Gone too long

So today was my very first run since my last post. I had a series of unfortunate events. I never thought of Yoga as a place where one gets injured, but I happened to me. I hurt my back so much that I couldn't walk for 2 days. It took a long time for the pain to go away, in fact it still hurts if I sit wrong or curl up too much on the couch. I am fighting off a little bit of a cold, but I am going to run anyway. They say the rule is as long as it is above the neck its ok to run. I don't enjoy snotting on myself but at least it's dark and no one can see me.

Todays run was a little reminder or where I need to be. I only managed to run about 1.5 miles, I can't believe that at one point I was up to 4 miles non-stop. That would have killed me today. But running at 55 degrees is heaven. I am determined to get back to where I was and beyond. Life is a little stressful here, there is a lot of uncertainty at our house with work and bills and how to manage once the money from the business goes away. I think I need the run to help release that stress.

Till my next run.

November

So I haven't run .... Well I hadn't run from my last post to this past Monday when I went out and ran 1 mile. I was wiped out after that. Then Thursday I went to Yoga and today I ran 2 miles.

I bought new running shoes. Vibram Five Fingers (google em, they're funny looking) Then I ran in them once, only about .5 miles. I couldn't walk for 2 days. So I allowed myself to take the week off to recover. Then I went to DC, then time just kind of flowed by and I had missed 2 weeks. But I really don't want to quit. I ran two miles in my goofy shoes tonight and it felt really good to get back out there. The fact that it was about 50 degrees didn't hurt. I LOVE THIS WEATHER!!!

I still eventually want to run a half marathon, but I want to take it slower. I am afraid if I push my self too far too fast I am going to end up quitting and hating running. I don't want to do that. For the first time in a LONG time I like exercise. It puts me in a better mood, it makes me sleep well, it allows me to space out and just be. I gave up music when running. Now I just listen to myself pant and let my mind wander.

My November goal is to run 25 miles total. ...it would be only a little over 6 miles per week. Not too terrible right!

New Schedule

Thursday: went to the Y and swam

Friday: ran 2 miles

Saturday: Yoga

Sunday: Ran 4 miles

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Swam

Wednesday --- Will run 3 miles

So as you can see I am trying to incorporate more activity into my week. I think this will be my normal schedule. Long runs on Sunday.

I also started loosely counting calories. Trying to keep under 1600.... I hope that plus the work out will help me slim down.

Anyway.... till next week!!!

just shy of 30

No that isn't a reference to my age, seeing I turned 30 a little over a month ago. That is a reference to how many miles I have run since September 11, that's when I got my new app that keeps a running tab of my progress. Over that time my average pace was 11'38".

I guess that is a measure of progress....but today as I was jogging around all that I kept thinking was, wow this is a great new sports bra, I really wish my fat jiggled as little as my boobs do in this bra.

I feel like I should be in much better shape (when looking in the mirror) by now. But progress is progress, right? And 3 months ago I couldn't even run 1 mile, HELL I couldn't even run .5 miles.

Week Recap

Short run of 2 miles done! Long run of 3.5 miles DONE! Week 2.5 done.

I am starting to think I am running this 1/2 marathon alone... AM I??

Week 2 or 2.5

So I think I am on week 2 of the 10k training but I am supposed to be on week 3. I didn't realize Saturday that I was supposed to be running 3.5 miles not 3. I think a jump to 4 will be too much. So I call this week 2.5. I am going to run 3.5 this week, and only do one week of 4 instead of 2 and miraculously I will be all caught up.

Run went ok. It was a good stress relief. There's a bunch going on with Memere, she has breast cancer and osteoarthritis. What an awesome way to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month, I am aware already...I really didn't need another reminder. You know what else is awesome, 1 first degree relative with ovarian cancer at 50, 1 second degree relative with breast cancer (and a hysterectomy because of pre cancer activity) and a third decree relative with secretive ovarian cancer (she didn't tell anyone, and we are kind of speculating the cause of her death).. maybe not a genetic win on my end.

And today I feel frumpy. Even though Keith tells me that I am a logical person and there is no way I have gained so much muscle and not lost any fat. I agree, but still not one f'ing pound in 3 months of running. I am hoping that now that my class is over and there will be no more cakes and cookies and donuts I will start shedding some more jiggle.

Off to shower my stench away. On the upside, my new work schedule rocks. I am going to try to hit the pool tomorrow on my way home from work. Gotta love work perks...YMCA membership for me thanks :)

Tech Failure

So I went for a run tonight and when I got done and went to see how far I had run my iPhone said I had only run 1.15 miles....in 37 minutes. WTF. I really ran a 5k-ish distance.

I am off to shower now.

MEH

Today and Monday I felt kind of blah about running. I forced myself to go each day but my heart wasn't really in it. I need some sort of motivation boost. Is there a pill for that? I guess half the battle is making the motions. I didn't make the whole 2.5 mile run on Monday. Partly because of the dog and then I used the dog as an excuse. I guess everyone has their bad weeks.

Today I did try something new. I ran with NO music. It was kind of nice to just hear my breathing and thoughts running through my head. I didn't know I had so many random thoughts. Nor did I realize what I sounded like when I ran. Huffing and puffing sucks. I tried to play with my breathing and foot work but I don't know how effective that was, I think it just helped the time pass.

I discovered that my biggest hurdle is that I get bored when I run. I also noticed that I get bored at intervals. Boredom first strikes at about .68 miles, and then again at 1.8... on my shorter runs I try and just cover that last .2 miles so I can get finished. I wish I had some ideas as to how to fight this road block (no pun intended... running/ road...blocked...haha)

Now that I started the 10k training (I didn't run last weekend, shame on me I only managed to get on the elliptical trainer once) I feel as though I am at a loss for time, because there are supposed to be more and longer workouts. 2 hours lost to commuting, a one hour lunch (WTF that is SOOOO long) and then the preparation/eating of dinner before I know it seems to be time to work out, then time shower and bed. I really hope that readjusting my schedule next week will help me gain a little more time in my day. I am hoping to go to work 30 minutes earlier and take only a half hour lunch so I can get out 1 hour earlier. Then I would get home at 5 not 6, that sounds so nice....More time to relax, more time at home. Maybe that will give me the boost I need to rededicate to the training.

Faster????

Ran 2 miles today... cross trained last night... survived both of em.

I ran 10:42 per mile on average. Getting there...can't imagine running 13.1 miles.

So glad we have 155 days left... thats a lot of time right? 22 weeks....

10k training begun

So yesterday I started the first day of the 10K training. I ran 2.5 miles and then drove to my in-laws to take a shower because we didn't have any water. WTF, I swear we lose water more here than I ever have in my life. But I guess that it shows some dedication that I was willing to workout. (it was hot and i hated every minute of it, I wouldn't want to lull you in to any false sense of security for my new found running tradition.)

Off to cross train...I hope I don't die!!! :)

1st 5K complete

Well it is official I am proud of myself. I just completed my very first 5 kilometer run with out stopping. Time 36:45. Not too bad. Can't wait to do it again on Friday...I mean Saturday, we have plans on Friday night.

Week 9 Day 1

Well my goal was to run the whole 5K three time this week but I didn't quite get there today. I managed 2.63 miles in 30 minutes. So technically I accomplished the goal for this week, but I am still a little short for the distance. I am hoping it will come. I am going to try and do a little longer every day this week. The phone call from Keith at .5 miles was a little awkward also, panting and answering the phone isn't sexy.

At 2.4 miles I got chills, which made me really uncomfortable. That was part of the reason I didn't push any more. I think it is unusually humid today. Unusual for FL means I was almost swimming instead of running. WHERE THE HELL IS FALL???

Ok. Till Wednesday

I love my app even more today! I just found out you can see the pace by color.

Back from Space

So obviously I made it safely back from my free fall excursion. It was the most exciting experience of my life. I was in free fall for 74 seconds, fell from 14550 feet and had a smile on my face for the rest of the night.

But now that I am back down to earth I thought I would go out running again. I only ran 2 miles but it felt good to get out there and stretch my legs. I didn't manage to run at Ft. Benning because I wasn't sure where it was ok to run nor did I feel like running, but I did end up missing it, never thought those words would come out of my mouth.

I need to run a bit slower. I am starting out too fast and running out of steam too quickly. I also didn't bring the puppy today, I traded her in for some hot pink mace. Oh the things you can buy on an Army base. :) Try following me now F*%@ers!!

Back to the grind stone Monday. I am thinking of running a 5k in 2 weeks just to say I did it. Gauge my progress. I honestly don't know how I am ever going to get to 13.1 when 2 miles is kicking me in the hiney! I ran into a link for a 5K next weekend here about 3 miles from my house, I was really excited until I realized it was "clothing optional" I guess it would be an scenic run, but not quite my cup of tea.

On a side note Nike+ came out with a new app for iPhone that uses the iPhone GPS without the sensor in the shoe for $1.99 (so now I don't have to come home and map my run after I finish running). Score!

Off to shower.

ditch the bitch

Well I went out for a run tonight and Dixie was only up for about 1.5 miles. I think it is time to ditch the bitch.

Next week I am on my trip so I am not sure how much running I will get in but I am going to try to run tomorrow evening. I will run Friday or Saturday when I get back. We will see if I can manage one while I am gone.

I can't believe we are almost done with phase 1 training. I am starting to see changes in my body but none on my scale. Time to tweak the diet I think.

bad combo, good combo

Heels + Nike = BAD

Flats + New Balance = GOOD

So I was going to take a few days off from running because my leg really hurt Monday when I tried to run. I was wondering if there was a reason my leg hurt, was it my heels, or my sneakers? Tuesday I went and bought 2 pairs of flats so I could go to work and not wear heels. And tonight my leg felt much better. I decided to go for a run and see if it really was feeling better. I wore my non NIKE running shoes and guess what. No pain...well only a little pain. I cramped up at about the 1 mile mark but it was very mild compared with Monday's run. I pushed through and adjusted my stride a little and it passed (OH I figured out I lean to the right a little when I run, that may be contributing to the right leg pain).

So I completed 1 28 minute run this week and 1 1.6 mile run this week. I am going to keep on trucking... in my NEW BALANCE and FLATS.

I kind of felt like I could have kept going...Dixie was dragging ass. Monday I put her back in the house after the warm up walk she whined at the door. She wasn't going to be left behind today though. I hope I am not pushing her too hard but she always runs ahead of me so I think she is pushing me.

crapped out

so my dog ditched me...and I only made 1.6 miles running by myself. I got a nasty pain in my right leg, which I promptly used as an excuse to come home.

I will try again tomorrow. I have decided it is more about the process.

After eating nothing nourishing for lunch and skipping breakfast I can't blame my body for the revolt.

Oh, and I was picked to jump out of the plane...AGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Puddles

We ran this morning and it was wet. For some reason it has been raining every night. I am not complaining though it means my runs are only 80-86 degrees instead of 90-96.

Dixie thought is was fun to run through the puddles to cool off. I know that she will start kicking my ass once the weather turns cooler but until then I am enjoying the fact that she is as tired as me when we get done.

Off for the weekend. I am bringing my running clothes in hopes of maybe running in an air conditioned gym tomorrow morning. That sounds like heaven!!!

This week I didn't manage to get all my runs in because of the big 3-0...but I am making up for it by running today and tomorrow so I don't lose any ground.

ON a side note: I may get to jump out of a plane on my "business trip" ... awesome job :) Hope they pull my name out of the HAT. Just think how much fun it will be to fall from the sky strapped to a complete stranger while screaming your brains out. Not bad for a days work.

too FULL, too TIRED, too THIRSTY

I was tricked... Keith told me he was thinking of going to trivia tonight so I ate more than I would have because I thought I wouldn't be running tonight. So I ran through some heartburn and a few puddles (it rained all day).

My title sums up my feeling for today's run. The only other thing I need to add is that I want pepper spray. There is a car that has driven past me 1 too many times for my comfort, and Dixie just isn't very intimidating soooo... Where does one get pepper spray?

Strange week

So I posted after the first run of the week and it went well...it was all downhill from there trying to run day 2. I tried 2 times to do it...first Friday night was all thunder and lightening then Saturday morning at 9am it was 86 degree and 84% humidity. I only made it a mile. It was truly awful. So I just gave up and called it done.

I thought today was going to be a failure also because it was raining and storming much of the day...then like a sign it stopped at 7:30. What a good thing for me. The run was almost enjoyable today. It was only about 76 degrees. Like a preview of fall, I can't wait for fall. I can't remember the last time is was 76 degrees.

My Nike+ said I ran 3.15 mile with warm up and cool down. Of that 2.4 miles was running. Go me..

A little Lazy

So I was a little lazy yesterday, got in my clothes but never made it out the door. But today I did what I was supposed to do and went on my run.

I used different shoes (Nike+ ones) and now it said I ran 2.89 miles (impossible) I am going to map my run and see how far I really went. I guess with my walk it may have been that far but it's doubtful.

I am going to shower now.

20 minute run

Today to measure progress I went out and got a nike+ kit. Well only the sensor, my nifty little iphone has the receiver built in. So I went out with my new found toy. I don't think it is quite working correctly (I am not running in Nike+ shoes so I had to kind of rig the sensor). Map my run says that I ran and walked (with warm up... and cool down) 1.99 miles. Map my run said I ran walked 2.3 miles...who knows which one is right....I think it's the map my run.

So after using map my run I estimated I ran (actually RAN) 1.8 miles in 20 minutes. I averaged a 11.11 min/mile. (that math was much harder than it needed to be...I chalk it up to lack of oxygen). My loving husband observed that I wouldn't have passed the Navy PRT... gotta love that support, now he knows why I always swam 'em, I am a shitty runner, but a runner none the less :)

Onto week 6.

Stick it where the sun don't shine

So it has been a very busy week and today was the first time I managed to do week 5 day 2. Tuesday Keith and I went to see Norah Jones so I went to bed way too late for my 5 am daily wake up. Then Wednesday night I had to get ready for a presentation I had to give on Thursday morning. After work on Thursday I fell asleep at 7pm....and last night I think I managed to keep my eyes open until 8pm.

So this morning when I woke up at 8am, I immediately put on my running clothes and headed out. That's when I started to realize that once the big ball of fire in the sky is out it is F'ing awful to run. I tried to take a route that would have the sun at my back for most of the way but I think I should have ran into the sun at the beginning of my run and with it at my back once I was nasty sweaty and stinky. I also didn't think to bring sunglasses so I am sure I induced a few wrinkles from all the squinting.

I am terrified of the 20 minute run.....That's tomorrow or monday depending on how I feel.

But moral of the story....I am going to stick my run where the sun don't shine :)

Bug SPRAY!!!

I live in FL. You think I would be able to remember bug spray, but no. I always forget. It is really awkward to try and run and scratch your leg, arm or other itchy appendage. But I did manage to complete all three 5 minute runs. But my dilemma now is how to manage to take a shower, while I was out on my run my honey fell asleep in the bedroom and I don't want to wake him up. I guess it's a good thing we have 2 bathrooms.

'till Wednesday....

Week4 DONE

I wouldn't say it killed me, but I wouldn't say I killed it either. I call it a draw, but in any case on to week 5 Monday.

Next week the pattern starts changing a little. I am a little nervous for the 20 minute run on the last day of next week.

Monday: 5 min walk, 5min run, 3min walk, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run. Cool down.

Wednesday: 5 min walk, 8 min run, 5 min walk, 8 min run. Cool down

Friday: or Saturday depending on how I feel 5 minute walk, 20 minute run...

I am kind of amazed it is going so fast. I am a little worried because during week9 I will be on a work trip from Tuesday to Friday. So I will have to figure out how to get 1 run in while away. I am not sure how that will work, but I won't let it derail me.

I don't "enjoy" running by any means yet, but I am not hating it either. I do think I am starting to get into the habit of running. I almost look forward to it....almost but not quite.

I would kill for 75 degrees and a light wind, maybe even 80 with a breeze, recently I have been dying in the heat. Is summer over yet?

Oh and today's learning tip: No mexican food before a run.

salsa + run = heartburn

3 times in a row

All I am going to say is Yellow lab. This trend is becoming distracting, which makes running go faster I think.

Week4 Day2 done! Off to wash my ass.

Trendsetting

So I posted Friday before my run and set out. Week 3 day 3 was going well when during my second walk all of the sudden there was a man running at me. It was kind of dark, not totally dark but the street lights had come on and I was trying to figure out why a man was running at me (Just a little freaky). I didn't see that he was chasing his pitt bull.... luckily for me a super loving playful pit. It could have ended badly but instead it just ended with a lot of sniffing and a shortened walk time. Then during my last run, chased again by a medium sized dog that could really haul ass, but we just ignored him and kept going I am glad he didn't want to stray too far from home. Today Bassett Hound....I really hope that people learn what leashes are, or how to hold onto them. I am thinking of pepper spray as an addition to my running gear.

I went to the Nike store on Saturday and bought some running gear. I had a 30% off coupon, (actually I had 3, the guy in front of me scored big when I handed him one on his way to the counter, he had at least $500 worth of shoes and clothes, took him a minute to realize what I had given him he gave me a big grin and thumbs up...people are funny!).

Today I ran in new compression shorts (what a sexy name for spandex) and a dry-fit shirt. I almost couldn't tell I was sweating. I will never run in cotton gear again. Also as a super score, my armband came one day early, I love amazon prime. If I could only strap my dog leash onto my arm my hands would be free.

I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it through the 5 minute run, I kind of panicked when the podcast said you are half way through your 5 minute run. The second one was harder but I pushed through. I hope Wednesday is easier. I saw this link: http://c25k.cze.dk/ when I was looking for what next week entails and most people suggest slowing down when you have trouble with a distance. Running slow is still running...and running is getting us from point a to point b.

I don't care if I am running the half marathon at most peoples walk pace...I will finish. At least that is what I tell myself :0

Week 4:

5min warm up, 3min run, 90sec walk, 5min run, 2.5 min run, repeat 1x

cool down

Friday

Today I am posting before I run. I ran Wednesday night and I am getting ready to head out in about 30 minutes for tonights run. I am looking for some new running gear. I have only 1 pair of running capris and I am in need of more shirts. I realize how much weight I gained when I put on some of those shirts, they creep ever so slightly over my belly. Maybe I have gotten taller in my midsection (wishful thinking).

My armband is on order and should be here my Wednesday. I can't wait, I hate carrying my phone and the dog leash (I know, I am a sucker!)

Confession...

I have a confession to make...last week I only managed 2 day of running. Friday I had an all day ropes course at the university. I was more sore from that than I have been from running so far.

I also wussed out on 4am running. After 2 days of sleeping through my alarm and only getting 4 to 5 hours of sleep I decided to run at 8:30pm.

I learned 2 lessons this evening: BUG spray and NO shorts. My thighs are just in too close proximity to each other to wear shorts with out major ride up and that just makes for uncomfortable awkward running.

But day one of week three is complete, mosquitoes , wedgies, 90 degree weather and all. Hard to believe that 79 degrees was cool!

spaghetti squash

In addition to the running I have been attempting to eat better. For a large majority of my time in school my diet consisted of every type simple carb and refined sugar you could think of. So now I am increasing my veggie intake, reducing my white flours, sugars and empty carbs. Lucky for me my husband is also participating and he has been a great sport at trying new creations. This week I was craving a pasta type dish and I keep hearing about the wonders of spaghetti squash...so I thought..maybe this will be like cauliflower mashed potatoes, close enough to kill a craving.

So I cooked the squash in the oven for 45 minutes @ 375 (sliced in half, deseeded, rind up in the oven). Found a tomato sauce that had only 1g of sugar (the one I usually use has 10g) threw in some hot italian sausage and .... it was only OK. The sauce was really good and the squash was a little crunchy. Undercooked spaghetti !! I will try it again though if I left it in the oven longer I think I could have almost believed it was pasta, almost.

On to the running. I ran this morning, but I must have been super tired when my alarm went off. Keith woke up, walked across the room and turned it off. I didn't hear a thing. He had to wake me, he said he didn't even think I was in bed because I didn't move. He thought I had already gotten out of bed and hit the snooze button by accident. Unbelievable, I always wake up when the alarm goes off, it beeps super quietly twice and then I am up and off. This morning apparently the alarm got to piercing rapid pitches and I had no idea. Hopefully I hear it tomorrow...Keith won't be happy getting up at 4 two days in a row.

it's only seven pm and i am exhausted

To explain my title I just want to say I have been up for 15 hours already. Today I started a new job, and I needed to get out of the house by 6:45 to make it on time. And I wanted to run while it was a cool 80 degrees. (After work I am too lazy to get out of my own way, let alone run) NO excuses right...to do this I gotta DOIT.

I ended up taking the dog with me because her big brown eyes broke me down. She won't be coming again though because she wanted to pee and sniff and wander and not run. I can't blame her, she wasn't quite awake and neither was I.

I don't think that I am possibly burning more calories yet, but I was HUNGRY as HELL all day. I would eat and then be satisfied, but 2 hours later there was a lion roaring in my belly. New rule for tomorrow, bring healthy snacks to work, and a water bottle.

The best part of my day was finding out that I get a FREE YMCA membership from my new work, down side was finding out all the Y's near me aren't on the list. BUMMER. But if I time it right I may be able to stop by one on the way home from work. I would really like to be able to swim a few days a week.

Tomorrow..... up again at 4am, maybe Yoga... last week yoga was a bust because I couldn't breathe, now I am better (90% anyway). Or better enough that I won't drown in my own snot while saluting the sun.

I think my dog hates me

This morning my run went OK, except the big brown eyes staring at me as I dressed in my running clothes. My dog used to run with me, but with the weather (80 degrees today at 5am) and the fact that I really want to concentrate on running and not worry about potty stops I decided that on this training adventure I would run alone.

So this morning Dixie followed me around the house in virtual darkness as I gathered my clothes, phone, and shoes. Her tail wagging happily waiting for me to get the leash. Then I opened the door and she realized she wasn't invited. Her head sunk...the tail slowly stopped and those big beautiful brown eyes looked up at me and broke my heart. Poor girl, don't worry I'll be back soon and by then you will be cozily sleeping on the couch, forgetting you were left at home.

The one thing I did realize today was that running with a head cold is tolerable (I keep saying "running" but that isn't a good description of my awkward jog/walk). I sound like a 20 yr smoker because of my cold, but other than that and a little sinus pressure it wasn't too bad. Which reminds me...time for more Sudafed.

I didn't do any yoga yesterday because I couldn't breathe at 5am when I woke up. I got up but felt like crap and I could barely talk so I decided downward dog probably wasn't the best way to start my day. Maybe tomorrow I will give it a go, if the sinus pressure lets up a little. One more run to go on week one and then off to week 2.

On a side note. I really need to get an armband for my phone. I have been just carrying it while I run, but that isn't going to work out so well as I increase the actual amount of time I am running. I tend to drop stuff when running, and busting my new phone would put a damper on more than my day. So my quest for this weekend, find armband.

1 day down

So after careful contemplation I decided that the best time for me to run is early morning. I wanted to run in the evenings but after work, cooking dinner, and fighting the Florida summer rains I changed my mind to EARLY morning. So this week I am running at 5am, and next week 4am (I cringe just thinking of 4am, never mind actually greeting it and being active).

This morning as I headed out the door it was a cool 78 degrees. 78 freaking degrees at 5:15am, it was also 68% humidity. Better than the mid 90's and thunder storms scheduled for this afternoon.

I started my training using the couch 2 5k program (there is a link in my previous post). I am on week 1 day 1: 1 minute run, 90 seconds walk (repeat 8 times). Overall it was a good work out. I think I could have done more than the alloted workout but I am taking this journey slow. I really want to stick with it.

At the beginning of the summer I attempted to start this the c25k, so I bought an iPhone app, and set off to complete week one. It only took me a few days to realize that every time I went to run my 30 minute work out was taking 45 minutes. When my screen went off the app stopped running. That one minute felt like 3 because it was 3 minutes. Needless to say (because I am starting over) that training didn't last. And because of this technical difficulty I decided to go back to Robert Ullrey's C25k podcast. I have used it before (and got all the way to week 7 before I quit...notice a pattern, I have quit running A LOT) and even though I wouldn't chose the music he did, the upbeat dance music keeps me motivated and I don't have to watch the clock to know when to walk or run, and the best part, it plays still runs correctly when my screen is off.

I am calling today a win in the running world. I HATE MORNINGS, and managed to get out of bed when the alarm went off, got dressed, ran, stretched and made breakfast all before the time I usually get up. Tomorrow 5am yoga.

mental preparation

I am going to officially begin training on Monday, but until then I am gearing up mentally. I have never conqured such a large physical challange and I know from my history that I am prone to getting 5 weeks in an giving up. I don't want that to happen this time.

I am a little worried that I am not going to have time to schedule my runs during my transistion to my new job. But when doesn't life intervene and try to derail us from our best laid plans, come life bring it on..I am ready.

My new mantra has been, " I am going to run a half marathon, I am going to run a half marathon" then I try to remember to smile while picturing myself running for 2 hours for more. For me the scariest part is SUMMER, today the heat index is going to be 103, the humidity 9oo% (really 68%). But inorder to make my goal I need to start training immediately.

I have made a training schedule from now until the half marathon.
For the first 10 weeks ... starting July 12 I am going to follow the Couch 2 5K training plan. You can find it here: www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml . It is technically a 9 week program, but I am giving myself one extra week to sustain the 5K distance.
From there I am going to transfer to Hal Higdons 10K Training: Novice (www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10knovice.htm)
and then for the half-marathon training: Hal Higdon Half Marathon Novice (www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm)

I have also tried to find 5 and 10k races that fall into the time line of when I finish each of those training series, I have a couple in mind and will keep you posted when I commit.

mile 0, the inspiration

Last night I made a decision, I would start the journey from lazy bones to runner. I have begun and quit the couch 2 5k program at least 3 times. I always find excuses as to why I don't have the time to commit to the workout ("I am tired", "I am PMSing"," it's too HOT", "oh, NCIS is on"). But this attitude is the same one that has led to the demise of my figure. What used to be strong and powerful is now wiggly and jiggly. And that makes me reach for the Haagen-Dazs and continue my downward spiral.

So when my best friend sent me a link for the 2011 Princess Half Marathon at Disney World with only the words "interested??" in the subject line I sat and pondered, came up with a million excuses as to why I didn't want to do it: it's 900 degrees here in FL, training now will suck, half marathon in February; is there even enough time to train for that? I hate running...

But there was another nagging at the back of my mind: Pssst...your not getting any younger, you want to get in shape, you want your jeans to stop screaming when you button them, you want work clothes (any clothes for that matter) to look good on you. You want to shun the couch in favor of the sun and hot breeze. Sweating feels good. Think of the bragging rights you'd have.

In the end, the fitness voice won and today I begin my journey to a runner.