Plan B?

It is kind of looking like I am going to go with Plan B.

What is Plan B?

As part of the Earth Day runs here in St. Cloud, they offer a 5K (3.1 miles), the half-marathon (13.1 miles), a half-marathon relay (each person runs just over 6.5 miles), and a 20 mile Eco challenge.

I think I am going to end up doing the half-marathon relay.

I have already talked to one of our neighbors, Denell. She thought it over, and is willing to do it with me!

At this point, though I was looking forward to the challenge of still trying to do the half, I think it is the safest option. I won't be rushing into uncharted mileage, putting myself at risk of injury. And I can look for a full -half to run later this year.

Still, it's something new. Something to challenge myself with. Something to work towards.

I will let you know what the final decision is!

Happy New Year!

Hiatus

I am on my own little hiatus.

I have had the walking cast off now for 2 weeks. Actually maybe it has been 3 already.

But I am having the hardest time building the workouts back into my schedule. I can't seem to find the motivation.

I am a little frustrated.

I really think the timing was the worse it could have been. If you have ever really gotten into working out, have you noticed there is a cycle to it?

At the beginning - you are super excited and raring to go. Then it gets normal and there is a pause in the action. Then you realize how important and fun it is. And that you really do feel better when you do it. And you are finally working out both because you want to and need to?

I had just gotten to that third phase.

And boy. Is it HARD to start over.

Don't get me wrong. I might have lost my motivation. But I haven't lost my determination.

I am going to give myself through the holidays ... so til next week.

Between now and then; I am going to get my plan figured out.

Sometimes, I just need a plan to follow.

Hoping that will jump start my engine.

Cause I need it. I got an e-mail last week. Registration is open for the race!

Check back soon!

And in the meantime - enjoy your holidays!

And Then Its Down?

This morning the scale said

184.4

I try hard to not get over addicted to the scale, but I admit it can be hard.

After, I don't know, maybe 4 days of a consistent number

imagine my surprise this morning when it read three pounds less.

Interesting.

But something tells me its not from the lack of pop...

We'll see what it does.

That isn't working ....

Just a quick note to say:

that substituting coffee {creamer} for Pepsi

is {not} the way to drop a few pounds.

Either that, or last time it wasn't as much the stopping of Pepsi as it was the start of a medication for my thyroid that jump started the weight loss.

If that's the case, maybe I can get a dosage increase.

{just kidding!}

Feeling a little frustrated,

But knowing I {will} do this.

{All} of it.


(most current weight: 187.2)

Number 11

Over on my other blog, I posted a list of 10 things I am thankful for this year.

I would add to that list ....

11. (and 12.) Health and Ability - I am thankful that I am healthy enough and, though far from being a true athlete, have the ability to set my eyes on goals such as this. And I will be extremely thankful when my toe heals, I can walk in a normal shoe, and re-start my training! :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, ALL!

One Change

I have gotten to the point that I need to do something.

Something to jump start getting in shape and losing weight.

I just want to make clear, again, that my main goal is NOT losing weight.

My main goal is crossing the finish line in April.
My main goal is getting fit.
My main goal is doing something for me.

Losing weight, and looking good, are added benefits that come along with the road I am on.

With this broken toe, I feel so helpless in working towards this goal.

So to jump start some movement towards success
I have decided to give up my beloved Pepsi.

I am currently on Day 2 of no Pepsi.
It's really not that hard, because I never said no CAFFEINE!
No, no. I still get that thru coffee and/or crystal light energy packs.

I had success losing weight almost three years ago when I gave up the pop.
And am hoping to see similar results this time around.

Starting weight the other morning, before I stopped drinking 150 calories of nothing?
186.4

It will be interesting to see how fast it drops.

In the Meantime?

I posted about my podiatrist appointment over here.

I am so thankful that I do not have to have surgery.

I am so frustrated that I have to wear this boot of a walking cast for 3 more weeks.

And I am wondering what to do in the meantime.

That is a total of 5 weeks without running.

That puts me so behind in my training plan.

I can go back and re-plan.
Push harder.
Still reach my goal.

But I still want to figure out what to do in the meantime.
Thinking I will try to be more disciplined with my core training.
Maybe try some yoga and fat-burning Pilate's.
Maybe try some weight lifting.

Anything that will make the running easier come December.

Leave your suggestions, please.

Until next time; it's back to the drawing board.

Injury Report

After being optimistic after my run last Monday ....

Tuesday morning I was getting ready for the day

and ended up tripping on the stairs.

TWICE.

(how a person trips twice in one day on steps that have been used daily the past 5 years I have no idea.)

The second time I managed to stub my toe so hard into the ground that I ended up severely breaking my big toe.

Of course I limped around til Wednesday night before going in to have it looked at.

I have been wearing a walking cast since.

And naturally have not done any running.
I mean, come on, I can't even walk normally.

I have been waiting all week for the clinic to call regarding my referral to the podiatrist;
just to find out today that they thought I was making the call and then contacting them for the referral. Are they serious?? If that was the case why did the nurse need to know the best time to schedule my appointment. Ridiculous.

Hoping to know what the scoop is soon.

And hoping I can walk normal,
and hence being running,

SOON!!

Precious training time is ticking away.

And I am frustrated.

Though I will say the fact that I was holding my baby girl when it happened, and I didn't drop her or have anything happen to her; makes it pretty much worth it.

Weight

I am so, so hesitant to even write this post.

I just don't know for sure who reads my blogs.

And that makes me nervous.

BUT ...

I started writing this for MYSELF ONLY.
This is a place for MY thoughts. MY feelings. MY journey.

And if it can help someone else, or encourage someone else, then I will share it for that purpose.
And I just hope that anyone reading will not judge or be critical.

My weight and my body image is something I have always struggled with.

I was sooo happy in 2008 when I was successful taking off about 15 pounds.
I was content with the way I looked.
But, as life would have it, I took those steps forward .....
just to go backwards again in time.

The last year has been filled with finishing school,
being pregnant,
giving birth to my pride and joy,
and adjusting to schedules.

I can't complain!

I have been patient with myself with losing the "baby fat"
But lately I seem to be creeping in the wrong direction.
I have always hated my mid-section;
and lately even more so.

So.
This journey has become about more than just running
and getting in shape.
It is about that content feeling.
It is about accepting where I am, but also getting where I want to go.

But I guess it always has been about all of the above.
My focus is just shifting ... but just a little.
Because ultimately I want to run those 13.1 miles in April.
and I know that by itself will take care of those other issues!

This mornings weight? 189.2
Here's to only letting it go down from here.

Back to the Grind

Finally.

Finally made it back to the gym tonight.

Between Ava being sick. And having a little something myself; last week was a bust.
Despite the best laid plans.

I knew I needed to start this week out on the right foot.

So, after feeding Ava. And a quick supper of BLT's for Chad and I, out the door I went.

I started with 1/4 walking warm-up.
Then I ran 1/2 a mile. I feel like I stated a little fast.
And so walked another 1/4 mile.
Followed by 3/4 miles of running.
And another 1/4 mile walking break.
With only 1.1 miles to my goal; I started running again.
But just couldn't do it. :(
I ended with 2.17 miles in 30 minutes.

Overall, I felt sluggish.
I felt winded quickly.
I felt disappointed that I feel like my 2 week break set me back.

But.
I am happy to be back at it.
I am encouraged by how easy it felt before.
I am hopeful I will make up the ground fast.
And be right back on track.

And Today's A New Day

Well, I didn't get last nights run in.

You can find out why here.

I was frustrated that I didn't get there. But most obviously she is soooo much more important than a run.

Here's to hoping that she is feeling better tonight; I can leave her with Daddy, and take my frustrations out on the treadmill.

Cause every day is a new day.

Starting Over

So last week wasn't a good week.
I was tired.
I had headaches.
I was home alone with Ava.
Other than the day I swam laps, there was something that kept me from getting to the gym and working out.

But, I have learned that we can't let set backs lead to quitting.

So, today is a new week.

I will make it a new beginning.
I will move forward.

Tentative plan is run tonight, maybe run tomorrow, workout at home Wednesday morning, run Thursday. Take a break on Friday.

I will do this! (Make it to the half marathon that is.)
The journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step.
Or lots of single steps.

Cross Training

One of the things that I didn't do very well when I was gearing up to run the 5Ks a few years ago was cross train and stick to a good strength training program.
So I have been trying to at least plan to incorporate both into my training plans.
It hasn't gone so well ... yet.
I just need to find a good time to go to the gym where I actually have the time to stay and lift.
Cross training is also difficult, because I have been going to the gym so far only a few days a week. And I feel that since running is my main goal right now, I should use my gym time to, well, RUN.

Well, tonight I brought my swim suit and running clothes with me. I wasn't sure which workout I was going to do. When I got to the gym, I had decided to run. Because I've been feeling really self conscious about actually swimming laps. with other people in the pool. And then, as I was taking out my clothes, I realized I didn't have a sports bra with me. And there was no way I was running without one.

SO, swimming it was.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I forgot how difficult swimming is when you're main objective is not just playing around in the water. I swam 2 laps, and was exhausted. So I rested a few minutes; and then swam 2 more. I repeated this, I think, 5 times in 30 minutes.

I am not even sure how much swimming that actually is...or how much ground I covered. I know, or at least think I know, that at a high school 1 lap = 100 yards. But I think this pool might be bigger than that?? I am going to have to look into that.

Either way. I feel this workout. I wonder if I'll feel it in the morning....

Plan is to run tomorrow, before Chad is gone this weekend.

Time is the Enemy

Time is the Enemy.
It never fails.
If a workout is not going to be accomplished, it is most likely due to time.
Or tiredness and headaches.
Or all three - as was the case tonight.

I get home with Ava around 6:15 at night.
Then Chad and I get supper going.
And by then it is so close to her bedtime, I feel guilty leaving.
So I stay.
And by the time she gets to sleep, I look at that clock and think, "Really?"
It doesn't help that it was one of those days when she took a good nap
and was up til 9.
I wish I could predict these things.
Cause I could have gone, and most likely been home by then.

And of course I know the tiredness and headache ...
Well, the workout probably would have made both feel better.
But it is so hard to remember that at the time.

Regardless, it is so frustrating.
I feel so crappy when I don't do my workouts.
I feel guilty.
I really do love working out.

But, I KNOW I have to let it go.
And make tomorrow a new day.
As with so much of life.

So, I will push myself to keep finding the groove.

And I will push myself to get good workouts in Wednesday and Thursday.
Cause Chad will likely be gone Friday and Saturday.

Time will not get the best of me.

Workout #3

After picking up 3 hours at the Children's Home this morning
I headed to the gym.
A very similar workout to Friday.

Started with a 1/2 mile walking warm-up
Then ran 1 mile at varying paces
The walked a brisk 1/4 of a mile
Started running again, and made it over 1 1/4 miles
Before walking just a short 2 minute cool down.

For a total of 3.2 miles in 45 minutes.

The treadmill said my average pace was just under 14 min/mile.
I know I have nothing to be ashamed of at this point in the game.
Because I am in fact further along then I thought I would be.
I was surprised at how well I handled it when I jolted the pace up a few times today.
And yet, the critic in me, wishes I would have ended faster today.
Oh well, Critic - Shut up!

Another good workout; and the end of week 1*, in the books.

*Week 1 in terms of Couch to 5K goes on three workouts per week.
*And yes, the way I plan weeks begin on Monday.

Workout #2

Finally made it back to the gym tonight :)

Here's how things went down.

Got on the treadmill and walked 1/2 mile, then started running. I was feeling good and the running was feeling easy! I ran a total of 1 & 1/4 miles. Take that Couch to 5K! I honestly felt like I could have ran longer, but I decided to take a walking break to see if I could then go further in total mileage. Bad idea! It is always so hard to maintain running again after walking. At least that has always been my experience. So, instead I walked another 1/2 mile, hit my 30 minute goal, and called it a night.

So, on one hand I am thrilled that I ran over a mile without stopping. On the other hand, I wish I would have pushed myself to go further in total mileage.

Final distance tonight was 2.25 miles in just over 33 minutes.

And just to add; I ran the 1 & 1/4 miles at a 13:38 min/mile pace. Pretty happy with that.

The Plan

So, how am I going to go from a running hiatus to 13.1 miles in 6 months?

Well first I am going to use the Couch to 5K plan as a guide.
I have used Couch to 5K before, and it progresses quite slowly.
I can do more!
But at least it gives me a pace at which to increase the amount of time running.
I plan to follow this for approximately 9 weeks.

Then for 4-5 weeks,
I am going to follow a "pre-training" regimen.
This training period will be used to build up mileage and endurance.
Without over doing it.
Without having it in front of me;
I think it consists of running 5 times a week,
for a total of 12-15 miles.

Then the real training begins.
A 12 week half marathon training plan.
It peaks at 25 miles a week (I think)
with the longest run being 12 miles.

I have never done this before.
I am not looking to set a record.
I just want to go the distance.

And if you're wondering,
the training plans came from Cool Runnings website.
Runners World is another good website.
And I used to get their magazine, too.
(I plan to resubscribe)

Running History

So, maybe you are wondering how I got to the point of wanting to run a half marathon.

I guess I feel like running has been something I have been interested in for quite some time.

My freshman year in high school I joined the track team.
I participated in track freshman, sophomore, and junior year.
At least I don't remember running my senior year.
Problem was I never felt like I found an event I was good at.
Freshman year, I did sprints. Distance sounded way too hard.
Sophomore year, I did some 200's and relays.
Junior year, I tried my hand at 800's. And even a few 2 mile races.
I guess I feel like at that point I did best at the 800's.
I didn't have to go fast. And I didn't have to go far.
But really, I wasn't much of an athlete at all.
(I can admit it!)

Then came college.
I ran for fun.
But just here and there.
Mainly in the spring.
Cause you know, it was time to get in shape!
And as fast as I was on the bandwagon.
I was off again.

A few years ago, I set out to get serious about losing weight,
getting in shape,
and overall feeling healthy.
I started walking.
And moved into running.

In April of 2009, I ran the Earth Day 5K.
In June of 2009, I ran the Sartell Mayors 5K.

I was raring to go.

And then I was taking summer classes.
I started student teaching;
while maintaining a full-time job.
And got pregnant!
Needless to say, I wasn't running.
And I didn't want to start up again while pregnant.

Since I've had Ava, I just haven't gotten back into it.
Mainly due to time.
But also ability.
And the fact that I didn't want to wobble around a baby's head in the jogger!

But it's time.
Time to do something for me.
Time to lose the weight.
Time to get in shape.
Time to achieve a goal.

I've always admired athletes.
Now its time to feel like one.

Workout #1

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Finally, got my butt into the gym. My goal is the Earth Day Half in April. It won't be easy. I hope I have enough time to build up my strength, my mileage, and my endurance. Tonight went well. I was alternating walking and running. The program said to alternate every 60-90 seconds. I was making it 2 to 3 minutes. I didn't feel overworked though. I was sweaty and tired at the end. My legs were tight afterwards.

But...

it feels good!