Feeling lighter.

Today Hubby works until 7 and on days like this I end up running solo.  I refuse to go to the trails by myself so I tried the pavement again.  I spent about 10 minutes looking for my oh-so-not patiently waiting puppy until I realized we left it in Hubby's car.  So I had to trick her to going outside again :( 

However, I felt a little lighter on my run without her needed to sway one way or another and stop and sniff and snuff all the dogs who had previously been on the square of grass!  

Since I had been running (run/walk/jog) about 3 miles each time on the trails I decided I needed to suck it up and do it on the road too to get ready for the 5k I want to do October 1st.  This means I do one of my planned out laps twice. 

My reach my first mile and I knew by the time that I had just beat my mile record at 10:54!  Yay me! So I take a little walk break and start running again.  I do that a few times before I reach the 2.5 mile mark and realize that the rate I'm going I'm even going to beat my 5k record!  And I did! At 38:02!  

I had to pass my house a little bit to make it to the 3.1 miles so I just went around the loop and back to the house.  I'm very proud of myself, if you can't tell from this very boasting post! :) 

Couples who ice together, stay together.

To recap August in running: 19 runs, 10:09:59, 39.54 miles


Lets see, I think I only need to catch you up on my weekend workouts.  Saturday was Yoga for the first time.  It is the yoga from P90X.  Ahhhh!  That was tough but felt so good (the good kinda sore) the next day. Sunday run was 3.33 in 49:01.  I think the running gods were shining on me in the beginning but I slowed down for Hubby.  He wasn't feeling it.  Then of course I get tired and he starts to feel better and beats me, as always.  We did that in the AM before visiting my uncle in town from Cali. 


Yesterday was a rest day.  Although I did a little workout through a nike training app that I just discovered.  Pretty good.  Today I did 3.35 in 47:19.  Pretty proud of the fact that it was faster than the Sunday's run.  Not as fast as I would like the 5k but we are doing the toughest part of the trail including crazy hills. So now Hubby and I are watching Megamind while icing our sore legs.  


The past handful of times I have been running I have been contemplating how these runs are helping me.  I feel like the trails helps with endurance of course. But does it really help my speed? I'm concerned that since I have been running on soft dirt my shins are going to have a shock when I try running on the road again.  Hubby and I are going to attempt running the road on Thursday and see how it goes.  

Feeling left out

So you know about this trail that Hubby has taken me, where I saw Bambi again.  Well he's now going WITHOUT me! His schedule is a little wonky and opposite of mine so I don't blame him. However, I do not feel comfortable running the trail by myself (even though my big tough dog is with me).  My friends think I'm crazy for running so not too many volunteers there.  Therefore, I am stuck running on the boring ol' road again until Hubby and I's schedule mesh again.  

Day before yesterday was the first day that I ran across this dilemma. I was at a friends checking on her (she pulled a muscle in her back) and she offered to sit in the gym at her apartment complex while I ran on the treadmill.  So I took her up on it. I only did a mile.  I didn't want to make her sit there long. I then drove her (I say "her" but really it was me who wanted to go) to get frozen yogurt.  Momma taught me right though, gotta eat dinner before dessert.  So I had pita pit.  

Yesterday was an off day but when I got home and saw how hyper my puppy (I call all dogs puppies, no matter their age. Mine will be 3 this year) was, coupled with the fact that I only ran 1 mile instead of almost 4 the day before, I decided to take the pup out for a mile run.  I did just over a mile but didn't push myself. 

Today, well, I'm sitting on my couch blogging instead of running.  I am faced with the same dilemma.  I REALLY want to run on the trail but can't. So I sit here until I finally force myself off the couch and out the door. My tentative plan is to do 2.5 mile route around the neighborhood.  If I sit here too long I'll end up having a glass of wine instead. :) 

Venting

Let me preface this with the fact that for the past year I have LOVED my nike+ app.  Well, today Hubby told me that there was an update on my nike+ app. So naturally I went to my app store and updated it.  It then deleted all runs that are older than July 19th!  I started this in September of last year and had racked up exactly 150 miles in 100 runs since that time.  


If you run, you can imagine my state of mind now! Arg! There are few good things with the update, I can now see my splits and the elevation of my runs. But I want my old runs back so I can compare them.  I guess there is nothing I can do about it now.  

Bambi is all grown up!

Hubby took me (and the puppy of course) to run this trail at San Felasco State Park on Saturday. I started out strong but did not last long.  I was on and off running and trying not trip over all the roots and stumps in the way. The hills were tough too, I walked up and ran down though ;) It felt like it was never going to end since I had never done the trail before I didn't know where I was going and how far I had left.  Anyhoo, my time for that was 3.87 miles in 1 hour and 1 minute, yikes! 


Today we did the same thing.  I thought I was crazy for doing it again after knowing what was coming.  About a mile in I remember thinking "why am I doing this again?!" But that thought slid away as I kept pushing myself.  Hubby was having some issues with his foot falling asleep so we took a short stretch break.  Around mile 2.5 Bambi and her friend jumped out in front of us across the trail!  All grown up...I mean huge!  My crazy pup wanted to chase them but luckily she was on leash.  (P.s. she's a big scaredy cat, I scared her about 3 times on the run just by kicking a stick behind her.)  So I happened to glance down at my nike+ app and saw if I pushed a little harder I would beat my best time for the 5k so I did....and I did, by about 2 minutes.  We ended strong with 3.83 miles in 54:41.  


I'm feeling a lot better about possibly running a 5k in October.  Actually seeing it as an attainable goal.  Wish me luck!  

In need of direction

I am in serious need of direction! My body feels as though I am just beginning running when I have been at this for a while now.  At one point I was running a straight 2 miles and well on my way to doing more. My running has been like this:


8/6 (a saturday mind you) 6:52 am - 1.08 miles - 13:18
8/7 8:11 am - 1.60 - 23:31
8/9 6:40 am - 1.61 - 23:58
8/10 6:47 am - 1.58 - 24:03
8/11 6:54 am - 1.63 - 22:24
8/12 7:06 am - 1.59 - 24:07
8/14 9:37 am - 1.61 - 23:31
8/15 6:16 pm - 1.60 - 21:05
8/16 6:55 pm - 1.61 - 23:45
8/18 5:58 pm - 2.64 - 37:40


Now obviously by those times I am no where near running all of those distances.  I am maybe running .75.  On 8/15 I had a great run, felt like I was finally getting back to where I was before and feeling good.  Tuesday when I went out for my run I started getting those shin splints again and I have been hurting ever since.  I am running half a mile and needing to stop.  I will attempt to run a little more later in the walk but my legs just can't do it.  


Did I hurt my running by trying to do too many days each week? 


I am getting very frustrated. Nothing like bringing down your mood like a bad run or lack there of! I guess the only thing to do is to let it rest and ice it.  I am taking tomorrow off but I'm attempting a little more on Saturday, I just can't give up! I want to be a runner! 

New Goals

Yesterday began a very tough process for me.  I am now on my way to being a early riser.  I started on a Saturday because I already dislike Monday mornings so much that I knew attempting my first day at getting up early on Monday would not go well (as I have tried that many times before).  My first two days have been a success. Not as early as would have liked but way earlier than a normal weekend morning for me.  Yesterday I was up and at em' at 7:00 and out for a mile run with Hubby at about 11:55 pace.

Today was a little later, 8:00 while Hubby continued sleeping. My total mileage was 1.6 at a much slower pace. I was feeling a little hip pain, not sure what it is but didn't want to injure myself plus I having a little trouble breathing with all the humidity.  Ok no more excuses!   

Trail Running

Happy Sunday eve!

This mornings plan was to get up at about 9 am and go for a run with the Hubby.  Ha, we didn't get up until 10 and didn't leave for our run until 2!! Oh well, at least we still did it.  We decided to take the pups and go to a nearby trail.  I expected the heat but wow. I did get dizzy near the end so we walked the rest but I think I will really like the trail running in the not-so-hot months!

That is all.

Post Run Post

YAY ME! 
I feel so much better after running.  


Like I said in my earlier post today, I have been out of my routine for a few weeks now.  It may be 92* outside but I ran farther than I did when it was 62* out a few days ago.  Hmm...I think that shows how tired I really am in the mornings.  


So I'd like to think that I look like I'm running with ease, but I'm sure I look like I'm huffing and puffing all the way like a hunched over gremlin! :) oh well I enjoyed myself and so did my puppy.  Just wish the hubby was able tag along today. I stuffed my face with some cereal now its time for a strawberry banana smoothie. 

Jillian Michaels hard core

Well not really, but I'm hoping so!  I have this plan for the next couple of months to kick my own butt by working out and getting into shape for our first cruise.  Part of the plan includes getting up at the butt-crack-of-dawn 5 days a week to either run or do the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. So far I only got up early on Tuesday, shhh its Thursday.
To make up for my lack of energy this morning I am about to torture myself in the 92* heat for about 30 minutes! Wish me luck!

Out running the rain

Cait and I started out our workout with a 5 minute walk then started jogging.  While making our 1.5 mile route we look over towards my house and notice there is a giant dark cloud hanging out over the area! So we booked it a little faster and made it back before it poured on us.  I was so excited to run in the new clothes I got for my birthday!  I got some champion clothes from Target, the shorts rode up a little bit but I liked them.  I really loved my running skirt a little better that I got from Kohls!  :) 

Last week my Hubby went with me to run and pushed me to run 2 miles straight!  Since I had taken some time off I wasn't back to that yet so I'm glad he pushed me, as usual!  Today I didn't push myself as hard but it was nice that I didn't end up feeling completely pooped and I'm ready to continue this goodness throughout the week! 

ta ta for now

Back to basics

I took some time off from running over the past few weeks.  I started up this past week and of course I am not right back where I want to be.  I have to re-train myself on the basics now. I was up to running 2 miles straight.  I was beat by the end of it but I could do it.  Today I will probably be able to do 1.5.  Hopefully next week I'll be back where I want to be.  It is really hard to not come back to it all "gung-hoe".  All I want to do it run every day until I'm where I want to be.

I have new motivation now though.  Hubby and I decided to take a cruise in September. So that's 3 months to get ready! My birthday is next week and I originally wanted to be at my goal weight wise but....

I also took time off from reading the blogs because I knew it would just make me feel worse about not running.  I was wrong, I should have starting reading sooner, I would have started back sooner.

Anyhoo, I'm back in it to win it!

Bleh

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted a blog.  Since May 5th my runs were: 5/9/11 2.20 miles in 30:32 and 5/11/11 2.25 miles in 26:06

Those were great times.  Then....I have no idea what happened the rest of that week but the following Monday I woke up with some sort of pulled muscle in the middle of my back.  I ended up on the couch for two days and haven't run since.

* One good thing is that I've racked up 100 miles since september of last year. Not spectacular for some but it is for ME! :)  I have to keep reminding myself of that and others should think that way too.

Today WILL be my first day back.  I am only attempting 1 mile.  Partly because of being out for so long and I will be running outside in about 95 degree weather! Yikes.  Wish me luck!

OMG GO ME!

So I have to brag about today, it was a huge accomplishment for myself.  I set out to complete 2 miles according to my 6 week plan.  I figured I would run as much as I could and then walk/run the rest.  Well...I ran the whole thing! I finished in 22:25.  I couldn't believe it!

On my drive home I started thinking about where I was just a few months ago, I couldn't even run for 1 minute, I couldn't even finish the circle that I live on which is .33 of a mile.  Now I can run a consistent 22 minutes! It's amazing.  I am very proud of myself! *I slightly feel like I cheated because I did it on the treadmill, I just need to apply to the road and see where I get!

"Ahhhhh", as I sip my win in celebration!

6 weeks

Sunday started my 6 week plan I found in the Runners World magazine.  I'll get to that in a little bit because I just realized I haven't posted since the 21st!

So to recap my running....

4/22 - 1.55/20:01
4/25 - 1.10/14:17
4/27 - 1.44/18:17
5/1 - 1.35/17:00
5/3 - 2.26/28:03

Today's average pace was the best out the above times at 12:24.  I beat my fastest mile on 4/22 with a 10:20 mile, I walked the rest.   The heat has really been making it hard on me.  I got used to running in the winter, not sure how to adjust yet.

So to beat the heat today I ran on the treadmill.  It turned out really good! I felt great up to about 1.5, even right at the mile I was happy as could be, jamming out to a good song actually singing while running!  But a little later it got tougher, I started to walk a little bit. But when I heard my nike app tell me that I was at 2 miles I pushed it till the end.

So this 6 week plan goes like this
week one: day 1 - 1 mile day 2 - 2 1/4 day 3 - 2
week two:  same
week three: day 1 - 2 day 2 - 3 1/4 day 3 - 2
week four: same
week five: day 1 - 2 day 2 - 4 1/4 day 3 - 2
week six: day 1 - 2 day 2 - 2 1/4 day 2 - 2

I was not excited about today's run but glad it went well.  I think I'll just enjoy next week where I can start off with 1 mile again.  I actually have a race at the end of week 2.  Hubby and I are doing a 5k here in town.  I'm not sure if this will hurt my training or help me.

Mixed emotions

Wednesday the girls and I went to the gym in one of their complexes to get our exercise since the weather was not great.  I hop on the treadmill all excited that I'm going to run faster than I ever have.  I have this theory that the you'll always run faster on the treadmill because it sort of propels you.  I start my warm up, fine. I begin my jog, fine.  I start running, fine. I hit my 10 min mark and I start to push because I know I'm almost at 1 mile. I keep going past the mile, great! My nike app tells me that I'm at 1.25 miles, I kept going.  I stopped at 1.5 miles to find out that it took me 17:08 to do that and my mile was at 11:34! What?! My best mile, according the nike app, is 10:38.  I'm confused. 


The only thing that I could come up with was that I set my speed too slow because of being scared I would over do it. 


But, on the bright side, the last time I ran on a treadmill (just a few months ago, mind you) I could barely run for a solid minute. So to run continuously for 17:08 is very exciting! I can't wait to do it again! (But I can. I do enjoy my rest days)

Wednesday also marked the days that I officially lost 10 lbs.  Now just to keep it off and continue to loose another 7! 

Pat on the back

So excited I have to write about it!

I ran again today after my awesome run yesterday with Hubby.  I was not optimistic, I started off having to pee, my dog was pulling too much, it was hot outside, but....I did great! My nike app tells me that I ran the mile in 10:38! The past 3 runs I have improved my time every time. 

I had to brag!

Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday has different meanings for everyone.  To me, today, it was sitting on my couch almost all day and doing nothing but watching t.v.  Hubby went out and hit the trails on his bike for a while and came home insisting we go out for a late lunch of pizza - ugh.

At about 7:30 I finally pulled myself back off the couch for a run - a 1 mile, no stopping, run!  I did it in 10:45! Even better than Friday which was 11:34!! I can't believe I shaved that much time off in just one run!  I don't think I've posted about my running since last week, my update is:

Monday- rest
Tuesday - 1.26/26:?
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - rest again
Friday - 1.95/30:56  this day was amazing - hubby did awesome at pushing me - I PR'd my mile at 11:34 that day
Saturday - went to jax and a got a new iphone 4 but no running
Sunday - see above

Seeing how much I can push myself with Hector really shows me what I can do. I love that, the fact that he is the one that pushes me and that I have that in me.  I never knew it.  In just two runs with him I've started learning my pace, it is slower than I thought but that's ok.  I have that reserve at the end that can push me just a little further.  My next step is running the full mile without slamming on the breaks right at the mile mark feeling like I'm gonna throw up.  Then continuing on. I'm getting more excited for my second 5k with Hubby middle of next month to see how much I have progressed!

One mile, really?

Today, my Hubby decided to go on a run with me. Mind you this is the first time we have run together, I think ever. It is also, about 80 degrees outside.  We ran one single mile and I was so negative throughout it.  I am never that negative!  He pushed me which I appreciate when all I wanted to due was walk and he wouldn't let me.  I suppressed the feeling to throw up the banana I had before we left and pushed through. 

After wards I had the worst leg cramps I've had in a long time. I may have made my best mile at 11:24 but still. I don't know that it was the best way to do it. I don't feel proud of it. But Hubby says he's proud. I'm proud of him too, neither one of us are great runners but he was awesome at pushing me through! We will have to go on more runs so I can kick his butt!

Feeling the gain

Now that I've been running (jog/walking) for a few months I've started feeling the gain.  I no longer have shin splints.....yay!! I can jog a lot farther than I could before and I've lost a few lbs!

Tonight's run was great - we did the usual route by the university.  My nike app didn't catch all of it but it was almost 3 miles in about 39ish min. But a long the way I would run ahead of the girls and sprint back to them then do a few butt kicks and knee highs along the way.  They thought I looked ridiculous but I loved it and felt great after! I was craving hot dog pancakes like crazy so I stopped to get hot dogs on the way home and I dug in! :)

I finished the book Mile Markers by Kristin Armstrong, it was really motivating and inspiring to read.  I'm sure I will go back to reference parts of it when I go through a struggle. It is all mainly about running but its also how it is incorporated in her and her friends lives.  She gives you positive ways to look at so many situations and I love that. I highly recommend the book.

My first 5k

I made it.  From the time on 1/1/11 when I decided to do it to the finish line, I made it! The race was on 4/2/11. The night before the race I knew I needed to get my sleep so I did just that.  Got up on time ( I tried not to toss and turn that night) at about 6:30ish out the door by 7 to meet at Caitlans. We made our way to the other side of town for the race with plenty of time to get our packets, check out the other runners and make sure we knew where the bathrooms were!

Not long after we got there we were joined by the our other runner friends :)
There I am second one in from the left, cheezing away, happy and as nervous as could be. 
I am standing next to a girl who does stadiums for fun and still have a smile on face!

We stretched, ate half a banana and listened to the music. Finally it was time, we situated ourselves in our appropriate spot within the pack.  Me, Caitlan and Cailtin near the rear; Kaitlyn and Brandy up front.  Yes, me, three Caitlans and a Brandy!

And we were off, not 10 steps into it we hear a group of 4 people come up behind us squawking, literally! 3 guys and a girl all dressed in pink (it was for a benefit for research for Triple Negative Breast Cancer, hence all the pink) pink feather boas wrapped around their waste, pink shirts, shorts and a different hat on each of them. One was a flamingo head, a pig head and I forgot the other one.  It was a funny start to the race!

I had my Ipod on but it started to annoy be before I even finished the first mile so I just had the headphones around my neck for the rest of it. I did not run the entire thing, I did my usual jog a little, walk a little.  My goal for the next one is to run the whole thing. I finished in 41:26! Better than I did when I tried it the weekend before!! Yay! Only by 4 minutes but hey, still better.  Afterwards, we didn't stick around long, just enough time to take a few pics with the gator mascots and eat some gellato.

Now that I finished my first race I'm addicted.  I already have another race picked for sometime in May to do with my Hubby.  Then another in June to do with my sister-in-laws! All 5ks so I can get used to running them then maybe move up from there.  I have to say that I very proud of myself and my friends for sticking with this goal and this new adventure!

Tonight was my first run since the race.  Caitlan and I decided to go to a park instead of the usual, it was the perfect weather for it.  We ran a little over a mile and a half and when we were back at the car, all I wanted to do was go run another mile!  I decided not to, Caitlan was looking at me like I was crazy.  But I like to end on a good feeling so I am ready for the next one.

Oy the heat!

Recap of this past week
Monday - 1.09 miles 15:07
Wednesday - 2.57/45:55 (all walking)
Friday - 2.28/49:29 (all walking w/ stops for the dogs)
Then there was today, Sunday, after walking on my last two workout days I decided to go out and try my first 5k on my own.  I started at 9:45 this morning and it was 73 degrees now its almost 78.  Ugh. I could barely run any of it. I got used to running in the cold. My total run/walk was 3.27/47:57 the 5k was at 45:20. I'd like to cut 5 min off that for the 5k race next week but we shall see. 
I'm not very optimistic about the race next week but maybe the excitement of all the people will keep me going. Not being optimistic about just the 5k makes me worry if I'll be able to do the Rugged Warrior at the end of April.
I'll be on vacation this Tuesday and Wednesday lets hope I don't ruin all the work I've been doing!

Unknown record

Last night and today have been great.  Last night was mainly a night in with the Hubby.  I did my planned run, 5 times around the circle I live on totaling 1.87 miles in 26:37.  I alternated running 1 and walking one then I caved to that craving for a burger and fries and went to Kazbor's in town.

Today I filled up the kiddie pool for the pup and got a good laugh at her then took her on a nice long 45 min (2.65mi) walk to dry her off so she wouldn't bring her muddy paws in my house! I think I skipped the bike ride on Thursday, Caitlan and I wandered all throughout my neighborhood to the point that it was getting dark and we sat at a stop sign looking at our phone's gps to find our way home. If you know me, you know I'm very directionally challenged!

When I got home from my run yesterday I was disappointed that I hadn't broken any of my personal records.  At the end of each run it tells you the distance, time and an uplifting comment along with any records you may broken in that session. When I sat down and started looking at the records I found that I broke one on 3/9.  I apparently ran my fastest 1k which was 7:00 even. Yay! Go me.

Planning ahead

This week I have done the following (thanks to my lovely nike app):  Monday - 2.12 miles 30:57 Tuesday - nada  Wednesday -  2.16 miles 30:10 Today - Bike ride with Caitlan as soon as she gets here :)

By the time I was done with my run on Wednesday I had already planned out Fridays run - I take that as a good sign.

I've been following a few other runners on their blog and its hard not to get discouraged.  I know, I know I'm not supposed to compare, but who doesn't!?  I think I need to find some beginner runners to follow, the ones I do now can go out and run 5-10 miles easy. 

Anyways - some of my struggles right now are: still finding my footing - I've gotten a little better about not slamming down really hard on my left foot when I land but it's still not quite right.  I'm also still finding my pace. I think started out the wrong way, sure I began by just walking a little bit a few times a week which is fine.  But when I started incorporating running I started off with a "go big or go home" attitude.  I also have the girls I am running with - which is great - and at first I was using them to push me and I think I pushed too hard which ended up hurting me.  So, that leaves me with a few months of time in and I'm just now working on my footing and my pace. But hey, I'm still doing it and excited about it! I've also lost roughly 7lbs! I have goal of another 4-5 lbs by race day. Then another 5 by the end of April.   We'll see if I cave to my craving for a juicy burger tonight. :)

Oh yea, HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Nothing special planned here...Hubby has to work. 

Mini Vaca

Today Hubby and I decided to go to St. Augustine beach for a little relaxation. We of course brought the dog and we brought the bikes.  So I got my exercise in!  I have no idea how far we went and I don't really care I just enjoyed it. It was a little chilly (for my floridian self) I think in the high 60's.  We rode to find lunch and had awesome pizza.  A little more time on the bike then resting next to the ocean and we were off to head home but...had to stop at Rita's and get a blendini (ice, custard and oreo's)!!
Tomorrow back to running.

Multi tasking at its best

SO... I get out of work today an hour early, wahoo! I decide to hit the book store, there is something calming about wandering a book store no matter what your looking for.  I chalk that up to my many, many wanders around bookstores growing up! I ended up spending about 2 hours in 2 different stores looking at running books.  I didn't find the one wanted but I think I might get the one, Run Less Run Faster.  I was looking for Mile Markers.  Any other suggestions?

All that time plus vising a friend in between put me at not getting home until I was famished and it was  8:30! But I forced myself to go out and run (walk/jog whatever) anyhoo.  Not the 3 miles I would have done with the girls but still a 12 minute mile, not bad, better than nothin'!  I'm not in tears and not bad pain so it is progress for me! Tomorrow...maybe a bike ride.

I am now eating my yummy homemade chicken and vegetable concoction, icing my ankle, blogging and watching junk TV.  I'm quite the multitasker!

A little more about my running

So I gave a little info about me on yesterday's post but really I wanted to get into what my "stats" are on running.  I have been looking around at other runners blogs and I see how much they can run and of course what do I do but compare myself. I know, I know not the best idea.  So instead, I will post where I am at now, be proud of how far I've gotten and then continue to watch me progress! 

Right now I can jog a about .65 of a mile then I need to walk a minute.  I can pick it up after I get a breather. My best time on a mile is 12:12.  I am shooting to bring it 10:00 for the 5k.   Unfortunately what makes me need a breather is the pain in my legs and shins not that I'm tired.  I have already noticed an increase in my breathing and endurance.  

So the 5k is April 2nd but my husband also wants to do the Rugged Warrior in Waldo on April 30th! I'm excited but more nervous about that one. He did the Warrior Dash last month and it seemed like a lot a fun.

Tonight I didn't do any cardio I just did some ab work and squats and such. But I will back on the road tomorrow with the girls. Hopefully doing 3 miles. 

If anyone has suggestions for stretches to help relief the shin splints, please, do tell!

This weekend I will work on personalizing the blog a little bit, it's too plain for my taste right now. 

My beginning on 1/11/11

1-11-2011The day I decided to run my first 5k!  Ha, I just realized the date. On that day, I had gone for a walk/jog (more of a walk) and on the way back I was thinking of how I had always wanted to be a runner but had never tried it really.  So I sent a text to two of my local friends forcing them to join me.  They reluctantly agreed.  Fortunately, it has worked so far to have each other to push. I also jog with my dog, Maddie, she is a 2 year old lab mix with LOTS of energy!

I know that this will be one of my greater defeats when I get to where I want to be. 

Since that first day I have been fairly good about doing some activity 3x per week.  Last week I started going for 4x. This week I am on day 3 and is only Wednesday, I would like to go for 5x. The 5k is on April 2nd and tonight was the first night since that first day that I wasn't sure that I would be ready for it in time. Tonight was the first night since that first day that I came home from my run in tears. I have terrible shin splints and a little ankle pain from a old injury.  I may be overworking myself so tomorrow I am reluctantly taking my husband's advice :) and going for a bike ride. 

So my routine is: run/walk/jog no less than 3x per week Monday, Wednesday and Friday is with friends.  We alternate houses or meet in town for a change of scenery. I have yet to jog with my husband, he does a different work out routine but he is the number one person pushing me.  He unfortunately doesn't baby me about the pain either.  :( 

My plan for this blog is to share my experience, look for others with the same difficulties as me and ask for advice on my running adventure. So any comments are greatly appreciated!