Running Toward Me

Okay guys...I am so sorry it has been such a long time since I have checked in with you.  I have been completely overwhelmed at work and then my daughter got the flu.  Who gets the flu in the Spring/Summer?  We do!  Anyways, things are settling back down into the whirlwind that is my life at the end of the school year.  Kids are freaking out about their grades, parents are freaking out about their kid's grades, administrators are freaking out about who is and is not going to graduate, etc.  All this has led me to need my workouts even more!  I have finally finished week 5 of my C25k training, but I am no where near ready for my 5k!  I still can't run 2 miles without stopping.  Part of that, I believe, is the heat.  My opportunity to run is in the afternoon between 3:30 and 5.  This is almost the hottest part of the day, so I am spent when I finish my run. In addition to my runs, I am trying to add some p90x workouts into my routin...

So...I totally have gotten off of my schedule thanks to the beautiful wedding of my Brother and sister-in-law.  It monopolized my time from Thursday-Sunday.  However, Monday was my own fault.  :(  I am getting back in the routine today though.  I am repeating Week 4 of my program b/c I am so not ready for week 5.  I need to get back into it before I move on. Hopefully, due to my unexpected hiatus, my shins and calves will have healed and can now take the pounding I give them.  :) Yay ME!!

I made an attempt yesterday on my 'rest' day to take my dog for a run.  I just played it by ear since it wasn't a scheduled run day so I adjust as necessary for each of us.  This idea was a smashing success...for my dog.  However, I wasn't even able to run a consecutive mile b/c I was being dragged, pulled, and generally manhandled  every time a car, person, or possible noise grabbed the dog's attention.  He was a great companion though b/c I never was able to slow down, unless I jerked him to a stop.  He was so tired that, for once, he slept all night with no interruptions and I had to wake him up at 7am to let him out.  With some tweaking this can be a great bonding moment for the two of us, but I hope it doesn't affect the instances when Mark tries to walk him.  Hehehe!

Well, I apologize for ignoring you these last few weeks.  I am sure everyone is waiting with baited breath to hear how my running is progressing.  Sorry to disappoint, but it really isn't.  I took a couple of weeks off for unmentioned reasons.  While scrolling through FaceBook (while I should have been running of course), I came across a post by Couch25k.  They advertised that they had an app for iphone.  I checked it out and decided that I wanted to try it.  I fell in love instantly.  The fact that the app times you and verbally tells you when to switch from running to walking and slowly, week by week and day by day increasing your distance run and decreasing your walking time is amazing!  I am hoping they come out with an app soon for marathons or 1/2 marathons as well. I am up to week 4 now.  Today I will be jogging for 3 mins, walk for 90 secs, jog for 5 mins, walk for 2.5, jog for 3 mins, walk for 90 secs, jog for 5 mins.  (s...

So, I ran yesterday.  Well, I ran a little.  My foot (the right one) and legs are just too sore.  I guess I am going to be forced to do what all of the training guides say and run one day and walk the next. Today though, I am going to push through the pain and do my three miles!  I was thrilled with myself Monday, only to be highly disappointed with my output yesterday. Another issue/question to my fellow runners out there...when do you get your energy back?  I have cut waaay back on soda so that my body will be more hydrated for my runs (drinking water, and lots of it!).  I am running and feel good right afterwards (endorphins I am told), but my extending energy throughout the day is gone.  I am ready to go to bed at 8 with my toddler and sleep until at least 8 the next morning.  I have created a habit where I go to bed around 9:30, not nearly as late as I once stayed up.  I sleep until about 5:30 when my hubby's alarm goes off. That is a ...

Lots of people give lip service to responsibilities.  It is even mentioned in the iconic movie, "Stand By Me," at the end where the students are protesting their principal's incarceration.  One girl tells a boy that the principal wouldn't be proud of him because, "you don't take care of your responsibilities!"  This term can have a variety of meanings and connotations.  As a parent, this can mean making sure your family is clothed, fed, clean, and healthy.  As an individual, this means caring for yourself. When I say I am neglecting my responsibilities I am referring to myself.  I ran yesterday for the first time in a week (last week I met my first short term goal...I ran one consecutive mile!).  I have been inundated with work needs.  I am trying to work hard to keep my job and hopefully make full time next year.  I am taking on responsibilities at work that are superfluous, but I can only be in one place at a time, so something has to suf...

Ok...ok... I know I have been neglecting my blogging duties, but I have been very busy.  My husband was sick this weekend and I had to nurse him.  I didn't get my runs in like I usually do.  I know, bad me... but sometimes life just gets in the way.  :) That said, I will be competing (or showing up and hoping that I won't die) in my first 5k in June.  A friend's husband is a firefighter and they are having a fundraiser in the form of a race.  I am really excited!  I am nervous about the half marathon though...I am afraid I just won't be ready or able to do it.  Keep thinking of me!!!  I need all the support I can get!

Yesterday my nerves got the best of  me.  My husband got home and I passed my daughter off to him and left to walk.  I got about 1/4 of a mile and decided to just run.  I ran/walked for at least thirty minutes.  You can't believe how good I felt when I was done!  I didn't realize how badly I needed that!  I am paying for it today...my lungs are still a little weak, so I am using my inhaler and coughing, but it was so worth it.  I never thought I could say that I missed working out, but I did.  Can't wait for this afternoon to work out!

I got excited today.  A friend posted something from Disney about next year's Princess Race Weekend.  I signed up for reminders and notifications to let me know when registration begins.  However, this got me thinking...I have never run in a race before.  Am I doing things right?  Am I training like I should?  Will I have the appropriate experience when the time comes?  So, this in mind, I started researching training programs.  I am not jumping into a half marathon training session unprepared.  I am starting as a beginner with a 5k training program.  I figure I can work up from there. Now this brings me to the second half of my problem...experience.  I have never run in a race (unless you count track in high school and that was way too long ago to discuss).  I am currently working on researching local races that I can start with to work up to the Disney race.  I haven't found one yet that is far enough out for me to be p...

Well, I am finally feeling well enough to work out.  I can breathe again, I am rested, everything.  Then, out of the blue, Leah has a horrible attack of what the Dr.'s called Croupe.  It appeared a lot more like an asthma attack than croupe to me.  She could barely breathe and was coughing just to get any air.  In any state, we spent yesterday at the Dr.  then to the pharmacy, then home to rest.  She took a long nap early, then went to bed at 7:30 last night.  Such a long and drawn out ordeal!  However, she seems fine now, so hopefully (fingers crossed) we won't have any more problems with it. How does this affect everything else...I didn't get the errands I had planned for that day done, so they were pushed aside.  I also didn't get to work out because there was no one to watch her.  Once Mark got home, I was too exhausted to do anything else!  This also makes my Wednesday long, I have to go to the tag office (yeck...

Ok, today has to be the last day of my exile from exercise.  I am feeling it now!  I am tired and ready to get back out there!!!  I am bored of the same orange (yes I said orange, that is a totally different story) walls day in and day out!  I am back to socializing and working, but my husband has threatened me to not exercise until I am well.  I need to feel my muscles burn and be out of breath.  I need to be drenched in sweat and enjoy my endorphins.  If I didn't have to grocery shop (we are running out of food), I would probably try to sneak some work out in today.  Alas, I am stuck dreaming of tomorrow....

I am so tired of being sick!  I can feel my lungs getting weaker by the day, and not from the mucus that has decided to move in there and turn into bronchitis.  I can feel my muscles waning and withering.  Aghh!  I hate this!  I want to be out in this beautiful weather and enjoying the sunshine.  Instead I am banished to the dark interior of my portable listening to Shakespeare.  Don't get me wrong, as a teacher I love Shakespeare, but I despise Julius Caesar.  It is boring and anti-climactic.  I wish 10th graders got to read A Midsummer Night's Dream or Hamlet.  Something way more interesting would be great! Ohh! (that is me wincing in pain with a deep breath)  All this 'resting' had better be worth it!  I had better come back stronger and better!

I have to say, I feel like this every time I run...who is with me? I have seen many of my blogger friends question their readers as they go.  I thought I would try this...So, what is your biggest motivation?  What is your biggest distraction? And, most of all, what is your best plan for getting back on the horse once you have fallen off (whether because of illness, distraction, or other situation)?

Ok, on Monday I thought I was catching a cold.  I was sniffling, coughing, blowing my nose, all the icky stuff.  However, I was also losing energy, which caused me to give up running this week.  This has made me very sad because I can tell a difference in my tolerance and patience.  I am usually a very patient and tolerant person; but since I haven't run in almost a week, my fuse is growing shorter and shorter. I finally broke down yesterday and went to the Dr.  I found out I have a sinus infection (duh!!) and (shock!) bronchitis.  I was coughing a bit, but nothing bad.  No gross lugies that make you shudder. Nothing.  Apparently it was pretty bad b/c the Dr. wanted me to stay home and rest today.  I just can't get over how sick I have been this year! I am hoping as I run more and become healthier, I will get sick less. I do have some positive news from the Dr. though.  Since my last visit to him, my BMI has dropped two points. ...

Ok, Friday I didn’t run.  My hubby called and invited me to Tampa for the afternoon.  Who can pass up time with the hubby? However, I did run Saturday morning.  I got up early and ran.  It felt so good.  I did about the same as Thursday (Day 10).  Days 13 and 14 I was lazy.  Actually 13 I was lazy, but 14 I really didn’t have an opportunity to run.  I had my daughter all day and no reprieve to exercise.  Though I now have  a cold, I am back at it today!

Woohoo!  Thursday was fantastic!  I got off a little early, so I went home to run.  I measured a 1/2 mile stretch to use.  I ran the entire 1/2 mile without stopping!! Yay me.  Then I walked .1 of a mile, then ran the last .4.  I was so excited!  I did a second mile, but didn't push so hard.  I was just so thrilled that I had come so close to my goal!!!!  It makes me want to work that much harder to reach it!  I feel like I am making some progress!  Disney in February, here I come!!!

Ok, I slacked on Wedneday.  I had planned on running, but my faculty meeting ran longer than expected.  Then I had to go to the store, and then I had to pick up my daughter.  Needless to say, I had more stuff than time in the day!!  Boo to me! First short term goal: run one consecutive mile!

The purpose of this blog is to chronicle my journey from lazy and fat to fit and trim.  I was thinking about this today and thought I would write about it so I can look back at it later.  I knew running would change me.  It would take up my time and, hopefully, make me more healthy and trim.  However, I did not realize its reach went so far.  I have not chosen to diet while beginning my training because I didn't want to overload myself when starting a new routine; my body has had other ideas. Since commencing running I eat more meals a day, but they are smaller.  I crave fruits, veggies, and salads along with lean meats. Last night I ate a HUGE salad for dinner instead of the yummy steak and tomatoes meal I had fixed.  I had never realized how far reaching this experience would be.  I am excited to see how different I will be in a years time.  This is totally amazing!  If I didn't hate so much how I look in pictures, I woul...

Ok, I did fantastic yesterday!  I cut my run time short due to my V Day errands, but I did run.  I did 1.6 miles in 20 minutes.  I know, I know, That really isn't a good time.  In fact it down right stinks.  However, I did run over .4 of a mile without stopping, twice!!!  I am getting there.  I am trying to, for the time being, overlook time and focus on endurance.  Until at least August that is what I have to do.  If I have no endurance, my time won't matter anyways.  13 miles is a long way, so I have to work up to it.  I am going out on a limb to guess that I will meet my first short term goal by the end of next week (Friday!).  I truly am excited!  It is like accomplishing a major task!  What was really weird to me was that when I finished running yesterday and had completed most of my errands, I had one left.  I needed to run by the store to pick up some green beans (surprisingly we ran out!!).  Anyway...

I have every reason in the world to not work out today: 1. I don't want to. 2. I'm tired. 3. Its Valentine's Day 4. I need to pick up Leah's Valentine's Gift. 5. I have other errands to run. 6. I still have to cook dinner and do laundry 7. I don't want to 8. I just want to play with my little girl! However, here are my reasons to work out... 1. I will feel better. 2. It is healthy for me 3. I want to live a long time for my little girl 4. The half-marathon 5. Loose weight by the wedding in April! Which reasons will weigh most heavily?  Hmmmmm....

Ok,  I am getting back on track!  I ran a mile today.  Well, not consecutively.  I ran about 2/3 of it, which I have to say, is much better than when I started.  I think the cold weather hampered me a bit b/c I had to use my inhaler when I was finished.  I'll get better.  I just need to keep at it and not make it haphazard.  It has to be purposeful.  I know soon I will reach my first short term goal!  Also, on a side note, I weighed yesterday and I have already lost two pounds!!!  Go me! 1st Short Term Goal: Run one consecutive mile!

Ok, so I rarely blog on the weekends.  My 2 year old is very busy and rarely allows me to get anything done other than play with her and take care of our home.  Which leads to my disappointing news... I didn't do anything Friday thru Sunday...other than chase my daughter that is.  Today is still up in the air.  I have a parent conference after school and have to hit the store for some Valentines goodies for my daughter's party tomorrow.  You'll have to wait tomorrow to see whether I get to the track or not... Short Term Goal #1-run 1 consecutive mile

Ok, so on Day 3 I didn't follow through like I should have.  I was very sore and when I went to my car to get my gym bag...it had mysteriously disappeared.  After much searching I discovered that I had left it at home.  Now, most would just head home, get it, and head back.  I, however, do not have this luxury.  I only have a small window of time in which to work out b/c between 4:30 and 5pm I turn back into Mommy and have other responsibilities.  I, instead, chose to go and visit with my mom, who, has pneumonia right now.  I think it was the right choice because I was very sore and wouldn't have been able to do much anyways.  This morning I feel rested and mostly pain free.  What soreness I still have is in my upper body from P90X, so running this afternoon should be much more lucrative for me.  I think I am going to change my routine and workout three days and then break one day.  This should allow my muscles to heal p...

Ok...I took the easy way out on Day 2.  I did work out, but I didn't run or walk.  A year or so ago my husband ordered P90x.  I did some Yoga (for my sore body!), some Kenpo, and Ab Ripper X (or what I was capable of!).  I am a little sore in my midsection and back, but other than that I feel good.  I think it was the right choice for me.  I worked out, but I didn't overdo it with my legs!  Today, the plan is to run/jog/walk for an hour, however far I can get in that time is great.  My knee hurts right now, but I think the funky Florida weather has caused that.  I am totally excited about this afternoon!  I remembered my earbuds and will, hopefully, be adding some music to my iphone to listen to while I run.  I am on my way! First Goal: Run one consecutive mile!!

I am so out of shape!  There was once a time, not too terribly long ago that I was running two miles a day, several days a week.  Now, I am embarrassed to say I can't run one consecutive  mile; even a year ago I could do that.  Today I walk/jogged 3.2 miles in 45 minutes.  So, so sad!  I am not giving up, though!  My great friend Heather, who has already done a 15k, has challenged me to a half marathon next February (2013) and I accepted.  I figure if I work hard and stick to it I can complete my challenge.  It was a struggle to make myself do the last .8 of a mile.  I really need to remember my headphones for my iphone so that I can listen to my music.  It makes the time pass by more quickly and helps me focus.  If I focus I do so much better time wise.  I am not too sore; no shin splints yet, no jello muscles, just exhausted and feeling good.  Current short term goal-run 1 consecutive mile!!!

I have decided to get back to my love of running.  I ran track in high school and was pretty good (7 minute mile).  I loved the solitude and thinking time it gives me.  After prompting from a good friend, who is also a work out fanatic, I have decided to train and run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February 2013.  I now have a goal and, in order to have accountability, I will document my efforts in this blog so others can feel they are not alone in their workout trials and tribulations; or so they can just get a laugh-whatever works.