No Good, Very Bad Week

It has been a no good, very bad week and I am so glad it is Friday.  Work and home have just been tough.  My attitude has been down and my energy level has been shot.  I had a decent workout on Monday, not great but not bad.  I completely boycotted Tuesday cross training and weights.  Wednesday was a rest day so by the time Thursday was here I was feeling like a two ton heifer and did not want to work out, not one single bit under any circumstance!  I checked the newspaper for when the sun was supposed to set and realized I had to changed and leave right then in order to get my 45 minutes in at Amazon Park. 

Thank goodness I did!  I got to Amazon and did my 5 minute warm up which was a nice way to get use to the park.  There were a lot of people on the trail which made it nice.  I did my 3 minute run, 2 minute walk intervals and felt relaxed and strong.  My 5 minute cool down was a great ending.  45 minutes and 2.97 miles later, I was finally feeling a little better about the week.

I realized that I hate indoor workouts, especially now that the days are getting longer.  I loved being outside.  It was crisp but not chilly.  I loved seeing all the other runners, walkers, bikers out and about.  I felt like I was an active part of the community.  The bark trial was so nice on my poor knees.  I felt strong in my form and breathing.  While I am a bouncy, wandering runner with little grace, I enjoyed watching people who were graceful.  There was a woman who ran like a gazelle, so smoothly.  Maybe one day I will learn to have the running form like she had.  A guy was running graceful but with a lot of power.  He just zoomed past with pure determination.  Even with my inefficient running legs, I actually started to feel like a runner.  Best yet, my pace was awesome.  If I keep improving, I might just have a pace to finish with for the Pear Blossom Run in Medford.  I would really like to get a race under my belt before doing the Eugene Half Marathon! 

Then came today...
I did not want to do my cross training.  I did not want to do the elliptical or the bike but I dragged myself downstairs, changed into my workout clothes, and got on the darn bike.   The 30 minutes just went by so slowly but I am glad I did it.  I just took it easy and did not push too much.  I want to make sure that my legs feel strong for run long #2 tomorrow.  Even though I did not want to and was bored the entire time, at least I got in my 30 minutes today.  Sure hope tomorrow gets better!

Week 2, Day 1

I felt in good spirits all day, even though I was a bit nervous about the first run after the first long run.  As the day krept on, I realized that I had a head ache and felt run down.  Note to self, drink more water and eat!  I barely ate yesterday and I think that's the major problem. 

When workout time came, someone else was on the treadmill so I warmed up on the elliptical for five minutes...nice but not quite the same.  The other person finished a minute into my warm up.  I switched over to the treadmill and did my 7 intervals (run 3 min/walk 2 min).  A nice 5 minute cool down and some stretching for good measure. 

I really hit my stride about half way through.  I bought a new arm band for my iPhone, which was worth EVERY penny, this weekend and ran with it today.  Music makes such a big difference!  I am reading a new running book, ChiRunning, which is supposed to help a lot on form and injury prevention.  I still need to look into going to an orthopedic but I will save that for another day.

Another 2.24 miles logged...one step at a time!

First Long Run

I was kicking myself for not doing my cross training on Friday.  I just did not want to do the elliptical or the bike.  My thought was that I would do the Wii Fit Plus at home but that never happened...sorta knew it wouldn't.  On Saturday, Dan and I ran some errands for items we needed for the run.  We got out to the wetland by Greenhill and did a nice warm up, 2min run/2 min walk intervals until we hit 3 miles, and then a nice cool down with stretching.  I felt great, like I could have kept going for another 2 miles!  I forgot that the high would wear off so even though I had a snack right after the run, I did not get enough protein in my system and had a mini crash.  I took a short nap.  Dan made a fantastic lunch.  I felt so much better after the nap and the filling, healthy lunch.

I am starting to remember how great running feels; that I can escape to my own little world and enjoy it.  The weather was perfect on Saturday and it was fun to run around such a beautiful setting.  The birds were a lot of fun to watch, too.  I can't believe I am going to say it but I even wanted to run on Sunday.  The rest days are hard! 

Week one of training done and 7.78 miles logged for the week.  Not great but not too bad!  A girl has got to start somewhere!

So Tired...

Today was tough! I did not sleep well and I had a 6:30am Rotary Auction Committee meeting. I did not want to work out at all today...not one bit! I found out my body fat percentage at the employee wellness kickoff...did not help the motivation! Just made me sad. I sucked it up and changed into my work out close, went downstairs, and got my work out on!

I did a light strength training session and followed it with some cardio on the treadmill. I fought through the first half and wanted to stop without doing cardio but I did it anyway! PS I am still a bit sore from Wednesday strength training so I REALLY hope I don't get too sore from today! I started to feel more comfortable with my warm up and more cofident as I worked my way through 2 minute run/2 minute walk intervals. I kept a slow, steedy pace but felt great and strong at the end of the workout! My cool down walk was perfectly refreshing and stretching felt great! So glad I got another 2.25 miles under my belt!

Cross Training and Days Off

Yesterday was my first official cross training day.  I did a 30 minutes session of strength training.  I was worried about being sore today but pleasantly surprised!  I can feel my workout in a few spots but nothing really noticeable.  I hope tomorrow is the same way!  The worst is when the soreness hits on the second day...so much more intense and lasts longer!  After some stretching, I did 25 minutes on a stationary bike...so...boring!  Thank goodness for my music!  I think on the next cross training day I will do the elliptical.  Hopefully I can do some hiking when the weather improves and there is more daylight.  Oh, and there is swimming!  I think I will really enjoy cross training days!

Today is the first official day off which sounds easier than it is.  I have to rest my body today, meaning I am not supposed to work out...period!  Should be easy but I feel like I am breaking my routine...like I am cheating...like I am slacking off.  I know that the rest days are REALLY important but it feels off.  Hopefully, I can get into the new routine and habit and the rest days won't feel so odd. 

You Gotta Start Somewhere

Today's workout was a tough one.  I did a 5 minute warm up, rotated between running for two minutes and walking for two minutes, and a five minute cooldown.  A total of 28 minutes and 1.6 miles on the treadmill.  My legs were not thrilled but one step at a time! 

Today's workout was also a good reminder that it takes courage just to start and that my only goal is to finish the half marathon within the 7 hour course limit.  That's it, just finish!  I really want the finisher's medal!  While I am still working out the kinks between doing it at a run/walk or a walk/run style, at least I have officially started.

Sometimes I Wonder...

I am not sure if it was brilliants or insanity but I signed up on December 31, 2009 for the Eugene Half Marathon. While I have wanted to do this race for the last few years, I have not been sure about my own ability. Seriously, who voluntarily pays money to enter a 13.1 mile race? I did! Between constantly being excited and terrified, I am doing it. There is this little voice in me that continues to say, "I can do this." Most surprisingly, the little voice is confident, a bit shy but confident. For the last 18 days, I have been continuing my normal workouts, trying to figure out how to train and what program to follow, and reading Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfeld. So, today marks my first day of training! We are off to the races...yikes!