Running Log

8/26 2.97 miles

8/28 1.98 miles

8/30 4.53 miles

I felt pretty good on my run today, could have gone five miles, but coach Mike wouldn't let me. It's good I didn't because I'm exhausted enough as it is. I start having lofty long term goals when I'm out putting miles on my running shoes, but have to remind myself to take it slow. I have a bad habit of overdoing things then getting burned out and throwing in the towel. It's a problem that spills over into many areas of my life, but I'm using my running time to practice looking at my goals one step at a time. So far, I'm doing pretty good, with a little help from hubby who encouraged me to save the last .5 until "next time".

First The Ow... Then The Wow

Yesterday, I rustled up a little motivation and pulled out "The Firm" workout video I bought months ago. I haven't done one of these workouts in over three years, but it's just as I remember. In other words, I barely made it through the warm-up, almost passed out half-way through, nursed throbbing muscles all day today, and can't wait to do it again tomorrow! You may be wondering why I would torture myself in such a fashion... the answer is quite simple... it works! My legs already feel tighter today, and their claim that you'll see visible results in ten workouts is true. It's my favorite workout, I've just been avoiding it because it's hard work and I wanted to be in a mental place where I knew I wouldn't quit after one smack down.

So, that was my "ow" experience and tonight I had my "wow" experience. I've been doing a walk/run routine for three weeks now and have felt nothing but an uncomfortable burning sensation in my legs, and extreme fatigue. I used to run in college to release stress, but this time around, my attempts have been fruitless. Tonight, however, I felt great. I didn't have any pain, I had greater stamina, and felt my stress melt away while I burned off some unnecessary calories. I was starting to get discouraged thinking there would be no pay off for my efforts, but I'm glad I stuck with it.

WHY?

I've been exercising regularly the past two weeks, only eating out on occasion, and watching what I eat at home. So, imagine my surprise when I got on the scale and saw that I've actually GAINED a couple of pounds. WHY? It was a little discouraging, but I'm not going to give up on my efforts. I fear that my waist line is waiting for me to return to an anti-dairy/wheat regime, not to mention my skin would benefit as well... but I don't want to!!! I love bread, cereal in the morning is SO much easier than frying up an egg, ice-cream is delectable, sandwiches are convenient and yummy all at the same time... and here in lies the problem. I know in the long run I would feel and look healthier, but it's going to be a challenge. I'm not quite ready to make that leap again, but it's on my mind, and I'm sure I'll get there sooner rather than later.

Running Log

8/19/09 3.23 miles

8/23/09 3.10 miles

I think I forgot to record a couple of outings, again!

I was pleasantly surprised this morning to find that I could go three miles with greater ease than I could last Sunday. I was even able to run close to a mile without stopping... a feat I haven't been able to accomplish in years. I'm going to stick with the three mile goal this week, and aim for four miles next Sunday.

Running Log

I was able to get out every morning this past week for a walk (thanks in part to Riley for insisting that he get his morning stroll/dash/yank/sprint). By Thursday, I was absolutely exhausted, in part because we have been getting up earlier. I was a bit discouraged thinking my dedication to a new exercise routine had backfired, but this morning I was able to go for three miles and it actually felt pretty good.

So, here is my log for this week:

8/09 2.30 miles

8/12 1.85 miles

8/13 1.76 miles

8/14 1.77 miles

8/17 3.00 miles

(I forgot to turn on my "runkeeper" a couple of times)

Carried Away

So, I went on my "power walk" this evening. We intended to go out for an hour (which I feared I couldn't handle), but we got carried away with our conversing and ended up walking for an hour and forty-five minutes. See, that's the beauty of going with someone else who likes to talk... bonus calories were burned without my even noticing.

A Little Motivation

Today, Mike hooked me up with the "Run Keeper" application for my phone. It utilizes GPS to keep track of all your runs, walks, or hikes (I appreciate that it gives props to us walkers). I must say it's very motivational. Also, someone from my women's Bible study group invited me to start going on walks with her. The last time I spoke to her, she slipped in the phrase "power walk" into our discourse, so we'll see how long that lasts (she may dump me when she figures out how out of shape I am). It still motivates me none the less. Also, I've managed to get the kid's room and our room organized after the remodel hurricane finally passed through. Having an organized space also motivates me to start taking care of myself again.

So, I'm ready! I've run out of excuses, I have plenty of motivation, and I'm in a good mental place to start an exercise routine again. I did two miles on Friday (thanks to my good- conversation buddy), another two miles this morning (thanks to my hubby), and I'm on track for my "power walk" tomorrow. My goal is to slowly work up to six miles and run a 10k next year. My long term goal is to run a marathon with Mike (and of course, Mary Heather and I have to do the Disney marathon), and my ultimate goal is to do a triathlon (the mini-version mind you). While those goals are fun to think and dream about, right now I'm just content with getting up every morning and doing something good for my body. So, off to bed with me, I've got a dog to walk in the morning (for all his faults, at least he motivates me to get up and moving also).