next Sunday and my coach suggested I run 8 miles last weekend, 9 tomorrow, and then the 10 next week. You're supposed to gradually decrease your mileage before a race but because I'm not planning on going all out, I can treat it as a training run. Last weekend we were in Seattle and I went to the gym Sunday morning. I've never run 8 miles before so I knew it wouldn't be easy, but on a treadmill it's even worse. I was planning on running 4 in the morning and then 4 in the afternoon to make it easier. Well I know myself and I knew that I wouldn't want to go back later after walking around the city all day so I ran the 8 miles all at once in the morning. I did stop halfway to go to the bathroom and get a snack, but that only took about 15 minutes. That's the most I've ever run!! I felt good for most of the run, but the last couple of miles were a little hard. Tomorrow I'm planning on running 9- yikes!! But at least I'll be outdoors and with my group so it won't be as boring. I'll let you know how it goes!!

20 days!!

It's been a couple of weeks since my last update. There isn't much- Tuesday September 2 we did a hill workout instead of going to the track. It was rough; the assistant coach, Juliette, had us run up a fairly long hill 10 times. She estimated the hill to be about a quarter mile from bottom to top. It felt good to do something different and I was definitely glad when it was over!! I missed that Saturday's run due to the weather, but Sunday we went to the zoo and did a lot of walking. It's not the same as running but it's still something.

This past Saturday I ran 6 miles with the group. My race is only 3 weeks away and I haven't built up my mileage enough. This weekend we're going to be in Seattle but somehow, somewhere I'm going to fit in an 8 mile run and the next week drop back down to 5 or 6 and then do the race. It's going to be tough, especially since I've been having some soreness in my shins and calves, but I'm going to do it regardless. I just hope my body can hold on for another few weeks!

Weekly Update

Saturday I ran the scheduled 5 miles, but nothing extra. Here are the results from last night's track workout:

2x400: 1:59, 2:03
2x800: 4:35, 4:20

Again, this is what I heard the assistant coach yell out as I crossed the line. I also ran 2.5 miles before starting. I'm going to NY this weekend so I'm not sure when or where I'll do my long run. I was thinking I could do it Monday morning but I don't think that would give me enough time to recover before the workout Tuesday night. I may end up just going to the gym Sunday night when I get home and run 6 miles on the treadmill. I'd much rather be outside, but you do what you gotta do! I definitely can't afford to miss any more runs with the Army 10-miler as close as it is. Only 38 days away- scary!!

Track workout

Last night we had our 3rd track workout. As hard as these workouts are, I really love doing them. I still haven't found my watch but the assistant coach ran with my group and yelled out times as we crossed the line. Here is what I heard:

2x400 - 2:07, 1:57
1x800 - 4:35
1x600 - 3:30

I also ran a little over 2 miles before we started. I don't know how accurate these times are but since I don't have anything else to go on, they'll have to do! It's not looking like I'm going to find my watch which stinks because it isn't easy to replace. Hopefully I'll be able to get a new one soon though. I missed last Saturday's long run but I'm going this Saturday. We're scheduled to run 5 miles plus I'm supposed to get there early to run an extra mile because I'm part of the 10 mile group. I'll see how hot it is and how I feel. I haven't run a long distance since the 8k and I don't want to push it too much. I'll definitely do the 5 though and let you know how it goes!

If you haven't been watching the Olympics, then you better have a good reason. It has truly been amazing to watch the greatest athletes in the world break world record after world record all across the board. Even the springboard diving was impressive! Something that has never before been done at the Olympics is an athlete breaking the world record in both the 100M and 200M race...until now that is. Usain Bolt from Jamaica has done just that, obviously winning the gold in both events. The last time an athlete won gold in both events was in 1984! And he makes it look effortless!! He ran the 100M in 9.69 seconds!

10 mile training has begun!

Tuesday night was our orientation for the 10K/10M training program. We were supposed to do an easy 3 mile run. The coach decided we would do speed work instead. I jogged 1 mile to warm-up and then we did 4x400. 4 fast laps! I was definitely not ready for that after 2 weeks of absolutely no running, but I'm actually really glad we did it. It was just what I needed to get me back into it. I misplaced my running watch though so I was not able to time my laps. We're moving tonight and tomorrow so hopefully it'll turn up, but I've already packed and haven't found it.

Tonight I'm supposed to run 30 minutes and then 4 miles on Saturday. With the move this weekend I'm not sure what I'll actually end up doing, but I'm going to try to make it to the run on Saturday. I'll have to see how much I get done tomorrow. We have to turn in our keys to the current place on Sunday and we officially move-in to the new place tomorrow. That doesn't leave us much time to move everything and clean up. I'll let you know how it goes!

The Race

I finished the race on Saturday night in 54:24 with a 10:57 pace. I couldn't find my running watch so I couldn't time it myself, but their time should be pretty close. It was very weird running at night but it was a great race. There were a ton of hills though! Just when I would get to the top of 1 hill to finally get some relief, another hill would come up! Despite the hills and the humidity, I finished with a great time and I felt great afterwards. Unfortunately a 61 year old man died during the race with 1 mile to go. I didn't find out until the next day on the news. They suspect it was the heat, but they couldn't say for sure. It didn't feel hot to me and the sun was down by the time we started, but I carried Gatorade and at every water stop took 1 or 2 sips of water and poured the rest on my head. I probably would've felt a lot worse had I not done that. You don't realize how hot it is until it's too late.

I'm signed up for the 10K/10-miler program which starts Tuesday August 5. I'm going to take it easy until then, doing the elliptical and running easy. It's going to be weird not going to the track tomorrow, but it'll also be good to take a break. I'm happy with the outcome of this program and I'm even more happy that I completed it! I hope the next one goes well and gets me prepared for the army 10-miler!

3 days until race day

Last night we met at the track but instead of doing our usual workout, we did a dry run of the race course. We actually cut out a portion and did about 3.5 miles instead of the full 5. We met back at the track for a cool down and I felt really good and jogged a lap around the track. Tomorrow I'm going to do a very easy run and then the race is on Saturday. This is the first time I've completed a training program through the MCRRC. I'm proud of myself and very happy to have come this far, but I'm going to miss the routine and the people I've met. Luckily there's still the 10K program to look forward to which starts August 5. It'll be basically the same with a Tuesday night track workout and a Saturday long run. The target race is the Rockville 10K in the beginning of November. And of course I have the Army 10-miler October 5! YIKES!

Updates

Last Tuesday we did a hill workout instead of our usual track workout and it was awesome. I was really proud of how well I did and how good I felt. Last night we went back to the track and did 3x1600- 3 fast miles!! Here are my times in order:
9:49, 10:32, 10:26
Not bad if I do say so myself. I actually didn't run all week and missed the Saturday run. I have to miss it again this Saturday because I'm working, but I am definitely going to run on my own either after work or on Sunday. The 8K race is Saturday the 19th and I think I'm as ready as I'm going to be. I'll let you know how it goes!

I am a runner

I ran 6 miles today. Before starting, I told myself that if I needed to stop to walk, then I would. My only goal was to complete the full 6 miles, no matter how long it took.

I got gatorade in my face, mud on my socks and shoes, and sweat everywhere possible. And I completed the 6 mile run without stopping to walk.

I've often wondered if I will ever get to a point when I will ride my bike to the start of a race. Or get there early to do a 1-mile warm-up. But these things do not define a runner. I may not be an elite runner and I'm not fast. But I can run 6 miles. I am a runner.

Random Updates

I really need to post more regularly; then I wouldn't have a week's worth of info to post! Oh well, here goes...
Those of us who weren't able to run on Saturday met on Sunday and ran 5 miles. I had never been to this trail before, but it's only 5 minutes from where I live and very easy to navigate. There were some very long hills and my legs were sore for 2 days afterwards. I loved it! I will definitely go back anytime I need a good hill workout.

Again, I'm going to post my times from Tuesday's track workout:
2x400 (1:56, 2:00)
2x600 (3:15, 3:18)
2x800 (4:44, 4:30)
I couldn't believe that my second 800 was faster than my first. I was exhausted but really glad that I completed the entire workout in one piece.

Tonight I'll run a couple miles and do some strength training. Monday night I tried to do day 1 of the one hundred push-ups challenge. I'm embarassed to say that I can barely do 1 full pushup. I was so sure I would be able to do 10 easy! I can do 20 bicep curls using a 15 pound weight, but I can't even do 1 pushup. What the heck! I did do 50 modified pushups and will continue doing it that way, working up to doing 10 regular pushups. When I told patrick, he decided to test his strength and I'm happy to say that he was able to do 10 push-ups. He was struggling at the end and was beet red, but he did it nonetheless! Maybe I can convince him to do the challenge with me. I think we might have a better chance seeing pigs fly, but I'll see what I can do. :)

I found this video courtesy of Geek Girl Fitness. Her blog is very funny and enjoyable to read. The video is hilarious and also extremely motivating.

Track Workout

Here is what we did last night at the track:
1 mile warm-up
1x400 (1:53)
2x600 (3:20, 3:17)
1x800 (4:29)
1/2 mile cool down
This may not make any sense, but I want to log the exact workout along with my times so I can look back on it and track my progress. FYI, a 400 is a quarter mile and an 800 is a half mile. Next week we will probably do the 1600 (1 mile).

Tomorrow I'm planning on running 4-5 miles on the treadmill. I'm not able to make the Saturday long run, but some of us are getting together on Sunday instead. Have I told you how much I enjoy being a part of these groups?

One Hundred push ups

I came across the hundred push ups training program and I'm up for the challenge! It will definitely be interesting and I'm looking forward to trying it.

Tonight my running group is scheduled to run 2 miles at race pace with a rest in between. The most I've done is a quarter mile! I'll let you know how it goes.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

"Getting in shape is a JOURNEY. Each day you learn more about yourself and what you can do. If you need to rest one day, you rest. You have your whole life to get in shape." - copied from The Great Fitness Experiment

It's raining, again. According to the national weather service, we had the second wettest May since 1871 in Baltimore and the third wettest May in D.C. June has already been extremely wet as well and it's really putting a damper on my training and my mood. On Saturday the 7th I ran 4.5 miles. It was extremely hot and I ended up not feeling very good afterwards. Due to the heat and possible rain, our Tuesday night track workout was cancelled (it did end up raining). I took advantage of having a night off and relaxed at home. I worked every other night of the week so I didn't work out at all! But the above quote helps me to not feel so guilty.
This past Saturday I struggled to get out of bed, but eventually forced myself awake and ended up being 15 minutes late for the run. The group had already left for their run so I ventured out on my own, only doing about 3 miles. At least I made it at all. Plus I went home and did another 1.5 miles on the treadmill. It's not supposed to rain tomorrow, but if for some reason the workout gets cancelled I'm going to the track anyway. I don't want to get behind and start struggling through the workouts. We're already behind schedule due to the weather and we only have 1 month to go until our race on July 19.

New Blog

I love having this running blog. It's a great place for me to document my workouts, goals, etc. However, I feel like it might be more for me than for you, my wonderful readers, which is why I'm starting a new blog! The link is on the right. I will be posting on both blogs regularly so please keep reading.

While I'm here I might as well give an update. Tuesday I went for our weekly track workout. I did a 1 mile warm-up, then 2 fast laps (2x400). We were supposed to also do 2x600, which is a lap and a half (crazy!) but a storm came through and we had to end early. I was disappointed but the track will still be there next week.

Tonight I ran 3.5 miles on the treadmill and then worked with weights. I started running at my normal easy run pace which is a 12-minute mile. It actually seemed too easy! I felt great and increased my speed for the last mile. I'm definitely getting stronger and I feel terrific! That could very well change in a few weeks when my training gets tougher, but I'm actually looking forward to it. I must be crazy!

8K training and my obsession

My 8K training program started last Saturday with a 3.5 mile run. Tuesday we met at the track for a grueling workout. One time around the track is a quarter mile or 400 meters. Coach Dave had us do 2x400 which basically means running as fast as you can once around the track, walking to catch your breath, and then you do it a second time. We also jogged 3/4 mile as our warm up and cool down.

Someone was nice enough to show me how my now 2-year old watch works and I was able to time my 400 meter run. The first time around I ran it in 1:53 and the second time was a little slower for 2:02. That's an 8-minute mile and also the fastest I've ever ran!! I definitely wouldn't be able to run that fast for an entire mile, but you gotta start somewhere.

Instead of meeting this past Saturday for our 4 mile run, we ran a local 5K on Sunday. I finished in 31:45 minutes. Not bad! I even posted a pic on my profile. I usually hate pictures of myself running because I look crazy, but this one isn't terrible.

When the 8K program ends, the 10K begins and I'm going to sign up as soon as registration starts. I love these programs. I get to meet a lot of great people and I'm not stuck on a treadmill by myself. Plus it motivates me to get up on Saturday and then my workout is done before 10! That leaves the whole day free for riding my motorcycle. Or working on my arms (my new obsession). ;) I definitely don't want to be this mega-muscular buff chick with veins popping out but seriously, Madonna's arms are amazing!!

Update

I'm getting back into the swing of things. Last week I ran 3 miles on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and did 40 minutes on the elliptical on Friday. I also bought 2 10-pound and 2 15-pound weights so that I can strength train at home. I bought a book that has some crazy exercises in it and I'm going to start trying those out next week.

I signed up for an 8K training program that starts this week. We meet every Tuesday for a track workout and every Saturday for a long run. Our long runs start at 3 miles and we'll work our way up to 7 or 8. On July 19, we'll run the Rockville Twilighter 8K. I love these programs, I just hope I stay injury-free this year!

I also signed up for 2 classes at Montgomery College for the fall: Personal Fitness and Strength Training/Conditioning. I went out to lunch with a friend and he asked me "what do you want to do with your life?" I didn't have an answer. He also works in an office, sitting at a desk all day and hates it. This isn't what I had pictured for myself, but I don't have much to complain about. I've always wanted to help people though and that got me thinking about personal training. I've done a lot of research and it won't be easy or quick, but it's not impossible or too expensive. The main reason I haven't seriously thought about grad school is just the time and money it would take. In the meantime, I can study and train and take the necessary exams to become a personal trainer. I think it would be awesome!

My new ride

I know this blog is supposed to focus on my training and running achievements, but it's also about me and so I have to share this awesome pic of me with my new Yamaha V Star 250! Also, my uncle apparently can't wait any longer to see a picture so this is for you! :) I took it home last Tuesday (well my dad rode it home to his house) and I'm loving it! Unfortunately it's been raining this week, but I did ride it into work on Tuesday and got to show it off to my coworkers. I've gone about 50-60 miles so far. I didn't think I would be so comfortable on it so soon or enjoy it so much but it's awesome! It's also really scary and makes me nervous but I guess a little fear is a good thing.

Back to my running updates: I did run 3 miles on both Sunday and Tuesday and plan to again tomorrow. I haven't gotten to the gym as much as I would like, but something is better than nothing. I still have a 10-mile race to train for though! I'm also considering taking a weight training class at Montgomery College in the fall. I'm hoping it'll help me get arms like Madonna! A girl can dream can't she? :)

Pikes Peek 10K

Yesterday was the much anticipated Pikes Peek. Saturday night I didn't sleep very well, tossing and turning throughout the night. It thunderstormed Saturday and I was really dreading the possibility of running in the rain. Sunday morning was cold and dreary but luckily it didn't rain a single drop on us. It was definitely better than blazing hot sun. I had to stop once to re-tie my shoes (I did run in the new ones)and I stopped to get a drink at one of the water stops. Other than that, I ran the whole way not stopping to walk at all. The last half mile or so is all downnhill and knowing this, I had planned to increase my speed for a great finish. When the road started going down and I could make out the balloons, I sprinted to the finish. I have seriously never run that fast before in my life! I was breathing hard and zooming past the other runners left and right. It was amazing! And the verdict? I ran 2 1/2 minutes faster than I did 2 years ago for a net time of 1:04:11. That's a 10:20 mile. 2 years ago I finished in 1:06:45 and ran a 10:45 mile. My main goal was to beat my previous time which I did, so I'm thrilled. My goal for next year is to finish in under an hour.

I did experience some shin pain during the race but afterwards felt fine. I hope I'll be able to continue my training for the Army ten-miler in October. When I hit the 5 mile mark yesterday I was glad to know I only had about 1 mile left, but then I thought, "holy crap, I would only be half way done if this were a 10-miler!" It's a good thing I have 6 more months of training.

I'm going to give my muscles a rest today and tomorrow just do the bike and/or elliptical. I'll probably run easy on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday and start back with my normal running schedule next week. I'll continue to post how it goes and I have many more races scheduled for the summer that I'll definitely write about!

Week 11

Where did I leave off?? I've been so busy with work that I haven't taken the time to update my progress. Oh, and in the meantime I did learn how to ride a motorcycle! I took the Basic Rider Course through the community college and I'm now licensed to ride! It's very exciting and I've been very busy, but I've managed to continue my runs.

Last Sunday I ran 7 miles but I did split it up into a 4 mile run in the morning and a 3 mile run in the afternoon. I also got a new pair of running shoes on Saturday so I've been working hard to break them in. I was fitted at Fleet Feet (great store) and was amazed at the process. I ended up with a pair of Nikes a half size smaller than I would have even considered along with shoe inserts. I never thought I would need shoe inserts, but they're amazing! I'm still getting used to the shoes and I'm only supposed to wear them every other run until they're broken in. Hopefully they'll be ready by next Sunday for my 10K. I'm also hoping to sign up for a training program this summer and, are you ready for this.....I signed up for the Army 10-miler! It's not until October, but I'm very excited! I'm hopeful and confident that this is the summer I have a breakthrough. The last 2 summers I've trained for various races and ended up injured and had to stop running for a significant period of time. I think there's a lot to be said for the fact that I've managed to start back up both times but I don't want to have to go through it a 3rd time. I'm going to do everything I can to not let it happen again. One thing I'm doing differently this year is cross training. I used to run 3 or 4 times a week and that was it. Now I go to the gym almost every day but on non-running days I use the bike or elliptical. It gives my body a break from running while working different muscles.

Tuesday I did my speed intervals and I was running faster than ever! When I do speed intervals, I run at normal pace for .20 miles and run faster for .30 miles. I do this about 5 times. This past week I was running 6 miles per hour during the faster intervals! My normal pace is 4.8 miles per hour. I'm generally a slow runner so it felt great to be able to complete the workout at a faster pace than normal. My everyday "easy" run pace has also gotten a little faster. I feel like I'm actually making progress and it feels good!

I hope this is a good enough update to make up for not getting one out last week. I'll try to get something out next week before the race, but if not I'll definitely let you know how it went!

Week 9

I had another great week last week. I went to the gym 5 days and ran 6 miles on Sunday!! It took me 78 minutes and this week I'll run 6 again. Next week I'll attempt 7, go back down to 5, and then it'll be time to run my 10K! I feel great and I'm working out more than I ever have before. I'm not pushing myself running too much (3-4 days per week; I don't want to risk injury) but on days I don't run I at least do a half hour on the elliptical or bike. I've even been getting up early on the days I work both my jobs and don't get home until 10. It's crazy!! I'm definitely getting stronger and it's an awesome feeling to run continuously for an hour. I'm just nervous because the last 2 summers I tried starting up a routine and did great, but both years I had to stop due to shin splints. I've been trying to train for a 10-miler and so far it just hasn't happened. I'm going to get better running shoes and hopefully that'll help. I don't want to go through it again this year!

Week 8

Last week was awesome!! I went to the gym 6 days and feel great. Monday and Wednesday mornings I used the elliptical and did strength trainging, Tuesday and Thursday nights I ran 30 minutes each, Sunday I used the stationary bike for 40 minutes and Saturday I did my long run- 5 miles!! It took me 65 minutes to finish and I ran the entire time. It feels great being able to run for an hour no matter the pace. I am definitely getting excited for my 10K. I have more experience this time so I'm really hoping I can beat my previous time which is 1:06:45 (10:45 min/mile). I went to the gym already today- ran for 25 minutes and did strength training. My runs are finally getting a little easier and I'm able to go a little faster. This Sunday I plan on running 6 miles and then next week 7. Woah!! I don't think I'll do more than 7 before the race. I'll continue to run afterwards though and hopefully I'll run a 10-miler later in the year. I'm enjoying running again and it's awesome!!

Week 7

I'm half way there- the 10K is about 6 weeks away. The last 2 weeks weren't so great. I only got in 2 runs each week. But I'm committed and really want to do well. Yesterday I did my 4 mile long run. I thought I might need to stop half way to take a walking break, but I didn't need to. I ran a 13-minute mile so it took about 50 minutes to complete, but I did it! This Sunday I'll go for 5 miles. After running the 4 yesterday I feel really good. It had been way too long since I've run that far. I even got up and went to the gym this morning. I'm supposed to rest after a long or hard run or do cross training (any activity that isn't running) so I did the elliptical for 15 minutes and then did some weight training. I never do anything other than running but 2 days a week I should be cross training with only 1 (maybe 2) rest day(s) a week. With my work schedule that isn't an easy task to accomplish, but I'm trying and I'm always finding new ways to stay motivated which helps. I know this is going to be a great week! Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Week 5

In case you're wondering, my weeks begin on Monday making today the first day of week 5. Last week was much better. I got in my 4 days of running that I was aiming for and even a little bit of weight training. Yesterday I ran 3 miles in 37 minutes (my long run is done on Sunday) and this week I'm going for 4 miles. I'm still not excited to go to the gym, but I know I'll feel great afterwards and crappy if I don't go so that motivates me some. I don't have a scale at home so I'm not keeping track of weight loss, but I think I'm losing inches which is great. That's all I've got for now but I'll continue to keep you updated!

Week 4

I guess it's time for a confession. Week 3 didn't go so well. I only ran 1 day the whole week. :( The first 2 weeks were good so I don't know what happened last week. It's a learning process and I'm moving on to week 4 which will be much better! I am sticking with the healthy eating habits though and have been buying more fruits and veggies. I'm aware of what I'm putting into my body now and to all of you Chicken Out lovers- take a look at their nutrition menu online before going back. They're definitely not as healthy as they make themselves seem. 1 slice of their carrot cake is an entire days worth of calories- over 1500!! Even their side items have a ridiculous amount of calories for their size. 1 8oz. side of mashed sweet potatoes is 423 calories! If you're going to have a salad and share the side with someone, then it's doable. Just be aware of what you're eating and don't let yourself be fooled! My coworkers tell me I shouldn't look at the nurtitional info because it makes me not want to eat it (and they don't want me telling them what it is they're eating), but I feel better knowing that what I'm eating is healthy and well-balanced. And even when it's not, at least I know it's not. I think it's much better to be informed.

30 minutes!

I'm officially signed up for the Pike's Peak 10K on April 27. I have 10 weeks of training ahead of me and I'm actually really excited! Today I ran for 30 minutes, about 2.5 miles. I feel like I'm getting my endurance back quicker than expected which is really great. I'm not going to do too much too soon, but I do have a 6 mile race to prepare for. There's a 5-mile race in May I might sign up for as well. Knowing I have a race coming up that I've already paid for keeps me motivated. Whatever works, right?

10K??

Well I ran 25 minutes this morning and 3 days total last week. Not the 4 I'm aiming for, but still not bad. I'm just shocked that I got up early and went to the gym 2 Mondays in a row! It's a great way to start the week and get in that first workout. I ran a 10K 2 years ago (my one and only) and that same one is coming up at the end of April. I'm contemplating signing up for it. It would definitely motivate me to keep running regularly, I just don't know if 12 weeks is enough time to prepare for it. I think I have more experience this time around and know how to train more efficiently. Plus it's a really fun race with lots of great food afterwards! Well I've talked myself into it- guess I better go sign up before all the spots are gone! I'll keep you posted on how the training goes.

Back on the treadmill

Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm definitely not a morning person. I usually hit the snooze for about a half hour each morning and get up at the latest I possibly can to still make it to work in time. So the fact that I got up today an hour earlier than usual to go to the gym should be shocking! I work 2 jobs so 3 nights a week I'm busy with my second job and on the other nights I just want to relax. I've tried starting a morning workout routine in the past and it's lasted maybe a week. My goal is to workout 4 days a week, maybe a couple mornings and a couple evenings. I think this is a good start! Today I worked out on the treadmill for 35 minutes total and ran for 15. I'm happy with that considering I really haven't been in the gym since the fall. I'm looking forward to running some Spring and Summer 5k's. That should keep me motivated!!

Happy 2008!

I guess I'm a little late with the New Years wishes! I've been so tired lately and don't feel like doing anything. I'm starting to get back into a regular workout program and I think that will really help. I'm sick of feeling like crap!! Plus, I'm 26 and starting to think about having a baby (don't worry dad, it won't be anytime soon!!) and I want to get healthy now so that I'll be able to have a healthy pregnancy and be an energetic mom when the time comes. I have to start thinking about the future- very scary! I guess you could call that being responsible. :) This is going to be the year I jump over the hurdles and change my life. I'm getting back on track and I'm on my way to getting healthy. I also plan on cutting my debt in half this year. It won't be easy, but like I said I have to start thinking about the future. Wish me luck and please don't ask me to go shopping with you!! :)