ARGH!! Running today really sucked. Not because of the running, but because of my idiot dog. I'm not talking Annie, I'm talking Big Abby. She's an idiot. Okay I may take partial blame for this one, but she has lost her running privileges until after the move. Here's the workout:
3 min run
90 sec walk
5 min run
2 min walk
3 min run
90 sec walk
5 min run
So things were going well. I was feeling really good running. I was on the last 5 min run and I saw 2 ladies walking towards me in the distance. So I put the leashes on the dogs well in advance. We got close to passing the people and I should have gotten off the path into the grass, but I didn't. Big Abby has a bad habit of thinking everyone wants to meet her. So she lunged across both me and Annie to try to meet these people. as she lunged I yanked back on her causing her to come up and back which caused her paw to come up and scratch the lady. It tore her pants. So here we are in the park, and I stooped to check on the lady and make sure she was okay. She was pulling her pants down to make sure she wasn't bleeding. She had a bruise and a scratch. I offered to buy her new pants and give her my info in case it got any worse. She was very understanding and said no, but I still feel awful. I know I should have just taken the dogs far enough away they couldn't have reached them, but I didn't. The dogs have been so good I didn't think it would be an issue. I just thank god it was just a scratch. So in order to prevent any more situations Bigs is not allowed to run with Annie and I again until after the move. I can't take any chances that she'd do something like this again. Keep in mind, that the 2 dogs together are over 200 pounds, so lets be honest if they wanted to they could drag me if they made their minds up to do it. I've learned my lesson, 2 dogs is too much at the park.
As far as the running it was a lot easier today, granted the last five minute run was interrupted, but I felt good during the rest of the run. It is so much easier to run when it is cool in the morning. I'm comparing it to the run on Sunday with Shannon, that seemed so much harder the sun was out and I don't know how hot it was, but today the air was cool and it felt easier to keep going. This is the first run that my distance seems to be improving. I ran all the way to the bridge. The last few times has been much shorter than that. Of course there is more running than walking this week. I'm feeling good about the running. Not saying I like it yet, just neutral about it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Week 4 Day 1
Okay, so I'm sure you noticed there is no Week 3 Day 3 post. I'm betting you are thinking I ran and forgot to post about it. Right? Sorry to disappoint, but I did not run on Week 3 Day 3. I just didn't have time to run on Thursday or Friday and by Saturday I just hadn't done it. Life just got the best of me at the end of the week. I had to go into work on Thursday at 6, so I left the house at 5, which means I got up around 4ish. Then I had to stay late for the shift change that happens at 6...so I got home around 7ish. Lucky for me Jay had dinner ready, but dinner was not the end of our tasks, because we got a call that they wanted to show the house on Friday. That meant that Jay and I spent the rest of the evening cleaning the house. Friday was another early day for me, had to be there by 6:15am...I'd intended to get up around 4-ish...the alarm didn't wake me, so I woke up in a panic at almost 5...Raced to get to work. Friday, Jay picked me up in Aurora and we went to Omaha to see friends and family. We were pretty busy on Saturday, so I didn't manage to run Saturday either.
Okay so Sunday morning, Shannon, my friend in Omaha, who started this whole running deal for me suggested we run together this morning. Shannon is on Week 8, so we decided to run my program on Week 4 since I didn't think I could handle her workout yet. So this week's workout:
Run 3 mins
Walk 90 sec
Run 5 mins
Walk 2 mins
Run 3 mins
Walk 90 sec
Run 5 mins
This was hard. I don't think you realize how long 5 mins of running is. It is an eternity. I think the closest way to realize how long 5 mins is when you are running is to compare it to something we all do. Drink 2 big bottles of water. When you feel like you are about to pee your pants, start the timer and wait 5 mins before you head to the bathroom...trust me it's a long time.
So the good thing was I got to run with Shannon. We met at the High School Track by her house and did our workout together. We were both feeling it today. We 'might' have had a few drinks at Shannon's house last night when we were BBQ'ing. Not the best for an early am run. We were both tired and a little dehydrated, but we made it. I really didn't want to do that last 5 min. run, but I think the only reason I finished was the fact that we'd already done 20 mins of the workout and I couldn't quit so close to the finish line.
Shannon was trying to teach me what she learned about how to focus on breathing while running. You are supposed to breathe in for 2 sec and out for 4. I tried to do this when we started, but I'll be honest I was just trying to keep my feet moving by the end. Maybe it is something I'll work up to. Shannon also had a cool little gizmo that tracked how far we ran. Since we were on a track I kinda had an idea how many laps we were doing, but she said we did 2.18 miles. Which was her personal best! Way to go Shannon!!! I have no clue how far I run when I go, so I have no comparison. I can guesstimate how far around the lake I normally go, but that's about it.
Physically, I'm still hanging in there. My knees on up are doing well. My right heal is a little sore when I'm done running, but my right heal has been sore for about a year now from the standing on concrete floors at work. It's not painful, I can just feel it. My left foot is sore, but that also goes back the BBQ at Shannon's. We were on her deck last night and I stepped on a huge sliver... so my foot is pretty sore, but that's temporary. Running on the track this morning helped my feet since it is made out of that rubbery material. So I'll say this much...4 weeks in, and running hasn't killed me yet!
I promise to make sure Annie goes with this week, should be morning runs, so it should be easy to take the dogs. I still think she's lost some weight...we won't talk about my weight! Annie and Bigs will hit the trail with me Tuesday morning!
Okay so Sunday morning, Shannon, my friend in Omaha, who started this whole running deal for me suggested we run together this morning. Shannon is on Week 8, so we decided to run my program on Week 4 since I didn't think I could handle her workout yet. So this week's workout:
Run 3 mins
Walk 90 sec
Run 5 mins
Walk 2 mins
Run 3 mins
Walk 90 sec
Run 5 mins
This was hard. I don't think you realize how long 5 mins of running is. It is an eternity. I think the closest way to realize how long 5 mins is when you are running is to compare it to something we all do. Drink 2 big bottles of water. When you feel like you are about to pee your pants, start the timer and wait 5 mins before you head to the bathroom...trust me it's a long time.
So the good thing was I got to run with Shannon. We met at the High School Track by her house and did our workout together. We were both feeling it today. We 'might' have had a few drinks at Shannon's house last night when we were BBQ'ing. Not the best for an early am run. We were both tired and a little dehydrated, but we made it. I really didn't want to do that last 5 min. run, but I think the only reason I finished was the fact that we'd already done 20 mins of the workout and I couldn't quit so close to the finish line.
Shannon was trying to teach me what she learned about how to focus on breathing while running. You are supposed to breathe in for 2 sec and out for 4. I tried to do this when we started, but I'll be honest I was just trying to keep my feet moving by the end. Maybe it is something I'll work up to. Shannon also had a cool little gizmo that tracked how far we ran. Since we were on a track I kinda had an idea how many laps we were doing, but she said we did 2.18 miles. Which was her personal best! Way to go Shannon!!! I have no clue how far I run when I go, so I have no comparison. I can guesstimate how far around the lake I normally go, but that's about it.
Physically, I'm still hanging in there. My knees on up are doing well. My right heal is a little sore when I'm done running, but my right heal has been sore for about a year now from the standing on concrete floors at work. It's not painful, I can just feel it. My left foot is sore, but that also goes back the BBQ at Shannon's. We were on her deck last night and I stepped on a huge sliver... so my foot is pretty sore, but that's temporary. Running on the track this morning helped my feet since it is made out of that rubbery material. So I'll say this much...4 weeks in, and running hasn't killed me yet!
I promise to make sure Annie goes with this week, should be morning runs, so it should be easy to take the dogs. I still think she's lost some weight...we won't talk about my weight! Annie and Bigs will hit the trail with me Tuesday morning!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Week 3 Day 2
Same workout as Day 1.
I did not want to get up this morning. So much so, that I reset my alarm from 5 to 6 and said forget it, I'll run tonight. Then I started to think about it and all the disadvantages of running tonight...heat, managing the dogs, the fact that I have a 4 hour meeting today. Then I started to think about the dogs. If Annie and Big's had a vote, they'd vote to go now. So I reset my alarm for 5:15 and got up.
Jay was already up, normally I beat him up when I'm going running. He'd been up for awhile, so he was all full of chatter. I just scowled and told him to shut up. Then he let the dogs in before I had my shoes tied. I should take a video of what it looks like when the dogs have figured out they are going for a walk. It is pure hilarity, if they aren't your idiot dogs. Bigs was so excited she knocked an empty glass off the table. She got popped on the nose by dad, and she was so funny she kept pawing at her nose...it hurt her feelings more than any thing.
So we went running. No lightening, no rain, so I just had to do it. I was glad I went as soon as I got to the park. It's really nice when you have the park to yourself. This really the only time of day that happens. I was on the second 3 minute run when I started to get sick of running. Then I just happened to look over at Annie. I don't know if you've ever watched a dog run, but they don't run like we do. I just plod along and just want to get it over with. Dogs run with all of their heart. Annie was running so fast her ears were back and I swear she had a smile on her face. So that little distraction made me wish I could like running as much as Annie.
I did not want to get up this morning. So much so, that I reset my alarm from 5 to 6 and said forget it, I'll run tonight. Then I started to think about it and all the disadvantages of running tonight...heat, managing the dogs, the fact that I have a 4 hour meeting today. Then I started to think about the dogs. If Annie and Big's had a vote, they'd vote to go now. So I reset my alarm for 5:15 and got up.
Jay was already up, normally I beat him up when I'm going running. He'd been up for awhile, so he was all full of chatter. I just scowled and told him to shut up. Then he let the dogs in before I had my shoes tied. I should take a video of what it looks like when the dogs have figured out they are going for a walk. It is pure hilarity, if they aren't your idiot dogs. Bigs was so excited she knocked an empty glass off the table. She got popped on the nose by dad, and she was so funny she kept pawing at her nose...it hurt her feelings more than any thing.
So we went running. No lightening, no rain, so I just had to do it. I was glad I went as soon as I got to the park. It's really nice when you have the park to yourself. This really the only time of day that happens. I was on the second 3 minute run when I started to get sick of running. Then I just happened to look over at Annie. I don't know if you've ever watched a dog run, but they don't run like we do. I just plod along and just want to get it over with. Dogs run with all of their heart. Annie was running so fast her ears were back and I swear she had a smile on her face. So that little distraction made me wish I could like running as much as Annie.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Week 3 Day 1
Workout
90s Run
90s Walk
3 min Run
3 min Walk
Repeat series 2x
I can't believe I can run for 3 mins. Twice! I do have a confession to make. I went running without Annie. I decided to run at 5pm. It was hot for me, and I knew she'd be too hot if we ran together, so I went without her. I made it home and bent down to take my shoes off and she came right up to me and gave me kisses. I think she was thanking me for not making her go with. Either that or she was licking my sweat.
I took off running headed south at the park. I had intended to run north toward the campus, but I noticed that the wind was out of the south and decided it was better to run into the wind in the beginning and with it to my back on the the way home. BTW, Did you know that when the wind is out of the south it usually kicks up a storm? That is one of the many factiods Jay shares with me. Surprisingly he's right, there are usually storms...crazy. That was one of the things I thought about as I was running for 3 mins. It really wasn't that bad. I've figured out that 60s of running is about 3 and a half light poles. This really helps me keep from obsessing about the time. So I don't spend as much time looking at my watch. I did notice that my legs were a bit sore, but really not bad. I didn't feel like I couldn't make it, so I'll take that as a sign of progress.
I'm planning to run in the morning on Tuesday, so Annie will get back into the swing of things...I promise not to cheat on her again!
90s Run
90s Walk
3 min Run
3 min Walk
Repeat series 2x
I can't believe I can run for 3 mins. Twice! I do have a confession to make. I went running without Annie. I decided to run at 5pm. It was hot for me, and I knew she'd be too hot if we ran together, so I went without her. I made it home and bent down to take my shoes off and she came right up to me and gave me kisses. I think she was thanking me for not making her go with. Either that or she was licking my sweat.
I took off running headed south at the park. I had intended to run north toward the campus, but I noticed that the wind was out of the south and decided it was better to run into the wind in the beginning and with it to my back on the the way home. BTW, Did you know that when the wind is out of the south it usually kicks up a storm? That is one of the many factiods Jay shares with me. Surprisingly he's right, there are usually storms...crazy. That was one of the things I thought about as I was running for 3 mins. It really wasn't that bad. I've figured out that 60s of running is about 3 and a half light poles. This really helps me keep from obsessing about the time. So I don't spend as much time looking at my watch. I did notice that my legs were a bit sore, but really not bad. I didn't feel like I couldn't make it, so I'll take that as a sign of progress.
I'm planning to run in the morning on Tuesday, so Annie will get back into the swing of things...I promise not to cheat on her again!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Week 2 Day 3
I don't wanna run today.
I woke up and absolutely did not want to get out of bed and running was out of the question. But I did it anyway. As soon as I went out the door I was surprised. It was cold out. I had a thought for a second that I'd need a jacket. So we started running. And then I saw lightening. But of course I made the rule last week that I had to get sprinkled on to get to turn back. Not a drop of rain, but tons of lightening. So I ran anyway.
If I'm honest right now, the running part is easy. I physically can do it. It my brain that is the problem. I just don't want to do it. So the whole time I'm running I'm think about how I don't want to be doing this. That makes for a long run. They say it takes 14 times before something becomes habit. I'm just about half way there. Maybe after 14 times I'll stop hating it.
I will say Annie and Bigs have really enjoyed the running. They are so excited to go they almost knock me over as I try to get out the door with them. At least someone is enjoying the running!
I woke up and absolutely did not want to get out of bed and running was out of the question. But I did it anyway. As soon as I went out the door I was surprised. It was cold out. I had a thought for a second that I'd need a jacket. So we started running. And then I saw lightening. But of course I made the rule last week that I had to get sprinkled on to get to turn back. Not a drop of rain, but tons of lightening. So I ran anyway.
If I'm honest right now, the running part is easy. I physically can do it. It my brain that is the problem. I just don't want to do it. So the whole time I'm running I'm think about how I don't want to be doing this. That makes for a long run. They say it takes 14 times before something becomes habit. I'm just about half way there. Maybe after 14 times I'll stop hating it.
I will say Annie and Bigs have really enjoyed the running. They are so excited to go they almost knock me over as I try to get out the door with them. At least someone is enjoying the running!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Week 2 Day 2
Well, it was another morning run! I didn't have to be to work quite as early, so I decided to take advantage of the cool weather and get my run over with.
I discovered that I read Sunday's workout wrong...It should have been run 90 and walk 2 mins. I wasn't super motivated today so less running was okay by me.
It really went well, I'm starting to question the quality of my shoes. I've got a newer pair I'm gonna try next time and see if they are better. My arch was hurting a bit after my last run, so I'm gonna try the new shoes for the next run.
I'm starting to understand why people get up in the morning and run. It definitely cooler, and there is really only 1 excuse to not run in the morning. Sleep. If I try to run at night I have a million excuses I can come up with to not run during the evening...so I may be a morning runner. Did I mention it is cooler. And then the best part is that it is over for the whole day! I don't have to think about/dread running all day. Lots of advantages to morning running!
I discovered that I read Sunday's workout wrong...It should have been run 90 and walk 2 mins. I wasn't super motivated today so less running was okay by me.
It really went well, I'm starting to question the quality of my shoes. I've got a newer pair I'm gonna try next time and see if they are better. My arch was hurting a bit after my last run, so I'm gonna try the new shoes for the next run.
I'm starting to understand why people get up in the morning and run. It definitely cooler, and there is really only 1 excuse to not run in the morning. Sleep. If I try to run at night I have a million excuses I can come up with to not run during the evening...so I may be a morning runner. Did I mention it is cooler. And then the best part is that it is over for the whole day! I don't have to think about/dread running all day. Lots of advantages to morning running!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week 2 Day 1
Today's workout:
90 sec run 60 sec walk for 20 mins
Sunday morning...5 am. Yup you read that right. Sunday is a day of rest...not today. Today Jay has an art fair that goes from 9am-5pm. We have to set up at 7am, so my running time was going to be limited. I've done enough of these art fairs to know there is no way I would run after one, so I bit the bullet and did it this morning.
When I took off me and the dogs, (yes plural I took big Abby again...its Sunday you know no one else is up) and it was lightening...not real close off in the distance. I started to think about quiting, I was headed to the park to run around the lake. I still remember my days as a lifeguard, we'd make everyone get out and away from the pool if we saw lightening...so I was leery of running right next to the lake. So as I was starting to consider turning around a thought occur ed to me. What are the odds of getting hit by lightening? They've got to be up there with winning the powerball...okay, not a good enough reason to turn around. But I did make a deal that if I felt sprinkles I could turn around. So off we went.
The park was un-eventful. The change from 60 sec to 90 sec of running really didn't seem too bad. I have become less obsessed with the time. I now have an estimate of how far I have to run to meet the time, so I'm not looking every 10 sec. anymore. I've found running with the dogs does help keep my mind off of the running because I'm looking at them make sure they're not getting to far behind or ahead. They do provide a good distraction...I think I'll tell Shannon that she and Scott need a dog to help with her running...Scott will love that!
90 sec run 60 sec walk for 20 mins
Sunday morning...5 am. Yup you read that right. Sunday is a day of rest...not today. Today Jay has an art fair that goes from 9am-5pm. We have to set up at 7am, so my running time was going to be limited. I've done enough of these art fairs to know there is no way I would run after one, so I bit the bullet and did it this morning.
When I took off me and the dogs, (yes plural I took big Abby again...its Sunday you know no one else is up) and it was lightening...not real close off in the distance. I started to think about quiting, I was headed to the park to run around the lake. I still remember my days as a lifeguard, we'd make everyone get out and away from the pool if we saw lightening...so I was leery of running right next to the lake. So as I was starting to consider turning around a thought occur ed to me. What are the odds of getting hit by lightening? They've got to be up there with winning the powerball...okay, not a good enough reason to turn around. But I did make a deal that if I felt sprinkles I could turn around. So off we went.
The park was un-eventful. The change from 60 sec to 90 sec of running really didn't seem too bad. I have become less obsessed with the time. I now have an estimate of how far I have to run to meet the time, so I'm not looking every 10 sec. anymore. I've found running with the dogs does help keep my mind off of the running because I'm looking at them make sure they're not getting to far behind or ahead. They do provide a good distraction...I think I'll tell Shannon that she and Scott need a dog to help with her running...Scott will love that!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Week1 Day 3
I made it! First week I did the whole work out! I'm pretty proud of the fact I made it out of the house 3 days and attempted to run.
I had been running in the evenings the last few days, but last night was really hot and humid, so the thought of running last night was just not gonna happen, and to be honest, I was beat. I'd had another long day at work and just really didn't have the motivation, so instead of running I went to bed at 8:30...I know that is really lame, but I told myself that I was getting up early to run, so I crashed. At 5 when my alarm went off I grudgingly got up.
So here's where the dog part comes in. It's 5 am, which is the time we'd normally take both dogs to the park for their walk. We go early because Big Abby does not play well with other dogs, so typically there is no one there that early and we can let the dog run off leash and they love it. So I was feeling guilty about going early and not taking Big Abby with Annie and I, so in a moment of weakness I decided to take them both.
So like I said normally there are no people there, so it's great. I'm running along, both dogs are having a good time. I must have been really focused because I didn't even hear this lady behind me that came up and passsed me. I stopped and held the dogs and then when she was far enough ahead of me I let the dogs go again...it's not easy to run with 2 leashes and big dogs on the end of them, so I let them off again.
So today I was running the loop around the lake, and I got all the way around and realized that that I still had 4 mins to go, so I just started the loop over...this totally confused the dogs, but they kept up. I was just about to turn around and start heading towards home...I'll be damned if the lady runner had caught up to me again and lapped me! I again did not have the dogs on a leash so I had to spring in to action and grab them...she was really nice about it, but I always try to keep them on a leash around people, so I was feeling like a bad parent...But I seriously thing she need a bell for her super sonic running speed. I mean I know I'm mostly walking and all, but she lapped me...this kinda made me mad...what kinda show off is she...Okay maybe I'm overreacting, but seriously.
So the dogs and I leave the park and start walking home...I swear every other house had their sprinklers on so I was dodging those the whole way home...the dogs were fine with it, but I didn't want to get hit so we wove in and out of all the water...then as I'm one block from home, with the dogs on their leashes and there is a cop at the corner and he's looking at me...I'm totally thinking I'm about to get busted for my moves in the park with no leashes...I mean seriously is there really nothing else this cop needs to be doing...you know drugs, robbery, speeders...I mean please just leave me and my dogs alone. Okay so I got to where he was and he let me pass, so I'm guessing my little leash infraction must have not been reported. So we made it home with out incident. I'm really thinking Big Abby will be staying home from now on. It was a bit more than I bargained for!
I had been running in the evenings the last few days, but last night was really hot and humid, so the thought of running last night was just not gonna happen, and to be honest, I was beat. I'd had another long day at work and just really didn't have the motivation, so instead of running I went to bed at 8:30...I know that is really lame, but I told myself that I was getting up early to run, so I crashed. At 5 when my alarm went off I grudgingly got up.
So here's where the dog part comes in. It's 5 am, which is the time we'd normally take both dogs to the park for their walk. We go early because Big Abby does not play well with other dogs, so typically there is no one there that early and we can let the dog run off leash and they love it. So I was feeling guilty about going early and not taking Big Abby with Annie and I, so in a moment of weakness I decided to take them both.
So like I said normally there are no people there, so it's great. I'm running along, both dogs are having a good time. I must have been really focused because I didn't even hear this lady behind me that came up and passsed me. I stopped and held the dogs and then when she was far enough ahead of me I let the dogs go again...it's not easy to run with 2 leashes and big dogs on the end of them, so I let them off again.
So today I was running the loop around the lake, and I got all the way around and realized that that I still had 4 mins to go, so I just started the loop over...this totally confused the dogs, but they kept up. I was just about to turn around and start heading towards home...I'll be damned if the lady runner had caught up to me again and lapped me! I again did not have the dogs on a leash so I had to spring in to action and grab them...she was really nice about it, but I always try to keep them on a leash around people, so I was feeling like a bad parent...But I seriously thing she need a bell for her super sonic running speed. I mean I know I'm mostly walking and all, but she lapped me...this kinda made me mad...what kinda show off is she...Okay maybe I'm overreacting, but seriously.
So the dogs and I leave the park and start walking home...I swear every other house had their sprinklers on so I was dodging those the whole way home...the dogs were fine with it, but I didn't want to get hit so we wove in and out of all the water...then as I'm one block from home, with the dogs on their leashes and there is a cop at the corner and he's looking at me...I'm totally thinking I'm about to get busted for my moves in the park with no leashes...I mean seriously is there really nothing else this cop needs to be doing...you know drugs, robbery, speeders...I mean please just leave me and my dogs alone. Okay so I got to where he was and he let me pass, so I'm guessing my little leash infraction must have not been reported. So we made it home with out incident. I'm really thinking Big Abby will be staying home from now on. It was a bit more than I bargained for!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Week 1 Day 2
Okay first, let me tell you about my day. Right now I live an hour away from where I work. So I have to leave pretty early for work on a normal day. This morning I thought that I had a training session that started at 6am, that I had to set up for. So I woke up this morning at 4am to get to work on time. I get there, I'm setting up the tables and I'll be damned if, Brad, my counterpart at work asked me why I was setting up for the training...I looked at him like he was dumb and said because the training starts at 6. Well, I was right, it starts at 6...tomorrow morning...so I got up early for nothing! And to make it worse I volunteered to cover the night shift meeting for a co-worker who need me to help...guess what time that's at? 6pm...so 14 hours later I'm at home.
On the way home Jay tells me that the realtor wants to show the house tomorrow at 1pm. So that means we need to make the house look like no one lives there...Which is no easy feat when you have 2 large dogs and my lazy tendencies! The bright spot was that Jay had dinner ready when I got home. He made this awesome chicken on the grill. I loved it and wanted to know how he made it..he says it's his secret, so I guess he'll just have to keep making it for me!
Oh yeah, running...so I had every reason in the world to not go running. I mean did you not hear the day I had?...I am happy to report that I went running anyway! The hardest part was not the actual running...it was getting out of the door. It was the same workout as Day 1, so I don't think it wasn't harder...It was definitely hotter, but I can make the time with out a problem. But I know for a fact that if you all weren't going to be checking on me I would have let my long day talk me out of running...so Annie and I Thank you for keep us honest!
On the way home Jay tells me that the realtor wants to show the house tomorrow at 1pm. So that means we need to make the house look like no one lives there...Which is no easy feat when you have 2 large dogs and my lazy tendencies! The bright spot was that Jay had dinner ready when I got home. He made this awesome chicken on the grill. I loved it and wanted to know how he made it..he says it's his secret, so I guess he'll just have to keep making it for me!
Oh yeah, running...so I had every reason in the world to not go running. I mean did you not hear the day I had?...I am happy to report that I went running anyway! The hardest part was not the actual running...it was getting out of the door. It was the same workout as Day 1, so I don't think it wasn't harder...It was definitely hotter, but I can make the time with out a problem. But I know for a fact that if you all weren't going to be checking on me I would have let my long day talk me out of running...so Annie and I Thank you for keep us honest!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The Race is On
Okay, so first we should make introductions of the main characters. I'm Linda, I'm a 30 something who hates running. Annie, is my 2 year old yellow lab mix.
Last week we took Annie to vet, and she told us she had gained 20 pounds! Long story short, Annie has a thyroid problem and medicine will clear it right up. The bad news is that she's got 20 lbs to lose now that she's on the medicine.
Back to Linda now, I've got a perfectly healthy thyroid, but could also stand to lose 20 lbs. So Annie and I are going to race each other. I figure it's a fair competition, she spends aboug 20 hours a day sleeping, and will only run when I do. I probably spend 20 hours a day either sitting at my job, in my car or sleeping...so we are even at that.
So where does the inspiration to start of all things, running come from? Well 2 places, my friends Shannon and Kim. Shannon is also a non-runner, but has found a program she is trying called from Couch to 5K. She's blogging her progress and I figure if she can do it I can too. My friend Kim has asked me to do a marathon with her in Green Bay in May. I figured I better start with a 5K and work up to the whole marathon thing. 26 miles seems ridiculous. I get in my car to go shorter distances than that!
So I am starting this blog to keep me honest about my running. It seems concieted to think that you all care about my running progress, but if I feel like you all are watching me, I might just actually stick with this!
The Running Preparations:
So first thing I had to do was get a watch with a timer on it. So I headed to Target to pick one out. I couldn't decide which one...so I decided I'd just stroll through the clothes section, and good thing I did! I realized right then and there, that I had no clothes to run in. So lucky for me they had running shirts and shorts on sale. So I picked out 3 shirts and 1 pair of shorts. I figured that I was going to run 3 times a week I'd need that many shirts, and I had restraint and only got one pair of shorts, because I had 2 pairs that would work at home.
Oh yeah, back to the watch...so I went back to the stop watches, well I had a hard time deciding how much to spend on a watch...$50 for a fancy one or $12 for one that seemed to have what I needed...$50 would imply that I was more committed, but $12 seemed to have the functionality...I decided on the $12 watch...I hope you won't hold the commitment thing against me...Annie and I are going to do this!
Week 1 Day 1
Okay so this week we start off easy,
5 min walk for a warm up
60 seconds of running
90 seconds of walking
for 20 mins.
So Annie and I took off. We (my husband Jay and I) regularly walk our dogs, but normally we go as a group. See we have 3 dogs. Big Abby, a Newfoundland, Annie our lab mix and Little Abby a Shih Tzu. I'll explain the dog's names another time. This time as we leave I have to sneak Annie out, so Jay took Big Abby to the back yard as Annie and I sneak out the front door. I feel quite triumphant just in getting off the couch and getting out the door.
We have a great hike bike trail just a few blocks away so we head over to it. I am actually walking pretty quickly...trying to really get a good warm up. So Annie and I start our first 60 second interval. She is not really sure what the hurry is. She's really never ran on a leash before, so she is not really keeping the pace with me. So I start to cheer her on and she starts to pick up the pace. We are both feeling good. One thing I have discovered is that I have no concept of time when it comes to exercise...so I keep checking my watch a lot. I find it funny that I am so concerned about running even 1 second longer than the plan suggests. Like it would kill me to run for 61 seconds. But I am a rule follower, so I constantly check my watch. I hope I get used to this time thing.
So this trail we run/walk on has an underpass that goes under the railroad tracks. I'm not a big fan of it, because it is really noisy and it just kinda freaks me out when a train is on it. So as we are approaching the underpass I can see a train, but I can't turn around so Annie and I keep going. Apparently Annie doesn't like the underpass either...she bolts on me, so my comfortable pace got turned into a sprint as Annie pulled me through the underpass at her sprinting speed.
Luckily on the way back Annie and I did not encounter a train so I got to keep the pace. But the best news is that we finished the 20 mins. In fact we added a extra 5 min walk for a cool down. So day 1 week1 is a success!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)