Over a month since I have exercised!

Oh my goodness! Has it really been a month and a half since I did any exercising? Well, I haven't done anything today either....yikes!

I now have a new position where I am to go visit businesses and have some really great clothes but they are in a size 6 and I am, ummm, not. So I better get to getting and start running again!!

Hope to post soon!!

Day 65

09/14/2009

Day 65

I rode the recumbent bike for 30:19 for 8.22. I exercised late as I was waiting for a few of my employees to call me back after leaving a message. 2 out of the 7 did...hmmm...guess that will be another phone call tomorrow!

I did want to run but didn't want to run too late or I would be up all night. I watched today's Inside Dish with Ross Matthews and the pre-interview that he did with Michele of BB11. So bummed she is not in the final 2!

Day 64 -- a nice walk

09/09/09

Day 64 -- a nice walk

I walked downtown Gig Harbor for 53:00 for approx 2.5. It was fun and much needed as I haven't had any exercise since Sunday, I think! I also am in training this week and it was nice to get outside and get some fresh air with the nice ladies that am training with!

Day 63 -- finally a run before Wednesday!

09/07/09

Day 63 -- finally a run before Wednesday!

1 @ 3
2 @ 3.5
2 @ 4
11 @ 4.5
16 @ 4
1 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

This run was a bit easier but I made the mistake of wearing my old shoes as I had the new ones packed. My knee started bothering me about 20 minutes in. At least the gentleman at The Running Revolution was right and I DID buy the right shoes. Woo hoo!

Also, I totally could have gone longer if not for my knee. I really monitored my breath and could not take a blood pressure off my watch 'cause that is packed so I was focused on how I FELT not how my BP was. I was able to get the treadmill to give me the 167 but it takes FOREVER to get a reading!!

After I shower and get ready, I am off to training and am excited to get back to work! Yesterday and last night...not so much...but today, I am ready!!

I am going to do my darndest to exercise in the morning every day that I am there so I can get my lungs and muscles used to exercising more than once a week!!

See you tomorrow!!

Day 62 -- totally out of shape!

09/02/09

Day 62

I did 32:04 for 2.08:

1 @ 3.5
1 @ 4
2 @ 4.3
4 @ 4.5
2 @ 4.3
2 @ 4
3 @ 4.3
2 @ 4
3 @ 3.5
2 @ 4
2 @ 4.3
3 @ 4
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 -1.5

Wowee, this was a tough one for me! I definitely need to run/exercise more than just once a week!! I did not, at any time, enjoy this run. I did watch The Listener on NBC's website. Darn shame the show got canceled!

Well, can't think of anything else to add. I hope to be here tomorrow. I was going to use the Advanced Beginner 10K schedule but I think I need to get back in shape first. Maybe in a couple of weeks I will try to start on that.

Day 61 -- part 2

08/23/09

Day 61 -- part 2

I rode the recumbent bike 40:28 for 10.01: I went slower during this ride. I watched the last episode of Mental which was really good! I hope the series does not get cancelled!!

Tomorrow I hope to get a run in. I am going to use the Advanced Beginner Schedule for 10K race training as found on Christine Luff's About.com site. I should have looked at the schedule as it has me only doing 30 min easy today with a day off tomorrow, then a 3 m run, CT, 2.5 m run at race pace, rest, then a 3 m run. What is race pace for me, though? 4.5? That is what I am running at now as it feels way better for my knees. Maybe I should do the Beginner schedule as I think race pace might be considered as a 10 minute mile which I am not doing. I am now at 13:40 so I would have to speed WAY up! Hmmmm...what to do, what to do?

I am using this schedule to get prepared for the 5 mile run in Portland. I was trying to talk some old friends into doing it and if they do, I would not be going at a 10 minute pace as we would, more than likely, run a bit, walk a bit, etc. Hmmmm....again!

Day 61-- part 1 running again!

08/23/09

Day 61-- part 1 running again!

I did 32:28 for 2.25:

1 @ 3.5
1 @ 4
1 @ 4.2
22 @4.5
1 @ 4
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

I am not sure if it is because I have barely run in the last 2 weeks or not, but this was a tough one for me. I did run 22 minutes @ 4.5 mph and my knees don't really hurt (yay!) but my lungs are burning! I was really hoping to do 3 miles today but since I ran only 2.43 last week, at least I did something, right?

I watched second to last episode of Mental while running and plan on watching the last one while on the recumbent bike. For some reason, my DVR only recorded 20 minutes of the 2 hour season finale. Thank goodness for hulu.com!!

I have a busy week scheduled as I have an interview on Monday, have to take my mom-in-law to the doctor on Tuesday, have to take my husband to the VA hospital on Wednesday as he blew out his knee...I hope I get runs in! I could easily just procrastinate and I don't want to do that. I plan on running while in the motel the following week for training and have to get used to it again!

Day 60 -- a run at the hotel...finally!

08/18/2009

Day 60

I did 35:00 for 2.43:

1 @ 3.5
7:30 @ 4
2:30 @ 4.2
20 @ 4.5
1 @ 4.2
1 @ 4
1 @ 3.5 - 3
1 @ 2.5 - 1.5

This is my first run with my brand new shoes. I purchased the shoes at The Running Revolution. I learned that I do have normal arches but I overpronate (?), and that is the reason my knee has been bothering me. I tried on 3 or 4 different shoes, had my run video taped and analyzed and this was the best pair. They are a tad tighter and not so cushy but I do like them. The gentleman that helped me was very knowledgeable and even helped my husband find a pair of shoes. He told my husband that he has been in the wrong sized shoes this whole time. My husband used to wear what he thought was his size, 10.5, but found out that he is a 11.5 wide!

I also learned that running at 4 mph is not so good for my knee either and that is why I ran faster after 8 minutes. I do think that the timing for the race is correct as it is way more comfy and natural for me to run faster. When I run slower it shortens my stride dramatically. I walk fast and with a huge stride so I need to run faster so it will increase my stride. My knee has never hurt after walking. Note to self: Do not run in front of a mirror! There is a mirror here and I was dismayed to see how all my fat was bubbling out the side of my sports bra and under my shorts...ewww!!!!

I noticed while trying on my shoes and was flexing my left calf that a bump popped out on my left leg so I should get that checked out. I will add that to my follow up appt on September 8th.

I was getting more and more disappointed in myself for not working out while at the hotel. For gosh sakes, I am paying more for this hotel because it has a workout room and pool and I didn't run until today, the last day. My son was not able to use the pool the first couple of days here as we were out until after the pool closed so the first 2 days, we could have stayed at some cheapy place. Oh well...

Day 59

I did 50:07 for 3.14:

1 @ 3.5
29 @ 4
6 @ 3.5
1 @ 3.8
8 @ 3.5 (running, OK jogging)
2 @ 4
2 @ 3
1 @ 2.5 - 1.5

I seriously do not know how I did 5 miles in 1:08:56 (a 13:48 minute) if I according to my treadmill, I went 3 miles in 47 minutes which works out to be a 15:40 minute pace and it felt like I was running around the same pace. Is it possible that the course was off a bit? I know my watch had me at 1.82 miles when I passed the 2 mile marker. My husband thinks I may not have set my stride correctly when I set up this watch that I am wearing but to be different by 2 minutes a mile???

I am really trying to not focus on speed but mileage but it is hard to do when the treadmill tells you where you are at and what you have done while you are running. I need to get outside tomorrow as that may be a better gauge. I have checked, again, that from here to the school turn off is 2.5 miles so I would like to do the whole 5 miles and see how it works out.

I don't think I will run outside in California because of the heat. I did specifically choose a motel that not only had a kitchen but also a work out room with treadmill. As much as I am tempted to not exercise while I am there, I have worked to hard these last few months and will NOT set myself back!

Results of my 5 mile run tomorrow!

Day 58

I rode the recumbent bike for 43:40 for 11.98.

I watched the last episode of Mental on Hulu. It was definitely easier to get through the ride watching something! My husband adjusted the slot back one so my legs did not feel like they were on fire while riding.

When I told my husband that I was going to ride the recumbent bike because I needed to lose 10 pounds in 4 days, he laughed...soooooo not cool....and it p*ssed me off! Never ever ever laugh at a woman's weight loss attempt....yeesh!

Day 57 -- part 2

I rode the recumbent bike for 40:16 for 11.01:

I read a magazine for most of this and was bored to tears! I started doing some upper body work for a bit and that made time pass quicker.

I am going to have to find something more engaging to read or watch something on the computer because I became bored REALLY QUICKLY!

My intention is to lose as much weight as I can before my trip to California Thursday night so I can fit into most of my older summer clothes as I don't have much now that is bigger and don't really want to invest a bunch in bigger clothes that I won't fit into for very much longer, you know? Don't worry, I am still eating healthy!!

Day 57 -- part 1

I did 30:46 for 2:

2 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
10:30 @ 4.5
13:30 @ 4 (both running and walking)
1 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1:46 @ 2 - 1.5

OK, so I learned 4 things today from this really short run:

1. I ate too much of the chicken salad on spinach/spring mix and did not let it digest fully.
2. I dyed my hair last night and running with the smell of hair dye (although rinsed completely) is horrid!
3. Just because it appears that I ran faster than I thought I did for the race (according to this log), I should not start my first mile at 4.5 mph on the treadmill when I am used to 4 mph.
4. I need new shoes!

Because of the above, I am fully convinced I could have run for MUCH longer today! Oh well. Now I am going to ride the recumbent bike for 10 miles then shower and hope to remove this horrible smell! See you on part 2!!

Day 56 -- Run 4 The Light Race!

This was the day of the race. I ran 5 miles in 1:08:56.

Here is how my standing is showing on the Run 4 the Light pdf document:

89 Rooke‐Meyer Shauna F 41 1.08.56.63 3F:40‐44 82

I ran the entire time and placed 3rd in my age category of 40-44! Woo hoo! Not only that, I won a long sleeved running shirt! It was part of a raffle and he held it. I immediately said, "Oh, I want that" and then 1 second later they called my number (82). How cool is that???

Here's what happened:

I got 1/2 hour of sleep last night after getting only about 1/2 hour of sleep the night before so I was not in the most positive, cheery mood when I was getting ready. My husband and son were tired and not in the best of moods either so I really was not looking forward to the race.

When we got there, I had to wait just a few minutes until I could register. When I did, I got the number 82. 8 + 2 = 10 which happens to be MY number so I was considering it to be a good sign. Not that I was going to win because I really thought I was going to be the last place person, but that I would enjoy myself.

I met a very nice couple from British Columbia who were very positive and had very good energy. As a matter of fact, this was her second race. They were very pleasant to talk to and were talking me off the bridge in a matter of speaking because I was still Miss Woe Is Me. So, to them, thanks so much! (Sadly, I got no pics of them)

We all lined up and they gave us our instructions. My husband and son were going to be riding their bikes keeping pace with me and occasionally riding ahead to take pictures. I knew, because of what I had read, that I needed to start towards the middle or back as I have a slower pace. Problem is, all the other slow people obviously did not read the same books or websites as me, because when the race started I was having to weave and bob around multiple strollers and walkers. Oh well, not such a big deal. I also knew to not start off too fast as I would poop myself out too soon and would probably end up walking the last half of it so the obstacle course that was the beginning of the race, worked to my advantage.

As we neared 1/4 mile, I was putting a piece of tissue back in my Nathan belt and was looking down as I did it and ran right over a cone. Which henceforth, will be named The Cone Incident. Not only did I kick the cone, I did it in such a fashion that it flipped over, and I stepped INSIDE of it. Sigh...this after only 1/4 mile. Got my husband and me giggling, though.

I also was initially running next to someone who was power walking faster than I run. I told her it was fabulous that she could do that! Unfortunately, a very nice relationship ended quickly when she sprinted ahead because my husband and son were arguing...again (my husband is not a very nice easy going person when he does not sleep) and I asked them to please not ruin this for me and she was off like a bullet!

I pretty much kept a slow and steady pace for most of the race. Judging by my watch, I think it was between 3.82 and 4.25 mph. I initially thought I would be able to run for the first 3 miles, walk/run the rest especially after encountering a small hill that I had not encountered in my training. I remember saying to someone, "They said there were no hills!"

Around 1 1/2 miles

Around 2.5 to 3 miles done!

I cannot say enough about how grateful that I am to my son and husband for making the trip with me and racing with me. They were so positive and were giving me the motivation that I needed to run this race. I kept a slow enough pace that I was talking to them throughout and it was nice. Often times when training with my son, I had been so miserable that I didn't want to talk to him or anyone as I was so focused.

Sadly, again, my husband took all the pics so I do not have any of him with my son or me. :(

I did notice that, even though I did look at my watch occasionally, I was not stressed about it. I just kept going with the flow. I remember when I was passing 57 minutes, I really knew that I could run the entire race! After mile 3, I said that I wanted to run the whole race but to know deep down that I was really going to was a major power boost.


The weather was perfect! It did not rain, was very overcast so I did not have to worry about the sun and overheating. The view was wonderful! I got to run by the beach for a bit and I made myself LOOK instead of being too focused. My husband got some pics of the view as well.

Mile 4!!

When we got off the trail, we hit one end of the street that led the last 3 -4 blocks of the race. I told my son that I was going to run faster for the last bit of it and when I got to 2 blocks to go, I really picked up the pace. Did I sprint? Nope, I have not trained for that and did not want to tire myself out so I went about 2 mph faster than what my race pace was. The lady called out, "Keep it up number 82, you are almost there!" I knew to tear off the bottom part of my bib so I had that in my hand when I ran through the finish line. What a great feeling!!!

13 seconds before I finished!

I did it and I am smiling!!

My race time was 1:08:56 and I thought I probably was one of the first 50 to cross....ummm, no...I was 89th. That did crush me for a bit as I really don't remember that many people in front of me! I thought there were that many BEHIND me! I think there were about 125 racers. When I watched the rest finish, it did occur to me that I was, in fact, one of the last runners...sigh...oh well. I am gosh darned proud of myself for running the WHOLE time and finishing!! The winner completed the race in 27 minutes and the fastest woman ran it in 33 minutes. Yee ha!

We waited until 12 noon for the raffle to start and a few people were still coming in. The gentleman running the raffle, held up a red long sleeved running shirt and I immediately said, "Oh, I want that" and then 1 second later they called my number (82)!!!! I let out a loud gasp that had people cheering for me. How exciting!

The raffle continued on for another 10 minutes and then they took a break to tabulate the winners. My son had already figured out that based on the red oval stickers that signified my age class, I was going to place 3rd. I thought I counted one more ahead of me, but went back and confirmed that I had placed 3rd. My son immediately burst my bubble by telling me that there were only 3 of us in my age group but I got over it really quickly as I realized that, not only is this my first race...that I ran the entire time for...that I finished...won a shirt...I was going to get a ribbon...seriously, soooooo cool for me!!!

The woman from BC that I met in the beginning also placed 3rd in her age class and she didn't even realize it until her husband had to convince her of it. How cool for her!!

(Still sad that I didn't get a pic of her!)

Wow, what a great day! Obviously, I no longer hate running (OK, OK for today...=O} ) and plan to keep this up. There is a 5-Miler which is part of the Portland Marathon, which will be held on October 4, 2009 and I am now going to train for that. My only job, beat my time! The next race after that I would like to do is a half-marathon so I will need to increase endurance for that as well but after I pick up my pace. According to my Runners World Log, my pace is 13:48. How cool is that? I thought it was in the 16 minute category.

OK, I am beat and really want to shower. As I stated earlier in this blog, I will be adding pictures to this post and may have more to add. OK, I have added the pics and it took FOREVER to do!!

Thanks so much for reading!

Day 55 -- a revelation

I did 1:10:01 for 4.5 (my watch says 3.98):

I walked the first 5, ran for 30, then walked the rest of the time as my race is on Friday.

I used my car to measure distance a couple of days ago and from the corner of my street to the turnoff to one of the schools is 2.5 miles. Well, according to my watch which tracks mileage, it was not. Granted I did accidentally hit the stop button twice so I actually walked longer so I put that I went 4.5.

I have to tell you my thoughts about running and exercising in general after 55 days of it for the last couple of months and two days before the race:

I notice no, ZERO, increase in energy. Let me say that again, ZERO INCREASE IN ENERGY.

I do not sleep better. As a matter of fact, I was/am an insomniac. I found pills that help me sleep a bit longer which, coincidentally, marked my decline in energy and motivation (around mid-July) and an increase in weight so I am going off those ASAP.

I have noticed no, ZERO, difference in my body. My husband and son say they do, but, please, can you believe them. Seriously? They know their roles...say yes when mom asks if she looks like she lost weight. Say no when mom asks if these jeans make her butt look fat.

Speaking of jeans...I am still squeezing my fat ass (or rather flat ass) in to my size 10 jeans...still...

Running has NOT given me a bit of a butt, does not make my calves look fantastic in heels, does not make my quads pop when I pose, given me a 1 pack, much less a 6-pack, set of abs...nothing...NOTHING!

With regards to a runners high...there is no such thing, but there is a runners wall. I get no burst of energy after running for any amount of time. I think I may have before I started these last set of pills for sleep.

I finished the Couch-to-5K plan and still can barely run for 30 minutes straight without feeling like crap. Yes, you do see on other posts that I have done that I have gone 40-50 minutes straight but it was a struggle and pure hell.

Right now with my woe is me attitude, I will NOT continue to run after this race unless some miracle happens during the race. However, I might get a cheap bike and cycle.

So, my apologies to those of you that were hoping to hear how fabulous exercise is from me. I remember when my friend and hair stylist asked me if I felt like I had more energy and I told her no, she looked devastated. I felt bad, but it is the absolute truth. I told her that I did not want to dissuade her from exercising but she was bummed for sure. Sorry, Erin!

I will post about the race on Saturday. See you then!!

Day 54 part 2

I rode the recumbent bike for 42:00 for 11.17 miles.

Boy, I have to tell you if distance was all I was seeking; I would definitely take up biking instead of running. I ran/walked for approximately the same amount of time earlier and only went 2.34 miles! Not to mention that I am NOT seeing ANY appreciable difference in my legs, butt or abs from running but judging from the workout I got from the riding the bike just now, I would! Veeeeerrrrryyyyyy frustrating!!!!!!

I am now going to shower as two workouts does not a 'smell like a rose' girl make. See ya!!

Day 54 part 1

I did 39:08 for 2.34:

I walked 5 minutes, ran for 13, walked 4, ran for 10, and walked 7 (approx).

My knee was beginning to bother me again so I took it easy today as I will do on Thursday. The race is on Saturday and I don't want to push myself too hard. I will, however, ride the recumbent bike for 30 minutes later.

I asked my son if he thought I was going to run after the race and he thought I still would. I have my reservations. Only because won't have a goal, you know? Maybe I should shoot for doing the 5 Miler at the Portland Marathon on October 4. I wish they had a half-marathon but a 5 miler would be right up my alley. I could do it to beat my time on August 8th, right?

So, I have left this blog twice to get dinner ready and everything that I was going to type has slipped my memory so I will see you on Thursday!

Day 53 part 2

I did 65:09 for 4.14:

1 @ 2.5
3 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
46 @ 4
9 @ 3.8
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

The last 9 minutes of my run were the toughest as my knee HATED me! It still does and as soon as I am done recording this, I am heading to the freezer for an ice pack. But....hello....I did 4.14 miles!!! Woo hoo!!!

I know that I am supposed to taper back this week as the race is on Saturday but I was losing faith in myself being able to run for more than 30 minutes straight...heck I thought the 40 and 45 minutes straight were a fluke, but I DID IT!!!!!!!

With the exercise on the recumbent bike this morning and tonight's run, I did almost 2 hours of exercise. I need to because I feel like I am gaining weight again and I have to visit California in 2 weeks with clothes that don't quite fit so I need to lose 5 more pounds!

I am off to ice my knee and watch the Food Network Star finale, which I found out the winner ahead of time and I am thrilled!!! Go Melissa...golly wouldn't that be weird if all the spoilers were wrong?? I cannot wait to see her show. My only request is to please make it simple for us moms who have not had a chance to learn how to make a fabulous dough in France. Can anyone say, Crockpot cooking??

Day 53 part 1

I was on the recumbent bike for 40:21 and did 11.62 miles.

I was reading my new issue of Runner's World and right as I was finishing up, I started an article about Tera Moody who cannot sleep. I have yet to finish the article but will by the time I come back on here to record tonight's run. It occurs to me that my running has slowed down, SIGNIFICANTLY, since I started taking sleeping pills because I could not sleep. Yes, I am getting more sleep now but I wake up feeling like a gumby and have no motivation. I mean, for goodness sakes, I have an interview on Wednesday for a job that I really want and would be great but I can hardly get motivated to think about it.

Yes, I have tried all sorts of 'healthy' remedies to sleep and still no sleep. I was taking some sleepy time medicine that Tylenol makes and it was helping me sleep. Then my doctor prescribed Temazepam which I take 2 of at around 9:00. I fall asleep by 11:00 and then I am wide awake at 2:00 so I take 2 more...hmmm, probably not a good idea. Oh and it is in the same family as Xanax...super...

Day 52

I did 40:11 for 2.50:

1 @ 2.5
3 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
30 @ 4
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

I am getting frustrated as I feel like I am losing all the endurance I had gained a couple of weeks ago. Heat, dentist visits and other things have made it increasingly difficult to keep up with my runs. I was easily able to run 45 minutes now I can barely do 30! Yesterday morning I had a dentist appt which caused me major mouth pain so I was down for the count and did not do my long run. Too bad as it was very cool outside, today not so much and of course I attempted a long run. I will try again tomorrow.

I am also upset with myself as I was working out 6 days a week and now I am lucky if I do 4! Sigh...

Tomorrow, a long run and early!

Day 51 -- 100 degrees!

I did 55:06 for 3.46:

1 @ 2.5
3 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
30 @ 4
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 4
2 @ 3.5
10 @ 40
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

This was a tough one and it is really, really hot! My son and I worked out in the office here with a fan blowing on us because it is 100 degrees outside. We both did waaaayyyyy too much. My son is throwing up so I am making him take a cold shower than drink lots of fluids. I started shivering which I know is not good. My husband doesn't understand why I worked out but the race is still on August 8th. It is not rescheduling itself because of the weather so I have to keep training.

I may jump on the recumbent bike tonight after it cools down so I am get more cardio in. If it keeps up with the heat, then I may have to start working out very early or late.

Tomorrow is my non-run day and instead of taking the day off, I am going to ride the recumbent bike. I can read while cycling and it burns waaaayyyy more calories!! See you then!

Day 50

I did 30:08 for 1.87:

1 @ 2.5
3 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
19 @ 4
30 sec @ 4.5
1:30 @ 5
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
2 @ 1.5

I did a shorter run primarily because I performed a wedding today (the bride was 1 1/2 hours late) and got sunburned which did not make for a happy run for me. Tomorrow I will definitely run a long run after I bring the bigger fan in here and slather myself with aloe tonight!!

Day 49

Day 49

07/25/09

I did 32:17 for 10.60 of recumbent bike riding.

Wow, my butt went numb really quickly. I now see the wisdom of the padded shorts for people who ride bikes for exercise!

Tonight we head to Fujiyama for my son's BDay dinner with one of his best friends. It should be fun but I need to not eat very much of the fried rice as they make it with a TON of butter. Delish...but not very good for my goal of weight loss!

Tomorrow is the wedding and then I will do the first of my long runs for the week. I am going to shoot for 50 minutes but would LOVE to run for 1 hour straight!!

Day 48 -- 45 minutes straight!

I did 55:02 for 3.50:

1 @ 2.5
1 @ 3.5
1 @ 3
2 @ 3.5
45 @ 4
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

45 minutes straight! Woo hoo!!! I am going to try to run for an hour straight on Sunday. So, I know that I run a 15 minute mile. I wish it was faster 'cause it might take me 2 hours to run the 5 mile race with walk breaks. Or the adrenaline might be pumping hard and it may go quicker!

Yesterday was my son's 13th BDay and I took him to get some blue in his hair.

Pretty cool! He only got the tips done so it will grow out in plenty of time for school.

Tomorrow I am only going to ride the recumbent bike but may do the long run on Saturday as opposed to Sunday since that is the wedding.

Day 47 -- 40 minutes straight!

I did 50:07 for 3.16:

1 @ 2.5
3 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
40 @ 4
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

I ran this long run on the treadmill and I felt great!! I had received some advice from one of the runners, Scott, on the Courage to Start Yahoo group who told me to build up endurance BEFORE trying to increase my speed. He told me to run 1.5 times more distance than I have been at around 1 - 1.5 mph less than what I normally run at. Unfortunately that means I would be running at 3 mph which I don't think I could do because I walk faster than that so I just gave it a go at 4 mph and kept at it until I hit 40 minutes running which is 10 minutes LONGER than I did last week so I am just thrilled, thrilled, thrilled!!!!

The only sour note of my day is I weighed myself at Pete's doctor's office and it said that I weigh 157. Yes, my dear friends, that means I have gained 8 pounds...how in the hell???? I can see that some is water weight....

I am going to weigh myself tomorrow on the Wii Balance Board and see what that says since that is what I have been using. I expect a bit as it is that time of the month, but 8? I will be super-duper-pissed if I have been working my butt off running for 47 days to be right back where I started. I know that Dawn Dais says she did not lose a pound but at least she could see the difference. Me, not so much. My husband says he can tell but he is supposed to say that...sigh...

Tomorrow is my son's BDay and we have scheduled to get his hair cut and dyed blue (just the tips) and mine cut as well. I have to bring my mother-in-law with me but at least she can stay with him at the salon while I go to Wal-Mart to get him a card and a few small presents. He has already received a ton of stuff and he gets to go to Fujiyama this weekend.

If I get up early enough, I am going to get on the recumbent bike that I got my husband for Xmas 2 years ago that he just finished assembling last night with my son's help. I would really like to run again so I may tomorrow night. See you then!!

Day 46 -- upping the speed!

I did 35:05 for 2.33:

1 @ 3
4 @ 3.5
5 @ 5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 5
5 @ 3.5
2:30 @ 5
1:30 @ 4
1 @ 4.5
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

This was harder than my other speed building runs but I feel like I should start amping up my speed on these 5 minute runs. I do have to wonder if these are becoming detrimental to my endurance for the longer runs as observed by my results yesterday. Tomorrow my son and I are going to get up early to do a long run.

My husband has a cardiologist appointment tomorrow to see if anything is wrong with his heart. More than likely they won't find anything wrong which leaves him free to continue to smoke, eat like crap and not exercise. For me, that is his decision but for his son...it really pisses me off as he knows what it is like to have his dad die when he is our son's age and what it did to him...he still won't change...I imagine I will be burying him in another year or two. Sorry to get so real but it is the facts, Jack!

See you tomorrow!

Day 45

I did 58:49 for 3.42 (in two sets):

1st set 21:32 for 1.30:

4 minutes brisk walking
17 minutes running
30 seconds walking -- then I quit

I feel like a failure as I could not go any farther than I went. I was really counting on today being my long day as it has always been but I just could not do it. I am going to blame it on that time of the month and that I am also a quitter. Tomorrow will hopefully be better and I will have my son riding along with me. He couldn't do it today as it is not the girls' parent's weekend so he had to watch them.

That is all I have to say.

Added at 8:16:

2nd set 37:17 for 2.12:
4 minutes walking
24 minutes running
9 minutes walking

It is my time of the month and I think it is what is kicking my butt, not to mention that I had to stop running and fast walk back home quickly when I ran up one street for the second time. Who knows how much longer I could have ran if I didn't HAVE to stop!

Day 44 -- 5.1 miles!

Above are pics of my husband and son with their bikes and me running. I meant these to show up after the below text...oh well!

OK, I did it! I ran 5.1 miles in 1:05:29. I did take two stop breaks in between each time around though but who cares???? I RAN 5.1 miles. That is the longest I have done ever. Heck, the longest I did before was 2.75 miles. Granted, it was all at once with no break...also note that I did stop my timer when I took a break so the 1:05:29 is all run time. Apparently I run a 12:39 mile. As if!

My knee hates me right now and I have to admit that the bench at Friends Landing was looking really good the 3 times that I passed it and it was in the shade! Shade good, full sun...not so much!

Love, love, love the GU gel but it is VERY messy and sticky but it helped alot!

I must have ran through dozens of gnats flying about. It reminded me of my old soccer day...good times!

My husband rode about 6 miles and my son rode about 8. It was a good day!

I went to sign on to my Runners World Log and remember how aggravated I was that it had disappeared and how to recreate it? Well, it is back and the one that I recreated is all-gone-bye-bye. If I wasn't using it to see how fast my miles are and how far I have gone, I would figure something else to do. I know, I know, it's free and I shouldn't complain...

My son and I are going to sign up for the Seattle Marathon. Me for the half and him for the Kids. All he has to run while there is 1.2 miles which I can run with him. He does have to complete 25 miles beforehand and read 13 books. I think it will be fun!

Tomorrow I will be taking a break. Now, I need to shower and head into Aberdeen before Express Pros closes. See you Sunday!!

No running today

I did not run today but rather visited my brother, sis-in-law and new baby girl. I did, however, stop by my local running store and bought a pair of running skorts that have a compression boy short inside and not only are they very comfortable but are a size SMALL! Woo hoo!!

Tomorrow the 3 of us are going to Friends Landing and I am going to run the trail 3 times which is 5.1 miles. The trail is 1.7 miles. My husband and son are going to ride their bikes. I want to see how long it takes me to go 5 miles. I will be so proud of myself if I run the entire time!

Day 43 -- chafing...chafing!

I did 25:12 for 1.60:

I did a minute at 3.0 mph then decided to play around with my treadmill and see what the 30 minute interval training consisted of but it started at 1 mph! I got bored after 10 seconds!!

5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
4 @ 3.5 -- OK, I had major chafing issues here and am surprised I have any skin remaining on my left inner thigh!
1 @ 2.5 - 1.5

I am definitely going to have to get new shorts as the chafing really hurts and is very distracting when I am attempting to run. Not good, especially since I am going to run 3.4 miles tomorrow at Friends Landing! I have some thick salve that I hope will work until I can get another pair.

I am going to take a shower and then finish up some testing for a prospective job. See you tomorrow!

Day 42 -- another 30 minute run...woo hoo!

I did 39:39 for 2.65 (approx):

5 minutes brisk walking
30 minutes running
4:39 cool down walking

This one was a bit harder probably as it was warmer. I had my son with me again and that really does help! He told me that I was probably running at 5 mph and I was thrilled to hear it! I could tell at times that I was speeding up...open road and all that. I am running up and down two different streets and timed that it took me to do my brisk walking 4 minutes up and back on the road I live on and when I ran it it only took me 3:30. OK not much faster but heck I thought I was running slower than I was walking! I did notice that I was not smiling like a loon...bummer as that was a good feeling! Oh well!

Tomorrow I am going to speed training again but with shorter walk times in between AND then upper body and core work with My Fitness Coach on the Wii. See you then!

Day 41

I did 33:39 for 2.17:

1 @ 3
4 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
30 seconds @ 2 - 1.5

Today I, again, am just to build up my speed but since I am struggling so hard to finish each of the 5 minute runs, I am not sure it is working. My time might be better spent just running outside for 30+ minutes and then some upper body work. I have to tell you it is frustrating! It may have something to do with the 5 minute walk break in between the runs. Who knows!

I am rereading The NonRunner's Marathon Guide for Women and am loving it just as much this time. A lot of things that she faced during her training I hadn't yet when I was reading it and now I either have or am facing them. Remember my IT Band pull....yyyyoooouuuuuchhhhh! But, I am very happy to report that it is gone. Hmmmm....maybe I should start up on the yoga on Wii Fit again.... Chafing? Check! I am wearing the loose fitting running shorts she warns about the rise and bunch up, yep that's what happening...but spandex....sigh...

Tomorrow I run outside, have a job interview and then meet with my bride for the wedding I will be doing for a friend the weekend of the 25th. Full day!

Day 40 -- woo hoo!

I did 40:00 for 2.75 (approx):

I did 5 minutes brisk walking
30 minutes running
5 minutes cool down

I ran for 30 minutes instead of the 28 that I was supposed to! I was outside and had my son riding next to me. It was soooooo much easier than running on the treadmill. After 20 minutes of running, I was still feeling really good so I decided to just go for the 30 minutes. Heck, I could have probably gone even longer! For the last 8 minutes, I was grinning like a loon with how good I felt. I am sure the cooler weather helped. What was funny was that it has been raining with thunder and lightning pretty much all day but it had stopped around 2:30 so I decided to do what I had written yesterday and run outside. I am definitely going to run all my long runs outside going forward.

I am just so jazzed! Yesterday I was concerned that I seem to be pooping out so soon but didn't at all when I was outside. Now, honestly, I do not know how fast I was running and I am sure that has something to do with it. But, I do not care how fast I was running, just that I did it! If I can do the next scheduled long run for 30 minutes than I am skipping the 28 minute week entirely (Week 8) and continuing with the 30 minutes (Week 9) which is the end of The Couch-to-5K Running Plan and increasing my run time for the rest of the time I have until the race. I would love to get up to running for an hour straight. I think I have time to build up to that. Go me!!

Day 39

I did 34:00 for 2.18:

1 @ 3
4 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

Ok, this is bad...I kinda dreaded doing this today and I am pooping out way too soon. I know that my getting less and less sleep does contribute to it as well as the other dietary problem I am having but I don't want to start dreading these runs!

I decided while I was running today that I was going to do my first 28 minute run outside and NOT on the treadmill. I am thinking that the longer runs belong outside as there are numerous things to distract me and I have a bunch more songs on my IPod. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy watching The Big Bang Theory! I am going to keep these interval runs inside as it is easier to check my speed and time while on the treadmill.

I also started another blog, http://thewittyinsomniac.blogspot.com/, as I figured that I should use my insomnia to write. I am not really contributing to the other one that I have, http://seekermommy.blogspot.com/, which I need to change. It's almost as if you can track my downward spiral into my becoming a total insomniac by the way and amount I blog...sigh...

Tomorrow, my first 28 minute run...I can do it!!

Added later:

I had to rebuild my runners log at Runners World and I have 67 miles completed for 19:18:08 as my time. This does not count the 40 minutes of cross training and all the other workouts that I had to list as strength training which totaled another 2 hours. I need to really keep an eye on that log as it clearly had missed some things before it all got deleted.

Day 38

I did 32:02 for 2 (approx):

1 @ 3
4 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
5 @ 3.5
3 @ 4.5
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

The distance is approximate as I was grabbing for my papers to record what I had done so far and yanked out the safety cord. I was about 1 minute into my 5 minute walk after the first 5 minute run. Oh and still aggravated that my log had been deleted! I had been noticing that every tenth run, I would record it and it would not show up so I would have to record it again. So...this should not have surprised me. I still don't want to have to sit here for a few hours entering everything in. Oh well!

I am hoping to head to Seattle to visit an old friend from my soccer days today. See you on Sunday!!

Day 37

I did 35:02 for 2.19:

1 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
25 @ 4
3 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

OK, so even though I forgot to log when I stopped running, I did figure that at 3.5 I walk .5 of a mile and at 31 minutes I was at 2.01. So, this means that I started running my 25 minutes at .28 and stopped at 1.96 so I ran 1.68 at 4 mph. Yeesh, I definitely will need to increase my speed! I have skipped a couple of workouts this week but have done all my runs even though one was short so I will try to do some speed running tomorrow.

I should also note that I am EXTREMELY aggravated by the fact that when I signed onto my Runners World Log EVERYTHING I have entered so far is gone...erased...gahhhh!!! I will have to spend half a day entering it again because thank goodness I am blogging as well!! Sigh.....

I got nothing else since I am so aggravated...see you tomorrow!

Day 36 -- very disappointing!

I did 30:08 for 1.89:

I could only run for 18 minutes. I really wanted to jump off the treadmill right then, but I walked until the 30 minutes were up. I am REALLY disappointed in myself. So, tomorrow I will do the 25 minutes.

Note to self, do NOT drink a full pot of coffee while watching the Michael Jackson memorial! Also, quit talking days off...just go the 6 darn days in a row. OK, so I did take yesterday off because I am slowing down even more. I know, I know go to the d*mn doctors! Sigh...that's it...

Day 35

I did 40:30 for 2.5 approx:

5 minutes brisk walking
25 minutes running
10 minutes brisk walking

The three of us went to The Chehalis Western Trail. They rode their bikes and I ran. It was fun and pretty. Cyclists are very nice people and most were giving me thumbs up. I don't know if it was because I was running or because I was running where I was supposed to. Who knows?

I am too pooped to type more than this. See you tomorrow!

Day 35 -- French Slam...bad!

I did 30:06 for 1.88:

1 @ 3
4 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
3 @ 3.5
5 @ 4.5
3 @ 3.5
2:30 @ 4.5 -- I pooped out here really badly!
2:30 @ 3
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

OK, so note to self and anyone else, do not attempt a run a few hours after having a French Slam at Denny's! On my ‘off days’, I am trying to increase my speed but with that crappy breakfast in my belly, my body said, “ummm….no!” Normally this is my actual day off but I did not get this run in yesterday as my brother and his wife had a beautiful baby girl and I was at the hospital for about 12 hours. She is perfect!!

So far, I have ran 57.7 miles. That's pretty freaking awesome to quote my son! I have also worked out for 16:36:26. This does not include the 54:12 and 40:00 of cross training activities that I have done. All of this since I started on 05/23/09!

I performed a wedding today on the docks in Westport for a great couple. I was worried that it was going to be too windy or cold as it had been for the two days I headed there to check it out. It was so pretty and did not start getting windy until we were finished. Great, great day!!

As soon as I can figure out how to put pics in my blogs, I will add some of my new niece to my other blog, seekermommy.blogspot.com with all the details.

Day 34 -- 25 minutes straight!

I did 34:06 for 2.14:

1 @ 3
1 @ 3.5
25 @ 4
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

I did it! 25 minutes without slowing down! Woo hoo!! As I stated last time, I was going to subtract the distance that I walked (.28) in the beginning from the amount that I ran. I neglected to list how far I had gotten when the 25 minutes was up and looked at it when it was 2.01 but I had already begun my cool down walking for at least a minute...darn it! Well, all next week I run for 25 minutes so I have plenty of opportunity to check.

I did not work out yesterday but I did get in a nap. I sure needed it! My sleep is not getting any better nor is the effects that I thought were from the rice cakes so my energy level is....well...crap...umm sorry for the pun...

This weekend is the wedding in Westport. I am going to drive the race map so I can see it up close and that way my visualization will be more on point. I did have a dream about racing last night. I was running faster towards the finish line. I don't remember much more but felt good about it! To me it meant that I will be picking up my speed both in my regular running and during the race AND that I finish the race.

I did more research and it appears that the race starts at 10:00 and the awards ceremony is at 12:00. This means that I HAVE to run those 5 miles in two hours. This also means that if no other events take place after that, I could perform Andrea's wedding ceremony but if events do take place afterwards, then I may not. It will take me an hour to get home, another hour to get ready and I like to be there an hour early. Boy, it will be cutting it close...I should just decline to do the wedding but I feel bad. Nobody knows why, they are proud of me for doing this training without quitting and think that I should just think about the race and nothing else. OK, that last sentence just made the decision for me. I am not going to do it. I need my mind focused entirely on the race. Especially since I am only training for a 5K and will be running a 5 Mile. I will text her today. I just did and still feel terrible...sigh...

I have enountered another problem that I have been reading about...chafing on my inner thighs where my shorts should hit but they don't. So, while running I am making frantic efforts to yank my shorts down and they stay for oh, I don't know, 2 seconds and then they travel up. I may have to succumb to the spandex land that Dawn Dais wrote about in her fabulous book, The NonRunner's Marathon Guide for Women. I HIGHLY recommend the book. I am now reading her new one, The NonCyclist's Guide to the Century. Another good one. I just got to the part where she journals that she doesn't hate cycling. I am actually glad to read this as my son and husband are starting to ride and hopefully will stick with it!

When my husband gets home from his meeting, he is going to take my son and their bikes to Friends Landing to get in a bike ride. I told him that I would go and get in another workout since I missed yesterday.

Another thing I did yesterday was sit and watch an all day "Pitchmen" run on Discovery. So sad! It is just so hard to believe that someone so vibrant, Billy Mays, isn't around anymore. You know? I recorded the last show of the series and they replaced the last bit of the show with a tribute to him. I cried, I admit it. I think his death bothers me the most of all the deaths we have been hearing about.

Day 33 -- it's getting easier!

I did 32:11 for 1.98, almost 2:

1 @ 3
4 @ 3.5
10 @ 4
3 @ 3.5
10 @ 4
2 @ 3.5
1 @ 3 - 2.5
1 @ 2 - 1.5

I know that if I run straight instead of a walking break that I would have went farther than 2 miles. I am getting there! Run 3 which takes place on Thursday has me running 25 minutes. I am going to write down how far I go during the 5 minutes of brisk walking in the beginning and subtract that from how far I go in 25 minutes to see what my true mile is.

I have to say that I got bummed getting out of breath walking up the lighthouse stairs but I just ran for 20 minutes at 10 minute increments and I didn't slow down or stop. I struggled but I did not quit. I am gosh darn proud of myself!!

Thank you coolrunning.com for The Couch-to-5K Running Plan!!

Day 32

OK, I had to check the wedding site on the Westport docks for the wedding I am doing this weekend so I walked 20 minutes quickly up and down the dock, then did 10 minutes of walking up then down the Westport Lighthouse steps. Here is what I did on the treadmill while cooking dinner:

1 @ 3.5
2:30 @ 4.5
3 @ 3.5
2 @ 4.5

I was going to do more but keeping an eye out on the dinner ensures that a fire is not started!!

See you tomorrow!

Day 31 -- running outside

I should mention that I am only dating the days as the ones that I exercise. I did not name yesterday, my day off, as Day 31 because I didn't train. I wanted to clear that up as it looks like I have only been going 31 days but it has been a bit longer! =O)

I did 35:24 for 2 miles (purely speculation as I ran outside):

My run was 5 minutes brisk walking,
5 minute running,
3 minutes walking,
8 minutes running,
3 minutes walking,
5 minutes running,
6 minutes walking.

I kept asking my husband who was riding next to me how fast I was going as he has one of those GPS thingies for bikes and he was telling me 5.2 so I would slow down, then 4.8 after adjusting a bit I think I was going around 4 - 4.2 but I gave up asking him and just ran! My son was also riding with us but he is almost 13 and impatient so he was riding ahead.

I also do not know what my distance was. My husband thinks he has the ability to track that but is not sure how to get that going. He is a manual reader so he will have that figured out tonight!

Running outside is different! I didn't perspire as much...woo hoo...but I also was not able to accurately know how fast or how far and I got a few bug bites....blech...I am not much of an outside person anymore. Weird, I know, considering that I was born and raised in California but here in Washington state is different. The weather is more temperate and there are more bugs.

Therein lies the reason I will never do Survivor! My husband thinks I would do really well...does that mean I am manipulative or really good with people...but I will never do it because of the bugs and no water. Food schmood, but no water...heck, no!

Later we are heading out to Westport to check out locations on the dock for my bride whose wedding is next weekend.

See you tomorrow!!

Day 30

I did 30:08 for 1.91:

1 @ 3 mph
4 @ 3.5 mph
1 @ 4 mph
5 @ 4.5 mph
3 @ 3.5 mph
6 @ 4.5 mph
3 @ 3.5 mph
1 @ 4.5 mph
1 @ 4 mph -- OK, I half ran half walked this minute
3 @ 3.5 mph
1 @ 3 - 2.5 mph
1 @ 2 - 1.5 mph

OK, this was supposed to be my easy walk day as this is day 6 and I ran for 20 minutes straight yesterday but I wanted to see how long I could run at 4.5 mph. I did the first set for 5 minutes and my heart rate got up to 163 so I walked for 3, then ran another 6 where my heart rate got up to 166. I walked another 3 minutes and was going to run for another 5 but my whole body said, "Nuh uh!" after 1 minute so I slowed down to 4 mph and halfway through that minute I had to walk. When I start to feel like I am going to fall asleep and can barely keep my eyes open, I know I pushed it waaaayyyy too hard. But I did do 12 minutes at 4.5 mph! Woo hoo! For some reason I am way more proud of that then the 20 minutes yesterday!! If I keep up this on my days off from running, I may pick up my speed soon!!

Honestly, though, I am so glad tomorrow is a day off. It is my sis-in-law's baby shower. Yay! The last few days have been rough for me emotionally but I am hoping to get over these doldrums soon especially tomorrow when I get to visit my sis-in-law, you know?

See you on Sunday!!

Day 29

I did 30:18 for 1.78:

1 minute @ 2.5 mph
4 minutes @ 3 mph
12 minutes @ 4 mph
8 minutes @ 3.8 mph
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
1 minute @ 3 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

Oh my goodness, I did it! I ran for 20 minutes straight!! Woo hoo! Admittingly, I did have to slow down .2 mph to get through the remaining 8 minutes of the run. I also had my son pop in Big Bang Theory in the DVD player of my computer as I knew I would struggle with only listening to music. It REALLY helped!!

Weirdly enough, I feel like crying and not a happy cry. It's like I am disappointed that I am not running faster, that I had to slow down...heck, I don't know...

Day 28

I did 30:11 for 1.82:

1 minute @ 3 mph
14 minutes @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.5 mph
2 minutes @ 3.5 mph
2 minutes @ 4.5 mph
2 minutes @ 3.5 mph
2 minutes @ 4.5 mph
2 minutes @ 3.5 mph
1 minute @ 3 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

This one was a bit tougher as I ran longer at the beginning clearly evidenced by me going farther, 1.82, as opposed to yesterday where I went 1.75 and I ran for a total of 16 minutes yesterday and only 7 minutes today! That extra .5 of mph in both my walking and running really makes a difference. My heart rate on the other hand much prefers the slower mph! It is what is getting me through the longer runs for sure! Tomorrow I have to run for 20 minutes straight..yikes...

This morning before I ate I did the body test on the Wii Fit and I weigh 149! Woo hoo!!!!! My Wii age is 24....wow...if only...

I know I am not supposed to care about my weight but after exercising 5 weeks straight AND eating well (rice cakes aside), I was beginning to worry! My darn jeans are still tight...what the heck??

Today was a much better day for me emotionally as well thanks to my son, my uncle and a dear friend from my youth. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Day 27

I did 30:21 for 1.75:

1 minute @ 2.5 mph
4 minutes @ 3 mph
8 minutes @ 4 mph
5 minutes @ 3 mph
8 minutes @ 4 mph
2 minutes @ 3.5 mph
1 minute @ 3 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

I was worried that I would not be able to run 8 minutes straight twice, but I did! Woo hoo! One thing that I discovered is that I will need to speed up at some point as I should have done at least 2 miles today and that is only at 26 minutes. It looks like next week's second run has me running 10 minutes which equates to 1 mile and as we have seen I'm only going 1.75 miles in 30 MINUTES! Yikes!

The Couch-to-5K Running Plan lasts for 9 weeks and if I haven't already begun to speed up I will definitely need to after the plan is over. A 10 minute mile....yeesh....

One thing that is not helping is the lack of sleep I am getting. I have mentioned it several times already but I know my body is not getting the rest it requires for this training. It's been years since I have slept more than 3 hours straight but I figured with my training that I would be sleeping better. Everything I have read states that is one of the wonderful effects of running. I have been to my doctor more times than I can count, trust me. The first time I went to him was about 3 years ago and he told me 50% of the population doesn't sleep well. I asked him, "For over 5 years straight???"

I had a breakdown today before my run. I got 2 hours of sleep last night and am still suffering from my rice cake snafu...I still haven't eaten one since Thursday....woo hoo....and I am just plain exhausted. I don't know where to go, who to go to, what to read...scratch that, nothing holds my attention for more than a couple of minutes except a very good fiction so buying any books on how to sleep would be a total waste of money and magazine articles always give the same recommendations. Go to sleep at the same time, turn off the TV, just use your bedroom for sleeping, blah, blah, blah, blah....been there done that, still not sleeping...sigh...

The medicine my doctor had prescribed for me did allow me to sleep for one hour straight when I first went to sleep which is more than the 15 - 30 minutes I am now getting but that would be it and then I am up for the rest of the night and because it has a sedative effect I would be a walking zombie/gumby like person for the day. Plus, he tells me this is one of the reasons I had gained 35 pounds in a year. You can see why I don't take it...an extra 30 minutes of sleep with a trade off of 35 pounds....hmmmm, let me think about it....uh, no!

I better get going since I put off today's run for over 2 hours and I have a ton of errands to run in just a couple of hours so I will be here tomorrow!

Day 26

I did 30:07 for 1.75:

1 minute @ 2.5 mph
4 minutes @ 3 mph
10 minutes @ 3.5 mph
2 minutes @ 4.5 mph
2 minutes @ 3.5 mph
2 minutes @ 4.5 mph
2 minutes @ 3.5 mph
2 minutes @ 4.5 mph
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
1 minute @ 3 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

At around minute 12 I was only planning on walking and since that is all I was going to do, I was looking at the different trainings I have printed out for beginning runners to quell a bit of the boredom. One I have, has you running every day with one day of rest. On week 5 you start with a 15 minute walk, then run 2, then walk 4 and nothing else after that. The next day you walk 5, run 5 and repeat until you hit 35 minutes. I decided to see on the Couch-to-5 K Running Plan what next week had in store for me and discovered that my second run of THIS week has me walking 5 minutes then run for 8 minutes, walk for 5, then run another 8. Yikes! I print out (or hand write) what my run will do with minute tallys so I know when to switch the treadmill to a different mph and had written down the first run thinking that was the same run all week and it wasn't! Whew...thank goodness I looked!

So, I decided to do a bit of the other plan. I walked the 15 minutes, then ran 2, walk 2, ran 2, walk 2, ran 2 at a higher mph since I was already walking at 3.5, I ran at 4.5. Did you notice I got farther with only 6 minutes of running then I did yesterday with 15 minutes? In all honesty, I was getting winded at the end of the last 2 minutes at 4.5 mph so I am glad that I am running the longer distances at 4 mph.

Heck, the last run of this week has me walking 5 then running 20 minutes with no walking! Obviously I will walk the remaining 5 (to get to 30 minutes) to cool down...I am not afraid...OK, I am but I am going to do it. Even if I have to slow down to 3.5 while running I am going to do it....

Tomorrow my next run!

Day 25

I did 30:11 for 1.71:

1 minute @ 2.5 mph
4 minutes @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 4 mph
3 minutes @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 4 mph
3 minutes @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 4 mph
2 minutes @ 3 mph
1 minute @ 2.7 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

It's funny that the more I run it seems the shorter the distance! I know it is because I have slowed down my pace for the running and walking but I am successfully completing these runs so I am TOTALLY OK with it, I just think it's humorous.

I did not exercise on Friday or on Saturday and feel guilty. I did work out 5 days last week but still feel bad even though I was down for the count. I have this weird rice cake addiction that finally caught up with me. Apparently when you eat waaaayyyyy too much fiber in the form of a rice cake it does not allow your body to absorb any of the nutrients from the other food that you are eating and your body starts to shut down. NOT FUN at all....so, not only am I not sleeping more than 3 - 4 hours a night (and barely more than 1/2 hour at a single stretch), my body also decided it was done with the rice cake thing.

I actually went the whole day yesterday not eating a single rice cake! I also could not raise my head from the pillow but that is beside the point!

I have a decision to make. I am training for the 5 Mile run in Westport on the 8th of August. Someone I used to work with at the CU texted me on Thursday to see if I could perform her wedding. I asked her the date afraid that she was going to say the 15th which is when we are planning to go to Silverwood in Idaho but she didn't...she said the 8th. I told her that the run starts at 10:30 and I know it will take me a few hours, maybe less, and she told me it is at 4:00. I asked her where and she told me a place in Aberdeen. I didn't respond back yet as I had to give this some thought. I am training for this run that I am looking so much forward to...it inspired me to start taking care of myself (OK, not with rice cakes but with the running) and I was hoping to meet some people and just hang out and do things that runners do after a race. I have no idea what that is, just that I am going to be there. My son and husband are going to be there cheering me on. Sigh...I probably could be done and home in time to shower change and head back into town but what if I am not? I would feel terrible and I would never be so gauche to ask her to move her wedding to a later time. Wedding venues don't like change and neither do brides.

When we last discussed her wedding over 8 months ago a relative was going to do it...would it be selfish of me to say no? What if I am done in plenty of time and had said no...I would feel terrible! I definitely have some thinking to do!

Change of subject...I am thinking of either training longer on my off days from running or adding a 30 minute brisk walk about 4 hours after my run as if I was training for a marathon. The reason is that I am following The Couch-to-5K Running Plan and I am actually doing a 5 Mile race. I don't think that I will burn myself out. I am feeling really good about my pace and endurance at this point. Another thing to think about! =O)

Day 24

I did 30:14 for 1.73:

minute @ 2.5 mph
4 minutes @ 3 mph
3 minutes @ 4.1 mph
90 seconds @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 4.1 mph
2 minutes 30 seconds @ 3 mph
3 minutes @ 4.1 mph
90 seconds @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 4.1 mph
90 seconds @ 3 mph
1 minute @ 2.7 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

I guess the honeymoon is over because although this one was only a tad harder than Tuesday's, I don't have the same "Go me!" attitude. It probably has something to do with yesterday being a bad day. I shall explain:

I took my son to the Y so I could get on the elliptical machine and he could swim with a few friends. My son's school backpack had fallen apart a bit before school ended so I let him borrow mine. This is what he brought with him to the Y with his running shorts and towel as he lost his swim trunks somewhere in his room. He also put in his backpack his brand new DSi. He decided to take the bus home so he could stay longer with his friends. I said OK and headed out to finish some shopping.

I went to pick up the girls from daycare. One of my niece's BDay was on Monday so the daycare lady got here one of those motorized glitter glue dispensers for her for her birthday...really, daycare people?? She's 8 with a 5 year old little sister. You have a nice vinyl floor with industrial tables that are very easy to clean. Me...I have carpet. So, I bring the girls home and she immediately sits down on my living room floor to create her art. I told her no way in hell was she doing it in the living room so to go into her room and keep it off the floor. I leave her room for 5 minutes, go back into her room and discover that she has finished one painting which is drying on the table in her room and now she has moved to the floor. Apparently both her and her sister have both managed to get this glitter glue on their fingers so they BOTH wiped their hands on the carpet to remove said glue from their fingers.....

My son calls and asks me when the bus runs. I told him to call his dad who works for transit. Dad is not answering so I call him and he tells me. I call my son back and tell when to get on the bus. Several phone calls later it is discovered that my son has managed to miss the bus or really didn't try to catch it...who knows...all I know that several of the drivers were on the lookout for him and were concerned when they didn't see him. I had to go pick him up. When I get there he is waiting for me with no backpack. I told him to go inside and get it but it turns out someone has stolen it. No morals in this society...thank goodness I grabbed his DSi from it before I left the first time. I just wish my son was more responsible!

A couple of other things happened that caused me to be upset which I shall not detail here. I just read what I wrote but I sound like a whiner...

Long story short...not...tomorrow I shall probably do some exercising using My Fitness Coach.

Thanks for letting me rant!

Day 23 and working out at the Y

I did 40 minutes:

I did 20 minutes on the elliptical machine, then did 20 minutes on some machine called the SCIFIT. Quite frankly, I am not really sure what I was doing on the SCIFIT. Was I hiking...climbing...cross country skiing...who knows? I was mainly just getting some aerobic exercise in while working my arms. The only muscle that felt like it got worked out while using the SCIFIT was my right forearm muscle. Weird!

I accomplished all of this at my local Y. I was hoping to find someone there who could help me figure out why I keep twanging my IT band when I am stretching but there were mainly only muscle guys and really young girls doing weight lifting. Maybe next time!

Unfortunately while out and about in town, I saw a ton of people I know. So, I am there in my running 'outfit' with cellulite....it's a sad state of affairs....sigh... But I did tell people that I was training for the 5 mile run and they seemed happy. At least that's what I thought as they weren't really saying anything but, ohhhh...I am sure they were struck dumb by the sight of my very pale and rippled thighs!

Tomorrow is the last run of the week!

Day 22 --- I did it!

I did 31:18 for 1.77:

1 minute @ 2.5 mph
4 minutes @ 3 mph
3 minutes @ 4.1 mph
90 seconds @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 4.1 mph
2 minutes 30 seconds @ 3 mph
3 minutes @ 4.1 mph
90 seconds @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 4.1 mph
90 seconds @ 3 mph
1 minute @ 2.7 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph
1 minute @ 1.5 mph

I did it! Woo hoo! I slowed down my pace but I did it! I seriously could cry...I was so worried that I would fail but I didn't!!

Other than some normal tightening my legs didn't bother me at all until I stretched. After I stretched the IT band a couple of times and other stretches, I was getting up and twang! On both sides...sigh...I really need to figure out what the heck I am doing wrong!

My son and I are heading to the Y tomorrow (today is the last day of school) so he can do some swimming and I can get on the elliptical. If someone who is running finishes while I am there, I am going to see if they have a moment to help me figure out how to stretch properly.

Wow, I am cloud 9 right now. What a great feeling!

I am signing off to get ready to go to Olympia to go book shopping with my son. My favorite activity with my favorite person...nothing could be better than that!!!

Day 21

I did 30:10 for 1.58:

1 minute @ 2 mph
4 minutes @ 2.5 mph
5 minutes @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 3.5 mph
5 minutes @ 4 mph
5 minutes @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 3 mph
1 minute @ 2.5 - 2 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

Today I emotionally felt much better. The walk was great and I actually heard the music I have programmed on the computer. When I run, all I hear is myself saying "Oh my gosh, am I done yet???" =O)

I also did 15 minutes on My Fitness Coach of upper body work although she started skipping and lunging at first to warm up my back which seemed odd…oh well!

I then did 15 minutes of yoga where I have determined that I should get my right leg checked out as that one pesky IT band pull (at least I think that is what it is) is not letting me fully do some of the moves. How am I supposed to become flexible if I cannot stretch? Yeesh!

While walking I made a decision that if I am still struggling after my third run this week, then I will repeat this week to get my endurance built up. I am not a failure if I am not progressing where I think I should be. For goodness sake, I am a 41 year old woman who hasn't exercised for over 3 years! Although trying to tell myself that yesterday did NOT work as I was really bummed by my weight gain. This morning when I got up a visitor came to call which explains the gain...if you are a woman then you know what I mean...if not, well ummm, sorry?

One thing I got in the mail today was a flyer for Team in Training which raises money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am seriously considering attending one of the meetings in Tacoma. What a great way to get in shape with people who know what they are doing while raising money for a great cause! If I do it, I will let you know what my fundraising website is.

Tomorrow, I...gulp...run!

Day 20

I did 31:02 for 1.86 miles:

1 minute @ 3 mph
4 minutes @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.2 mph
90 seconds @ 3.5 mph
5 minutes @ 4.1 mph
2 minutes 30 seconds @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.1 mph
3 minutes 30 seconds @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.1 mph
2 minutes @ 3.3 mph
1 minute @ 3 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph
1 minute @ 1.5 mph

This was a very tough one for me. I received a great email from a very nice woman named Pam from a Yahoo group that I belong to and I decided to slow down on the mph for my runs and was raring to go. Problem is, I made the mistake of weighing myself afterward on the Wii Balance Board before my work out so I could accurately record that number while creating my personal profile on My Fitness Coach and found that I had managed to gain 3 pounds. I was devastated....I cannot even begin to tell you how much...

Added later in the afternoon: I did feel yucky last night and didn't sleep very well so I had 4 cups of coffee with nonfat milk and Stevia, 1 banana and breakfast bar then another banana and a piece of flax bread shortly before weighing myself so that might have had something to do with my weight...who knows...it's just frustrating to work out 6 days a week for 3 weeks for 30 minutes each day to have only lost a total of 1 pound as I started at 158, you know?

Added later in the afternoon: My husband is trying to convince me that it is muscle weight which I know to be hogwash, but sweet for him to say nonetheless! He tells me that I look like I have lost weight and I did the belly pat and it does not jiggle as much as it did before I started so that is something, right?

Back to original post:

Then I started my workout, bummed, and did the first 3 minutes at 4.2 mph, did OK, then did the 5 minutes at 4.1, still OK my heart rate was a bit high, then did the second 3 minutes and it was very difficult. Not to mention that my heart rate was at 170! So after the 3 minutes, I decided to walk more and only do another 3 minutes at 4.1. When I was cooling down from that with the 3.5 mph walk, I thought for sure that I was going to pass out. Not a good feeling!

I also found that I pulled the IT Band again in my right leg so after I stretched, I decided to do 15 minutes of Yoga on My Fitness Coach and found that I am having problems doing some of the moves, but I did it!

I decided to shower first then record this or this log would have been filled with a lot of Woe Is Mes! Sigh...tomorrow is another day!

Day 19

I did 30:08, 1.54 miles:

1 minute @ 2.5 mph
4 minutes @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 3.5 mph
10 minutes @ 3 mph
5 minutes @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 3 mph
1 minute @ 2.7 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

I definitely pulled my ITB yesterday when stretching and aggravated it when I was putting a car seat stroller combo into my cart when at Wal-Mart but I couldn't not exercise....I would have felt totally guilty! I did take it easy. Tomorrow is my off day and we are heading to Olympia to do fun things!

I had to take my son to the doctor's office due to an ear infection and I asked his doc if he could start running as we are training for the 5 Mile race in Westport and he said yes. It turns out that he used to be an avid runner, including running multiple marathons and half marathons but gave it up when he moved to Aberdeen. He gave me some great tips and we chatted for a good 5 minutes about it....sorry to his other patients!

He told me he was thinking about starting up again and I told him that he should enter the 5 Mile race! I told him that, who knows, maybe I am the inspiration or catalyst that he needed. He would have to see his doctor to get a stress test as older runners encounter can encounter abnormal heart rhythms. He may be there, you never know, right?

Day 18

Here is what I wrote in my journal before I started my running at around 8ish.

OK, I am getting a little bummed so I want to write it down and release it into the ether so here goes:

I have been reading a bunch of running books and online articles and I should be running for way longer (time not mileage) than I am doing. My husband claims that since I was so out of shape that I am doing great for where I'm at. He's right but I guess I'm a little competitive and feel like I should be farther ahead.

Heck I am so proud of myself for doing what I am doing and just because my motivation to get started was a 5 MIle run, it doesn't mean that is the only reason, right? AND I exercised through really sore legs and didn't quit!

Do I feel better...ummm, a little?

I did 30:07 for 1.88 (shouldn't my mileage be more??):

1 minute @ 3 mph
4 minutes @ 3.5 mph
90 seconds @ 4.5 mph
90 seconds @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.5 mph
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
90 seconds @ 4.5 mph
90 seconds @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.5 mph
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
2 minutes @ 4.5 mph
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
1 minute @ 3.0 - 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2.0 - 1.5 mph

I did it! I have to say when I was stretching I did twang my left calf but it seems to be getting better as I am typing. Now after doing my run today, I am right where I need to be, the last 3 minutes was tough! But, I toughed it out and added another 2 minute run to it. Woo hoo!

Next week the schedule is jog 3 min, walk 90 secs, jog 5 min, walk 2 min 30 sec, jog 3 min, walk 90 secs, jog 5 min, nothing more after that but me hanging onto the treadmill attempting to not throw up!! =O)

Tomorrow some brisk walking using the above schedule but changing the 4.5 mph to 4 mph.

Don't forget to check me out on my other blog seekermommy.blogspot.com!

Day 17 -- still a tad sore

I did 30:05 and 1.39 miles:

5 minutes @ 2.5 mph
20 minutes @ 3 mph
3 minutes @ 2.5 mph
1 minute @ 2 mph
1 minute @ 1.5 mph

My legs are still are tad sore which is why I took it very easy on myself. I also did some stretches for a longer period of time than I did yesterday.

I weighed myself before starting on the Wii Balance Board and I weigh 154. I lost 4 pounds in less than 2 weeks and 9 pounds since I have started! Woo hoo! Go me!

I am still in love with running but I was feeling a bit down for being so sore. I was also reading in another running book and I should be running for 5 minutes, then taking a break and not the shorter time prescribed by The Couch-to-5K Running Plan so I am bummed! Perhaps next week I shall step it up a notch. Next week, my son is out of school so we will be running outside which I need to do to get acclimated to the warmer weather.

Day 16 with fried legs!

I did 31:05 and (I think 'cause I did an extra minute) 2.0 miles:

Because of that darn EA Sports Active frying my legs yesterday, I hit a wall on the second of the 3 minute runs...I also had to kill a spider that decided to watch me from above my head...freaked me out! It probably was attempting revenge as I saturated his brethren in my bathroom with hair spray about 10 minutes before. Hey, I don't mess with bugs on the outside, don't come in to MY inside and mess with me!!

1 minute @ 3 mph
4 minutes @ 3.5 mph
90 seconds @ 4.5 mph
90 seconds @ 3.5 mph -- here is where I saw the spider above my head
3 minutes @ 4.5 mph
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
90 seconds @ 4.5 mph
90 seconds @ 3.5 mph
90 seconds @ 4.5 mph -- here is where I hit my 'wall' and didn't do the 3 minutes
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes 30 seconds @ 4 mph -- here is where I made up the 90 seconds
4 minutes @ 3.5 mph
1 minute @ 3.0 - 2.0 mph
1 minute @ 2.0 - 1.5 mph

Tomorrow I will definitely do something not so hard on my legs so I can do the correct schedule on Thursday!

Can I stress again how pissed I am at the EA Sports Active? I am definitely returning it on Saturday. After suffering through the bugs in the software and getting a little aggravated that there was no cool down or stretching after the work out, I did some research online and dozens, almost a hundred people, are as pissed as I am about how incomplete and faulty this game is. More people than I can count on two hands had the flex band break and the same and additional people had trouble with the strap not staying on the leg. This is not a problem I encountered but my son did have problem with the leg strap.

More people than my family has hands encountered the same problem with the software not recognizing movements. It was particularly stressful when I had to do some weird yoga move to have it recognize my left side lunges. The pause in between reps was waaaayyyy to long and I found her positive comments about how well I was doing when I clearly wasn't was really annoying! Major bugs in this software!

Another thing that my research found was that there are NO ab specific work and no stretching. Are you kidding me? You fry our entire body and there are no cool downs and no stretches?

I researched other Wii fitness games and know to never buy the Jillian Michaels software as no one seemed to be happy with it. So, thank you Game Stop guy for talking me out of it and shame on the same guy for talking me into putting the EA Sports Active on hold...well, maybe not shame as it wasn't out yet and he could not have known all the bugs were going to occur.

I think I will get the Wii Personal Fitness Coach as it has Flexibility as one of the options and seems to be a good compliment to the Wii Fit. Personally I don't see myself using the Wii Fit for most of it as I do not need to Hula Hoop. But, I haven't explored all of it yet other than to add to my Activity Log for my runs and walks.

Day 15 cross training with EA Sports Active

I did the Easy 30 minute workout on EA Sports Active. I was trying to avoid running altogether on my 'days off' but there were two quick runs in the workout so I faked it. I am supposed to be doing low or no impact exercises on the days that I am not running. I cannot believe how many lunges there were and how bad I need them!

Also the first exercise was dancing which confirms my belief that I have no coordination when it comes to these things...must be why I love running!! And that my good friends is exactly why I will be a runner forever...no embarrassing workouts in front of other people, just one foot in front of the other for a period of time...ahhh, peaceful bliss!

I almost want to do some more cardio as 'they' say you should do 30 minutes of cardio a day. I may walk later, we shall see!

The one thing that I do not like about the EA Sports Active is that there is no official cool down but a few seconds and no stretching which should be crucial when working these major muscle groups. If anyone has found them, let me know. Maybe I should jump onto the Wii Fit and do some yoga?

Tomorrow I run!!

P.S. I am proud of myself for doing all of the workouts when the going got touch...remember I was a major couch potato!

Day 14

I had Saturday as a workout day but we ended going up to Olympia to see Land of the Lost, buy EA Sports Active, buy a Nathan Speed 3R belt, walking shoes and socks at Big 5 for my husband, two running mags from Barnes & Noble and grocery shopping.

So, today, Sunday the 7th is my Day 14. I did 30:02 for 1.86:

1 minute @ 3 mph
4 minutes @ 3.5 mph
90 seconds @ 4.5 mph
90 seconds @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.5 mph -- that's right, I ran for 3 minutes straight. Woo hoo!
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
90 seconds @ 4.5 mph
90 seconds @ 3.5 mph
3 minutes @ 4.5 mph -- I ran 3 minutes again!
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
2 minutes @ 4 mph
3 minutes @ 3.5 mph
1 minute @ 3 - 2 mph
1 minute @ 2 - 1.5 mph

I have to admit that the last 30 seconds of the last 3 minutes, I thought I was going to yak. I looked to see how my much I had drank of my sports drink and it was not much at all so I must be pushing myself to that Big Brother throw up moment...

I am a little puzzled as to why if I ran more today, I went less of a distance...

I have this schedule written down and I originally had 2 more minutes of running but I didn't do it and retooled the schedule. On Tuesday, I am going to shoot for 2 more minutes of running!

I am really proud of myself! I also have to admit that the music during the last 3 minutes did not do much to distract me and what did was thinking that 4 times around a track is one mile, right? But is that the inside of the track or the outside? If it is the inside, then those that walk on the outside are actually putting in more mileage than the faster runners on the inside! My husband was behind me while I was typing this in and saying "not by much"...I told him to go away. It was what distracted me, I don't need exact distances...sigh...this is why we don't talk much...

Regarding the Nathan belt:
1. It is ridiculously expensive at $50 at South Sound Running
2. Yes, it has 3 bottles but they are only 7 oz (and plastic!). I drink 7 oz in a gulp...
3. I knew I would need it for the 5 Mile run
4. I bought this one for my son because my waist is too big for the small (not for very much longer, right? ) and that is all they had other than a large.

I was originally going to grab the one that goes around my wrist, but if I am planning on running outside, I will need a place for a key and my cell phone.

When I look at the schedule for training for a marathon, you do 45 minutes of RW and then approximately 4 hours later a 40 minute walk. I am wondering whether I should add another activity to only 2 of my 'running days' per recommendations from a few sources. I just bought EA Sports Active and they have some workouts I can do that as well as the Wii Fit which I already own. I have been reading that strength training is super important, especially upper body, to aid in running. The Wii Fit also has yoga which I could use for the stretching, right?

Tomorrow I will either walk the above schedule changing the 4.5 to 4 mph or an activity on one of the Wii games that is sustained for 30 minutes. See you then!!