Tuesday, May 24, 2011

W5D1 Part 3

When I set out today I wasn't sure whether I'd be running D1 or D2... when Mr. Ullrey came on at the end of 5 minutes I decided it would be D1 again. I think it was a wise decision as the 2nd and 3rd 5 minute intervals were a challenge.

It also appears that my SDM just continued from my last run, which isn't helpful at all. It said I ran 4.09 km so I can only assume that's what happened. That must've effected my pace too but I've included the pace that it gave me. I'll have to figure out how to change that.

I'm getting nervous about the 5k. I don't think I'll be finished the C25k program in time... Maybe I'll just have to start planning to do run/walk intervals?

Stats:
3.32 km
9:20 km/hr

SDM:
2.05 km
10:25 km/hr

Sunday, May 22, 2011

W5D1 Part 2

It's been 3 weeks since my last run. It's been almost constantly raining and we've had Mother's Day, our Anniversary, and my Graduation in the past 3 weeks. I know that I could've fit the runs in if I had tried harder but my motivation just wasn't there. I had every intention of getting back to it and I'm glad I finally did!

Considering how difficult my last 2 runs were and the 3 week break I decided to back to the last 'comfortable' run I did which was W5D1. I was confident that I could manage 3 5-minute intervals and I did just fine. They were actually a bit of a struggle in spots though so I think I might repeat the same run again on Tuesday until I feel I can increase my run time without too much extra effort. I think the struggle I had with W7 really impacted my perception of myself as a 'runner'. I had felt strong and capable up until that point and W7 really made me doubt myself. I intend to just keep on truckin' and I feel that as long as I'm out there running, it doesn't matter if I'm running intervals or for a solid 25 minute stretch. It'll come in time.

Speaking of time, there are 37 days until my first 5k.

I have 2 sets of stats. One is from mapping my entire route, including warm up 5 minute walk and cool down 5 minute walk. The other is from my fancy new Nike Tailwind SDM that I picked up for next to nothing on Ebay. I use it for the actual running/walking in between the warm up and cool down.

Entire run:
3.32 km
9:41 min/km

SDM:
2.04 km
10:24 min/km

Saturday, April 30, 2011

W7D1 Part 2

It was beautiful out today. I was nervous about this run and just couldn't seem to get into the right frame of mind. I reached the 2km mark at the intersection and started to walk! I walked until I hit the next road and ran the rest of the way.
I am just getting over a cold and it's been almost a week since I've ran but I'm not sure if either of those things had anything to do with it! I think it may all be mental.
I'm going to switch my route and use a podcast instead of a playlist and hopefully next time will be better. I'm just trying to look at this like at least I was out and ran/walked today! That's better than nothing. :)

Stats:
3.35 km
10:26 min/km

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

W7D1

My first bad run. I'm still sick and worse yet, DS has been sick all week and not sleeping through the night. I've been trying to get out to do this run for a few days but it's been raining. Tonight was the last night I could run to stay on top of my program so out I went....

I was doing okay until I hit the 2km mark and the sky opened up and started pouring on me complete with thunder and lightning. I'm not sure how it happened exactly but all of a sudden I was walking instead of running. From that point on I ran and walked the rest of the way. I tried to make my runs little sprints to at least work on my speed (or something) but I'm not sure I did any good.

Depending on tonight's sleep I might try to go out tomorrow morning and try this run again.

Stats:
Crappy run that shouldn't really count.
3.23 km
9:17 min/km

Friday, April 22, 2011

W6D3

I woke up sick this morning. :( I suppose being back in the school will do that to you. I purchased new Asics yesterday for my birthday and am hoping that they help with my knee pain. I was pretty anxious to get out there and try them out so it worked to motivate me even though I'm feeling pretty terrible.

I skipped on the Ullrey podcast again and used a playlist that ended up working much better than the one I made for the 20 minute run last week. I also switched my route and ran on some major roads (with traffic and everything!) which really helped too. My old route had a lot of short little roads which felt really daunting after running them so many times. The major blocks I ran today are straight and long so I found I wasn't paying much attention to where I was or how much further there was to go.

I also mapped out a 5k run around my neighbourhood that I can start working up towards as the next few weeks progress.

I am now finished Week 6 and on to Week 7! Woot! I never thought I'd get this far!

Stats:
3.91 km
8:57 min/km

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

W6D2

It's my birthday! I feel pretty awesome for going out first thing on my birthday and in the rain to run. I am really proud that I haven't missed a day or haven't completed any of the intervals. That, in itself, is pretty amazing.

The run today was okay. I have new earbuds from the dollar store that stayed in a little better than the ones I was using. I struggled a bit with the 2 10-minute intervals but I think that was mostly because I couldn't get into the zone of it. Listening to Robert Ullrey address the day 1 podcast was a constant reminder of not only how long I had run but, more importantly, how much longer I needed to run. I found it really psychologically draining. I think my 25 minute run on Friday with a playlist will be easier since I don't have to wait for Mr. Ullrey to come back on and tell me when to stop but just keep on keepin' on until my cool-down tune plays.

My knees have been bothering me. They both ache right now and I think I'm going to speak to my chiropractor to see if there are any types of support or something I can wear. He's an avid runner and I think would have better advice than my doctor.

Today was my last day of intervals. From here on out it's straight up running, no walking. It feels like I'm finally a 'runner'. I'm going to see how next week's 25 minute runs go as far as pace and then I'll start trying to better my time. I still have 69 days until my first 5k but the more effort I put into this, the better that run will be. I just hope my knees hold up!

Stats:
3.55 km
10:08 min/km

Monday, April 18, 2011

W6D1

Went into this run feeling pretty accomplished after my 20 minute run last Friday. 5 minute intervals? No problem.

I started the first 5 minute interval quickly and my pace was probably a bit too fast as the final 5 minute interval was a little tough. It just felt good to be back out and running after two days off. The 8 minute interval was okay. I think I am better able to zone out during the longer ones and the shorter ones are more difficult because I'm so aware of my running the whole time.

Today was another 5 am run. It was dark and cold. We actually had snow yesterday kind of cold. I spotted 3 bunnies!

Next run is comprised of two 10 minute intervals. Should be easy-peasy.

Stats:
3.65 km
9:45 min/km

Friday, April 15, 2011

W5D3

I am an amazing machine of awesomeness! I ran for 20 minutes straight!!!!

To be honest, I still can't believe it! I have the biggest smile on my face right now because I did it!!!

I was nervous but excited all day for this. My right knee started bothering me after the last run but I've been babying it so I wouldn't miss it. I made a playlist so I wouldn't have to hear Mr. Ullrey telling me what time it was and just kept going!

The playlist needs some tweaking. It was the first time I've run without Mr. Ullrey and it was a totally different experience. Some tunes were great (like Black Eyed Peas - Pump It) while others didn't work at all. I finished the run up with a quick little tune by the Misfits for that last burst of inspiration and it did the trick nicely.

This was also the first time that I've finished a run huffing and puffing with both my legs and lungs on fire... at least the first that I can remember. Maybe it happened like this in the beginning? I'm not sure. One thing I do know, if I can run for 20 minutes then I can run for 30. My pace was also my best ever - 8:46!! Woot!!!!

This C25k program is amazing. I can't believe I've come this far. As the saying goes... if I can do it...


Stats:

3.42 km
8:46 min/km

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

W5D2

I ran for 8 minutes straight! Twice!

I've taken sleeping pills for the last two nights and it has made a world of difference. Not only am I well rested and feeling human again but I'm also no longer a commercial for depression hurts.

It rained all day today but thankfully stopped long enough for me to run. I wasn't nervous about the 8 minute runs but am about Friday's 20 minute run. I find that the first few minutes of every run is the toughest. I don't seem to get into a rhythm for the first little while and everything feels 'off' and awkward. My legs feeling like they're moving funny and my pace is random and then all of a sudden everything falls into place like magic and I feel like I could run forever. I'm hoping that once I get into that zone the 20 minutes will go by without any problems.

I have to take a moment to relish the fact that I actually ran for 8 minutes - twice - and didn't want to fall over and die! I remember W1 and the 60 second runs and feeling like I couldn't get enough air... I'm really proud of myself for my progress! I'm also proud of myself for completing 14 runs without ever walking when I'm supposed to be running. I've pushed through everything so far and hopefully I can continue in that same vein.

Stats:

3.31 km
9.43 min/km

Monday, April 11, 2011

W5D1

With everything still weighing heavily on my mind, I couldn't sleep last night. I think I finally began to sleep a little after 2am and got up to run at 5am because we're going out after DH is finished work tonight. I contemplated running tomorrow instead but with my work schedule it would have just thrown everything off.

So there I was... another 5am run. Thank goodness this is only the 2nd I've had to do since starting this program. It was warm but windy. I even saw a rabbit! Running in the dark was a little disconcerting and I kept watching for someone in a van to try to steal me.

The run itself was uneventful. Five minute runs are no trouble. My stomach was pretty upset from being so tired but that had nothing to do with the run. After updating this, I'm going to grab a shower and try to get some more sleep before DS wakes up for the day.

Stats:
3.11 km
10:20 min/km

Saturday, April 9, 2011

W4D3

So there I was... completing Week 4!

I'm still feeling pretty horrible after this week's news. I haven't been sleeping very much. Last night I woke up at 2:30am and was awake until 5:30 when I finally crashed until 8:30am or so. Then work called and asked me to come in for an unscheduled 4 hour shift. I'm pretty tired and still close to tears more often than not but I'm doing better than I was.

So sleepy and unmotivated, I changed out of my work clothes and into my running gear. The weather today is the nicest it's been lately and there weren't too many people out and about.

The first 3 minute run was difficult! In my head I was complaining about my feet hurting and generally not being happy about running. I recovered during the 90 second walk break and set out on the 5 minute run. For some reason the 5 minute run was easy! I had somehow gotten myself into a totally different headspace and that's where I stayed for the remainder of the run. I even found that I was pushing myself to run further and faster during the intervals and it felt good!

Like all C25K'ers I'm nervous about W5D3 which happens in T-6 days but I'm going to try to keep focus on the task at hand. I'm starting to feel confident and strong again in small doses. Hopefully that comes back in full soon.

Stats:

3.31 km
9:43 min/km

Friday, April 8, 2011

Funny...

I'm finding that I often wake up on rest days and wish it was a run day.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

W4D2

Today was a bad day. The interview I had did not go as well as I thought and I received the news this morning. I am just devastated. I've been working towards this goal for over a year now and to have it not turn out feels like failure. I now have to wait an entire year to reapply.

I've been feeling so good. I've been feeling really strong and capable. Today all of that was dashed and I feel horrible.

So, even though I feel like hiding under the covers and never coming back out I went out and did my run. It was difficult. The whole time I was out there I kept thinking about all of the things that I could've done wrong that made me miss this opportunity and what a failure I am. It is pretty much impossible to run with these things going through your head. I kept trying to focus on all of the great things that I've done and how strong I am to make it to W4D2 of this program but that little voice kept creeping in there.

I also didn't really eat today. I had a small breakfast early on and a latte around noon but that was it. I don't think that was nearly enough to support my run.

My breathing was laboured and while my legs weren't quite as heavy as W4D1, it felt difficult to keep moving forward. I was close to tears when I set out and close to tears still. I was hoping some of those endorphins would improve my mood but it doesn't seem to be the case.

It was important for me to run today. It was important for me to finish the run today. I needed to be successful at something today and I was.

Things will be okay. I will find my way through this and will reach my goal eventually. It's just going to take much longer than I would like.

Stats:
3.25 km
9:54 min/km

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

W4D1

I was rather nervous about today. This week's runs are intervals of 3 minute then 5 minute runs. It didn't help that it's currently 4 degrees and snowing. :o

I completed it! I made sure to keep my pace pretty slow and didn't go crazy with any of the intervals. My legs started feeling heavy during the second 3 minute run and were like lead during the final 5 minute run. I was surprised though at how well I was able to breathe during the whole thing. I wasn't gasping or heaving or totally out of breath. When it came time for the short recovery walks I found that it only took me a few seconds to get back to normal. What an improvement that is!

In addition, I tried on some dresses that I haven't worn in 4 years and they fit again! I'm going to have some pretty things to wear during all of the events in May!

Stats:
3.25 km
9:54 min/km

Saturday, April 2, 2011

W3D3

The end of Week 3!

I had my interview this morning and I'm pretty sure I did well but won't find out for 2 weeks or so. Needless to say, I had tons of *stuff* to shake off and getting out there and running felt great.

I ran faster and further than I have before. I experienced a slight pain in my right knee but hopefully it'll clear up by W4D1.

Stats:
2.75km
9:29 min/km

Thursday, March 31, 2011

5k Pace

I just calculated that to come in first(ish) at the 5k I would have to maintain a pace of 4:00 min/km.

...maybe I should just focus on completing it first. :S

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

W3D2

Yesterday I felt like running but it was a rest day. Today I did not feel like running. I spent the morning at the mall with my DS trying to find an interview outfit for Saturday. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time I got home. I'm sure arriving an hour before the mall opened by mistake and walking around with my DS didn't help. :S

When DH got home I modelled my interview outfit and then put on my running clothes. The fact that my interview outfit fits like it does helped me get out the door. It seems that every time I get outside and Mr. Ullrey starts speaking in my ear I start to feel a little bit better. Then, once I get into the groove of the warm-up walk I start to feel pretty good!

I'm so preoccupied with my interview that my head wasn't in my run today. I suppose it might sound like a positive thing but my lack of focus didn't help. I completed all of the intervals but I just wasn't present in the run. My next run will be after my interview and hopefully I feel really good and sprint around (jog meekly) my route in victory!!

I also was attacked by a very small dog during this run. I had my earbuds in and was running to Mr. Ullrey's tunes when I heard a strange noise above the music. Before I could ascertain where the noise was coming from I felt something on the back of my leg. I turned around and there was this teeny little dog running after me. I walked for a few paces until the dog lost interest and went back home then continued with my interval. Silly puppy. I hope this won't be a regular thing because I like my route very much!

Stats:
2.65 km
9:51 min/km

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Registered for a 5k!

This morning I took a deep breath and registered for my first 5k!

It's scheduled for 7 weeks after I finish the C25k program which I think is plenty of time to train. I checked the race results for last year and the time to aim for is 20 minutes for 1st while it took the last runner nearly an hour to finish. The C25k program should have me running a 5k in 30 minutes and if I work really hard during those 7 weeks I should be able to get my time down a little.

I'm not totally sure if registering for a 5k in W3 of this program is the best idea but I feel like I need something to shoot for. If I can finish this program AND compete in a 5k run it would be such a personal victory! Just being in a 5k and wearing a race t-shirt will make me so proud and so confident that the run should be easy! :)

I also love the fact that this 5k takes place in the evening on a weekday! No stressful first thing in the morning weekend running.

I'm excited and a little fearful but I have confidence that I can do this... with a lot of hard work.

Monday, March 28, 2011

W3D1

I did it! I was soooo scared of that 3 minute run but I did it! Strangely enough, the 3 minute runs were easier than the 90 second runs. I suppose time goes by faster when you're not waiting for that voice to come on to tell you to stop.

I was looking forward to this run since yesterday too. I spent today preparing for my big interview on the weekend and it felt good to get outside and shake off the heaviness of the importance of this interview. I think running will be good for my mental health this week. :)

Stats:
2.6 km
10:02 min/km

Saturday, March 26, 2011

W2D3

Week 2 Complete! Woot!

Went back to the streets today. There's still snow everywhere but thankfully the sidewalks and roads were clear. It was pretty cold but I wore gloves and ended up being fine.

The run went well. There were quite a few early intervals where I felt I could run longer than the 90 seconds although the last few intervals were still difficult near the end.

I finally completed the route I had mapped out for myself and didn't get lost like I did last time. :)

Best of all, I'm improving!!!

Stats:

3.08 km
10:16 min/km

In other news, my weight hasn't really changed but my clothes are starting to fit differently! C'mon Week 3!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

W2D2

Today we were hit with a ton of snow! DH suggested the track at the YMCA and it was the perfect solution. I discovered a 2 week free pass online, so with my coupon and gym bag in hand I trudged off through the snow for a run.
It was my first time at the YMCA for a workout and I was debating wether or not to use the track or a treadmill. In the past I've found that I'm pretty unstable on a treadmill when I start running. I'm not sure why but I seem to lose my balance. With that in mind, I chose the track.
It was really difficult to have so many people watching me. It was also really difficult to have so many people - so many runners - pass me. There were young, fit girls all done up in fancy workout gear and I was wearing one of my DH's old Depeche Mode shirts with a hole in it.
I did manage to complete the workout and I believe it was a little easier than the first time. I felt that I was recovering more quickly and it wasn't as much of a struggle to run.

Since I used the track I have no stats for today's run other than - I did it!

Monday, March 21, 2011

W2D1

I was excited about this run all day and I was excited that I was excited! If you know what I mean. :)

DH got home from work, we did the baby hand-off and I was out the door. I started warming up and I felt pretty good. It was nice to be back outside and moving. My first 90 second run started and it wasn't too bad! The 2 minute recovery walk that I thought would last forever went by really quickly! Thank goodness for those 2 minutes as I really needed them. I found by the end I was fully recovered and good to go. By the end of the intervals my form was getting shoddy. My feet were dragging and I'm pretty sure I could've walked faster than I was jogging those last few intervals. :)

At the same time, I did it! I got through the whole thing and while it was difficult, I still have 2 more to do before the program changes again. I've just got to keep focused on the run at hand and not worry about future runs.

Stats:
2.89km
Pace = 10:57 min/km

Sunday, March 20, 2011

W1D3

I worked 8-4:30 yesterday which happens to be the longest shift I've had like that since 2008, maybe? It was tough on my body and tiring. I came home determined to do this run. I had a tea and visited and then was out for my run.

The first thing I noticed about this run was that I had to try to slow my pace because I was running much faster and easier than before! Not only that, I found I wasn't thinking so much about my body and it felt much more natural and a lot less like Phoebe going for a run. Just like W1D2, I was super proud of myself for going running after work. That alone feels like a huge obstacle defeated.

So, with W1 down (applause!), bring on W2!

Stats:
2.85 km
30 minutes
10:26 min/km

Thursday, March 17, 2011

W1D2

I have to work tonight after DH gets home so it left me with a 5am run. For real. I did it! It wasn't nearly as bad as I would have thought. Waking up was okay. I had all of my clothes laid out so it was just a matter of throwing them on, putting my hair up, and getting outside. While it certainly wasn't warm, it wasn't as cold as I had expected... especially once I really started moving.

The run itself was 2.7km running for 60 sec and walking for 60 secs with a 5 minute warm up and cool down for 30 minutes in total. I felt like my recovery time was a little better than the first run although my form started to go downhill during the last few intervals.

Pace = 11.01 min/km

Proud of myself for continuing with the program and for getting out at 5am!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

W1D1

Today may have not been the *best* day to start this program. My DH and I had the stomach flu and are still only on soup after 4 days of being ill but when I get an idea in my head... well, it's now or never.

So there I was! DH was putting our DS to bed I was out the door wearing running shoes and a hoodie. I have a Cto5K podcast that I'm using so that I don't have to keep track of the intervals and that worked out quite nicely.

At first the running (jogging meekly) wasn't that bad and I thought, hey maybe I can get through this! but near the end I could tell my form was getting more and more problematic. Overall though, not too painful. We'll see how W1D2 goes as I'm sure that will be more telling.

On the bright side of things, I went out at 7pm and it was still light out and not too chilly for a hoodie even if I did have to keep my hands inside my sleeves to keep them warm. :)

I need to not think of the upcoming weeks but just stay focused on the job at hand. It's only 3x a week for 8 weeks! That'll be easy! :S