W5W2 - FAIL

one word: fail.  i didn't make it through.  i was fine during the first 8 minute interval.  it wasn't easy but it wasn't awful either.  it just was.  but then i turned the other direction and the 20-30 mph wind that had been at my back was now in my face.  i had to keep pulling hazel which frustrated me beyond belief.  i guess she isn't ready to do more yet.  i will have to start going without her.  she was really huffing hard when we got home.  i don't mind going slower, but i like to determine my speed, not have the dog determine it.  i didn't like having to pull her along.  she kept going 4.6 to 4.8 which was almost the speed i had been walking during the warm up.  really annoyed me.  and then i was tired and there was the wind and blah.  so i stopped.  i stopped at about the 4 min mark, walked a little and then started running again and then stopped a second time.  not really even because i couldn't go on anymore.  i think i was disheartened.  my heart rate didn't seem that high.  i wasn't gasping for breath.  my legs weren't so sore i couldn't go anymore.  i just wanted to stop.  all told, in the second 8 minute interval i probably ran about 5 minutes.  tomorrow i will try again without hazel and see if i can knock out W5W2.  i was very surprised to see my max hr had gotten up to 196.  that is the highest it has ever been.  i didn't feel that out of breath - weird.

Time: 37.51

Distance: 2.5

Average HR: 155

Maximum HR: 196

Calories: 435

Week 8 Day 2

Another horribly hung over run. Great meal last night at Mulberry. Got there before my friend, had a glass of wine. Friend and I split a bottle of wine with dinner, then each had a glass of prosecco after dinner. Then I had a beer at Allan's. Didn't sleep well because of all that, and was meeting friends to run at 8:45 this morning. Lordy, lordy. Two aspirin, one motrin, and lots of water later I show up at the trail. It's cold, for me, anyway. It's low 40s. But I dressed okay. Shorts, t-shirt, jacket, gloves. I warmed up pretty quickly.

I am happy to say I did it! It was pretty hard but I think if I had felt better it would have been great. It is just a gorgeous day today - sunny and cool. And I enjoyed running with a couple of friends. Time definitely moves faster when you're outside.

Sidebar: The soap opera that is Clare and Allan has officially ended. Had the sweetest break up ever today. I'm a little sad but mostly just feel really at peace that this is the right thing. I think I, very selfishly, needed this last go round so I could get this thing to end the way I needed to, if that makes any sense. I love the guy but I deserve better. And it's kind of crazy that I can even say that; I usually can't. But I know it's true now, for some reason. Maybe it's the running. :) So, I'm going to go sweat my ass off in yoga this afternoon for an hour and a half, rent some movie like Steel Magnolias that will make me cry, and go to bed early. I am really looking forward to this!

Week 8 Day 1 in the can!

Finally I don't feel whiney about a run! It was actually a great one! Here's why: Originally I had decided to kind of blow off the time component and try to run for three miles (which would have been more than 28 minutes). Then I reconsidered, seeing as how in 25 minutes I was running a hair under 2 miles. So I decided to refuse to look at the clock until I had run a full two miles. Covered the clock, covered my speed, and just started going. When I finally did look at the clock I had been running for 22 minutes which was satisfying. I also ran a little faster than usual, also satisfying.

Pissed though because my hrm didn't work at all. I must have not had it on right somehow. At the height of my huffing and puffing it showed hr as 54. :) Ah well. So for stats I pulled what I could off the treadmill. So my calories burned are low - treadmill is usually about 25 calories less than hrm.

Duration: 39:00
Distance: 2.79
Calories: 256

I didn't hate it! Running is funny. I look forward to runs, I feel fantastic after runs, but I am usually just miserable during them. But not today.

W5W1

Complete.  It was warmer today - almost 37 when I left, which was nice.  There were a lot of annoyances today.  The volume on my ipod wasn't high enough and every time i tried to fix it on the arm band it restarted the podcast (inducing mad expletive rants).  Then Hazel kept wanting to stop and go to the bathroom.  I had taken her out right before we left.  This is always a dilemma for me.  You're supposed to pick up on the trail but then that interferes with the running parts usually.  This time I decided I simply must pick up after her.  I had a bright idea - I stopped my ipod.  I know, I don't know why I didn't ever think of that before.  Then I couldn't get Hazel to go fast enough on the second half.  She was trotting under 5.0mph, not because she couldn't trot faster, but because she didn't feel like it.  So I would give the leash a yank and then feel mean about it.  Maybe it's because the trail was snow packed and I didn't put on her dog shoes today.  Hopefully, things will get better with her or I might have to start leaving her at home.  I really don't want to do that though.  I want her to get in shape too.  And I figure that her running 3 miles, three times a week would be good for her.

Anyway, I made it through the run parts, even though the last one was harder.  I had a cramp in my side.  I could have gone a little slower but I just didn't want to.  I felt I could complete it at the speed I was doing, which was somewhere between 5.0 - 5.5mph.  

I am both excited for and dreading the 20 minute run on Sunday.  I'm sure I will be able to complete it.  I am looking forward to how well I can do with it.

Time: 37.56

Average HR: 143

Max HR: 184

Distance: 2.5

Calories: 382

:(

Week 7 Day 3

I got good sleep last night, no drinking at all and healthy good dinner. Got up at 5 this morning to do my run and....

it was still hard.

But that's okay. It was just hard...as a 25 minute run probably should be. I can't imagine adding another 3 minutes but that's what's up next. Today was satisfying though. It felt good to push through when I really wanted to just quit early. My hrm freaked out on the cool down. Was telling me hr was 180 -190. When I would reset it it would show more like 130 - 140 for a minute which was accurate. Needless to say, average hr is showing higher than it truly was, and I burned fewer calories than my stats will show. Crazy woman that I am, I finished up around 5:45ish, dried off, changed clothes, and went and did yoga for an hour. I'm still amazed by how hard yoga works my body. If anything, I think the run beforehand helped. I was super loose. And I felt free to have TWO breakfast tacos instead of one this morning...and inhaled them both.

Stats
Max hr: 192
Avg hr: 156 (prob should be 140ish)
Duration: 35:01
Distance: 2.46
Calories: 270 (prob more like 250ish)

Namaste. (whatever the heck that means. they always say that at the end of yoga and I've yet to look it up.)

Update: The Running Class

It was interesting. The first thing we did was a "warm up". And wow was I annoyed. The warm up was basically what I might do after I had warmed up. I was annoyed because I thought - how in the hell is this a beginner's class?? So, it didn't start well because I was super irritable about it and stayed cranky most of the time. Turns out we had run way too far. I ran with some girls that are definitely in a different place than I am with the running (leagues ahead) and I guess they thought she (trainer person, Chris) meant one thing when she actually meant another. So the next warm up won't be a mile + run with hills etc. After that we did drills. High knees, butt kicks, etc. That part was great. I like intervals - think they are effective etc., and that is what that felt like. She talked to me about my form - I am landing too much on my heel, I only swing one arm - which is weird, but true, and I had never noticed. Need to keep hips still and straight. So all that was great. I think it won't interefere with C25K at all.

I got a really good workout no doubt. Moved my weight training out to Wednesday because I need at least 24 hours of rest after yesterday and today.

I think running + yoga + once a week weight training is the ticket for me. Put on a skirt this morning and it's way too bigh - yay! I am going to wait awhile until I know the weight is stable and then go shopping...which normally I hate and avoid. I'm sure I won't love it now but it will be fun to need clothes because what I have is too big!

Week 7 Day 2

So you asked me if the 25 minute runs are hard and I said not really. Well, today was HARD. A lot of it has to do with me probably over exerting myself in a lot of ways this weekend. Did yoga twice, including earlier today. I actually ran a mile after yoga yesterday...not sure what got into me. Stayed out late last night, didn't eat right today. All this = painful run. I just kind of felt like I was going to be ill for the last 8 minutes or so. But I wasn't ill and I pushed through it. But it was definitely hard. Burned the most calories yet on this program.

Max hr: 184
Avg hr: 154
Duration: 37:02
Distance: 2.58
Calories: 292

My hrm never had issues, even during my cool down, which made me happy. I just cooled down normally.

Now I have a confession to make. I think I am about to start deviating from the plan. I am going to keep doing C25K every other day as I have been, but tomorrow morning I am meeting a group of beginning runners at 5:30 a.m. This woman is leading it - she is some major runner here in Austin, my age, mother of 4, sounds pretty cool. A friend of mine recruited me. I am going to check it out tomorrow and see if I want to sign up. It's twice a week I think and she tailors the program for you. It's $150 for 20 classes which is pretty good. I'll pass on anything I learn!

Lisa - loved seeing you on the forum! I really like that board a LOT. Good people and kind of cool that they are from all over the place.

Week 4 Complete

Well, I did it.  It wasn't quite as easy as Thursday, but it also wasn't as hard as Monday.  I was able to make it all the way through without stopping.  The first half was great.  The second half I started to get a little tired - more in my legs.  I'm glad Hazel is doing this with me.  She slows down the second half and that really helps me.  I can only go as fast as she goes.

When I left it was 21 degrees out and there was snow on the trail, but it was packed.  Actually, it was quite pleasant out.  It was not windy.  If it were, that might be another matter entirely.  I think I much prefer running in the cold, than the heat.  At least in the cold you can control your temperature.  I wasn't cold at all.  I wore the hat but not the gloves.  My hands were cold a little at the first but they warmed up.  

Hazel even wore her jacket.  And her dog boots.  Well, they aren't really boots.  We tried boots and they did not work.  These are basically rubber balloons that are made to go on a dog's feet.  Why bother?  Well, I don't like how it feels walking on snow and ice and I figured Hazel wouldn't either.  Also, this protects her dog paws from any salt that people have put out.  And finally, it keeps her paws from getting all wet and muddy.  I also thought it might help them stay slightly warmer.  She doesn't particularly appreciate her jacket and dog boots, but she consented to wear them.  Many people smiled at her on the trail.  

Time: 35.04

Distance: 2.4

Average HR: 152

Maximum HR: 181

Calories: 392

Yoga - holy crap

The last time I did yoga was to satisfy a PE requirement at Penn State. So, 18 years ago. Did a yoga class today. It was one of those where they keep the room really hot. For one, yoga is harder now than it was when I was 19, if you can believe that. (that's a joke) Secondly, I am fairly certain I have never, ever sweated as much as I did in that class. Holy cow. But I really liked it! I think I will try to add yoga to my various activities. Not too expensive and the class schedule makes me think I should be able to find ways to fit it in. We shall see. I'm going to wear my hrm next time - that was way more of a workout than I thought it would be!

W7D1 Done

Woke up at 1:30 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep so this was not at all something I wanted to do this morning. But it went okay. I ran the first five minutes a little bit slower than usual, and the last 5 minutes a little faster, and it helped to break up the run in chunks like that. My hrm never got it right after I started my cool down. I think my heart has trouble there - it has been doing really great during the runs but when I stop running I feel it. It went back and forth between 00 and 200+ for the entire last 5 minutes. Needless to say, affects the stats.

Max hr: 205
Avg hr: 146
Duration: 37:03
Distance: 2.58
Calories: 236

W4W3

I did it!

This time it wasn't a problem.  I didn't really feel like going today because I think I pulled a muscle in my upper back last night and it was bothering me today.  But it went okay.  I did run a little slower on the second 5 minute run (5.0 - 5.3) but I didn't have the trouble at the end like I did on Monday.  My calves were a little sore at the end, but I could have kept going.  Yay.

Time: 35.48

Distance: 2.4

Average HR: 154

Maximum HR: 187

Calories: 407

5K

I am going to do one February 21. A little early, but I've got other motivations for doing it. Namely, Allan really needs to do more cardio and this will get him going. So now I have a big goal! I just want to run the whole thing, even if it takes me an hour.

A Question

When is Lisa running again??

W6D3 - Sweat!

I just ran it. Sitting at desk SWEATING! 25 minutes without stopping.

Felt it in my legs and think I'll be sore tomorrow. Wanted to quit at various times but would just start playing mind games with myself -
You've run longer than this before. (somewhere past 10 miutes)
Okay, ten minutes left. You can run ten minutes. You did it two days ago.
Five minutes left. You're a huge pansy if you quit with only 5 minutes to go.
And so on and so forth.

After yesterday's cookie and mexican food fest, I needed this.

I'm annoyed at the hrm - I looked down at one point well into the run and and it was reading my hr as 55. :) So, my avg hr is falsely low and I probably burned a few more calories that these stats show.

Max hr: 187
Avg hr: 143
Duration: 37:57
Distance: 2.61
Calories: 269

Oh, and dropped my pace down a tenth of an mph after a couple of minutes. That isn't enough to really make a difference but I was struggling and it helped me mentally.

W4W2

Today I went to the gym and worked out on the machines.  I went really easy - I hardly even broke a sweat.  But since I haven't worked out in awhile, I didn't want to be too sore tomorrow.  I also walked 17 minutes when I was calibrating my foot pod.

That is all.

Walk

Well, I got up and walked this morning. I am definitely in a rut...just not wanting to DO this right now. Not gonna quit though. And I am actually kind of looking forward to the 25 minute run tomorrow. Just put the brain on auto pilot, cover the clock, and go. I know I can do it and I know I'll feel great when it's done.

In My Defense

This isn't an excuse, but I'm sure part of the reason I'm having trouble is because I'm running with 40lbs of extra weight that shouldn't be there.  I think it makes a big difference.  Or at least it looks that way on Biggest Loser when later on during competitions they make them strap back on their old weight and run with it.

W4W1

Well, I did it. Sort of. I had to stop 3/4th of the way through the second 5 minute run. I just couldn't. I had a cramp in my side and my calves were burning and it felt like forever until I was going to be over. But really, I quit somewhere between 90 -105 seconds from the end. I even prayed. feverently. I alternated between "please God" and the slightly more desperate "help God".

I did however redeem myself by picking back up and running the last 30 seconds of it. I was really tired. And hot. No more hat and mittens unless its less than 30 degrees out. It was 35 when I left. Also, no more three layers. I had to take the mittens off because my hands got so hot.

Check out how many calories I burned! Depending on how I feel, I will probably try to add a repeat run in on Sunday, since I didn't make it totally through the second 5 minute run. I really wish I had repeated Week 3 last week instead of sitting on my ass. Oh and the foot pad battery crapped out when I had 1/4 left to go so I have no idea about total distance or really speed.

Duration: 37.46

Calories: 460

Average HR: 160

Maximum HR: 193

Distance: 2.0+

W6D2 - That Pretty Much Blew

It's done. I did it. That's the good news. But dang...I did not want to run today. I didn't sleep last night, my workout with Lauren was really really hard, and my head was just not in the right place. But, I haven't been doing anything in between runs and definitely didn't want to go two full days with zero cardio, so I just forced myself to do it. It was two 10-minute intervals with a 3-minute walk in between. Nothing seemed right today - I don't like these shorts, I don't like this sports bra, my shins actually felt sore, my socks didn't feel right...ya know, one of THOSE days...whine whine whine. My heart rate stayed way up there which to me is good because I think - oh cool, burning a lot of calories.

But of course, now comes the satisfaction for having pushed through it anyway and I love that satisfaction! I think one thing I've learned this week is that I really need to do something on the non run days. I was walking. I think I'll go back to that. Somehow it makes the running easier.

So Lisa I need a post from you TODAY. Girl, even if you do W1D1 I'll cheer for you!

Need

I stalled out last week after the fail.  Can you tell me to get my ass going again?

W6D1...Kinda sucked

I had heard over and over on the C25K forum that W6D1 was really hard. It doesn't make sense. I just ran 20 minutes so why would a 5 min - 8 min- 5 min run be hard? But yes, it was hard. So note to Lisa, when you get here, be ready for it to be harder than you would think.

That said, about half way through the 8 minute run I found my groove and it was okay. On the last running interval I bumped my speed to 5 mph which is as fast as I've ever run, and I did fine. I'm glad I did that because it makes me feel like I progressed.

I took yesterday off entirely - which I don't do often. Didn't walk or anything. I think this was a good idea. I'll probably do another day off after the 25 minute run on Wednesday. Tomorrow may be a bike ride.

Didn't really want to run this morning but so glad I just got up and knocked it out so I can enjoy the rest of Saturday without that hanging over me!

Fail

I had to go to the gym today because it was so cold out.  Earlier it was zero degrees.  It did warm up to around 10, but I still thought it would be better to be inside.  Boy was I wrong.  That was miserable.  I have decided that I hate the treadmill.  Hate it!  

And I don't know if it was because of my mindset or the treadmill or what, but I couldn't complete the workout today.  I started out after the warmup with what I thought was a 5 minute run.  Half way through I wanted to kill myself.  It just took forever and my legs were sore and I really wanted to stop.  So I thought, okay, I will press on.  Then I realized that this first interval was only for 3 minutes.  I barely made it through despite the fact that I had no problem with 3 minute intervals last week.  I pressed on.  Then I got to the 5 minute run and I just couldn't make it through.  I tried.  At about the 3 minute mark I stopped.  

I probably could have completed it.  My HR wasn't that high.  The max was at 174 or so.  My legs were sore but they weren't that sore.  I attribute it to the treadmill.  It was just miserable running on it - at least for me.  The time was crawling, I was uncomfortable and I just didn't have the motivation to go on.

So like a little girl I pussed out.  I didn't even finish the time with walking.  I just stopped completely after about 13 minutes.  I will try again tomorrow.  First I'll try to do W4W1 and if I can't do that, I'll go back and repeat week 3 for the next few days.  I will definitely be running outside tomorrow.  Please let it warm up!

W5D3: The Run

I did it! Knocked out that 20 minute monster this morning! And it really wasn't monstrous at all. Felt it in my legs but pushed through. Had a lot of anxiety about it but...I did it! Ran at a nice slow pace - so covered about 1.5 miles during the 20 minutes. I'm pretty sure I've never run a mile without stopping much less a mile and a half.

Not much time to write this morning but did want to say....

I did it!

W5D2

That was pretty good. I feel ready for the 20 minute run on Thursday...I think! We shall see. Still feeling like a rockstar about all this, and blogging helps because I do not want to hop on here and say - yeah I know I was all geeked out but nevermind. That run was two 8-minute intervals with 5 minute walks in between, so lots of rest time. Stats are looking good - my average heart rate on this one was only 137. I may bump up my speed a hair for the next run.

Week 3 Complete!

YAY!!!!

Today it was a little warmer - 46 degrees.  I went without the hat and gloves, or the fleece.  I wanted to go without Hazel today to see if I was able to run faster, but when I went to leave she threw herself in front of the door.  She really wanted to go.  So I took her!!  Everything went well, but my legs got tired on the second 3 minute run.  Probably as a result of going three days in a row.  Next week will be better and I will take a day break in between.   I'm kind of scared of week 4 with the 5 minute run, but I was scared of this week and I did just fine.  So we'll see.  Hopefully Hazel will want to run for 5 minutes.  She doesn't really run.  She dog trots.  Even when she goes 6.4 mph, she is still just trotting along.  

Duration: 31.29

Calories: 331

Average HR: 147

Maximum HR: 182

Distance: 2.1

Walk MPH: 3.5 - 4.1

Run MPH: 5.0 - 6.4

W5D1 - No Sweat

Okay, lots of sweat. But this run wasn't a problem. In Week 5 you do something different every day but the podcast is the same...and listening to him give instructions for days 2 and 3 was a little unnerving. 8 minutes sounds like a long time...not to mention 20 minutes! But my head is in the right place and I think that's half the challenge. Today was three 5 minute intervals. Very satisfying. My max hr rate was right this time - 181, which I think is a good max for me. Avg was low because I forgot to stop the hrm when I took it off. So recorded at 139, I'm sure it was in the low 140s which is good too.

Feeling good. Running is doing as much for my head as it is for my body. Have I mentioned how HUNGRY I am all the time!? Good Lord! I eat all day long. Seriously. Just hungry. But I am avoiding sugar and cheap carbs - no white starchy food. Eat nuts, cheese, fruit, cottage cheese, sandwich meat. Not worrying about fats like olive oil, avocado etc, just no processed food if I can help it. All this eating and the weight is coming down. Good stuff.

W3W2

YAY!!!!

Today the temp was quite different than yesterday.  It was 30 degrees.  It was cold, but it actually didn't feel that bad.  This is what I wore:  running shorts, sweat pants, t-shirt, long sleeve mesh running shirt, light fleece, hat and mittens.  I think I could have done without either the fleece or the long sleeve shirt.  My torso got a little hot.  And my hands got hot and sweaty.   

I almost went to the gym to run on the treadmill, but when I peeked out to check the temp, it didn't seem that bad to me.   I'm glad I went on the trail.  It just makes it better.  I was tired by the end of the 2nd 3 minute run but I was kinda sad that it was over.  But glad too!  The best news is that my Max  HR only got up to 180!  I think I am making progress.  I am also able to walk and run faster, though I'm not intentionally trying to.  Well, I'm trying to walk faster, but I'm just running at the pace that feels good.  Actually, I spend alot of time trying to slow down.

Duration: 35.01

Calories: 362

Average HR: 145

Maximum HR: 180

Distance: 2.2

Walk MPH: 3.5 - 4.2

Run MPH: 5.0 - 6.4

W3W1

I did it!!! 

It was a great day to run outside.  Almost 60 out.  I prefer running on the trail because I don't focus on the time or run parts as much.  And it went really well.  It wasn't even that hard.  I really thought I was going to have to repeat week 2 but I think I am going to be able to move forward.  I did get a cramp in my side at the end of the 2nd 3 minute run but it was at the end so it didn't affect me.  And my shins are still bothering me but not enough not to do it.  I hope I don't have to buy new shoes.  I shouldn't have to.  I don't think I've put enough miles on them.  The next pair of shoes I buy I'm going to reset the global odometer on my watch so that I know exactly how many miles I've put on them. I also use custom orthotics because apparently I am a major over-pronator.  Those wear out too, but I have no idea how many miles I've put on them.  I don't want to spend another $400 on dumb orthotics.  And, it could just be that my shins are getting used to more running.  That is what I am going to go with for now.  

The back has behaved for the most part.  I took advil before I went.

Duration:  29.48

Calories: 353

Average HR: 160

Maximum HR: 208

Distance: 1.9

Walk MPH: 3.5 - 4.0

Run MPH: 5.0 - 6.2

Week 4 Complete!

Got up at 5 a.m. today to knock it out because I have plans tonight. So, it wasn't that bad! It was by far the best of my three Week 4 runs, which encourages me. Feeling okay about moving on. As a little icing on the cake, the scale finally moved. I think I'm over the plateau period, and since the running cranks up now (20 minutes at the end of week 5!) I think I'm good to go.

I start to hate it at some point and have to have this silly conversation with myself that goes something like this:

Are you having trouble breathing or something? Well, no, I'm breathing fine.
Are your legs killing you, is that it? Well, I mean, I definitely FEEL them but are they killing me? No not really I guess.
Then what is the problem here? Why do you think you need to stop? Umm, because this is hard?
Yeah shut it and keep running.

So, yay! It's Friday, I finished week 4, I had one of the best weeks ever with Sarah DESPITE the unwanted visitors in her hair, I start guitar lessons on Monday which I'm happy about, I've got fun plans with friends tonight...life is good.

Week 2 Complete (Finally!)

i. did. not. want. to run. today.

but i went anyway.  i had to - i'm already behind.  i didn't feel that great when i got out of bed this morning.  my lower back was bothering me slightly more than normal.  not sure what's up with all that but its been an issue for some time now.  i just hope that when i lose some weight it will go away.  that and the snoring.  a girl can hope, can't she?

i went to the gym tonight because it was cold and dark out by the time i went.  because i held out as long as humanly possible.  because i didn't really want to go.  i don't like running on the treadmill as much - its harder for me for some reason.  i can't go as fast and it seems like the run parts are never ending.  so i started running and my lower back immediately started hurting.  mildly disconcerting.  but it stopped bothering me after a little while.  and then my shins started hurting.  not hurting exactly, but it felt like they were pulling.  it wasn't a pleasant feeling but i kept going.  i hope i don't need to buy new shoes.  i can't imagine that i need new shoes.  

so today was much harder.  and now i'm behind on week three, which i'm hoping to cram into the rest of this week.  not sure how the 3 minute run will go but i'll just have to see.  if worse comes to worse i'll just repeat week two, although i'd rather not.

by the way, no clue why my max hr says 218.  i really don't think it got up that high.  i think the highest it got was 184.  maybe the hr thing in the treadmill messed it up.

Duration:  30:00

Calories:  305

Average HR:  140 bpm

Maximum HR:  218 bpm

Distance:  1.8 miles

Walk MPH:  3.5

Run MPH:  5.0

W4D2

This week is definitely harder! My first running interval is always the hardest too. But, it's done. And of course it felt good in a sick kind of way. And now for the super cool part...

Sarah is doing it with me! I am going to learn guitar with her and she is going to run with me. She did W1D1 today. We just kept her speed super super slow. She enjoyed it. We'll see if she can stick it out. Once the weather is good and daylight savings time returns I think she'll be fine because we'll run on Town Lake but the treadmill is pretty boring. But it was really fun today. She was proud of herself and I'm a happy mama.

I think I am going to try to start getting up super early and doing my cardio in the morning. There is just so much to do at night - cook dinner, get homework done, etc. that once we get back in the grind of school I can envision myself not getting going until really late. So contemplating a lifestyle change here. We'll see.

Here are the stats from today. HRM couldn't keep up with my dancing heart again so another ridiculous max hr number...

Max hr: 219
Avg hr: 142
In zone: 17:45
Duration: 31:23
Distance: 2.06
Calories: 217

Today was a stellar food day too, so good all around on the health front. Now tomorrow is family bday dinner for me...ribs...cake...ah well. At least today was good. Onward.

Not a Run Day

I am starting to get antsy to run more but I'm not going to do it. Gonna stick with the program for the full nine weeks. It's just that as I get more in shape, I am needing to do more to get my heart rate up/burn the calories. I did a preset on the treadmill I've done several times before that used to be pretty hard and it didn't do all that much for me. I think I'll maybe do another preset tonight. But here's what I did:

Max hr: 150
Avg hr: 126
In zone: 20:21
Duration: 30:00
Distance: 1.77
Calories: 171

Better than nothing. Worked out with George yesterday. Now that was great! Really, really good full body workout for an hour. A little sore today but not nearly as bad as I thought I would be. I think I've gotten over being obsessed with the scale which is good.

Okay, thus ends a really boring post. Back to nit picking. Literally.

Week 4, Day 1

First morning run. Got started at about 6:30. That was kind of ick but I am not going to have any other time today.

So this one is 3 minute run, 90 second walk, 5 minute run, 2.5 minute walk, rinse and repeat. My first 3 minutes was super tough, so I walked more slowly and then bumped my speed down on the subsequent runs. I think this was a good idea because I got through the rest of it pretty well. I ran for 5 minutes! Twice!

The heart definitely freaked out. I was showing 00 for awhile, and then when I checked my stats it showed my max hr as 225. Considering that is far above my actual max hr, I don't think so. But here are the flawed stats:

Max hr: 225
Avg hr: 140
In zone: 17:53
Duration: 32:30
Distance: 2.14
Calories: 216

So, my in zone is low because I was out of the zone high a lot. I am fine with that, I just don't want to be under.

After the excessive beer swilling of the last couple of days, this felt good. I'm ready to get back on track with the health thing.

W3D3 Complete!

It was a big day. Not only did I complete Week 3, but ventured away from the treadmill for the first time, ran with the dog for the first time, and attempted to carry on a conversation, briefly, while running.

Dog + Trail might have been a little much. I think I run faster when I'm not on the treadmill, so between that and trying to manage the dog, it was kind of an ordeal. But it was great! Gorgeous day, good to people watch, etc. Someone starting asking me about Pokey while I was running. "Cool dog - what kind is it?" I did my best to be civil. I think I passed. But I'm not ready to throw conversing in on a regular basis.

Here are the stats. I did the whole trail even though the Couch25k deal was only about half of it.

Max hr: 178
Avg hr: 144
In zone: 37:55
Duration: 49:15
Distance: About 3 miles
Calories: 342

I really feel great. I guess I'll bike tomorrow. I want to do something fairly rigorous but know I shouldn't run.

So, on Monday I'll be running for a full five minutes. Very cool. I know I can do it.

W2W2 - Homemade Podcast

Today Julie and I went to Central Market so that I could do my C25K. She walked Jay in the stroller (because she has a sinus infection) and I ran with Hazel. It was great. It went really well. Today was the first day I had music. I downloaded the podcasts with no music and then added my own playlist. I'm really happy with it. I made the music fade out when the guy tells you to run/walk and then it fades back in. Clare - I'll send you a link so you can download the one for Week 3 if you want to try it. It might be too "worshipy" for you, but it's the only kind of music that really works for me when I run.

I wasn't sure how Hazel was going to do because the other time I ran with her, she did great the first half but then slowed down the second half. Turns out, she did really well. The first half she was trotting at between 5.5 and 6.0 mph and the second half 5.0 to 5.5mph. I just ran at what felt natural and that ended up being closer to 6.0mph. I kept trying to slow down because it seems like it would be better to do 5.0 but it felt so slow to me. On the treadmill it doesn't seem slow. Oh well, I'll just see how it goes. Maybe when the runs get longer I'll want to go slower.

Duration: 0:30:00
Calories: 360
Average HR: 158 bpm
Maximum HR: 184 bpm
Distance: 1.8 miles
Walk MPH: 3.5 - 4.0
Run MPH: 5.0 - 6.0

W3D2

Was great. I actually ran on New Year's Day! I behaved the night before. Just wasn't in the mood to imbibe. Last night, on the other hand, was a totally different story...and I did my typical drink too much become a wreck thing and I'm pretty sure it's over with Allan. Ah well, what can you do. Onward. Anyway, the run was great. I did get a side stitch but otherwise no issues. The stats:

Max hr: 181
Avg hr: 133
In zone: 32:19
Duration: 39:50
Distance: 2.55
Calories: 239

I was the gym with Allan and he had a longer workout so I just stayed on the treadmill after I had completed the little program, hence the long time and distance.