I'm One with the Trail

Bad News:

I lost my watch so I'm guestimating my time.

Good News:

Sunday I was suppose to run 5 miles, my hubby guessed where the 2.5 mile turn around was, we ended up running 5.94 miles.  Awesome!  about 12 minute miles

Bad News:
I fell on the trail today.  I was halfway through my 3.25 jog and woop there I go.  Scrapes on my leg and hands, it hurts and cleaning it was nasty but I kept jogging .......

Good News:
I still kept to my 11 minute mile.  Not bad.

Since I lost my watch I'm debating whether to get an ipod touch.  I've always wanted one but it may be a waste of money, since most people tell me you need a service to really get use out of it. Hmmmmm.....

I ROCKED IT!!

After a couple of months of running 12 minute miles I was at my wits end on Tuesday.  Everyone I know seems to run 9, 10 and even 7 minute miles.  Granted this is my first year running ever, I know I've done a 10.5 minute mile but I have not been there in months.  Close to tears I call my sister.

Two things changes for me this morning:

First, my sister reminded me that it is not the time but the finishing I should be focused on.  I must admit I would come out strong and then be so wiped by the time I headed back that I ended up walking most of it.

Second, I took a slightly different path because I was curious about a trail I had not been down before.  While on it, my mind turned to wow so this was paved once and this trail looks under used and why did they put a fence there to separate the McMansions from the rest of us :).  When I got back on to my normal trail, I was surprised to find most of my running was done.

So now I think it is time to start switching my routes occasionally to keep the mind active while running.  OH I FORGOT TO MENTION ..... I RAN A 10.8 minute mile for 3.25 miles. WOO HOO!!!!

Vacation This Week

I went on vacation this week in the mountains and I forgot my running sneakers.  I didn't run but I hiked and walked and went tubing (which is work in some ways).  This morning I am all in disarray because today is our big moving day.  I can't find any clean clothes and we are preparing the house still for the movers arrival (lots of lifting).  I like to think that because I am constantly moving, it is contributing to my physical well being but not doing alot for my mental.  I will say this moving is taking a toll on me and maybe if I could conquer the stress of moving, it will help me with the mental aspect of running.

96% Humidity

I'm not sure if it was correct but my thermostat said 96% humidity.  I ran up to 17 minutes with my interval training and then I was lucky to run 1 minute.  I hit a wall hard.  Strangely enough I ran 3.24 miles in 37.2 minutes, even with my erratic running in the end.  This makes me believe that I was running a pretty fast pace in the beginning.  I wonder what it would have been if I was able to keep the running up.

An acquaintance of mine started running after she swore she would never run further then her 25 minutes a day.  She loves working out, taekwondo, P90X and now running.  I told her in June that I was training for the Disney half marathon and if I could do it she could.  That I hate running but I'm doing it.  No no she said, I could never run that far.  I bumped into her yesterday and she is now running back to back 20 miles a day, 7 minute miles, and will be running her first marathon in October.  (She lost a toenail and is losing another one .... weird.)  I feel quite confident that she thought, damn if Joanne is doing it should be easy for me :).  I know that is true and I'm happy for her but feel she is stealing my thunder.  Sigh, I still persist.


I thought of her on my run today, thinking that perhaps I can push myself out of my boundaries and make the get past my 5 mile wall that I have not past.

3.24 miles in 37.2 minutes
11.43 minute mile

Starting a New Training Program

Since my foot got me off track for a bit, I needed a new plan to keep me motivated and goal oriented.  I found a half marathon training program the Marathon Rookie website.  I copied it over to a spread sheet and put in dates instead of Week 1, Week 2, etc. I like it this way because I seem to be able to visualize what is going on in my life during these months.  This week is:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday 3 miles
Wed:  rest
Thurs:  3
Friday: 3
Sat: Rest
Sunday: 4

So I did a bit more then 3 miles today, I did 3.24 in 38 minutes.  The last half mile I felt really sick, like wanting to throw up sick.  When I got back I saw it was 70% humidity.  It had just rain and the temperature was 80, so steam was coming off the road and I guess it was hard for me to take.  Luckily I was in my last half mile.  I thought of George S. Patton, "....the body is always tired..."

And I guess I will see you tomorrow for my next 3.24 miles.

Running in the Heat

As most of you know this summer has been a scorcher.  I've decided to take it easy.  My girls are showing their sheep at the fair and we just moved into a new house.  I am frazzled.  I've decided to just run a couple of miles every other day.  I continue to go to taekwondo which we do some running there as a warm up.

Starting next week I hope to get up before the sun to run.  We'll see.  I almost think I need a week to recover from this week.  Alas, with the new house I think we will be constantly moving for a month.  I want to go away for vacation but when the hubby is stressed he gets sick.  Of course, if I don't get away, I'm going to go insane, so what do I do?

Running in Humidity

I stepped outside and I could feel my skin tingle, it was humid out.  As I started my run I could feel the thickness of the air.  In less then 15 minutes into my run, a drip of sweat came down the side of my head.  In less then 30 minutes, it was dripping in my eyes.  I didn't expect to do well.

My accomplishments today ..... mmmm, I ran 4 miles in humid weather.  I was able to do 5 continuous intervals of 5/1.  I figure when I get up to 7 intervals I will be able to do the 5 miles again.

My obstacles:  I ran slow, 4 miles in 51 minutes.

My mantra was take it easy and it appears I did.  I'm disappointed that I seem to get worse and worse with each passing day.

I just read the Runner's World magazine, link below, that said that for each 5 degrees above 60, can slow your pace by 20-30 seconds.  Wow!

I've been looking up tips of hot humid running and I found these sites pretty good:
Runner's World: Beat the Heat - this one relates to me the most.
Cool Running: Hot Weather Running
Tips for running in the hot humid weather

Ran 4 miles, not so well

I ran four miles yesterday in 50 minutes.  That's pretty bad.  I was hoping for 46 minutes maximum.  My instructor at taekwondo wants to start jogging Monday and Friday mornings at 6 am.  I'd like to make it but I don't think I can get up that early in the morning.  Plus there is another mom there who would like to run with me but I think she is a slow runner. 

I've also attached the BeeWell Music to this Blog.  I'm going to try it out.  Supposedly you can download 5  songs per week to go with your running.  I think they're free.  If it works out I'll keep it.

Lastly, my foot seems to be doing better.  The orthopedic said that the tendon was too stiff, so every chance I get I've been stretching it.  And I try not to sit on my foot anymore but keep it on the floor so that it is flexed most of the time.  The mornings are the worse but this morning.  Not so bad.

K, so my kids are harassing me.  I think I should try more pictures on this blog.

4 miles in 50 minutes
12.5 minute mile ..... not as bad as I thought. :)

BeeWell Challenge at BeeWell for Life

I just joined .....

BeeWell Challenge at BeeWell for Life

It looks like a great program. Not only does each mile help Breast Cancer Research, it gives you tools to keep track of your progress, recipes, and calorie intake. No I'm not getting money from this site. ;-), I really don't make anything from this blog. I'm just trying to bring tools to help you to keep running and just letting you know what I'm up to. :)

3 Week Hiatus - Can I start up again?

I know I haven't written in a while. I was continually having foot trouble. I took three weeks off to rest it but it didn't improve. I finally went to a foot specialist. He said it's just sore and I can still run. He told me to stretch before and after running. I was just stretching before. He said to continue to ice it and I can soak it too.

So after 3 weeks of not running I went out into this hot summer to run. I was nervous because well I didn't know how fit I was. In those three weeks I also had a summer cold. Go figure, nothing during the winter but sick as a dog in the summer. I didn't know if I should go back to the couch to 5K or do my normal 5/1 run/walk split and for how long or what. Everyone was telling me I'll have body memory.

I had to make a decision if I was going to start up again. It's not easy, there was too many unknowns. I decided on 2 miles and do 5/1 and see where it takes me. I decided this run is to see how my body does and determine a plan of action afterward. My hubby asked if I wanted him to run with me, I said no, I need to find my rhythm.

Although my breathing was regular, I felt my stride was irregular, my steps were heavy and cluncky. I know that sounds funny but that's the best way I could describe it, cluncky.

I'm happy to say, even though I need to work on my rhythm, I was able to do 3 sessions of 5/1. My last one was straight up a hill that's pretty steep so I broke it up. That part of the run I usually break up. I'm ready to do 3 miles I believe, 4 miles by next weekend and maybe 5 miles again by the following weekend. So I might be a bit behind schedule but I think I can catch up.

5 miles to Start the Week

I ran 5 miles today. First time! It took me 58.5 minutes which is just under a 12 minute mile. I am learning about 50% of running is mental, 25% cardio, 15% leg strength and 10% dealing with injuries.

So anyway, I'm working on mental. Before I start I told myself, I am in it for the long haul, I need to relax while I run. Run like I am taking a stroll. I feel it worked, I ran 8 sets of 5 run/ 1 minute walk and it wasn't until the last half mile which is all uphill that I could not do my set of 5/1.

On a side note, last week I bought a wicking shirt to keep from getting over heated. Last week I had a terrible week. I think it was because of the heat. So now I have two challenges: hills and heat.

Wednesday I want to work on speed. I read that if I want to run an 8 minute mile then I should run the first mile as 8 minutes then take it easy for the rest. Keep doing that until you can build on it. I want to be down to a 9 minute mile. 8 minute would be awesome but I think I would be pushing to hard and I would give up.

5 miles in 58.5 minutes
11.7 minute mile

Four Miles by Myself

Today I ran the 4 miles I usually run with Gordon. Again my goal is to reach the end in a mentally fit state, which I was able to achieve. I was also able to keep a 5/1 run/walk schedule for most of run. It wasn't until the very end where I am going completely uphill that I ran 3/1 then 1/1. Unfortunately, it took me 47 minutes to run it, which was a bit under 12 minutes a mile.

On a happier note, I walked the dog for another half hour, right afterward. I was not exhausted and I could probably kept running a further distance, so on that sense I was pleased.

I will need to be able to run/walk for 3 hours possibly even 3.5 hours. My sister told me she was able to run/walk a 10 minute mile and sometimes a 9 minute mile. So my goal this month is to get my time better for the 4 miles. I've been stretching my legs (one leg forward, one leg back) in the hopes of lengthening my stride. It is still my belief that the hills are slowing me down. I wonder if I were to run a flat course will I be able to run further or is all the hill training working the wrong muscles.

One last note, yesterday in Taekwondo, I got hit in the knee while sparring. I have a big black and blue today. As I ran I decided to wear a flexible knee brace - or bandage or such thing. I don't know if I needed it but I didn't have problems with it while I was running. I thought I should note that. I am finding that injuries are being used as excuses not to continue. Since you are playing a sport, I believe now that some sort of injury is inevitable but if we use that as an excuse then we would never get anywhere. I think that would be an easier out. I don't know if this is true. I have never been one for sports and I don't know why this year is different but it is. I would love to talk to athletes and see how often they get injuries .... at least when they started out did they get alot.

4.08 miles in 47 minutes
11.5 minute mile

Endurance and Mind Set

So yesterday, my goal was to run my 5K route without feeling close to tears at the end. I changed a couple of things:

I have been starting off my run with 10 minutes, walk 2, and then trying the run 4 walk 1. It just wasn't working out. I read that if I start breaking up the run walk sessions right from the beginning I should be able to last longer throughout the run.

So, I ran 5 walked 1. (I started off with a 1 minute walk because it is up a steep hill and that wears me out) I was able to keep up the 5/1 interval for 4 intervals then I dramatically dropped to 2/2 as I was going uphill and my goal is to be mentally fit by the end of the run.

Wouldn't you know it .... I beat my time! 33.5 minutes I am so happy, I feel re-motivated that I can do this! I was smiling not crying at the end. I could walk the stairs to my door without having to sit for a bit. I'm ready for my 4 mile run tomorrow.

The second thing I started doing was check my pulse while walking. I've been reading about how keeping your pulse at different levels can help improve my running. I'm still learning about it but working on it.

I found a Heart Rate Training Zone Calculator at BrainMac. There are a lot of ads on this site but if you can get past that, there is a lot of interesting info and it will tell you what heart rate you should be working in. I think I was about in my 70-75% training zone and can probably step it up.

I think I'm going to start looking for watches that will check my pulse and be an alarm that goes off for my 5/1 run/walk interval.

Taekwondo today.

5K in 33.5 minutes
10.8 minute mile

A walk and a run

yesterday I walked my 5K route, although I'm starting to believe it's more then 5K. It took me an hour. Not bad. This morning I ran/walk the route. I made it in 36 minutes. I'm not too disappointed considering I haven't ran in a week but my mind was more focus then it has been before I took a break.

I did not mention the sneakers I finally bought. They are Asics - Nimbus Gel and they're very cool (pic below). I went to a store, Potomac River Runners, specifically for runners. They specialize in gait analysis. So first they had me stand on something that checked the size, width and arch of my foot. Then she picked out a pair of shoes for me. She told me when I put them on they should feel like slippers. They did. Then she had me run on a tread mill where she watched my legs to see whether they were over or under-pronating. They weren't. She had me try on some other sneakers but these still fit the best. So those are the sneakers I have and I use them only for running.

Lastly, my heel has been hurting, for about a month now. I'm not sure what to do about it. I tried soaking in epsom salt, which relieved some of the pain but I still have it. If anyone out there have suggestions, let me know.

Took A Break

On Sunday, April 25, I ran 4 miles with my hubby. I was miserable. I could barely climb the stairs to our house. I didn't want to run anymore and I had no motivation. I called my sister, and complained. She said to me, "so take a week off, you have time. Take a week."

And so that's what I did, I took a week off. Today, I walked the 5K. It took me an hour. My legs and lower back hurt but I think I'm ready to run again. This week, I plan on signing up for the Twilight 4 mile run in June and then there is the 10K in August.

I hope I've found my gusto again.

Running twice today

I ran this morning. I can't seem to get into a regular running pattern. I've been trying to start with a 10 minute run with a two minute walk ... which I've been able to do ... and then 4 minute run 1 minute walks but I seem to run 2 minutes and give up. Is it mental? Is it physical? And if so, is it my lungs or my legs? I'm guessing mental since nothing seems to hurt however my body feels fatigued. I think I'll need to do some research on that.

Tonight I promised the kids I will take the kids out to try a 5K. I told them if they could run a 5K in under an hour, I will sign them up. Gordon said he'd run with them. The entry fee is $30 ($5 for my youngest), so I don't know if I want to spend $95 for one run. Well, we'll see tonight if they can run it and then I'll decide.

By the way, I've been having a pain in my heel. I put extra cushioning in my shoes but once I take my shoe off I'm still in pain. I'm not sure what to do about it. I'd like to try Epsom salt at night while watching TV but I never do. I will try to make an extra effort today.

2.93 miles in 32 minutes
10.9 minute mile

Running after my first race

I ran in the rain ... but of course.  I think I was 5 pounds heavier then when I started and I did HORRIBLE.

I ran the first 10 minutes but went downhill from there.  I think I was feeling depressed, kind of a mid-life crisis thing going on, and so my will to run was down.  I told myself I needed to just get through this run, make 3.1 miles and I'll try again Friday.  Funny enough I made it in 36 minutes, even with all the walking I did. 

So there is another 5K coming May 8th that our dojang is sponsoring; My girls want to run it and they want to run the 5K.  They've never done it, so this Friday they are going to see how long it takes them to do the 5K with me.  I think if they can do it under an hour we are going to do it.  I'll let you know how it goes.

5K in 36 minutes
12 minute mile

My First 5K

I'm so proud of myself.  It was a cold morning 33 degrees and the wind picked up and the clouds rolled in.  There were about 240 participants I came in 159th place. :)  Not bad for my first run.  I didn't run the whole thing but I ran most of it.

When we started out running it was so quiet, you hear only the feet hitting the pavement.  No one talked to one another, it was so weird and yet so cool.  I wore two shirts, a sweatshirt and a hat and my hands were freezing for most of the race.  I don't think they warmed up until the very end, which is good because I was afraid I would have to stop and take off my sweatshirt.

Tip:  Check your shoelaces before running.  That's right, I stopped because at the very beginning of the race my shoelace came untied.  There was a water stop, I didn't take any thinking, oh it's just 5K, but my sister said I should practice taking a drink so I know how to do it during the half marathon.  It seems there is a science to grabbing water and running.  Next time perhaps.

My official time was 33:27.something , so  a 10.8 minute mile (woo hoo! best time)

Below is a picture of my friend and my hubby.  His teeth is chattering in the picture and was at the beginning of his present cold:

FIRST 5K DONE!

Just finished my first 5K. I think I did it in 33 minutes but the official time will be posted later. I'll write more tomorrow. Need shower.

5K in 36 minutes

It seems the days I want to cry on my run, when I think I was awful and what the hell am I doing, I do my best time. I was able to run a 5K in 35.5 minutes. Woo Hoo! I figured out an unofficial 5K on the spark people fitness map tracking (you can find the link on my favorite links). I stretched before running - no warm up walk, just started running. I ran for 10 minutes then 2 minute break, no problem. then I ran 5 minutes one minute break, getting tired, I decided to to 4 minute runs 1 minute walks. I couldn't do it. I was horrible. I was ready to cry. I told myself, just get through the 5K and just see, just see. I had to go around one more block and I had 33 minutes on my watch ... oh my, I might be able to do this, I started up running again and I made in very near to 36 minutes. Woo Hoo. Don't give up! It's all mental.

In addition, in my defense for the lack of running. I was running in a sweatshirt in the rain. I think by the end of the run my sweat shirt was 5 lbs heavier.

5K in 35.5 minutes
11.5 minutes to a mile


I ran four miles Sunday. I forgot to mention. I feel as if I don't keep up with this blog, then it is the first sign I'm giving up. so when I run, I try to write. The four miles was with my hubby on a very hilly course. My goal was to run it as before I had not ran further then 2.6 miles. I'm glad I did and for hear on out I'm going to try and run at least 3 miles on my runs possibly 4 or 5 when I get closer to fall.

I can't believe I've made it this far. Sunday is my first 5K. I'll try to take pictures.

A Good Bra for Running

Started walking down the street and realized my boobies were all over the place. I forgot a my good bra.

A word about bras: I do not like the sports bras that make my boobies like one giant pancake - that's what they look like to me. It is not the look of the bra that concerns me but rather I feel like I can't breathe in them. They are made so tight so there is no movement that I can't breathe. Since running has a lot of breathing involved ;-) I don't want a sports bra. It fitted like a normal bra - no wire - snug but I could but not too tight. Hanes used to make an awesome sports bra but they discontinued them. I went in search of a new bra. So far I'm a fan of the Bali bra found at JCPenny's. It is often on sale, buy one get one free - comes out to about $15 a bra but I never think of my boobs while running in them. Granted I've only ran 2.5 miles total so far but I do use it for taekwondo and that's usually a 45 minute class. I hear you shouldn't wear cotton while running so I may need to do a little more research. I'll keep you updated.

OK, so I got my running bra on and I get near the end of my 5 minute warm up walk and the mp3 player dies. Ugh, I'm going to run it without it, luckily I have my stop watch. I run check my watch, 5 minutes, run, watch, 10 minutes, run, 15 minutes, ugh I'm dying, run, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20 minutes ... I'm walking for a couple of minutes, run a minute, walk a minute, run a minute. Done.

So I didn't quite make running the whole 25 minutes and I felt I couldn't run anymore, so I'm a bit nervous about running 3 hours. We'll see.

I got home, picked up the phone and thought, what the hell the phone is wet. I look at it. It's really wet. OOOOOoooooohhhhh, brain on delay, it's me, I'm dripping. The back of my shirt is soaked. I'll need a wicking shirt soon, it's getting hot out there. Beautiful thing .... I BROKE THE 12 MINUTE MARK!! WOO HOO!!

2.58 in 30 minutes
11.62 minutes per mile

4 Days Off

Ugh! I took 4 days off, but my hubby and I got off our butts and went for a run this beautiful Easter morning. There were a few people out on the trail but in general it was a quiet morning. Later in the day, I saw lots of people jogging, biking or just walking. I prefer mornings, it's cooler and I have the energy. :)

The last 10 minutes of the jog was a struggle. I tried controlling my breathing, it wanted to be erratic but I worked hard to keep it under control. Every time I talk to my sister she keeps telling me it's all mental, it's mental and I agree, when I start thinking any negative thoughts I start running a breathing erratically and start to panic. I might run tomorrow to make up for my time lost.

2.5 miles in 30 minutes
12.24 minutes per mile.

Week 6 - Starting to Slack

I see I haven't written since last week plus I was suppose to start Week 6 yesterday but Spring Break caught up and I ran today. I reached a milestone last week of 2.4 miles but I couldn't seem to get better then that. I am happy to say I made 2.45 miles in 30 minutes today. That's a big deal. I thought I'd stay at 2.4 for awhile and that a 12.5 minute mile is not bad for just starting out. The .05 mile makes a big difference, I'm not doing a 12.24 minute mile. Woo Hoo!!

OK, so I'm sorta starting to slack but I still intend to keep up with this blogging to see where I've been and where I'm going. And I still intend to keep running and finish that half marathon. I've decide not to run the whole thing but some sort of walk run combo, just not sure what yet. My sister did it with a 4 min run 1 minute walk combo. I'll just get past my first 5K and go from there.

Week 5 Mix up

So each day this week, I run a different interval. Today it was 5 minute run/3 walk/5 run/3 walk/5 run. With 4.5 minute walking warm up and cool down. It was a good run, no panicking, just running. I broke another personal record. I'm proud of myself.

I need new sneakers and more supportive bras. That's my goal for the week.

2.4 miles in 30 minutes
12.5 minutes a mile. (not bad for someone who hated running)

Finished Week 4

I finished week 4 and realize I need a new MP3 player. My has been dead all week. I've been using my daughter's. I kept hoping it would come back to life but I think it's done for. I bought a new one online, an ematic. It got very good reviews and it's cheap. I was nice and got a black one so my hubby can use it. It also has a camera so I can take pictures on my run. :)

I just listened to Week 5's schedule and each day is a different jog/walk sequence. I decided I don't like the music on Robert Ullrey's podcast so I'm going to make my own using music I've purchased and Sony Acid Xpress is a free download. It's basically a scaled down program of their Pro verison. I'll see if I can make it on there.

Today my plan was to get new sneakers but Monday is really my day off and yet tomorrow and Wednesday, I'm busy. I found a place online that I can step through and pick out the shoes that are best for me. I think that somehow going in to talk to someone may give me tips that I just can't get from buying online.

2.63 miles in 35 minutes (ran/walk an extra 5 minutes)
12.5 minute mile

Week 4 Completed

Today, it got to 70 degrees by 10 am. When I was done with my chores and was ready to run, our thermostat said 85. No way.

So I waited till my hubby came home and had him run with me. ;)

I made it, I ran both 3 minute and 5 minute runs and another 3 minute and 5 minute run. I'm very happy with myself. Gordon and I argued how we are going to run the half marathon, if we are going to run the whole way (which I think is out for me) or run/walk. Since I decided on run/walk he said he wants to come with me so we were arguing how minutes running to how much walking.

We're still working on that part.

2.33 miles in 30 minutes
12.9 minute mile

Week 4 didn't start so well, or so I thought

OK, here I go with week 4 today ....

5 minute walk	of course, no problem
3 minutes run	ok not bad,
90 seconds	(I tell myself to calm down, relax while I run),
5 minutes	with easy going music I was able to find a groove,
2.5 minutes	slow down (not bad, I did well),
3 minute run	music is more upbeat,
90 second walk,
starting 5 minute run,	the music is whacked, sounds like two songs playing over each other, I don't like it. I'm going uphill, damn, I hear in my head, I can't do it, I can't do it, It's too much.
2 - 2.5 minutes in	I can't take it anymore, I've got to stop running and do. I'm disappointed. I try picking up the run again. I can't my legs just want to collapse when I start running. I keep walking. The run ends. I'm disappointed with myself.

I get the dog and walk another 4 minutes. (a little more for the dog) but I mark my 30 minute length.

I get home to check my mileage. I see I ran/walked 2.37 miles in 30 minutes. I smile and think OK that makes up for my disappointment.

2.37 miles in 30 minute
12.65 minute mile

End of Week 3

I made it to the end of week 3. It wasn't too bad. I took the dog with me and only stopped once for him to poo. I think I could of pushed myself a little harder when I was walking in the end. When I finish the 3 minute run I am so focused on catching my breath again that I forget that I should still be keeping a decent pace.

Although my dog loves going on the runs I think he slows me down. He's a beagle and wants to sniff everything. I have a retractable leash so he can do that for a bit but I needed to yank him a couple of times.

I gave myself pep talks while I walked, and reminded myself to stay loose and relax. That I'm working my endurance up. I find it is my cardio that is out of shape, physically my muscles are having no trouble with runs. I wish I knew a way to work the cardio better. I found that I became a bit congested and my teeth hurt. Yes my teeth hurt ... a dentist told me once that my sinuses come down low and that could be the reason why. I think I will use the neti pot on my off day to see if things clear up.

Starting tomorrow, I start a 3 minute and 5 minute run, twice - which would mean a total of 16 minutes of running. I think only 90 seconds and 2.5 minute breaks in between. I'm nervous but I carry on. I'm happy to say I thought the run went quickly yesterday. I guess I'm not bored yet.

2.15 in 30 minutes or 13.9 minute mile.

Cooling down the panic

It's 50 degrees out, warm enough to run but raining. I went. Last time as I was running I think I felt a panic take over and I didn't run so well although I still kept my time. My first 90 minute run, I felt the panic overtake me again. "I can't do this, what the hell was I thinking. There is just no way." Over and over in my head. I tried telling myself others have done this but still I tried talking myself out of it.

When I got to my 90 minute walk segment. I had to give my self a scolding that my running was erratic and I'm letting my panic take over. I need to do the next 3 minutes calmly. If I'm going to get through this run I need to get my head on, calm down, focus and relax. Yes that's right relax. I tried to make sure my upper body is relaxed while running because why waste energy being tense.

It worked. I got through the rest of my run without the panic. I still have those thoughts of failure and I'm crazy but I try to keep it quiet and I try to think of what I'll say when I do make that half marathon.

I like to point out that from this I am learning that running is not all about the physical. It is the mental as well, especially when you are thinking of doing something extraordinary and a half marathon from someone whose never ran or like running is extraordinary to me. :0)

2.16 miles in 30 minutes, that's a 13.8 minute mile.

Start of Week 3

I have taekwondo tonight. I normally don't but with my busy schedule it was the only day I could squeeze it in. Regardless, I felt it was important to run and keep to a schedule. I ran by myself again a 5 minute warm up walk, 90 minute run, 90 second walk, 3 minute run, 3 minute walk, repeat once then 5 minute cool down - I took 10 minutes to see if I could get my 30 minutes in and determine how far I went. The last five minutes I walked the dog.

So, 2.17 miles in 30 minutes. Not as good as Saturday but my lungs felt like they were burning at the end of my second 3 minute run.

I did learn that when I did do 2.33 miles in 30 minutes, that is a 12.8 minute mile where as 30/2.17 = 13.8 minute mile. So it would seem my goal is 2.33, maybe Saturday :0)

Running with my hubby

So my husband decides to run with me. He has not ran in a couple of years and yet jumping right in for him was no trouble.

It was difficult to pace myself. I wanted to show him 'look at me I'm a runner' and yet he had no problem keeping up with me and actually went ahead of me. Ugh!!!

I finally told him I'm having trouble keeping my pace with him. He said I should run at my pace. I said that's the thing, I can't find my pace with you running with me. I said that maybe we should run together more often so we can find our pace together if we're going to run together at Disney. He agreed and started to run behind me.

After the last 90 second run it took me a minute and a half to recover my normal breathing. I did go farther, he did push me. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. If I think of the Biggest Loser where Jillian pushes and pushes and pushes and yet they survive and are the better for it, then I think it's for the better.

2.33 miles in 30 minutes

Oh last week's results:
Wed. 2.17 miles in 30 minutes
Friday 2.15 miles in 30 minutes

What the hell am I doing!?!

I'm on week 2. Wed. I didn't want to run, even when I was running I didn't want to run. It was snow/raining and dark and gloomy out. Today, I didn't want to run. The wind has been constant this winter. I had a headache when I started but it seems to have subsided. While I was running on Wed. I started to panic, I can't do this, I can't run for 3 hours straight. What the hell was I thinking!?! I'm dying and can barely make 30 minutes. I can't even run 30 minutes straight and I'm going to run for three hours. I told myself to stop it and went on. Today, I told myself, who cares if I can't make it, I can make 30 minutes and if I go there and just run for 30 minutes well then there you go. I did sign up for the family fun run with my kids the day before so I'll have some sort of medal. The only goal I should look at now is running a 5K in April.

I went to tae kwon do in between days. We were breaking boards and my hand started to swell. I put on some Chinese bruise liquid on a paper towel and placed it on my hand and just watched TV while I was wearing it. I'm happy to say, my hand although a bit stiff looks pretty good. My daughter's hand is bruised. Next time I'll let her try some too.

Running in the Snow

I knew I had to run on Sunday. It was beautiful out, sun shining. Woo Hoo it'll be warm for my run, maybe 50 by afternoon. For some reason I was so tired that I fell asleep around 11:30 in the morning. When I woke it was 12:15. "Damn, I gotta run or I'll never get to it." Dressed in a t-shirt, sweats and sweatshirt. Grab the dog and started my 5 minute warm up walk. "Oh my god, is that snow!?! .... YES IT IS!!"

It was snowing a decent amount and the wind was going right through my sweatshirt. I was freezing and yes, I thought of quitting for the day. My conscious didn't let me though. A little cold is not going to kill me. After the dog stopped me twice, I dropped him off at home and continued with Week 2 of Robert Ullrey's podcasts (see my favorite links).

By the end of the run the sky had cleared and the sun was shining again. When I got home, my hubby told me it was 50 out. So I just had some freak storm that was testing me AND I PASSED!!

2.15 miles in 30 minutes.

2 miles in 30 minutes

Whew, another mini accomplishment that's keeping me motivated. I was able to complete 2.1 miles in 30 minutes. I was previously doing 1.8 miles in 30 minutes and push myself a little harder today so I could make that 15 minutes a mile mark.

It wasn't easy. There's still snow on the ground and I ran through some of it. Not too deep. My lungs felt the burn by the fifth run/walk sequence. I appreciate the "Do you want me to leave or do you want me to fight now?" song around this time. I keep telling myself, I want to fight, I want to fight.

I'd like to eventually get to a 12 minute mile but right now I'm very happy with my 15 minute mile after one week of training.

I didn't make my run today

Ack! soooo busy today, teaching computer to preschoolers, birthday lunch with my hubby, dentist, food shopping for the little one to make Dad's b-day present, pick up little one, snacks and homework (still thinking I can make the run), help make birthday presents, then totally have a melt down when my daughter spills her juice. It was ugly, yelling, screaming and threatening to throw out everything even the dog when asked.

Sigh, didn't get to the run. I have hope for tomorrow. I have the motivation, just not the time today. It's suppose to rain tomorrow, but I'm going to try anyway. It's my eldest's birthday and Girl Scout cookie day. I want to cry.

Week One - Day Two

It is beautiful out! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the kids are playing. I got dress in my sweats and went outside. Week One podcast in my ears and away I go. I finished another day. I tracked my mileage on the Spark people Fitness Map and Run Tracker. It looks like I'm still under two miles. I don't think I have the exact mileage because with the snow I had to run around snow hills (yes, even with the warm weather we still have snow), and look for paths in the snow. I'm hoping when the snow clears my mileage will be more accurate and will shoot up.

I also went to Tae Kwon do yesterday. I felt sluggish. I think my medication is taking its toll on me and can't wait to get off it. Monday is the day I finish taking them but alas I read the side effects may last up to a month. I need to work through the rough times if I'm going to go all the way. This is in my half marathon training and aiming for the black belt.

I read somewhere once that exercise can actually boost your immune system. I feel I need to put a disclaimer here that I'm not a doctor and these are my opinions and what works for me. A good rule of thumb, I follow, is if you are exercising and feel good, keep going, if you start getting a headache, stop.

Here is Robert Ullrey's Week One podcast.

Week One - Day One - Check

I DID IT!! I DID IT!!

Granted I have a bit of a headache now but I started the Week 1 podcast by Robert Ullrey. I get links after my shower. I ran, I walked, I ran over snow piles up to my chest, I dodged cars and ran among narrow shoveled walkways. I DID IT!

One small victory! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

30 Minute Walk

I called the dentist first thing Monday morning and yes I have an abscessed tooth. He gave me some antibiotics and set a root canal appointment for Thursday morning. Woo Hoo - hear the sarcasm in my woo hoo. ;-)

After two days of constant pill popping, I feel a bit better. I have a dull ache on my tooth and am looking forward to tomorrow. I'm disappointed that I have not started walking soooo....

Today I decided I had to get out there. I grabbed the retractable dog leash and thought I just need to get out and walk about for 30 minutes. Would you believe that after 2 minutes and 42 seconds I checked my watch to see how much more time I had. No lie.

'It's a mind game,' I told myself. "I have nothing planned for the next half hour so I might as well walk." I pictured a general idea of where I will walk that will take up 30 minutes.

Everything is snow covered. Finding a pathway off the street onto a sidewalk is a bit of a challenge. But the Porthos and I weave among the snow piles, the narrowly shoveled paths and across icy streets. I check my time, OK 11 minutes go by. Up this street, down that street. 20 minutes go by. Woo Hoo I'm on the home stretch. Heading home now should take 10 minutes. Sure enough I'm home and it's 29 minutes and 52 seconds. Close enough.

Not bad for my first day out. I just wish it was running.

Ugh 101.7 fever

So for Valentine's Day, I had a 101.7 fever and a killer toothache. Went to the dentist today and will have a root canal Thursday. I got antibiotics for the abscessed tooth so maybe I can start running before the end of the week.

My tooth still hurts but maybe the antibiotics have not kicked in yet. We'll see.

Tae Kwon Do

Last fall, my family joined the TaeKwonDo dojang down the block. My first week I nearly passed out and could do maybe a half of a push up. I cried that I didn't want to go anymore. But my husband reminded me that is was me who joined everyone up. I'm also figured I paid for the first month, always wanted to try the martial arts, so I've got to go because I'll never have this chance again. Six months later, I can do about 20 push ups comfortably, stretch my legs so that my head can touch the floor, and I can make it through a class without passing out.

I'm a gold belt. You start out as a no belt. This surprised me. I thought you start with the white belt but know it's a no belt. Before I thought I'd be happy with just a green belt but now I think I want to go all the way to a black belt.

So today was elite fitness, one of the most difficult classes. My hubby was sick and the little one didn't want to go. Emily didn't want to go either but she went because I asked her. Of course I didn't want to go but because of the two blizzards I've only been to one class in 2 weeks. Apparently no one else wanted to go because it was just 3 of us. We made it through and moving on .... I'm glad though I think it will keep me in shape for the running I'm suppose to start tomorrow. Weirdly enough I'm nervous about it.

Running My First Half Marathon

OK, so I've never ran a race, ever. Not 5K and definitely not a half marathon. I was never a fan of jumping, and running is like constant jumping to me. Then there is the boring factor, the scenery may change house, trees, people, house, trees, people, house trees people, dog, house, trees, people.

In January of 2009, my sister ran her first half marathon with teams in training at Disney World. She had never ran a race either. Teams In Training trained her well, she finished in about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Not bad for never running a race before.

When she started, she told me about Robert Ullrey's couch to 5K podcast . I put on my strongest bra, CD player in my pocket (no I didn't even own a MP3 player at the time) and away I went. I did well. I made it to week 6, then it got cold and I stopped running.

I have ran on and off since but with no consistency, sooooo I signed my dear hubby and I up for the Disney World Half Marathon for January 2011. I wanted to start my training last week but we got slammed with not but two blizzards. So my start date is Valentine's Day. Isn't it romantic? I say in a sing song voice. I am not doing it with Teams in Training (I don't think I can raise that much money). This is on my own.

Here's the plan:
1. Follow couch to 5K 9-week podcast by Robert Ullrey
2. Run my first race, a 5K for the local women's shelter
3. Run/jog for additional 4-5 weeks.
4. Begin 10-week half marathon training.
5. Run a 10K somewhere in there.
6. After 10-week training, just try to get my time up.

I have to be over a 16 minute mile. I know I can do a 20 minute mile by walking fast, so 16 minute mile doesn't sound so bad.

My First Blog - My First ... well anything

I've turned 40.

time passes as that number sinks in

OK, so I'm 40 and there are things I never got to do, so I want to try and see how far I can get. I don't know why it took me so long to say "forgetboutit I'm just doin' it" But there it is.

I hope I take the fear out of the things that I am doing and help you develop a plan to do it yourself. This blog is also a journal of my personal journey, so that I can see where I've been and reflect on what I am doing.

So this blog is about firsts for me. Trying and experiencing new things. I've started a first already. In addition to this blog, I've joined a Taekwondo dojang. Pretty cool. Been doing it for 6 months now and I'll blog about what I remembered in the beginning, where I am now and where I am going.

The second first (or third, if you count this blog) for me this year, is running a half marathon. I've never ran a race, so this will be interesting. :)

So those are my firsts for 2010. I might pick up one or two more along the way but I think these will keep me busy.