C25K Redo: Dealing With It

"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days that you feel good." -- Anonymous

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When you've had 3.5 hours of sleep, been up since before the crack of dawn (from taking your sis to the airport), tired, physically not 100% (oh womanness!), feeling "blah" from the low hanging gray clouds, chilled from the Fall air and dampness from earlier passing rain, and all you can think about is the warmth and comfort of your bed.... 

Running was pretty much the last thing on the list in this case. This was not something I desired to do on this Fall day. Not only that but I knew I had a tough workout ahead (Week 6, Day 2):

- 10 minutes of jogging/running

- 3 minutes walking

- 10 minutes of jogging/running

Truly, it isn't that horrible of a workout but on a day like this, it seemed a bit much. 

Somehow I managed to get myself out of my snuggly bed and peeled away from the TV (I have taken to watching the "Today" show sometimes in the mornings). I changed from my already bodily-heated PJs to cool feeling exercise clothes. I put on three layers on the top and my long pants. Wrestled my hair into a ponytail, brushed my gunky feeling teeth, and pushed my feet into my shoes. Set the timer for 5 minutes of a brisk warm up walk and away I went on my route (after visiting with Cheese of course).

I huffed and puffed as I forced my legs to produce movement. Soaking in the freshness of Autumn air (today's scent had nice light touch of classic Fall smoke- the farmer burning kind), I started to feel more lively and hoped my timer would beep so I could switch to running. Ah...

I decided to run on the high school track since it provides a nice landing for my flat feet, and that way I am distanced from the cars (dislike the smell of pollution, yuck). Truthfully, I have a love-hate relationship with that big circle. Some days it feels like a oversized hamster wheel! 

Today wasn't too bad though my legs felt like they were being dragged and pushed through layers of molasses. They felt stiff and sluggish. There wasn't much I could do but move my arms in hopes they would carry me along (I recalled my high school Cross Country coaches saying, "Keep those arms moving! They will pace your body!"). 

The idea of giving up was a bit tempting, I will admit, but only for a fleeting moment. This little hole of mental weakness was quickly covered up when I realized that I can't just wait around to feel inspired or motivated. Some days I will just have to take care of business. My running won't always be what I want and it may just suck. Today was pretty much one of those- not stellar but still worthy enough of a Dr. Suess sticker on the chart.

You learn to just deal with it. Tis true, running teaches you a lot about life ;-)

C25K Redo: Halfway There

PROGRESS

1. a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage: the progress of a student toward a degree.
2. developmental activity in science, technology, etc., esp. with reference to the commercial opportunities
3. created thereby orto the promotion of the material well-being of the public through goods, techniques or facilities created.
4. advancement in general.
5. growth or development; continuous improvement: He shows progress in his muscular coordination.
6. the development of an individual or society in a direction considered more beneficial than and superior to the previous level.
7. Biology. increasing differentiation and perfection in the course of ontogeny or phylogeny.
8. forward or onward movement: the progress of the planets.
9. the forward course of action, events, time etc.
10. an official journey or tour, as by a sovereign or dignitary.

~
I am making progress!!

I am thrilled to say that today was my first day running without walking. Not only that but for 20 straight minutes (okay to be technical I did 21 because I hit the button on my timer accidentally). That's right, I have made it to Week 5 and completed it. Bring it on Week 6!!

The run today was challenging, though surprisingly better than the previous workout, which consisted of this:

(Workout 2 on Week 5)
-- brisk 5 minute warm up
-- 8 minutes jogging
-- 5 minutes walking
-- 8 minutes jogging

I think the reason why this workout and others have been harder is due to the fact that the heart rate changes so much. That's probably the point I am guessing.... Ah ha, so there is wisdom in some of these seemingly torturous days. haha Nah, it isn't that bad but there have been a few rough workouts.

Anyway, I am happy with being where I am and the condition of my body. I love that I am making progress. That's a good active word.

Part of my joy comes from learning how to be flexible in achieving my running goals. As a I mentioned a couple of days ago, I was recovering from a seasonal cold and didn't feel too great. Since I lacked energy I didn't run for nearly a week. That was pretty much what happened last year... but this time is different. I had to tell myself: "So you're sick for a few days, when you are better get back on the plan!" So I did and I am picking up where I left off. Am I running every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (like I wish- so organized!)?! No. Am I running exactly 3 days per week and following the program to a T? No.

Sometimes I run 4 straight days in a row, other times I don't run for 3 days. When I run varies.

That's the joy though. I am doing it regardless of everything else. When something is a priority, you really do learn how to make it happen. Not new news either, but this is something I want ingrained into my brain. I thought I understood last time how to follow a plan and stay determined. Obviously not.

So, I didn't do so well last time but I am trying again! That's the beauty of plans and goals-- if we really want to get somewhere we have to make adjustments around the road blocks and unforeseen hurdles. We may have to veer a bit to the side, jump higher, or crawl on our bellies... doesn't matter. The point is that we keep on going the direction to where we want to be.

~


(Now on a side note: If I could just apply this to every area of life, like reading the Bible consistently I would be a much better human being. Hey... this is a start right?!)

Couch to 5k REDO

So I have started the Couch to 5k Running Plan again. I have recently completed the first 3 weeks, so I am a third of the way done!

As you know a year ago, I stopped right in the middle of the program. I got pretty sick last Fall and then my schedule got incredibly hectic...and I shoved running right off my plate of activities.

Out of (mostly) random, I decided to finally get back into it and work towards finishing the whole program. I want to be healthier, have nicer looking legs (though nothing can change the fact that I am pasty white), and feel more relaxed overall. Whenever I run I feel released mentally and physically-- as I have mentioned before, I love that feeling of breathing more deeply. Now that I have started exercising again, I feel that desire to keep continuing... all because it feels so good.

I have also made this plan extra fun-- I am tapping into my "inner child" and teacher-office-supply-obsessed-ways:

Yes, that is my running plan on my bulletin board and looking all pretty (if you want to know more about making that actual template it is easy, I used Word & copied and pasted the running work outs from the website version).

And if you look closer you will see that...
1) I write the date of completion on each workout... I get to use one of my fun "fancy" Pilot pens (oh the office supply nerdiness!)
2) Check out those stickers! Yes they are Dr. Seuss!! Last year sometime I found a half used sheet of them in a pants pocket, from some sub job. I always meant to return them and forgot so I am being resourceful in using them (yeah, yeah, I know that sounds fishy haha).
3) If you look at the other picture you will notice there is a special order to the stickers-- the ultimate way to organize anything: RAINBOW order! :)

If you would like to do this plan yourself check out this website. :)

Happy Running!!!

P.S. This lady, Sara at Domestically Challenged is an awesome marathon runner! She talks about running quite a bit along with her humorous and candid life stories (and serious ones too- she has some real hurdles in her life -- yes pun intended).