This past week marked the final week of my Couch to 5K training program and they were all big runs - at least that's how they felt to me when I looked at the amount of time I was supposed to spend running.
In the previous week I had pushed myself a couple of times and ran through the 5-minute cool down, which boosted my overall running time to 30 minutes. And I was pretty proud of this but I wanted to make sure it wasn't a fluke, that I could actually do that more than once. So with those last three C25K runs (2 x 28 minutes, 1 x 30 minutes) I was cautiously optimistic of my success but also aware that it may not work out after all.
Turns out I needn't have worried.
The first 28-minute run I stuck to the 28 minutes and was almost able to do it; I hit 20 minutes and needed a quick walking break, so after a minute of catching my breath I ran the remaining 7 minutes. It was a bit discouraging but setbacks are to be expected, right?
The second 28-minute run went much better though; I was able to push through the extra 5 minutes at the end and top out at 33 minutes of running. I also turned on my RunKeeper app to track distance - and I clocked in at 4.9km! While I was a bit disappointed that I didn't hit 5km, I was also completely surprised that I'd even made it that far. Woot!
Then last night was the final run of the program, 30 minutes. Again I set RunKeeper to track my distance and suddenly I found myself running...and running...and running...until I'd topped out at 6km.
SIX FREAKING KILOMETRES!
Given, 0.7km of that distance was my walking warmup but still - I managed to hit 5km!
I gotta say, I'm pretty proud of myself. When I first started the program and had to do some of the first long runs (you know, 5 and 8 minutes) they were HARD. And there were times when I was pretty sure I couldn't do it and that I should just forget it and find another activity. I'm not really sure why I kept going; maybe deep down I was actually enjoying running (and now I can admit that I do enjoy running). Whatever the reason, I'm glad I kept at it. And the humidity has also helped, which is pretty much the only thing I like about the humidity. The warmer air helps make breathing easier for me. It will be interesting to see how the cooler air of fall affects me but I'm hoping I can ride the wave of summer running success into the fall and overcome any obstacles.
Overall I'm ridiculously pleased with myself and I have no problem bragging just a little!
Showing posts with label 5K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5K. Show all posts
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Hot run in the summertime
Toronto summer arrived with full force yesterday. As someone who hates extreme heat I consider myself lucky that the intense humidity didn't arrive until June 23. But arrive it did and since it was hotter than a cave troll's temper and stinkier than an orc's breath, it was a day best spent inside watching The Hobbit and Arrested Development.
It was also the perfect day to catch up on laundry since fabric could hang outside without spontaneously sweating through everything. But around 6:45 pm our neighbour knocked on our back door to alert us to the start of the rain. The laundry made it in but the forecast said there'd be thunderstorms by 8pm. I wanted to run but was waiting for the sun to set, meaning the temperature would drop by half a degree. But with the threat of rain I made the executive decision: I would go running right then.
And I did. And it was hot. And sticky. And hot. And humid. And HOT.
But I made it. It was another 25-minute run and I made it through all 25 burning minutes. And I'm happy to say that the first 18 minutes were easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. Actually, it wasn't until about 22 minutes that it really started to hurt and not just from the heat. Even with the last three minutes full of pain I kept going and it was awesome. (Well, eventually it was awesome. When I was done I was done.)
And because the rain held off, the Beau was able to barbeque. It's just so nice to come home from a steamy run to find burgers on the grill, eagerly awaiting cheddar cheese and anticipating being topped with carmelized onions and BBQ sauce.
Om nom nom!
It was also the perfect day to catch up on laundry since fabric could hang outside without spontaneously sweating through everything. But around 6:45 pm our neighbour knocked on our back door to alert us to the start of the rain. The laundry made it in but the forecast said there'd be thunderstorms by 8pm. I wanted to run but was waiting for the sun to set, meaning the temperature would drop by half a degree. But with the threat of rain I made the executive decision: I would go running right then.
And I did. And it was hot. And sticky. And hot. And humid. And HOT.
But I made it. It was another 25-minute run and I made it through all 25 burning minutes. And I'm happy to say that the first 18 minutes were easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. Actually, it wasn't until about 22 minutes that it really started to hurt and not just from the heat. Even with the last three minutes full of pain I kept going and it was awesome. (Well, eventually it was awesome. When I was done I was done.)
And because the rain held off, the Beau was able to barbeque. It's just so nice to come home from a steamy run to find burgers on the grill, eagerly awaiting cheddar cheese and anticipating being topped with carmelized onions and BBQ sauce.
Om nom nom!
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| I don't always grill burgers, but when I do I grill the best burgers. |
Thursday, June 20, 2013
MORE RUNNING!
Last night I went out running again and it was the first time since I've started that I actually wanted to go out. Usually it's all, "I have to go running now to keep up with the progress I've made." But I had planned to go in the early evening and I didn't try to make excuses or spend an hour saying, "I don't want to go running...but I have to."
It was a pretty nice feeling, I gotta say.
It was also a damn hard run - 25 minutes straight. I managed to do it, but it hurt. My allergies may be playing a part in the breathing pains I was having, but by the time I went to bed (4 hours after finishing) my lungs were still a bit sore. Even today, 15 hours later, I can still feel little twinges when I breathe deeply. I will be a very happy girl when allergy season is over. (Wait, when IS allergy season over?)
Even with the breathing challenges, I'm pretty proud of my progress though sometimes I need to be reminded to be proud. The Beau is my biggest cheerleader and after every run, when I tell him how long I ran for, he always responds with genuine enthusiasm and pride. And when I start comparing my progress to that of marathoners (which of course makes my 25 minutes seem like nuthin!) he makes sure I realize that, for most people, running for 25 minutes straight IS a big deal and should be treated as such. It's an accomplishment and shouldn't be scoffed at.
And - you know what? - I agree!
It was a pretty nice feeling, I gotta say.
It was also a damn hard run - 25 minutes straight. I managed to do it, but it hurt. My allergies may be playing a part in the breathing pains I was having, but by the time I went to bed (4 hours after finishing) my lungs were still a bit sore. Even today, 15 hours later, I can still feel little twinges when I breathe deeply. I will be a very happy girl when allergy season is over. (Wait, when IS allergy season over?)
Even with the breathing challenges, I'm pretty proud of my progress though sometimes I need to be reminded to be proud. The Beau is my biggest cheerleader and after every run, when I tell him how long I ran for, he always responds with genuine enthusiasm and pride. And when I start comparing my progress to that of marathoners (which of course makes my 25 minutes seem like nuthin!) he makes sure I realize that, for most people, running for 25 minutes straight IS a big deal and should be treated as such. It's an accomplishment and shouldn't be scoffed at.
And - you know what? - I agree!
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| Post-run sunset. Aaaaaaahhhhh. |
Saturday, June 15, 2013
RUNNING!
Last night proved to be another wonderful night for a run. Though there was a point when I almost poured myself a glass of wine but I was strong and went running first - and it was SO WORTH IT.
Last night's run was run one of week seven of the Couch to 5K program and the furthest I've made it yet with the program (last time I did it I topped out at week six). I was a little worried about the run because it was the second long run of the program - 22 whole, continuous minutes. Even though I was scared and worried that I wouldn't be able to do it, I made myself go out. The result?
I DID IT! I RAN FOR 22 WHOLE STRAIGHT MINUTES!
There was even a point where I think I was hitting the beginning of the mythical runner's high, where I felt I could go forever. This was tempered rather quickly, though, by the feeling that I was going to die but then the magical, mechanical voice in my app said "One minute left" (sweeter words I've never heard!) and I pushed through and made it. And it was awesome.
So far I'm only worrying about time spent running, not distance. I know I have to eventually focus on distance but I'm more interested in getting my endurance up. When I ran on the treadmill I was at a 7-minute-kilometre pace. If I'm doing about that outside (and I honestly don't know what my speed is) then last night's run would have put me at 3 km, or 60% of where I need to be for a 5K. (Did I mention I've registered for a 5K? No? Well, I may or may not be doing a 5K that may or may not be in September. Heh.) Of course, throwing out the 60% number takes away a bit from the 22-minute number, but I'm not discouraged by it. I've got lots of time before September, so lots of time to keep building my endurance.
I've gotta say, I was beginning to think that I'd never really be a "runner" of any kind but since I've started running outside it's been so much better. I think I just might be able to do this.
Last night's run was run one of week seven of the Couch to 5K program and the furthest I've made it yet with the program (last time I did it I topped out at week six). I was a little worried about the run because it was the second long run of the program - 22 whole, continuous minutes. Even though I was scared and worried that I wouldn't be able to do it, I made myself go out. The result?
I DID IT! I RAN FOR 22 WHOLE STRAIGHT MINUTES!
There was even a point where I think I was hitting the beginning of the mythical runner's high, where I felt I could go forever. This was tempered rather quickly, though, by the feeling that I was going to die but then the magical, mechanical voice in my app said "One minute left" (sweeter words I've never heard!) and I pushed through and made it. And it was awesome.
So far I'm only worrying about time spent running, not distance. I know I have to eventually focus on distance but I'm more interested in getting my endurance up. When I ran on the treadmill I was at a 7-minute-kilometre pace. If I'm doing about that outside (and I honestly don't know what my speed is) then last night's run would have put me at 3 km, or 60% of where I need to be for a 5K. (Did I mention I've registered for a 5K? No? Well, I may or may not be doing a 5K that may or may not be in September. Heh.) Of course, throwing out the 60% number takes away a bit from the 22-minute number, but I'm not discouraged by it. I've got lots of time before September, so lots of time to keep building my endurance.
I've gotta say, I was beginning to think that I'd never really be a "runner" of any kind but since I've started running outside it's been so much better. I think I just might be able to do this.
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| Evening run, FTW. |
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Running with disappointment
Last week, I had a great run. I was able to go for 25 minutes which, while peanuts to most, was a big deal for me. It was longest I'd been able to run yet and my lungs were burning by the end. But I did it and that made me incredibly proud and excited and pleased with my progress.
This past Sunday, I went for a run again with the goal of besting my 25 minutes (even 26 would have been awesome)...and I couldn't make it past 5 minutes. My lungs just seemed to stop working and it felt like I had a rubber band around my throat.
I had taken my asthma meds (even an extra shot of Ventalin to try to open my airways) but it didn't help. The culprit? I can only assume it's my allergies that have sprung up at the worst time ever. I also took an allergy pill to help combat symptoms but no luck. No running for me.
So I tried again yesterday - with the same results. And I'm still a little wheezy. And incredibly upset.
My asthma has always been triggered by the environment and by exercise. My inhalers really help with the exercise part and the environmental triggers haven't been that bad of late, but this fall they're suddenly terrible. The downside to all of this (and the biggest piss-off) is that I don't think I can do my zombie run. I mean, I really want to. REALLY want to. But running in a field outside of Barrie can only wreak further havoc on my already-tight lungs. And this is crushing.
I've felt really down about this the past two days. I've felt stupid for thinking I could do it. I've felt like a failure for not being able to overcome it. I've felt like an ass for telling anyone I was planning to do it. I've felt like giving up running altogether. I've felt fat and lazy and incompetent and incapable. And, I'll admit, I still feel that way a bit.
It's so disappointing. I wasn't expecting to set any records but I felt like I could at least finish the course. I wanted something I could feel proud of, something I could get recognition for accomplishing. I wanted to do this.
It's not completely decided that I won't run. I'm going to try again either tomorrow or Thursday (depending on how my lungs feel) to see if I can breathe long enough to get through 5K. But, honestly, it doesn't look good.
The Beau has been wonderful the past two days, being my cheerleader and giving all kinds of positive reinforcement while also saying that not being able to breathe is a perfectly good reason to back out of a run. He even said, "No one gets to be mean to my girl, not even my girl." (See why I love this man?)
We're going out of town for the weekend, to visit his folks, and that will provide a lovely backdrop for me to lick my wounds and get over my disappointment. But it sucks. It really, really sucks.
This past Sunday, I went for a run again with the goal of besting my 25 minutes (even 26 would have been awesome)...and I couldn't make it past 5 minutes. My lungs just seemed to stop working and it felt like I had a rubber band around my throat.
I had taken my asthma meds (even an extra shot of Ventalin to try to open my airways) but it didn't help. The culprit? I can only assume it's my allergies that have sprung up at the worst time ever. I also took an allergy pill to help combat symptoms but no luck. No running for me.
So I tried again yesterday - with the same results. And I'm still a little wheezy. And incredibly upset.
My asthma has always been triggered by the environment and by exercise. My inhalers really help with the exercise part and the environmental triggers haven't been that bad of late, but this fall they're suddenly terrible. The downside to all of this (and the biggest piss-off) is that I don't think I can do my zombie run. I mean, I really want to. REALLY want to. But running in a field outside of Barrie can only wreak further havoc on my already-tight lungs. And this is crushing.
I've felt really down about this the past two days. I've felt stupid for thinking I could do it. I've felt like a failure for not being able to overcome it. I've felt like an ass for telling anyone I was planning to do it. I've felt like giving up running altogether. I've felt fat and lazy and incompetent and incapable. And, I'll admit, I still feel that way a bit.
It's so disappointing. I wasn't expecting to set any records but I felt like I could at least finish the course. I wanted something I could feel proud of, something I could get recognition for accomplishing. I wanted to do this.
It's not completely decided that I won't run. I'm going to try again either tomorrow or Thursday (depending on how my lungs feel) to see if I can breathe long enough to get through 5K. But, honestly, it doesn't look good.
The Beau has been wonderful the past two days, being my cheerleader and giving all kinds of positive reinforcement while also saying that not being able to breathe is a perfectly good reason to back out of a run. He even said, "No one gets to be mean to my girl, not even my girl." (See why I love this man?)
We're going out of town for the weekend, to visit his folks, and that will provide a lovely backdrop for me to lick my wounds and get over my disappointment. But it sucks. It really, really sucks.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Running and houses
Just a quick post today.
I finally went for a run (like I've been planning to do for a week) and I actually did okay. I was still running and walking but I managed to run for 10 minutes/walk 5/run 5/walk 5 /run 7 so I feel pretty good about that. And I covered 3.05 miles, so that's almost 5km. (3.1 miles is about 5km.) I might be able to do this zombie thing after all!
And I will have house news tomorrow afternoon.
That is all.
I finally went for a run (like I've been planning to do for a week) and I actually did okay. I was still running and walking but I managed to run for 10 minutes/walk 5/run 5/walk 5 /run 7 so I feel pretty good about that. And I covered 3.05 miles, so that's almost 5km. (3.1 miles is about 5km.) I might be able to do this zombie thing after all!
And I will have house news tomorrow afternoon.
That is all.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Zombie training update
I haven't been for a run since August 4. For those counting, that's 12 days. Urgh.
When I did run on August 4, I ran outside for the first time...ever. Not the first time since starting the Couch to 5K plan but the first time ever in my life. Seriously. Why, I'm sure you're asking, have I not run outside before? The answer is threefold:
1 - As a beginner runner using a treadmill has helped me keep my pace. It's way too easy for me to start out faster than I should and tire much faster than I like.
2 - I've only recently started running continuously. Previously I've been doing run/walk intervals and, again, the treadmill has been undeniably helpful in this as it helps me monitor time and speed without really thinking about it.
3 - I've been terrified of how I'll look when running outside. Yeah.
But I now have just over 5 weeks to get in running shape because I'd like to be able to both finish the race and "survive" the race. (To survive, I have to complete the course with at least one of my three flags intact.)
The new plan of attack? Runs, three times a week, for at least 20 minutes. Of those three runs, at least one will be outside. That's still on track with my Couch to 5K plan, though in that plan I'd be up to 30 minutes of running in about another week. Of my three runs, I'd like to hit 20 min, 22 min and 25 min each week. Because the zombie run also involves obstacles, there will be (brief) moments to catch my breath so I feel confident that this is a good plan.
I want to start this plan solidly on Sunday but I hope to squeeze in a run tomorrow too. And on days I don't run I need to do workouts that keep my cardiovascular strength up. It's my breathing that will kill me on zombie day if I don't work at it. And I don't want to die!
When I did run on August 4, I ran outside for the first time...ever. Not the first time since starting the Couch to 5K plan but the first time ever in my life. Seriously. Why, I'm sure you're asking, have I not run outside before? The answer is threefold:
1 - As a beginner runner using a treadmill has helped me keep my pace. It's way too easy for me to start out faster than I should and tire much faster than I like.
2 - I've only recently started running continuously. Previously I've been doing run/walk intervals and, again, the treadmill has been undeniably helpful in this as it helps me monitor time and speed without really thinking about it.
3 - I've been terrified of how I'll look when running outside. Yeah.
But I now have just over 5 weeks to get in running shape because I'd like to be able to both finish the race and "survive" the race. (To survive, I have to complete the course with at least one of my three flags intact.)
The new plan of attack? Runs, three times a week, for at least 20 minutes. Of those three runs, at least one will be outside. That's still on track with my Couch to 5K plan, though in that plan I'd be up to 30 minutes of running in about another week. Of my three runs, I'd like to hit 20 min, 22 min and 25 min each week. Because the zombie run also involves obstacles, there will be (brief) moments to catch my breath so I feel confident that this is a good plan.
I want to start this plan solidly on Sunday but I hope to squeeze in a run tomorrow too. And on days I don't run I need to do workouts that keep my cardiovascular strength up. It's my breathing that will kill me on zombie day if I don't work at it. And I don't want to die!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Couch to 5K and Week 5
So far, I haven't had any problems with the program, especially through the first three weeks. With short running intervals, those three weeks were easy to complete and made me feel like a running rock star.
Week 4 started to get a bit tougher, as the running intervals got a bit longer, but I soldiered through. I was a little winded after a couple of those workouts but I completed them and that's what mattered.
Then came Week 5.
For Week 5, all workouts were different, with the running intervals getting longer with each workout. First I started with three 5-minute running intervals, broken up by 3-minute walking intervals. This was tough but doable and I managed just fine.
Then I had two 8-minute running intervals with a 5-minute walking interval in the middle. At this point I'd never run 8 minutes straight so I was a bit worried. Still, I not only got through it but felt amazing afterwards.
For today, I faced my biggest challenge yet: 20 minutes of straight running. No walking. Just running for twenty. Minutes. Straight.
And you know what? I did it.
HOLY CRAP, I RAN FOR 20 MINUTES STRAIGHT.
By 17 minutes I was starting to feel it. By 19 minutes, I was more than feeling it. By 20 minutes, I was ecstatic to be done. But I did it. I didn't walk. I didn't slow down. I didn't curl up in the fetal position and go flying off the treadmill.
I ran for 20 minutes straight. And I'm damn proud of that.
And I didn't even need my inhaler. I can't remember if I've talked about my asthma before, but I've got it. It would be an easy enough thing to hide behind and say, "I'd be able to run better if it weren't for my asthma." Thing is, there are plenty of athletes who have it, including Olympic athletes, and as long as you manage it properly you can do well at physical activities. It's because of this that I choose to approach my asthma this way: "I manage my asthma with two inhalers to allow me to do the best I can. Instead of using it as a crutch, I see my asthma as something to overcome."
Simple as that.
Although I may have done so well with my run today because of my awesome Olympic pedicure:
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Couch to 5K update
Well hello! I hope you're all doing well this fine Tuesday afternoon!
Remember how I started the Couch to 5K program? Well, I'm still with it. The first three weeks were a little easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy and today I start week 4.
Last week, the running portion of each workout maxed out at nine minutes. Today, I'm facing a running portion of 16 minutes. Given, it's broken up into more manageable intervals, but suddenly I find myself getting into it. And it's exciting!
By the end of the program I should be running for 30 minutes straight. Right now, that feels almost impossible (emphasis on the almost). Really I just hope I can get through this week. Of course it's not going to get any easier (or maybe it will, as I build up strength) but I'm definitely not ready to fail.
I do have to survive those zombies, after all.
Remember how I started the Couch to 5K program? Well, I'm still with it. The first three weeks were a little easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy and today I start week 4.
Last week, the running portion of each workout maxed out at nine minutes. Today, I'm facing a running portion of 16 minutes. Given, it's broken up into more manageable intervals, but suddenly I find myself getting into it. And it's exciting!
By the end of the program I should be running for 30 minutes straight. Right now, that feels almost impossible (emphasis on the almost). Really I just hope I can get through this week. Of course it's not going to get any easier (or maybe it will, as I build up strength) but I'm definitely not ready to fail.
I do have to survive those zombies, after all.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Couch to 5K
I've seen mention of the Couch to 5K running plan on Facebook and Twitter so today, when I found myself looking for a good training program for a 5K (that zombie run is coming up) I thought I'd check it out.
It's an 8-week program, which is perfect for me; I now have July and August to get into running shape and then another three weeks before the zombies come at me so with any luck I'll be able to do this. And the workouts are similar to what I've already been doing: walk/run intervals a few times a week, working up to longer running distances.
I thought that I could do my own program if I just tracked it myself but I'm discovering that I like workouts (both weights and cardio) that are structured for me by someone else (namely, someone with more fitness and exercise experience than me). I like having someone tell me that walk/run intervals three times a week will be enough to get me into shape. And I like seeing other people using it - even Jimmy Fallon! - and having success with it.
If you're interested, you can check it out HERE.
I'll let you know how I like it. Really, the only thing I can see impeding me is my own laziness!
It's an 8-week program, which is perfect for me; I now have July and August to get into running shape and then another three weeks before the zombies come at me so with any luck I'll be able to do this. And the workouts are similar to what I've already been doing: walk/run intervals a few times a week, working up to longer running distances.
I thought that I could do my own program if I just tracked it myself but I'm discovering that I like workouts (both weights and cardio) that are structured for me by someone else (namely, someone with more fitness and exercise experience than me). I like having someone tell me that walk/run intervals three times a week will be enough to get me into shape. And I like seeing other people using it - even Jimmy Fallon! - and having success with it.
If you're interested, you can check it out HERE.
I'll let you know how I like it. Really, the only thing I can see impeding me is my own laziness!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
About that 5K...
Remember how I was all gung-ho to train to run a 5K? And how I kept talking about it - until I stopped talking about it?
Well, something has come up that has piqued my interest in a 5K yet again:
That's right, a 5K zombie-infested obstacle course race. I mean, who wouldn't want to do this? I've been staring at the online registration page all day, debating if I should register, debating if I could actually finish this.
I feel like this would almost be easier than a regular 5K because it's not straight running, and (hopefully) the adrenaline rush of avoiding zombies would help me finish. And if I can't complete an obstacle or if I lose all my flags (I would start with three and need to finish with at least one to still be "alive") I become a zombie; while that would disqualify me from prizes, I'd still be able to finish the course at my pace.
Though, if I'm honest, I know what's holding me back: I don't want to become a zombie. I want to finish with at least one flag. I'd feel like I failed if I became a zombie, even if I finished the course. Crazy, I know.
But the race isn't until September so I have over four months (almost five, actually) to train, get my asthma under control, build my endurance and get my calf muscles less tense so it's completely doable.
So I'm going to do it. I've registered and everything. And it's non-refundable so I have no choice.
Eek!
Well, something has come up that has piqued my interest in a 5K yet again:
That's right, a 5K zombie-infested obstacle course race. I mean, who wouldn't want to do this? I've been staring at the online registration page all day, debating if I should register, debating if I could actually finish this.
I feel like this would almost be easier than a regular 5K because it's not straight running, and (hopefully) the adrenaline rush of avoiding zombies would help me finish. And if I can't complete an obstacle or if I lose all my flags (I would start with three and need to finish with at least one to still be "alive") I become a zombie; while that would disqualify me from prizes, I'd still be able to finish the course at my pace.
Though, if I'm honest, I know what's holding me back: I don't want to become a zombie. I want to finish with at least one flag. I'd feel like I failed if I became a zombie, even if I finished the course. Crazy, I know.
But the race isn't until September so I have over four months (almost five, actually) to train, get my asthma under control, build my endurance and get my calf muscles less tense so it's completely doable.
So I'm going to do it. I've registered and everything. And it's non-refundable so I have no choice.
Eek!
Friday, October 7, 2011
2011 Goal Update #2
It's that time again - to see how I'm doing on my 2011 goals. And I'm so late on doing this update. So late. I wanted to do this sooner; I even started writing this post last week. But then my life got supercalifragilisticexpiali-busy and, well, here we are, updating super late. Such is life. Anyhoo, here's the latest rundown:
Goal:Plank - I did not do a single plank in September. This is because I quickly realized how much I hate doing planks. HATE. In all honesty, I don't see me continuing on with this, but I'll give it October before I admit defeat.
Goal:Run - I was having a tough go of it for a bit in September while running: I wasn't able to get anywhere near the distance I needed to meet my goals and I was tiring easily. But I was able to rebound and I've hit my 4km goal! Again, it's not four consecutive kilometres, but I'm running four of them all the same. My current run workout is to walk 0.25 km then run 1 km, for a total distance of 5 km. This is working out well so far and I'm hoping to slowly turn those walking sections into running sections as I aim for 4.5 km by the end of October. Still on track!
Goal:Food - Also something I stopped doing was logging my food. I've signed up for no less than four online food journals and ALL OF THEM are pains in the ass. The problem with the online journals is that they depend on users to enter foods and the nutritional values. If a food item isn't entered, you can create it but you need to know the nutritional info for it and that's not the easiest thing, especially if you're eating non-packaged food. So I'm going back to my pen and paper journal and just writing everything down. I want to see a nutritionist this month so I'll have something to show for that appointment without spending hours on the computer to log three meals.
Goal:Weight - My goal is to be at 170 lb and on my last update, I was 22.4 lb away from that (and needed to lose 5.6 lb/month). Today, I'm at 190.2 lb which is 20.2 lb away from my goal. The good news is that I'm moving in the right direction. The less-than-good news is that I didn't lose 5.6 lb last month, so now I have to lose 6.7 lb/month to hit my final goal. While this is still doable, it's at the high end of steady weight loss. But I'm not going to let that get me down - I'm going to keep trying!
Goal:Pants - I'll provide photo evidence next week. I simply have not had time to try them on in the past week. I'm so lame.
Goal:Dress - Please see Goal:Pants. Blargh.
Goal:Debt - I currently owe $9,162.21, which is $672.88 less than last month's total owing. I'm also (of course) waiting on more money to be applied to the loan, which will bring it down by another $400 - and bring it under $9,000! That will mean only $3,762.21 left to pay off this year. I'm feeling a little less confident right now about hitting my goals, but I should also be racking up some overtime this fall so hopefully that will give me the boost I need.
Overall, the numbers that I want to go down (my weight and my debt) are going down and the number that I want to go up (my running distance) is going up. As for my clothes, check in with me on Wednesday, 'kay? I promise I'll have something by then!
Goal:Plank - I did not do a single plank in September. This is because I quickly realized how much I hate doing planks. HATE. In all honesty, I don't see me continuing on with this, but I'll give it October before I admit defeat.
Goal:Run - I was having a tough go of it for a bit in September while running: I wasn't able to get anywhere near the distance I needed to meet my goals and I was tiring easily. But I was able to rebound and I've hit my 4km goal! Again, it's not four consecutive kilometres, but I'm running four of them all the same. My current run workout is to walk 0.25 km then run 1 km, for a total distance of 5 km. This is working out well so far and I'm hoping to slowly turn those walking sections into running sections as I aim for 4.5 km by the end of October. Still on track!
Goal:Food - Also something I stopped doing was logging my food. I've signed up for no less than four online food journals and ALL OF THEM are pains in the ass. The problem with the online journals is that they depend on users to enter foods and the nutritional values. If a food item isn't entered, you can create it but you need to know the nutritional info for it and that's not the easiest thing, especially if you're eating non-packaged food. So I'm going back to my pen and paper journal and just writing everything down. I want to see a nutritionist this month so I'll have something to show for that appointment without spending hours on the computer to log three meals.
Goal:Weight - My goal is to be at 170 lb and on my last update, I was 22.4 lb away from that (and needed to lose 5.6 lb/month). Today, I'm at 190.2 lb which is 20.2 lb away from my goal. The good news is that I'm moving in the right direction. The less-than-good news is that I didn't lose 5.6 lb last month, so now I have to lose 6.7 lb/month to hit my final goal. While this is still doable, it's at the high end of steady weight loss. But I'm not going to let that get me down - I'm going to keep trying!
Goal:Pants - I'll provide photo evidence next week. I simply have not had time to try them on in the past week. I'm so lame.
Goal:Dress - Please see Goal:Pants. Blargh.
Goal:Debt - I currently owe $9,162.21, which is $672.88 less than last month's total owing. I'm also (of course) waiting on more money to be applied to the loan, which will bring it down by another $400 - and bring it under $9,000! That will mean only $3,762.21 left to pay off this year. I'm feeling a little less confident right now about hitting my goals, but I should also be racking up some overtime this fall so hopefully that will give me the boost I need.
Overall, the numbers that I want to go down (my weight and my debt) are going down and the number that I want to go up (my running distance) is going up. As for my clothes, check in with me on Wednesday, 'kay? I promise I'll have something by then!
Monday, September 5, 2011
2011 Goal Update #1
Again, I missed updating my goal statuses on Wednesday, but that's okay because I'm going to do it now! (Only five days late. Sheesh.) So, how am I doing?
Goal:Plank - I'm not going to lie: I didn't do a single plank in Halifax. I wanted to do one every day for the month of August and, at the end of the month, I was about 60% on that. Also, I have not done a single one yet in September. But today is only the 5th so I can start today and still do well this month. Also, I always find it easier to reset and start again after Labour Day; now that summer is over, it's time to get back into a regular routine. (I think I still feel this way because I'm still at an age where, for more than half my life, Labour Day marked the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, so it still feels like a fresh start.)
Goal:Run - in my quest to be able to run 5km, I wanted to increase my mileage (kilometreage?) to 3.5 km by the end of August. On my last run, I did hit 3.5 km, but it wasn't consecutive; I had to take some walking breaks in between. But I'm going to take it! To stay on track, I need to be at 4 km by the end of September and I'm going to keep at it. I'm right on track!
Goal:Food - as I've mentioned before, I've switched from my hard copy food journal to an online one. I was doing really well with logging all my food and I had every intention of logging my food during vacation (thanks to a handy-dandy Blackberry app!) but it was a little too involved to do during vacation. Because the food items and nutrition value depend on users entering information so it can mean A LOT of searching to find the right food at the right portion size. So I didn't log a single thing while away. Oops. But I'm slowly getting back into it and it has been helping; seeing my calorie allotment for the day and watching it dwindle with each item I put in has really made me realize just how many calories get taken up by "just one" cookie. I'm going to try to maintain this for at least September and hopefully by that point I'll be ready to make the right choices without having to log everything.
Goal:Weight - I'm 22.4 lb away from my goal of 170 lb. With four months to go, that's 5.6 lb/month to lose. How easy is that?!
Goal:Pants - not much change. I was going to try them on and take another photo, but my stomach has been feeling gurgly and gross all weekend, so I'm avoiding anything too tight.
Goal:Dress - pretty much the same thing as the pants.
Goal:Debt - I currently owe $9,835.09 and this month, there will be more money put towards that number. I'm confident that I can hit my $5,000 owing by year-end.
All in all, I'm happy with how I'm doing. It's a big challenge for me, trying to stick with a plan beyond a few weeks. I always start out with such good intentions and I always fall off the wagon within a week or two. And having a consistently-shrinking student loan balance will also help me because at least I'll be making headway towards one goal.
So, tomorrow marks a big reset button for me. Briefly I felt nostalgic for school and that back-to-school feeling. Then I remembered how much I hated high school and how happy I am now with the Beau and the kitty and I'm just fine to have my own kind of back-to to do.
Back to my goals!
Goal:Plank - I'm not going to lie: I didn't do a single plank in Halifax. I wanted to do one every day for the month of August and, at the end of the month, I was about 60% on that. Also, I have not done a single one yet in September. But today is only the 5th so I can start today and still do well this month. Also, I always find it easier to reset and start again after Labour Day; now that summer is over, it's time to get back into a regular routine. (I think I still feel this way because I'm still at an age where, for more than half my life, Labour Day marked the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, so it still feels like a fresh start.)
Goal:Run - in my quest to be able to run 5km, I wanted to increase my mileage (kilometreage?) to 3.5 km by the end of August. On my last run, I did hit 3.5 km, but it wasn't consecutive; I had to take some walking breaks in between. But I'm going to take it! To stay on track, I need to be at 4 km by the end of September and I'm going to keep at it. I'm right on track!
Goal:Food - as I've mentioned before, I've switched from my hard copy food journal to an online one. I was doing really well with logging all my food and I had every intention of logging my food during vacation (thanks to a handy-dandy Blackberry app!) but it was a little too involved to do during vacation. Because the food items and nutrition value depend on users entering information so it can mean A LOT of searching to find the right food at the right portion size. So I didn't log a single thing while away. Oops. But I'm slowly getting back into it and it has been helping; seeing my calorie allotment for the day and watching it dwindle with each item I put in has really made me realize just how many calories get taken up by "just one" cookie. I'm going to try to maintain this for at least September and hopefully by that point I'll be ready to make the right choices without having to log everything.
Goal:Weight - I'm 22.4 lb away from my goal of 170 lb. With four months to go, that's 5.6 lb/month to lose. How easy is that?!
Goal:Pants - not much change. I was going to try them on and take another photo, but my stomach has been feeling gurgly and gross all weekend, so I'm avoiding anything too tight.
Goal:Dress - pretty much the same thing as the pants.
Goal:Debt - I currently owe $9,835.09 and this month, there will be more money put towards that number. I'm confident that I can hit my $5,000 owing by year-end.
All in all, I'm happy with how I'm doing. It's a big challenge for me, trying to stick with a plan beyond a few weeks. I always start out with such good intentions and I always fall off the wagon within a week or two. And having a consistently-shrinking student loan balance will also help me because at least I'll be making headway towards one goal.
So, tomorrow marks a big reset button for me. Briefly I felt nostalgic for school and that back-to-school feeling. Then I remembered how much I hated high school and how happy I am now with the Beau and the kitty and I'm just fine to have my own kind of back-to to do.
Back to my goals!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Goal Recap
Over a few posts, I've listed out the various goals I want to achieve between now and December 31, 2011. Here's a quick recap:
Goal:Plank - do a plank a day for the month of August (and - why not? - the rest of the year)
Goal:Run - be able to run 5 km
Goal:Food - maintain a food journal
Goal:Weight - weigh 170 lb
Goal:Pants - fit into my Esprit jeans
Goal:Dress - fit into my pretty purple dress
Goal:Debt - to have only $5,000 remaining on my student loads
--------------------
Plank-a-day update: 10/12 (I missed yesterday out of laziness/forgetfulness - worst excuse ever)
Goal:Plank - do a plank a day for the month of August (and - why not? - the rest of the year)
Goal:Run - be able to run 5 km
Goal:Food - maintain a food journal
Goal:Weight - weigh 170 lb
Goal:Pants - fit into my Esprit jeans
Goal:Dress - fit into my pretty purple dress
Goal:Debt - to have only $5,000 remaining on my student loads
--------------------
Plank-a-day update: 10/12 (I missed yesterday out of laziness/forgetfulness - worst excuse ever)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Goal:Run
With five months left in 2011, I've realized that I've made some good changes in my life but that I don't have any strictly defined goals with deadlines (I'm a very deadline-driven person) so I've decided to change that. There are a few things I'd like to accomplish between now and December 31 and I'm going to start listing them out, starting with running.
GOAL: To be able to run 5 km (and to complete a 5-km race next spring)
STATUS: Currently at 3 km
PLAN: Add 0.25 km to my distance every two weeks from August - November, then spend December maintaining that distance
I've read that you should aim to increase your distance by no more than 10% a week, so being at 3km right now puts me in good position to do this. I'm not going to lie, it's going to be a challenge for sure; not sure if my lungs or my legs will give out first but I do think I can do this.
To help keep on top of this and my other goals, I'm going to do a quick update on the last day of every month. Then, on December 31, I'm going to ring in the New Year celebrating having reached all my goals!
GOAL: To be able to run 5 km (and to complete a 5-km race next spring)
STATUS: Currently at 3 km
PLAN: Add 0.25 km to my distance every two weeks from August - November, then spend December maintaining that distance
I've read that you should aim to increase your distance by no more than 10% a week, so being at 3km right now puts me in good position to do this. I'm not going to lie, it's going to be a challenge for sure; not sure if my lungs or my legs will give out first but I do think I can do this.
To help keep on top of this and my other goals, I'm going to do a quick update on the last day of every month. Then, on December 31, I'm going to ring in the New Year celebrating having reached all my goals!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Seeing results
Slowly but surely, I'm logging more distance with my runs. I'm still doing walk/run intervals, but I'm measuring distance more now and I'm getting there!
Last Thursday, I ran a total of 3km in two 1.5km intervals, with walking intervals before, after and in between, and logged a total distance of 5km. Today I aimed to run 3km again...and ended up doing 3.5km. The best part? I didn't feel exhausted when I was done! Not only am I not as tired now, I've noticed other awesome changes to my body since upping the running ante: my legs feel tighter, not in a tight muscle way but in a toned-and-fit way; my torso looks slimmer, which I'm attributing to the extra cardio; and my breathing seems to be much better (though I am on inhalers to help manage this).
It is actually beginning to feel like I could run a 5-k. I should probably sign up for one, but I'm still a little scared and I want to be able to run at least 3km before I seriously consider doing a 5-k. But today I was able to run 2km straight through, so that's a start.
Working out at work is also helping me immensely. I find myself craving my workouts, which is great. I've been averaging 4-5 workouts for the past three weeks and I'm fortunate that keeping this up shouldn't be that hard. I'm also getting some obvious definition in my arms from weightlifting so that's got me excited too.
THIS is definitely what I needed: to be seeing results from my efforts as this will provide the encouragement I need to keep going. And maybe when I get back on the scale next Monday, that number won't be so bad.
Last Thursday, I ran a total of 3km in two 1.5km intervals, with walking intervals before, after and in between, and logged a total distance of 5km. Today I aimed to run 3km again...and ended up doing 3.5km. The best part? I didn't feel exhausted when I was done! Not only am I not as tired now, I've noticed other awesome changes to my body since upping the running ante: my legs feel tighter, not in a tight muscle way but in a toned-and-fit way; my torso looks slimmer, which I'm attributing to the extra cardio; and my breathing seems to be much better (though I am on inhalers to help manage this).
It is actually beginning to feel like I could run a 5-k. I should probably sign up for one, but I'm still a little scared and I want to be able to run at least 3km before I seriously consider doing a 5-k. But today I was able to run 2km straight through, so that's a start.
Working out at work is also helping me immensely. I find myself craving my workouts, which is great. I've been averaging 4-5 workouts for the past three weeks and I'm fortunate that keeping this up shouldn't be that hard. I'm also getting some obvious definition in my arms from weightlifting so that's got me excited too.
THIS is definitely what I needed: to be seeing results from my efforts as this will provide the encouragement I need to keep going. And maybe when I get back on the scale next Monday, that number won't be so bad.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Running math
I still haven't given up my dream of being able to run any kind of distance for a sustained period of time. Since I'm still working on getting my lungs to keep up, I've been running intervals. But I felt like I wasn't really getting anywhere (and not just because I was on a treadmill - baZING!), so I did some distance math and came up with the following:
1 km = 0.6 mi
Since the treadmill measures in miles and I want to be able to run a 5k, that means:
5 km = 3.0 mi
But since I'm not ready to run a full 5k without breaks, I timed myself to see how long it took to run 1 km (or 0.6 mi):
7 minutes = 0.6 mi
This means it will take me about 35 minutes to run 5k.
Once I figured this out, I decided I should revise my intervals to reflect actually achieving something in my running, rather than just running. So here's my running plan:
Walk 3.5 min
Run 7.0 min
Walk 3.5 min
Run 7.0 min
Walk 3.5 min
Run 7.0 min
Walk 3.5 min
The running part will have me at 3 km, which would be great. Of course, the walking parts will not equal 0.5 km because I'll be going slower, but I'll still be getting a 35 min workout. And with any luck those 3.5 min intervals will stop being walking and start being running...
...if I can keep breathing!
1 km = 0.6 mi
Since the treadmill measures in miles and I want to be able to run a 5k, that means:
5 km = 3.0 mi
But since I'm not ready to run a full 5k without breaks, I timed myself to see how long it took to run 1 km (or 0.6 mi):
7 minutes = 0.6 mi
This means it will take me about 35 minutes to run 5k.
Once I figured this out, I decided I should revise my intervals to reflect actually achieving something in my running, rather than just running. So here's my running plan:
Walk 3.5 min
Run 7.0 min
Walk 3.5 min
Run 7.0 min
Walk 3.5 min
Run 7.0 min
Walk 3.5 min
The running part will have me at 3 km, which would be great. Of course, the walking parts will not equal 0.5 km because I'll be going slower, but I'll still be getting a 35 min workout. And with any luck those 3.5 min intervals will stop being walking and start being running...
...if I can keep breathing!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Up-Down Challenge Weihg-in #12 - delayed!
I know it's Thursday but I did weigh myself on Sunday. It's just I've been SO busy with work that I haven't had time to even think about blogging, let alone put words to screen. To put it in perspective: I saw the Beau Sunday night; I did not see him awake again until he got home from work yesterday (i.e. Wednesday). Royal wedding + federal election + dead terrorist = busy times at work.
But that is all behind me, which is good because I need to get back on track with the exercising. My weigh-in wasn't great: 194 lb, which is up 2 lb. I'm getting a little fed up with losing and gaining the same 2-3 pounds so I'm really going to buckle down now. I find that when I get in the habit of running 3x a week my body responds rather nicely and I look good but more importantly I feel good. That's what i want to strive for because I like feeling good. And I've pretty much sworn off heels (which makes me so sad - have you SEEN the amazing wedge sandals out there this spring?!) which I think has really helped my legs to not hurt as much during/after my runs.
I think I'm still a bit away from a 5K though; my lungs can't seem to keep up - yet.
With any luck, I can get out of work soon too (still here at 6pm) because this girl wants a run!
But that is all behind me, which is good because I need to get back on track with the exercising. My weigh-in wasn't great: 194 lb, which is up 2 lb. I'm getting a little fed up with losing and gaining the same 2-3 pounds so I'm really going to buckle down now. I find that when I get in the habit of running 3x a week my body responds rather nicely and I look good but more importantly I feel good. That's what i want to strive for because I like feeling good. And I've pretty much sworn off heels (which makes me so sad - have you SEEN the amazing wedge sandals out there this spring?!) which I think has really helped my legs to not hurt as much during/after my runs.
I think I'm still a bit away from a 5K though; my lungs can't seem to keep up - yet.
With any luck, I can get out of work soon too (still here at 6pm) because this girl wants a run!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
On running
I saw my orthotics doctor today for a follow-up appointment regarding my new orthotics. I must say, I love my orthotics. Mine were fitted for dress shoes so I can still wear my heels to work. I also discovered today that they also fit my running shoes, so I can wear them while running too. While they don't fit my bigger, clunky winter boots, I have other off-the-shelf orthotics that work in them.
All this ortho stuff was necessary to ease and end the shin pain I was feeling while running. I have tibialis posterior syndrome. Sounds fancy, but really it's just tight shin muscles that cause phantom muscle pains in the front of my shins. I've been doing lots of stretching for that area and the orthotics have been helping - I ran on Monday with no pain! And, more importantly, no pain after either. So I was pretty chuffed about this and all excited about signing up for a 5K. Then today...
My ortho doctor told me I shouldn't do any sustained running as this will only cause me injury. This means that I have to always run/walk, even if I do a 5K. This won't stop me from doing a race, but it is a little disappointing. One thing I liked about running was the ability to set goals and see them achieved, whether in distance, speed or me not falling down gasping for breath after five minutes. But it's not certainly not the end of my running career. In fact, I now have to figure out how long I can sustain a run before I need a walking break. This will still give me a challenge and allow me to build my endurance; I just have to listen to my body and stop when it says I should.
In the long term, though, even if I never run a marathon, at least I'm doing what I need to do now to get healthy, enjoy exercise without (unnecessary) pain, keep my arches from falling and keep my legs from aching. All in all, that's a health win.
All this ortho stuff was necessary to ease and end the shin pain I was feeling while running. I have tibialis posterior syndrome. Sounds fancy, but really it's just tight shin muscles that cause phantom muscle pains in the front of my shins. I've been doing lots of stretching for that area and the orthotics have been helping - I ran on Monday with no pain! And, more importantly, no pain after either. So I was pretty chuffed about this and all excited about signing up for a 5K. Then today...
My ortho doctor told me I shouldn't do any sustained running as this will only cause me injury. This means that I have to always run/walk, even if I do a 5K. This won't stop me from doing a race, but it is a little disappointing. One thing I liked about running was the ability to set goals and see them achieved, whether in distance, speed or me not falling down gasping for breath after five minutes. But it's not certainly not the end of my running career. In fact, I now have to figure out how long I can sustain a run before I need a walking break. This will still give me a challenge and allow me to build my endurance; I just have to listen to my body and stop when it says I should.
In the long term, though, even if I never run a marathon, at least I'm doing what I need to do now to get healthy, enjoy exercise without (unnecessary) pain, keep my arches from falling and keep my legs from aching. All in all, that's a health win.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Up-Down Challenge Weigh-n #3
Good morning! I know I'm a day late with my weigh-in, but I have a good excuse: yesterday was my birthday!
I did manage to find time both to work out and to get on the scale, though, so I do know what my weight is. And since inquiring minds want to know, here we go:
Starting weight: 200.2 lb
Week #1: 197.6 (-2.6 lb)
Week #2: 195.2 lb (-2.4 lb)
Week #3: 196.0 lb (+0.8 lb)
Crud.
You know what? I'm okay with the weight gain, for a few reasons. Firstly, it's only 0.8 lb, which isn't a whole lot. Secondly, I slacked off on my workouts this past week, largely due to being at work late and not getting home in time to work out in decent time before bed. And third, it was my birthday weekend, filled with wine, delicious brunch, sushi, beer, cake and all the good things that come with a birthday. (Plus, for Valentine's Day we ordered in Indian food, which is good for you, but not if you eat more helpings than a normal person should.) Finally, I knew that maintaining a 2.5 lb/week weight loss pace just wasn't realistic. While I'd prefer not to gain at all, honestly it's not unexpected.
All this means is that I've got to make more of an effort to get back on track, which shouldn't be that hard since the past three weeks have felt, well, easy.
So here's what I've got to get back to this coming week:
- more salads, less delicious Zafrani gosht
- regular workouts
- really focusing on servings/day of each food group
And since I've got a beautiful day off stretching in front of me, I'm going to finally determine how many servings I need each day and I'm also going to finally look into that 5K run I've been talking about. By figuring out a run date, I'll have no choice but to start training for it, which will help my workouts.
While a great birthday present would have been weight loss, I'm happy to say I still have a fantastic birthday, celebrated with lots of people I love, and a little weight gain on the side can't take away from that.
I did manage to find time both to work out and to get on the scale, though, so I do know what my weight is. And since inquiring minds want to know, here we go:
Starting weight: 200.2 lb
Week #1: 197.6 (-2.6 lb)
Week #2: 195.2 lb (-2.4 lb)
Week #3: 196.0 lb (+0.8 lb)
Crud.
You know what? I'm okay with the weight gain, for a few reasons. Firstly, it's only 0.8 lb, which isn't a whole lot. Secondly, I slacked off on my workouts this past week, largely due to being at work late and not getting home in time to work out in decent time before bed. And third, it was my birthday weekend, filled with wine, delicious brunch, sushi, beer, cake and all the good things that come with a birthday. (Plus, for Valentine's Day we ordered in Indian food, which is good for you, but not if you eat more helpings than a normal person should.) Finally, I knew that maintaining a 2.5 lb/week weight loss pace just wasn't realistic. While I'd prefer not to gain at all, honestly it's not unexpected.
All this means is that I've got to make more of an effort to get back on track, which shouldn't be that hard since the past three weeks have felt, well, easy.
So here's what I've got to get back to this coming week:
- more salads, less delicious Zafrani gosht
- regular workouts
- really focusing on servings/day of each food group
And since I've got a beautiful day off stretching in front of me, I'm going to finally determine how many servings I need each day and I'm also going to finally look into that 5K run I've been talking about. By figuring out a run date, I'll have no choice but to start training for it, which will help my workouts.
While a great birthday present would have been weight loss, I'm happy to say I still have a fantastic birthday, celebrated with lots of people I love, and a little weight gain on the side can't take away from that.
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