Run 25: Friday 5/29/09
Weather: upper 60's and sunny
I scheduled a long lunch today so I could fit in a run before it gets too hot! The forecast calls for 80 degrees! Once it starts getting to around 70, I start to overheat on my runs.
I managed two 10 minute runs today. I was hoping to do more, but my body still feels tired from Wednesday (my personal best run!). This was still a good solid run. And the way I figure it, I'm still up 10 minutes for the week.
So, it's been TWO MONTHS now! Can you believe it? I am amazed at the progress I've experienced in such a short time. I have consistently gone running 3 days a week since I started. The milestones are very exciting and it motivates me to keep going!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I may be slow, but I'm AWESOME
Run 23: Monday 5/25/09
Weather: high 60's and sunny
As today was a holiday, and I had the day off, I decided to look for a new place to run. I wound up at some random park in Juanita and just went looking for any old place to run. What I discovered was a winding and confusing array of narrow foot-beaten trails in the woods, connecting and crossing until you're really not sure where you are. It reminded me of when I ran (or attempted to) a few years ago and was running on soft woodland trails. My running shoes are not quite made for this sort of thing and it definitely works a different set of muscles, but it was a nice change of pace. Also a good reminder that running is something you really can do ANYWHERE. Some places are just more fun (like flat scenic routes).
But yay me for getting up and going out to keep up my routine, even on my day off. :)
Run 24: Wednesday 5/27/09
Weather: mid-upper 60's and sunny
I am on day two of week 6 in the plan. This called for two 10min runs with a 3 min walk break inbetween. I was SO crazy tired today. It didn't help that they gave us pizza as a reward at work. I was so ravenous by the time it arrived that I scarfed down much too much pizza. By end of day, I felt tired and still full. Someone asked me how I felt about going running after work and I grunted uncomfortably.
But I knew it was going to be the coolest day of the week, and the least likely day for me to overheat. So besides my commitment to my M/W/F schedule, I really should get out there. And so I went.
5 minute warm up, 10 minute run... going well... 3 minute walk and off I go again... 10 minutes go by and I don't want to stop... I get to about 12 minutes and a huge grin spreads across my face as I realize I have no intention of stopping. I ran 25 minutes straight! And this was after my 10 minute run!! 35 minutes total. AMAZING!! And certainly a new Personal Best.
I was in a groove. My movement felt smooth, like a well oiled machine. Like my body knew exactly what to do and how to keep going without any interference from me. My breath was even and my pace steady. It really was an awesome feeling. I couldn't help but imagine experiencing this ease at a faster pace, running a solid 5K. I'll get there. My progress has really surprised me!! Just under two months. Has it really only been 2 months?? What a journey! I would not have believed it, had I not seen it myself.
Weather: high 60's and sunny
As today was a holiday, and I had the day off, I decided to look for a new place to run. I wound up at some random park in Juanita and just went looking for any old place to run. What I discovered was a winding and confusing array of narrow foot-beaten trails in the woods, connecting and crossing until you're really not sure where you are. It reminded me of when I ran (or attempted to) a few years ago and was running on soft woodland trails. My running shoes are not quite made for this sort of thing and it definitely works a different set of muscles, but it was a nice change of pace. Also a good reminder that running is something you really can do ANYWHERE. Some places are just more fun (like flat scenic routes).
But yay me for getting up and going out to keep up my routine, even on my day off. :)
Run 24: Wednesday 5/27/09
Weather: mid-upper 60's and sunny
I am on day two of week 6 in the plan. This called for two 10min runs with a 3 min walk break inbetween. I was SO crazy tired today. It didn't help that they gave us pizza as a reward at work. I was so ravenous by the time it arrived that I scarfed down much too much pizza. By end of day, I felt tired and still full. Someone asked me how I felt about going running after work and I grunted uncomfortably.
But I knew it was going to be the coolest day of the week, and the least likely day for me to overheat. So besides my commitment to my M/W/F schedule, I really should get out there. And so I went.
5 minute warm up, 10 minute run... going well... 3 minute walk and off I go again... 10 minutes go by and I don't want to stop... I get to about 12 minutes and a huge grin spreads across my face as I realize I have no intention of stopping. I ran 25 minutes straight! And this was after my 10 minute run!! 35 minutes total. AMAZING!! And certainly a new Personal Best.
I was in a groove. My movement felt smooth, like a well oiled machine. Like my body knew exactly what to do and how to keep going without any interference from me. My breath was even and my pace steady. It really was an awesome feeling. I couldn't help but imagine experiencing this ease at a faster pace, running a solid 5K. I'll get there. My progress has really surprised me!! Just under two months. Has it really only been 2 months?? What a journey! I would not have believed it, had I not seen it myself.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
20 minute run
Run 22: Friday 5/22/09
Weather: high 60's and sunny
Today was day 3 of the week 5 plan, and the one that I've been most anxious about. Whoever wrote this plan seemed to be under the impression that I could pull a full 20 minute run (no walking) out of nowhere. Okay, well, not exactly nowhere, but it seemed like a big jump from my 3 and 5 minute runs last week.
I was nervous, most especially the night before and all day leading up to my planned run. How silly to feel nervous about running at the park. No pressure, no demands, just me and the trail. And yet, I so wanted to meet and pass this challenge, that I feared letting myself down if I couldn't muster the strength to continue for so long.
Let me just say that I DID IT!!!
Yes folks, I successfully ran for 20 minutes straight without stopping. It was a slow run, mostly affected the heat! Being in full sun, it really was too warm for such a challenging undertaking. I was tired, hungry, and doing my best not to overheat. I moved to the outside of the path, in partially shaded areas, whenever possible.
I wanted to stop by the time 5 minutes had passed. I kept going.
I wanted to stop after 17 minutes, when the heat really started getting to me and my ears were pounding and dizziness was setting in. I kept going. I took it one step at a time, one section at a time. I can make to just past that bend. I can make it past the steps. I can make it a little further.
I was so hot and tired at the end of this, that I think it smothered some of my excitement. But let there be no doubt, I am exceedingly proud of myself. My confidence as a runner grows with every new milestone. I have tackled frightening prospects of duration and repetition, and I have stuck with it. I am not only a runner in the making, I am a runner now.
Weather: high 60's and sunny
Today was day 3 of the week 5 plan, and the one that I've been most anxious about. Whoever wrote this plan seemed to be under the impression that I could pull a full 20 minute run (no walking) out of nowhere. Okay, well, not exactly nowhere, but it seemed like a big jump from my 3 and 5 minute runs last week.
I was nervous, most especially the night before and all day leading up to my planned run. How silly to feel nervous about running at the park. No pressure, no demands, just me and the trail. And yet, I so wanted to meet and pass this challenge, that I feared letting myself down if I couldn't muster the strength to continue for so long.
Let me just say that I DID IT!!!
Yes folks, I successfully ran for 20 minutes straight without stopping. It was a slow run, mostly affected the heat! Being in full sun, it really was too warm for such a challenging undertaking. I was tired, hungry, and doing my best not to overheat. I moved to the outside of the path, in partially shaded areas, whenever possible.
I wanted to stop by the time 5 minutes had passed. I kept going.
I wanted to stop after 17 minutes, when the heat really started getting to me and my ears were pounding and dizziness was setting in. I kept going. I took it one step at a time, one section at a time. I can make to just past that bend. I can make it past the steps. I can make it a little further.
I was so hot and tired at the end of this, that I think it smothered some of my excitement. But let there be no doubt, I am exceedingly proud of myself. My confidence as a runner grows with every new milestone. I have tackled frightening prospects of duration and repetition, and I have stuck with it. I am not only a runner in the making, I am a runner now.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Run 21, baby
Run 21: Wednesday 5/20/09
Weather: low 60's and sunny
2nd day of the week 5 plan: 8run, 5walk, 8run
To my surprise, I had no problem with today's running plan. In fact, I reduced the walk to 4min and increased the last run to 10min. MAYBE I really will be able to run 20 minutes straight on Friday??!
Weather: low 60's and sunny
2nd day of the week 5 plan: 8run, 5walk, 8run
To my surprise, I had no problem with today's running plan. In fact, I reduced the walk to 4min and increased the last run to 10min. MAYBE I really will be able to run 20 minutes straight on Friday??!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Moving on to the Week 5 Plan
Run 19: Friday 5/15/09
Weather: 70 and sunny
Continued with the 3 & 5 minute runs, slightly longer recovery times. Pushed myself on the last run for 10 minutes instead of 5.
Run 20: Monday 5/18/09
Weather: low 60's and overcast
I thought it was going to be low 70's and sunny, so I brought my lightest running clothes. Then when it was cooler than I thought, I got worried that I had the wrong outfit. But no, it turned out to be perfect!
I was brave today and decided to tackle week 5. Day 1 is three 5min runs with 3min walks. My final run I went further: 7 minutes. I felt like I could have gone further, but I didn't want to push too hard as the runs this week get progressively harder!
It's amazing that 3 minute runs have become easy, and 5 minute runs totally doable!! I remember when 1 minute of running was a challenge. Go me!!
Weather: 70 and sunny
Continued with the 3 & 5 minute runs, slightly longer recovery times. Pushed myself on the last run for 10 minutes instead of 5.
Run 20: Monday 5/18/09
Weather: low 60's and overcast
I thought it was going to be low 70's and sunny, so I brought my lightest running clothes. Then when it was cooler than I thought, I got worried that I had the wrong outfit. But no, it turned out to be perfect!
I was brave today and decided to tackle week 5. Day 1 is three 5min runs with 3min walks. My final run I went further: 7 minutes. I felt like I could have gone further, but I didn't want to push too hard as the runs this week get progressively harder!
It's amazing that 3 minute runs have become easy, and 5 minute runs totally doable!! I remember when 1 minute of running was a challenge. Go me!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
I feel good in my running clothes
Run 18: Wednesday 5/13/09
Weather: 50 and lots of RAIN
Every day that I run, I get a little nervous about going out there. It's strange really, like a case of performance anxiety. Will I be too tired to run? Will I meet my goal for the day? But there's something about changing into my running clothes that wakes me up and gets me excited to go out there. Like I remember that part of myself that IS A REAL RUNNER, and I'm proud to be doing this. ;)
I started out a bit tired, and my recovery times were a little longer than the plan called for. I was getting soaked from the rain, but I also didn't overheat. By the end of my run, I was watching rain dripping off the brim of my hat and seeing the water droplets on my water resistant sleeves turn to big wet patches. There were a few other runners out today and we smile at each other when we pass. Like a mutual understanding of the dedication it takes to be out there on such a rainy day.
For my final run, instead of doing 5 minutes, I ran for 14 minutes without stopping!!! A new personal best! Two and 3/4 times around a 1/2 mile loop. Let's say roughly 1 1/3 miles?! I went slow and steady, and continued because, miraculously, I wasn't out of breath! But I decided to stop when I was really feeling body fatigue all over. I didn't want to wear myself out so much that I would need a couple days to recover! This, added to my other run times today, means I had a total run time of 25 minutes (and another maybe 10 minutes of walking).
Weather: 50 and lots of RAIN
Every day that I run, I get a little nervous about going out there. It's strange really, like a case of performance anxiety. Will I be too tired to run? Will I meet my goal for the day? But there's something about changing into my running clothes that wakes me up and gets me excited to go out there. Like I remember that part of myself that IS A REAL RUNNER, and I'm proud to be doing this. ;)
I started out a bit tired, and my recovery times were a little longer than the plan called for. I was getting soaked from the rain, but I also didn't overheat. By the end of my run, I was watching rain dripping off the brim of my hat and seeing the water droplets on my water resistant sleeves turn to big wet patches. There were a few other runners out today and we smile at each other when we pass. Like a mutual understanding of the dedication it takes to be out there on such a rainy day.
For my final run, instead of doing 5 minutes, I ran for 14 minutes without stopping!!! A new personal best! Two and 3/4 times around a 1/2 mile loop. Let's say roughly 1 1/3 miles?! I went slow and steady, and continued because, miraculously, I wasn't out of breath! But I decided to stop when I was really feeling body fatigue all over. I didn't want to wear myself out so much that I would need a couple days to recover! This, added to my other run times today, means I had a total run time of 25 minutes (and another maybe 10 minutes of walking).
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Run 16: Wednesday 5/6/09
Weather: COLD and WET (47 degrees and moderate to heavy rain)
No new records today, but a good, solid run. I did the week 4 program to the minute: 5min warmup, then 3run/1.5walk, 5run/2.5walk, repeated twice. The short recovery times were tough, but I pushed through. It would be nice to report another mile run, but that is not something I could do every day. Don't worry, though, I'll work up to it!
Plus, today, the weather was miserable and I was tired. I went back and forth all day, debating on whether I would run or wait a day. But I did it!
Hike 1: Saturday 5/9/09
Weather: Mid 60's and Sunny
I didn't run on Friday because I went to the new Star Trek movie right after work. I did, however, go hiking with Sasha on Saturday. I think that's a good replacement for my 3rd run of the week. We went to Rattlesnake Ridge. A fairly steep climb, 2 miles each way. We spent about 3 hours on the hike and it was beautiful! Felt great to get out of the city for a few hours and breathe in that fresh air. Makes me think I should do that every week!!
Run 17: Monday 5/11/09
Weather: 60 and Sunny with lots of Wind
I took the day off of work today and spent some time with family. I still managed to fit in my run. We all went to Magnuson park and this was the first time I'd run at a new place! (except for my very first run on the streets of Kirkland) I'm so used to my normal loop, that running in a new spot seemed especially challenging. Could be that I'm not familiar with the inclines of the route? Or the wind? Or being self conscious with people I know seeing me out there? I don't know. Lets just say it was challenging. I was overheating a bit in the sun, and took off my hat for most of the run. I did 3 & 5 minute runs, but with slightly increased recovery times: 3/2, 5/3, repeated twice. I was definitely tired afterwards. But, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
Weather: COLD and WET (47 degrees and moderate to heavy rain)
No new records today, but a good, solid run. I did the week 4 program to the minute: 5min warmup, then 3run/1.5walk, 5run/2.5walk, repeated twice. The short recovery times were tough, but I pushed through. It would be nice to report another mile run, but that is not something I could do every day. Don't worry, though, I'll work up to it!
Plus, today, the weather was miserable and I was tired. I went back and forth all day, debating on whether I would run or wait a day. But I did it!
Hike 1: Saturday 5/9/09
Weather: Mid 60's and Sunny
I didn't run on Friday because I went to the new Star Trek movie right after work. I did, however, go hiking with Sasha on Saturday. I think that's a good replacement for my 3rd run of the week. We went to Rattlesnake Ridge. A fairly steep climb, 2 miles each way. We spent about 3 hours on the hike and it was beautiful! Felt great to get out of the city for a few hours and breathe in that fresh air. Makes me think I should do that every week!!
Run 17: Monday 5/11/09
Weather: 60 and Sunny with lots of Wind
I took the day off of work today and spent some time with family. I still managed to fit in my run. We all went to Magnuson park and this was the first time I'd run at a new place! (except for my very first run on the streets of Kirkland) I'm so used to my normal loop, that running in a new spot seemed especially challenging. Could be that I'm not familiar with the inclines of the route? Or the wind? Or being self conscious with people I know seeing me out there? I don't know. Lets just say it was challenging. I was overheating a bit in the sun, and took off my hat for most of the run. I did 3 & 5 minute runs, but with slightly increased recovery times: 3/2, 5/3, repeated twice. I was definitely tired afterwards. But, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I ran a mile! I ran a full mile!!
Run 15: Monday 5/4/09
Weather: Upper 50's, raining and WINDY
The weather was a little nuts today, but I sort of got a kick out of running in it. Reminded me of being a kid and going out to explore a windy day. I moved on to the official Week 4 program this week: 3/1.5, 5/2.5 repeated. I wasn't sure if I could run 3 minutes right off the bat, not to mention the recovery times cut in half! So, I was a little nervous about moving up to this one.
Here's what happened. I was going to start with a 1.5/1 (run/walk), but I changed my mind at the last minute and just went for it. 3 minutes, first run of the day. After the short recovery, I continued, and on it went. 3/1.5, 5/2.5, then 3/3. After that second 3 minute run, I was TIRED and not sure I could continue. I walked a full 3 mins to recover, and I knew I had another 5 minute run left to do. I decided to go for it.
On my last run, after I was already fatigued, I just refused to stop. I ran at a steady pace with firm determination. I thought about stopping lots of times, but I just kept going. I ran a full loop and went up the dreaded steps and KEPT GOING. One foot in front of the other. The music helped, some songs really get me motivated. I didn't try to go fast, I just went. Another half loop and I didn't know if I could keep going. I tried to trick myself into thinking it was my FIRST loop, not my second, and that seemed to help. (silly mind games... "You haven't gone that far. You're really not tired.") I looked back at where I'd started on this loop and felt good about how far I'd come. And so it went, for 11 minutes and 15 seconds!!! I ran a full mile!!!!!Unbelievable!!! I swear, I did not think I could do that!! And I'm starting to think that I really don't know what I am capable of!!
Just yesterday I was saying I couldn't wait to run a mile. And yesterday, I DID! It's just nuts. I got to the end of that mile and cried; I couldn't believe I'd done it. My body felt foreign to me. Who's body IS THIS? For surely, I've known mine for years and it can NOT run a mile.
It felt like I broke through a barrier. Like I pushed passed my normal "let's stop now" moment. Like my body asked, "We're doing this? We're really doing this? Well, okaay..." and it just stepped up to meet the demands.
One mile in 11 minutes and 15 seconds may not sound like much to some, but to me, it's a miracle.
Weather: Upper 50's, raining and WINDY
The weather was a little nuts today, but I sort of got a kick out of running in it. Reminded me of being a kid and going out to explore a windy day. I moved on to the official Week 4 program this week: 3/1.5, 5/2.5 repeated. I wasn't sure if I could run 3 minutes right off the bat, not to mention the recovery times cut in half! So, I was a little nervous about moving up to this one.
Here's what happened. I was going to start with a 1.5/1 (run/walk), but I changed my mind at the last minute and just went for it. 3 minutes, first run of the day. After the short recovery, I continued, and on it went. 3/1.5, 5/2.5, then 3/3. After that second 3 minute run, I was TIRED and not sure I could continue. I walked a full 3 mins to recover, and I knew I had another 5 minute run left to do. I decided to go for it.
On my last run, after I was already fatigued, I just refused to stop. I ran at a steady pace with firm determination. I thought about stopping lots of times, but I just kept going. I ran a full loop and went up the dreaded steps and KEPT GOING. One foot in front of the other. The music helped, some songs really get me motivated. I didn't try to go fast, I just went. Another half loop and I didn't know if I could keep going. I tried to trick myself into thinking it was my FIRST loop, not my second, and that seemed to help. (silly mind games... "You haven't gone that far. You're really not tired.") I looked back at where I'd started on this loop and felt good about how far I'd come. And so it went, for 11 minutes and 15 seconds!!! I ran a full mile!!!!!Unbelievable!!! I swear, I did not think I could do that!! And I'm starting to think that I really don't know what I am capable of!!
Just yesterday I was saying I couldn't wait to run a mile. And yesterday, I DID! It's just nuts. I got to the end of that mile and cried; I couldn't believe I'd done it. My body felt foreign to me. Who's body IS THIS? For surely, I've known mine for years and it can NOT run a mile.
It felt like I broke through a barrier. Like I pushed passed my normal "let's stop now" moment. Like my body asked, "We're doing this? We're really doing this? Well, okaay..." and it just stepped up to meet the demands.
One mile in 11 minutes and 15 seconds may not sound like much to some, but to me, it's a miracle.
Monday, May 4, 2009
7min 20sec
Run 13: Wednesday 4/29/09
Weather: Upper 50's and cloudy
"I'm back, baby. I'm back!" (A feeling of elation, inspired by a song that came on my ipod that I used to listen to during my running attempt a few years ago. Finding myself running once again, with the same soundtrack. And already, I think I am running longer distances than I ever did before.)
I've continued to surpass my plan for this week. Instead of 90/90, 3/3 (run/walk), I did: 90/60, 3/2, 2/2, 5/3. That means I cut my recovery down to 2/3 of my running time and have run a full half mile without stopping for my final run of the day, 3 running days in a row. And this time, I even continued up the steps at the end of the loop before stopping!
Run 14: Friday 5/1/09
Weather: 70 and SUNNY
Ran until I almost passed out.
Today's run started out much as my first two runs this week, except on my last run of the day, I wanted to see how far I could go. I ran the full loop, up the steps, and KEPT GOING. I'm so tired after running the stairs, that it's hard to continue, but I take it slow and my breath comes back a little easier. I made it almost halfway around again. At this point, the pounding in my ears was interfering with the music from my earphones, I was feeling dizzy, and I started to picture myself passed out on the gravel. SO, I figured MAYBE I should stop. :) But dang, 7 minutes and 20 seconds without stopping!! (Almost 3/4 mile. Incredible!) And if I hadn't overheated in the full sun, I think maybe I could have gone farther. But it's a good thing I stopped, because I felt lethargic and dizzy and a little naseous for about 20 minutes afterwards.
So maybe today I took it a little farther than I was ready for, but I'm happy to see that I continue to challenge and push myself every time I go out there. I can't wait to run a full mile without needing to stop for a walk break!!
Weather: Upper 50's and cloudy
"I'm back, baby. I'm back!" (A feeling of elation, inspired by a song that came on my ipod that I used to listen to during my running attempt a few years ago. Finding myself running once again, with the same soundtrack. And already, I think I am running longer distances than I ever did before.)
I've continued to surpass my plan for this week. Instead of 90/90, 3/3 (run/walk), I did: 90/60, 3/2, 2/2, 5/3. That means I cut my recovery down to 2/3 of my running time and have run a full half mile without stopping for my final run of the day, 3 running days in a row. And this time, I even continued up the steps at the end of the loop before stopping!
Run 14: Friday 5/1/09
Weather: 70 and SUNNY
Ran until I almost passed out.
Today's run started out much as my first two runs this week, except on my last run of the day, I wanted to see how far I could go. I ran the full loop, up the steps, and KEPT GOING. I'm so tired after running the stairs, that it's hard to continue, but I take it slow and my breath comes back a little easier. I made it almost halfway around again. At this point, the pounding in my ears was interfering with the music from my earphones, I was feeling dizzy, and I started to picture myself passed out on the gravel. SO, I figured MAYBE I should stop. :) But dang, 7 minutes and 20 seconds without stopping!! (Almost 3/4 mile. Incredible!) And if I hadn't overheated in the full sun, I think maybe I could have gone farther. But it's a good thing I stopped, because I felt lethargic and dizzy and a little naseous for about 20 minutes afterwards.
So maybe today I took it a little farther than I was ready for, but I'm happy to see that I continue to challenge and push myself every time I go out there. I can't wait to run a full mile without needing to stop for a walk break!!
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