As I sit here on the eve of my first 5K, I am overwhelmed at what lie ahead of me. This is a challenge that I have set forth on and I have only made it to running 2.2 miles....a 5K is one mile more than what I have been able to do to date.
If you have been following posts, you undoubtably know I have not put much into detailing out my trials...HOWEVER, I have let that slide and continued to train. So while something had to go, this time it was not my training, but my documentation of doing so. A pretty good comprise if I do say so myself.
So let me just take a small trip back to my "almost" derail. It was about a month ago and I tried on some jeans. They didnt fit. Not only did the jeans not fit, they fit me about two weeks before. Ok, now I know that I am gaining muscle (not to mention I am gaining it in the areas I dont need to, the ole' butt and thighs)...however, I had not been on the scales at all and this really made me mad. So I went on strike for a week. No, zip, zero, nada workouts.
I didnt plan very well, as the next week I was so busy at work that workouts were out of the question. Yes, your math is as correct as mine, that would be a two week break from working out in the middle of my training which up until this point was still walking and running.
Well, after my second week, I needed to get my butt in gear. Off to the gym I went. I said "self if I plan on running in one month for 3.2 miles, I better get my butt in gear". I will just run until I cant do it anymore and then take a break. If I put in five minutes max...I'd be happy. Well at ten minutes, I was pretty pleased with myself. The breathing was ok as I slowed down my pace, way down, but was jogging and I was great with that. Its not like I am trying to win here, I just want to complete it! That workout, I made it to 20 minutes. The next workout I was up to 22 and then 25.
WOW, I am really impressed myself! You Go Ally!
Then last weekend rolled around and I was off to a conference. Ok, I will have time to workout while there. Nope....not one day. Finally back on Wednesday, but worked until almost 11 p.m., so I put a quick workout in last night. My head was messing with me, as I only got in 10 minutes and walked for 2 minutes, 5 minutes and ran for 5 minutes...and so it continued for 2.7 miles.
And here I am.....I am looking forward to the challenge tomorrow and whether I jog the entire route or walk more than five minutes, I will be ok. I am going to go out and give it my best....turn the mind off and tune into some tunes on my Ipod and get into the zone.
My 5K is tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. EST. Wish me luck....
Friday, June 11, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Variation Needed
Ok, I will admit it....I am bored already! I have already took four days off (Friday - Monday, ok maybe it was Thursday too), alright already, five days off. Most of that was not done because I was bored, I was busy and then I was not excited to go and run. That treadmill sucks!
So, this week, I have flipped the switch a little. Yesterday, I took up a faster pace for 1:00 and walking for 1:30. My run was really a run, at 6.0 and my walk was at 3.7. I did ten sets, just shy of 2 miles. Then I did a leg workout.
Tonight, I hit up the kickboxing class and had a fantastic workout. I love this class, Victoria is awesome and we did a lot of cardio. Getting through one very tough set I decided to set my reward as cracking open the Eiswein I brought back from Germany. I did the entire set and as I type, am sipping on my second glass.
Tomorrow, I will hit the mill one more time and at this point, its looking like sprints again and then work my upper body after the sprints.
I did pick up the entry form today...and I can actually visualize myself on the 3.2 mile path. Now I just need to fill it out and submit it and charge forth.
Ahhhhh, the challenge of this goal so quickly. Mind is set and stress release is VERY MUCH NEEDED....I shall press on with my variation of sprints & walks, jogs & walks and the occassional 3.2 practice on the mill....just not tomorrow.
So, this week, I have flipped the switch a little. Yesterday, I took up a faster pace for 1:00 and walking for 1:30. My run was really a run, at 6.0 and my walk was at 3.7. I did ten sets, just shy of 2 miles. Then I did a leg workout.
Tonight, I hit up the kickboxing class and had a fantastic workout. I love this class, Victoria is awesome and we did a lot of cardio. Getting through one very tough set I decided to set my reward as cracking open the Eiswein I brought back from Germany. I did the entire set and as I type, am sipping on my second glass.
Tomorrow, I will hit the mill one more time and at this point, its looking like sprints again and then work my upper body after the sprints.
I did pick up the entry form today...and I can actually visualize myself on the 3.2 mile path. Now I just need to fill it out and submit it and charge forth.
Ahhhhh, the challenge of this goal so quickly. Mind is set and stress release is VERY MUCH NEEDED....I shall press on with my variation of sprints & walks, jogs & walks and the occassional 3.2 practice on the mill....just not tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
These Shoes Were Made for Running
Progress Update: New Shoes!!!!!!
The new shoes and I hit the treadmill yesterday....and despite some breaking in, I think I am going to like them! I felt a little lighter on my feet and made improved time (even with a minute stretch in the middle). Time walking and running: 47:30. Given that I didnt workout over the weekend or Friday or Thursday (that was a walk)...I was pleased with advancing my run walk ratio.
I increased my run to 1:30 and recovery walks to 1:30, so I am at a split. I will continue this for the remainder of the week and then hopefully move next week into more running time and less walking.
Beat red face, heart rate still at 180 (at the completion of each 1:30 run) and no shin splints...on ward and upward. Until next time....
The new shoes and I hit the treadmill yesterday....and despite some breaking in, I think I am going to like them! I felt a little lighter on my feet and made improved time (even with a minute stretch in the middle). Time walking and running: 47:30. Given that I didnt workout over the weekend or Friday or Thursday (that was a walk)...I was pleased with advancing my run walk ratio.
I increased my run to 1:30 and recovery walks to 1:30, so I am at a split. I will continue this for the remainder of the week and then hopefully move next week into more running time and less walking.
Beat red face, heart rate still at 180 (at the completion of each 1:30 run) and no shin splints...on ward and upward. Until next time....
Thursday, April 15, 2010
P O O F - Stress is Gone (for tonight)
Tax Day! I heard this morning on my way to work that today was "National It Sucks Day". Made me laugh. Obviously NOT a hallmark holiday! A high stress day for most of taxpaying citizens. Also in my previous life, a big celebratory day, as April 15th meant we could drink to celebrate another long and hard tax season completed. IN my existing life now, my two year anniverary at the Downtown Partnership.
My body has been sore lately. Big shock, Ally you are running! Most of my pain though was ongoing issues with my back, hips, neck and shoulder. Remember a few days back, I had a hard time walking because of my back and hips. The neck and shoulders, well that much is stress related!
Today to help aleavate some of my non-running pains, I visted Britini, my massage theapist....LOVE HER! She did a great job at removing most of my lumps and bumps buried under and nestled in between my muscles. My alignment was completed as yesterday I took at trip to the crack doctor who snapped my hips, back and neck.
After my massage, I met Jen again for a run/walk out on the open road litered with dead animals and such. LOL! Ahhhh, 80 degrees!!!!!!! :)
Jen and I walked T H E E N T I R E 3 . 2 M I L E S!
I know I feel good though since stress at work has been building up as well as everything else. Between the massage, crack doctor and venting about work for a while, I feel when I run again on Saturday, that I will be much lighter!
Oh, yesterday, Greg and I went out on a hunt for shoes. I fell in love with some with a heafy price tag. So I left empty handed. Off to Gazelle's this weekend to see if I can find another pair that are not so expensive!
Short, but then again, when I walk, breathing is just fine. Even when talking the entire time!
My body has been sore lately. Big shock, Ally you are running! Most of my pain though was ongoing issues with my back, hips, neck and shoulder. Remember a few days back, I had a hard time walking because of my back and hips. The neck and shoulders, well that much is stress related!
Today to help aleavate some of my non-running pains, I visted Britini, my massage theapist....LOVE HER! She did a great job at removing most of my lumps and bumps buried under and nestled in between my muscles. My alignment was completed as yesterday I took at trip to the crack doctor who snapped my hips, back and neck.
After my massage, I met Jen again for a run/walk out on the open road litered with dead animals and such. LOL! Ahhhh, 80 degrees!!!!!!! :)
Jen and I walked T H E E N T I R E 3 . 2 M I L E S!
I know I feel good though since stress at work has been building up as well as everything else. Between the massage, crack doctor and venting about work for a while, I feel when I run again on Saturday, that I will be much lighter!
Oh, yesterday, Greg and I went out on a hunt for shoes. I fell in love with some with a heafy price tag. So I left empty handed. Off to Gazelle's this weekend to see if I can find another pair that are not so expensive!
Short, but then again, when I walk, breathing is just fine. Even when talking the entire time!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Road Trip
Tonight I went on a road trip!
Jenny invited me over to go for a run outdoors tonight and run on the road and off the treadmill.
Without a timer telling me how long I was running was probably good for me, however, I cant stand NOT knowing. There is at least one run that was much longer than anticipated.
Here is how it played out. Out on the street, we would select landmarks to run to. A telephone pole here, the driveway, the dead raccoon in the road (a downfall to any road trip either on foot or vehicle). On our way back, selection of the starting point was identified as well as the stopping point. With Jen at my side, we chip away at the stopping point with our breathing in rhythm. We get ohhhh so close and Jen says, next pole. ARRRGGGGHHHHHHH! I keep going, but after letting out the grunt, you just know I spent whatever air I had left in me. We close in on the next pole, Jen says driveway...."come on, we can do it, push." Ok, I pushed and so did Jen I might add.
The only part that was a bonus during the extended run was we quickly past by the raccoon laying in his grave in the middle of the road...poor thing. I am one of those people who will swerve out of the way to miss a chipmunk....you can imagine my sadness passing by. Jen had picked a few daffodils during a section where we walked and I entertained the thought of putting a daffodil on him when we past by...but I couldn't bring myself to get that close.
There were many positive attributes to tonight's run/walk, but my favorite really was Jenny picking the daffodils and then running with them in her hand all the way back home. So cute! She let me borrow a few and we both ran with them in our hands. I gave mine back as they were added weight.
I did enjoy the running/walking road trip....its a different visual and feeling than being on the treadmill (and having to keep myself from looking at the timer!). Although I am not sure if I am ready to visualize how far 3.2 miles is yet....too soon!
Tomorrow I am taking my day off....
P.S. No shin splints tonight, but my knees are sore and my hips are too!
Jenny invited me over to go for a run outdoors tonight and run on the road and off the treadmill.
Without a timer telling me how long I was running was probably good for me, however, I cant stand NOT knowing. There is at least one run that was much longer than anticipated.
Here is how it played out. Out on the street, we would select landmarks to run to. A telephone pole here, the driveway, the dead raccoon in the road (a downfall to any road trip either on foot or vehicle). On our way back, selection of the starting point was identified as well as the stopping point. With Jen at my side, we chip away at the stopping point with our breathing in rhythm. We get ohhhh so close and Jen says, next pole. ARRRGGGGHHHHHHH! I keep going, but after letting out the grunt, you just know I spent whatever air I had left in me. We close in on the next pole, Jen says driveway...."come on, we can do it, push." Ok, I pushed and so did Jen I might add.
The only part that was a bonus during the extended run was we quickly past by the raccoon laying in his grave in the middle of the road...poor thing. I am one of those people who will swerve out of the way to miss a chipmunk....you can imagine my sadness passing by. Jen had picked a few daffodils during a section where we walked and I entertained the thought of putting a daffodil on him when we past by...but I couldn't bring myself to get that close.
There were many positive attributes to tonight's run/walk, but my favorite really was Jenny picking the daffodils and then running with them in her hand all the way back home. So cute! She let me borrow a few and we both ran with them in our hands. I gave mine back as they were added weight.
I did enjoy the running/walking road trip....its a different visual and feeling than being on the treadmill (and having to keep myself from looking at the timer!). Although I am not sure if I am ready to visualize how far 3.2 miles is yet....too soon!
Tomorrow I am taking my day off....
P.S. No shin splints tonight, but my knees are sore and my hips are too!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Just Breathe
At the onset of the day, I was not planning on working out tonight. I had a 6:30 taping at AccessVision and since that usually runs late and I am never done until at least 7:30, I would just go home.
Around 3:30, I changed my mind.
After the taping, I sent Greg a text and off I went to the gym. I had a fair amount of energy and thought...here we go...this is me not letting life get in the way....I am working out tonight!
After encountering the oddest thing I have ever seen at the Y (see after thought for notes on this), I jumped on the treadmill and started my warm up. Five minutes later, it was time to run or perhaps its jog...I am calling it run, deal with it. :)
Here is what I am working on for this week (and this includes Saturday):
Run 1 minute
Walk 2 minutes
So before you start laughing at me, this is a challenge. About half way through when my feet were struggling to completely come off the treadmill and I feel the beginnings of my shin splints coming on, :58, :59, :00.....ahhhhhhhhhh, walk! Took my hands and just for giggles on the heartrate piece......180! Whoa, after 1 minute, serious breathing problem.
I pressed on. I kept looking at the clock and knew that I needed to get done and get home so I could settle down in time to actually fall asleep...oh yea, and eat!
Waviering back and forth between pressing on to 45 minutes OR keep on with my original intent to go to 3.2 miles....45 mintues it is, seriously this is killing me. With Britney Spears in my ears repeating "Get naked" "Get Naked" "Get Naked" was not inspiring. Focused on the cars driving down the street, as it made me feel like I was moving faster...then it became dark. Dancing with the Stars was on the tv....not as fun to watch when you cant hear what they are saying. Ok, focus on breathing. No good. When I do that, the original breathing I was doing and surviving with, goes haywire.
The good news was with all my lack of focus, I struggled to 40 minutes and said, 5 minutes left...I can do this, espicially when I only have to run 2 more times. By the time I made it to 45 minutes, I was so close to 3.2 miles, I went ahead and did the rest.
Not sure how I finished as the notables listed above made it hard...but I did and that is all that counts, right?
Distance: 3.2 Miles
Time: 48.40
After Thought: When I walked through the doors at the Y, there was a buck naked toddler at the door way. A women at the top of the stairs summing her to come here, lets find mommy. Just thinking this child wondered from the daycare area (which was just around the corner), it was odd to me, but thought this adult women is taking care of this. I commented ...something you dont see everyday. She just laughed and said yea. Through the turnstyle and past the front desk, open door, enter stairwell and take one flight of stairs down...open door and turn corner to enter locker room.
As I walk in I hear a child ask "Where is sissy?". "Mom" (using this term loosely) says "I dont know but she is buck naked." DING DING DING. This though crossed my mind for just a second after I past the desk and heard someone say something that made the girl behind the desk panic.
I was passing by the "mom" as I said this and then poked my head back around and said "She is upstairs at the front desk...she was on her way out the door when I came in." She said what any mom would say at that point...%$##@*(&^^^!!!!!!! She did not run to get her, but gathered up her belongings and grab courious child to go and pick up the adventurous one.
Now I know toddlers can move quickly, but this child made up some ground. She had to have been gone for over ten minutes to make it where she did, she was almost out into the parking lot and she started in the basement! Seriously "mom"????????
(As a side after thought: I am also annoyed that so many people probably watched this naked child walk to this point.....that doesnt include me right as an adult was already telling her lets go find your mommy. AND Someone could of picked her right up and walked out with her......AND AND AND.....just glad things turned out ok this time.)
Around 3:30, I changed my mind.
After the taping, I sent Greg a text and off I went to the gym. I had a fair amount of energy and thought...here we go...this is me not letting life get in the way....I am working out tonight!
After encountering the oddest thing I have ever seen at the Y (see after thought for notes on this), I jumped on the treadmill and started my warm up. Five minutes later, it was time to run or perhaps its jog...I am calling it run, deal with it. :)
Here is what I am working on for this week (and this includes Saturday):
Run 1 minute
Walk 2 minutes
So before you start laughing at me, this is a challenge. About half way through when my feet were struggling to completely come off the treadmill and I feel the beginnings of my shin splints coming on, :58, :59, :00.....ahhhhhhhhhh, walk! Took my hands and just for giggles on the heartrate piece......180! Whoa, after 1 minute, serious breathing problem.
I pressed on. I kept looking at the clock and knew that I needed to get done and get home so I could settle down in time to actually fall asleep...oh yea, and eat!
Waviering back and forth between pressing on to 45 minutes OR keep on with my original intent to go to 3.2 miles....45 mintues it is, seriously this is killing me. With Britney Spears in my ears repeating "Get naked" "Get Naked" "Get Naked" was not inspiring. Focused on the cars driving down the street, as it made me feel like I was moving faster...then it became dark. Dancing with the Stars was on the tv....not as fun to watch when you cant hear what they are saying. Ok, focus on breathing. No good. When I do that, the original breathing I was doing and surviving with, goes haywire.
The good news was with all my lack of focus, I struggled to 40 minutes and said, 5 minutes left...I can do this, espicially when I only have to run 2 more times. By the time I made it to 45 minutes, I was so close to 3.2 miles, I went ahead and did the rest.
Not sure how I finished as the notables listed above made it hard...but I did and that is all that counts, right?
Distance: 3.2 Miles
Time: 48.40
After Thought: When I walked through the doors at the Y, there was a buck naked toddler at the door way. A women at the top of the stairs summing her to come here, lets find mommy. Just thinking this child wondered from the daycare area (which was just around the corner), it was odd to me, but thought this adult women is taking care of this. I commented ...something you dont see everyday. She just laughed and said yea. Through the turnstyle and past the front desk, open door, enter stairwell and take one flight of stairs down...open door and turn corner to enter locker room.
As I walk in I hear a child ask "Where is sissy?". "Mom" (using this term loosely) says "I dont know but she is buck naked." DING DING DING. This though crossed my mind for just a second after I past the desk and heard someone say something that made the girl behind the desk panic.
I was passing by the "mom" as I said this and then poked my head back around and said "She is upstairs at the front desk...she was on her way out the door when I came in." She said what any mom would say at that point...%$##@*(&^^^!!!!!!! She did not run to get her, but gathered up her belongings and grab courious child to go and pick up the adventurous one.
Now I know toddlers can move quickly, but this child made up some ground. She had to have been gone for over ten minutes to make it where she did, she was almost out into the parking lot and she started in the basement! Seriously "mom"????????
(As a side after thought: I am also annoyed that so many people probably watched this naked child walk to this point.....that doesnt include me right as an adult was already telling her lets go find your mommy. AND Someone could of picked her right up and walked out with her......AND AND AND.....just glad things turned out ok this time.)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Acknowledging a Challenge
Yesterday as I was sweating profusely and pushing myself on the treadmill, I thought..."I am going to do this! This time, nothing will get in the way."
Last year when my goal was to run my first 5K, I was off to a great start...then life got in the way. My work schedule, volunteering and other life commitments were getting the best of me and something had to go: I let go of my goal to run my first 5K. Fast forward a year and I am right back to being off to a great start. I am worried, life again will get in the way as I am headed into a very busy "season" at work.
Determined not to waiver again this year, I thought, why not blog my journey. I used to journal a lot and found it to be refreshing and made me feel accomplished (even if I was documenting trials and tribulations). You see this is a big goal for me...I am NOT a runner. I have often tried to increase my cardio, but each time, I struggle with getting a rhythm in my breathing. I have this same issue when I mountain bike ride, do arobics, am on the elipitical, a stationary bike, jumping rope, you name it. If my heart rate increases, my breathing decreases!
On top of breathing, last year when I attempted this same feat, I ended up with severe shin splints. By the time I went out and bought new shoes, my schedule took over my life.
In an attempt to document my journey to this lofty goal, I look to find hope and inspiration in these words. This first goal of completing a 5K is my small step forward to my next goal, a "mini" triathalon...which also means I need to freshen up on my swimming.....LOL...ok focus on one goal at a time, Ally!
The date for my first 5K is June 12 at the Cereal City Classic....first thing I have to do, is enter.
Last year when my goal was to run my first 5K, I was off to a great start...then life got in the way. My work schedule, volunteering and other life commitments were getting the best of me and something had to go: I let go of my goal to run my first 5K. Fast forward a year and I am right back to being off to a great start. I am worried, life again will get in the way as I am headed into a very busy "season" at work.
Determined not to waiver again this year, I thought, why not blog my journey. I used to journal a lot and found it to be refreshing and made me feel accomplished (even if I was documenting trials and tribulations). You see this is a big goal for me...I am NOT a runner. I have often tried to increase my cardio, but each time, I struggle with getting a rhythm in my breathing. I have this same issue when I mountain bike ride, do arobics, am on the elipitical, a stationary bike, jumping rope, you name it. If my heart rate increases, my breathing decreases!
On top of breathing, last year when I attempted this same feat, I ended up with severe shin splints. By the time I went out and bought new shoes, my schedule took over my life.
In an attempt to document my journey to this lofty goal, I look to find hope and inspiration in these words. This first goal of completing a 5K is my small step forward to my next goal, a "mini" triathalon...which also means I need to freshen up on my swimming.....LOL...ok focus on one goal at a time, Ally!
The date for my first 5K is June 12 at the Cereal City Classic....first thing I have to do, is enter.
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