Week 5...

Well as usual I got off track there for two weeks.  I managed to get one run in each of the two weeks I was off but now I'm back to it.  Two runs already this week.  I've decided to keep with the run/walk thing until I feel I can do better instead of continuing to try and fail at running the entire distance.  Nothing is worse for me with running than failure.  It will keep me inside every time.  So if I can manage to get out of the house and run and return feeling like I was a success then I am doing something right.  All I want to do right now is keep at it.  I have a 4.5 mile run on Monday morning.  I am looking forward to it.  I am going to try for 3/2 at least some of the time.  Either way if I get out I've succeeded. No plans for races yet.  I need to get more miles under my belt.  Maybe in the next few months.

Ugh...

Today sucked!  There are no other words for it.  I had been dreading the 3.5 mile run all weekend.  I set my alarm yesterday to get up and run with David but when it went off at 5:30am I had only managed about 3 hours of sleep.  I couldn't keep my eyes open no less go out and run.  So I turned the alarm off and put my head under the covers.  That left today for me to finish week three.  I had run out of time and had no other choice but to get up and get running this morning.  Sleep evaded me yet again last night.  It could have been the nap I took after a healthy Mexican meal and a beer or it could have been my dread of the run that keep me wide awake until after 3am.  Either way I had to get up or run with the bugs in the heat later today.  I had my coffee and bowl of cereal not wanting to leave the comforts of my house.  I pressed on, got dressed and walked out the door.  It was cool out.  That may help.  3.5 miles.  That sure is a long way away.  Where was I going?  Who knew.   I just needed to get stared.  I headed out flaying around on my feet not feeling a rhythm the whole time.  I ran the first mile without stopping but I felt like I was going to die.  Was it my feet?  Legs?  What exactly made me feel the need to start walking?  I couldn't pinpoint it but it didn't really matter.  I needed a rest.  I thought I could pick back up the pace and run at least another mile without walking but that didn't end of being the case.  I did a walk run of 2 minutes on 2 minutes off the whole rest of the way.  I guess I should be happy that I at least did that but I am upset.  When I finally got home some 50 minutes later I was totally depleted.  Still sitting here typing this I feel worn out and exhausted.  Feet and legs are ok.  After assessing I'm thinking 90% was my head and 10% was the fact that I didn't sleep.  I am now thinking of things to distract myself while running.  Books on tape are first on my list.  I must get out of my own head.  It's one thing not to want to go out running.  It's another totally different thing when the entire time you are telling yourself you can do it.  My body literally shuts down and keeps me from doing what I am supposed to be doing.  I must distract my head so my body can do what it needs to do.  Glad I have a break until Tuesday.  I'm determined to get out of my head and into running.

I'm Doing IT!!

Well tomorrow is day 3 of week 3!!!  I have been doing really well with my new training program.  Boy what a difference having accountability makes.  I am starting to see some improvements with my ability to keep the walking to a minimum.  I have two races coming up that I am interested in.  Not sure which one I will do as they are one right after the other.  My goal is just to run the full 3.2 miles.  I have been running at night which has been working for me but it is getting hotter.  Yesterday I ran in the morning after getting up 30 minutes earlier to eat and have coffee.  I did enjoy that more since it was cooler.  I have figured out that I must eat before running and I can run right out the door after having a small meal like cereal.  I think that may have been the problem before when I haven't felt well.  Now I need to figure out a training watch.  They are expensive but they are very necessary.  So until next time...YAY!!  I'm doing it!!

OK, OK: This time is for real!

I finally graduated from USF.  Saturday was the ceremony.  One goal accomplished and now on to a new one.  No time to rest.  David got me a running coach for a present and I start today.  My goal is to run a half marathon in November.  This time I feel I am ready to stick with a program and reach my goal.  I also feel it will help me stay in good spirits while I look for a job.  I can stay focused on something real and get healthy.  My first run is tonight.  A two miler.  I was able to race Gasparilla back in March.  I didn't blaze a trail but I finished.  It was my longest voyage out but I did walk most of it.  No real surprise since I didn't train for it.  But now that school is finally done, I have the means to really get things going.  No more excuses.  Oh yeah and we also did Urban Dare this year in April.  It was a lot of fun and I feel I was in better shape for it than I was the first time.  I want to do more things like this with David.  We said we would do a running vacation when I got up to speed.  I hope so.  It sounds like fun.

Week 2 Training...

Just got back in from Week 2 Day 1.  It went well.  I have modified the plan to fit my needs and it seems to be working.  I already know I can run a 5k so I made these early weeks two days instead of three.  I was able to do Week 2 with no problems.  As it gets harder I may choose to complete the three days but I am already feeling as if my body is responding quickly.  I feel great.  I was talking to a friend yesterday about the Warrior Dash in January.  I guess I will have to see how fast I can get up to speed.  It looks like fun.  I'm just not sure if I'll be ready for that in time.  Till next time...

Back in the Game

Well I made it!  It is finally my last semester of school.  I start back in January and right now I am enjoying a much needed break.  I have again decided to pick up running.  The last time I went for a run was in June - the Run Through Hell.  I have to be better than bi-annually running.  So I went out tonight and started back at the beginning of the Couch to 5k.  I need the practice and by the feel of my lung my body needs to get back into the grove.  The semester was successful!  I got straight A's and I will be on the Dean's List for the second time in a row.  I am very proud of myself.  These past two semesters have been really tough.  Tomorrow I plan to take part 1 of the FTCE test to become certified as a teacher.  Christmas is right around the corner and things.  My next race is Gaparilla in March.  I want to do the 8k and push myself a little.  I already know I can do a 5k even if I have to restart my program.  So a challenge is in order.  I will try to update this more often as I begin my training.  Hopefully school won't get in the way and I can at least try to get in a post once a week.  I will be interning in a 4th grade class right down the street so I am pretty happy about that.  Till next time...

Time Flies When You're in School

Wow!  I can't believe it has been so long since I updated this.  I haven't been working out by body since April.  Only my mind.  I finished one semester only to start another one a week later.  Summer session sucks!! But I am back in the saddle as of Monday of this week.  I signed up for the gym because I hate running in the heat.  I had been once or twice with David but nothing too serious.  Monday I decided to get back into doing something.  I have a little time now that school is almost over so I wanted to spend that extra time working on me.  I worked out my upper body on Monday and then did one hour/14 miles on the bike on Tuesday and today I worked out legs.  I am sore today.  I planned on going everyday this week but I need some rest tomorrow.  I did lunges and really did my legs in too much for more cardio tomorrow.  But I will be back to it Friday and then Saturday to get my full 5 days in. I am very excited about starting again.  I still have plans to run again but when it gets cooler.  Not sure if a half marathon is in my immediate future but it's still only summer.  I am headed off to San Francisco right after school lets out and I am excited about that.  Maybe I'll get a run in out there.  I know the weather will be nice!!  I hope to keep up with my blog better than I have been but writing papers all summer doesn't make me want to write for pleasure.