C25K – W5D1

For more information on Couch to 5K visit http://www.c25k.com

I’d told myself that I was going to repeat Week 4.  I wasn’t happy with my performance for that week and then I ended up not working out for 2 weeks, so I thought I really needed to try that one again.

I really did not want to exercise when I woke up this morning.  In fact, I really did not want to get my tushie out of my nice warm bed.  But I did it anyway.  I put on my workout attire, stumbled down the stairs and got mad at the stuff in the way of my treadmill.  I moved it out of the way, set up the machine, and then started the coffee.  By that time I could almost see straight so it was time to get started.

Today I had a brisk 5 minute warmup walk, followed by 5 minutes of jogging, 3 minutes of walking, 5 minutes of jogging, 3 minutes of walking and a final 5 minutes of jogging.  I added in another 1.5 minutes of cool down walking.  I ended up going 1.88 miles in 27 minutes, 27 seconds.  According to Daily Mile that’s an average rate of 15 minutes/mile.  Then I stretched a bit and had breakfast.

The way it really happened is that I started out repeating week 4, which starts with a 3 minute jog.  I wanted to see if I could go for 5 minutes (and I did), so I ended up doing Week 5 instead.  The first jog was pretty easy.  The second jog started out easy and became more challenging towards the end.  The final jog required me talking myself through it and doing that mental countdown thing I do to finish.

I have noticed that it’s really difficult to stretch my left leg after I’m finished jogging.  I know it has to do with my knee getting stiffer and just not wanting to move.  I’ve also noticed that if I don’t force the stretches on that leg, then I end up with a stiff, achy knee for the rest of the day.  Weird huh?

I’m so excited that I was able to complete this workout.  This is the farthest that I’ve ever been in C25K.  I’m gonna keep going!

Nope, not dead

I know you must all be thinking that I’ve fallen off the face of the earth or something.  I assure you, that’s not the case.  I’ve just been busy!  And lazy…

I fully intended to continue jogging last week.  I’d planned on repeating Week 4 of C25K.  But then I started throwing up.  A lot.  Not fun.  My boss wasn’t too happy with the missed days of work either after I’d already been away from the branch for a week for training and would be away for the California Library Association (CLA) conference.  Well, what can ya do?  It’s really a choice between puking at work (and grossing everyone out) and puking at home where you can huddle in bed.  I think I made the wise decision.

Then I thought that I’d just jog while I was in Sacramento at CLA.  I didn’t want to jog in an unfamiliar environment, so I chose a hotel with a gym inside.  I packed my exercise clothes too.  Then I went downstairs to the “gym” and found a broken elliptical, broken bike, and a treadmill that wouldn’t go above 2.5 mph.

So, no jogging last week.  Or this week either.  *sigh*  I suck.

Monday will be better.  I’ll repeat week 4 and continue from there.

Now, with what’s left of the day, I still need to run errands (banking, get a new house key made, grab potluck stuff) and head to a party (the reason for the potluck stuff).  Tomorrow will be filled with work and a housewarming party for one of DH’s coworkers.  I’ll also try to post a bit about CLA, what I learned there, and how I might apply it at work.

Couch to 5K – Week 4 Day 3

For more information on the Couch to 5K training visit http://www.c25k.com

I actually completed this workout for C25K as written today.  In 28 minutes I went 1.94 miles.  I added another 1.5 minutes for a cool down, so my total time and distance are a little skewed. I’m glad I finished. The running portions were all done at 4.7 mph. The walking portions were all done at 3.5 mph, and my cool down decreased the speed from there. I’m a little dizzy and I need to ice my knee, but overall I’m OK.

I learned last night that some races don’t allow you to wear headphones “for safety reasons.”  I guess that makes sense, especially on a course that isn’t closed to traffic.  I thought that I should probably practice running with and without music so that I won’t be completely thrown off my stride if I’m ever not allowed to have headphones.  Today was a no music day.

It was my first such day, so it was a little odd.  In some ways it felt like things went a little faster.  In other ways it was a little weird.  I definitely had to talk to myself a bit more since I couldn’t lose myself in the music.  I also found myself paying more attention to my breathing so I was able to change my stride/breath pattern as I noticed the beginnings of a side stitch instead of waiting until it started to hurt to breathe.

That’s not to say that this workout was much easier than the other week 4 workouts.  I still ended up covered in sweat, feeling like I couldn’t possibly take another step, dizzy, nauseous and anxiously watching the clock.  But I finished nonetheless.

I looked ahead at the workouts for week 5.  I don’t think I’m quite ready for them.  Ill definitely be repeating this week.  There’s no sense hurting myself so that I can finish “on time” for something that doesn’t have a hard finish date.

 

Couch to 5K – Week 4 Day 2

For more information on the Couch to 5K training program, visit http://www.c25k.com

Today’s workout had the same requirements as Monday’s and it was just as challenging.  The difference?  I actually completed this one!

I generally prefer to jog in the mornings, before my knee has had a chance to become tired and achy.  It didn’t work out that way today because I stayed overnight to take care of mom.  As a result, I had to push today’s workout back to tonight and I ended up running on a tired knee.

After Monday’s disappointment, I really wasn’t looking forward to this workout.  I figured that I needed to run smarter and listen to my body this time.  Novel idea, right?  Normally I walk at 3.5 mph and jog at 4.7 mph.  That’s what I did for the first three jogging portions of this workout.  Then, since the final jog was where I fell apart last time, I cut my speed back to 4.5 mph.  It was still really tough, but it worked.

About a minute into the final jog (the 5 minute one) I was already hot and annoyed.  Whiny almost.  I told myself to shut up and jog.  Then 2.5 minutes in I was ready to quit, but I told myself that I was halfway done, and to keep going.  4 minutes in I started to get excited – I could see the finish line!  30 seconds later I tried to count down, but got discouraged and quickly stopped that idea.  15 seconds later counted down and at the 5 minute mark I wheezed “wooo!” and got back to walking.

I went 1.92 miles in 28 min 13 sec.

So, I think what I learned from this workout is the importance of working smarter and self motivation.  If I hadn’t slowed down for the final jog I would have had a harder time finishing.  And if I didn’t talk myself into keeping going I would have quit again.

C25K – W4D1

For more information on Couch to 5K visit http://www.c25k.com

Today’s run was… disappointing.  I guess that’s the best way to describe it considering I didn’t finish.

I talked myself out of bed at 6am because I knew I had to be on BART by 8:15am at the latest to make it to my project management training on time.  I started the coffee (remind me to set the timer on that), set up the treadmill (remind me to get that 90% ready the night before), changed clothes and got to exercising.

The first 3 minute jog was great!  I could do that with no problem, so I’m happy about that.  The first 5 minute jog was OK.  It wasn’t as easy as the 3 minute jog but it wasn’t terrible.  The second 3 minute jog was on par with the 5 minute one.  Then came the second 5 minute jog.  Can you say scary?

I got to about 2 minutes in and started feeling sick to my stomach.  By 2.5 minutes I knew I needed to slow down so I did.  By 3.5 I was gasping and tripping and hot and dizzy.  Crap.  I couldn’t slow down any further and still consider it a jog, so I walked. That sucks.

To be fair, I did try this program once before.  I only got as far as Week 4 Day 1 before, and I couldn’t finish the first 3 and 5 minute jogs.  I know I’m doing much better than I did before, but I’m still disappointed.  I have a feeling I’ll need to repeat this week.  No sense in going on to more difficult workouts if I can’t complete the prerequisite!

OK, how about a compromise?  If I can finish the next 2 workouts, I’ll only repeat the first one.  Does that make sense?

Couch to 5k – Week 3 Day 3

For more information on the Couch to 5K training program, visit http://www.c25k.com

Well, I just finished my 3rd week of running, which means I’m 1/3 of the way through this program!  Go me!

Today’s jog was a 5 minute warmup followed by 90 seconds of jogging, 90 seconds of walking, 3 minutes jogging, 3 minutes walking.  Repeat jogging/walking cycles once.

Today’s playlist:

• Boot Scootin’ Boogie (Brooks & Dunn)
• Daddy Sang Bass (Johnny Cash)
• Dixie Lullaby (Bruce Hornsby)
• Don’t Take Your Guns to Town (Johnny Cash)
• Drops of Jupiter (Train)
• Dude Looks Like a Lady (Aerosmith)
• Dueling Banjos (Eric Weissberg)

Strangely enough I started out with my knee hurting and it got better as the jog went on.  I felt a little pop, like when you crack your knuckle, and then my knee didn’t hurt as bad.  I’m still icing it to make sure any swelling stays down, though.

I also didn’t get any side stitches this time around.  Maybe I’m getting better at running?  Who knows?

So, I started looking at 5K runs nearby and there are a couple in January.  Gotta decide which to do.  There’s one early in the month in Castro Valley at Lake Chabot, and another late in the month at Coyote Hills in Fremont.  Both are hilly runs, but they’re not terrible hills.  Whichever I choose, I’ll have to train for them… maybe jog on those particular trails once a week after I’m done with C25K?  Any other ideas?

Couch to 5K – Week 3 Day 2

For more information on the Couch to 5K workouts visit http://www.c25k.com

On paper, today’s workout was the same as Monday’s.  But just as every day is different, so too is every run.

At first it took some convincing to get out of bed – not as much as normal, but still… It was nice to lay in my warm bed and listen to Daniel get ready for work.  Comforting, ya know?  Then I started thinking about the food I’d be eating today at the staff party and I knew I couldn’t skip a workout.

My 5 minute warmup walk was good.  Just enough to get me moving and warm up my muscles. I guess that’s why they call it a warmup walk, right?

The first rotation of 90 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking was great!  I felt powerful, like I could have tacked at least another minute onto that first jog.  The first 3 minute jog and 3 minute walk wasn’t bad either.  I was challenged but didn’t feel like I was going to die.

The second 90 second jog and walk were OK too.  Not nearly as easy as the first, but my knee hadn’t started hurting yet and those side stitches hadn’t started either.  By the time I was thinking “dear God I need a break” it was time to walk.  LOL it worked out well.

Then that last 3 minute jog/walk.  That was pretty tough.  I could feel myself sweating (ick).  I looked down and my arms were red (ick again).  My knee was starting to hurt and I started to get those side stitches.  Gotta work on my breathing!  I solved all of those problems by counting down to the last 3 minute walk.

Now it’s time to get ready for work.  My boss and I are throwing a party for the staff to celebrate our first year in the new building.  I decorated yesterday, just need to pick up the food today.  I think it’ll be fun!

C25K – W3D1

For more information about the Couch to 5K training plan visit http://www.c25k.com/

Today’s workout was the most challenging so far.  I started with the normal 5 minute warmup walk, followed by 90 seconds of jogging, 90 seconds of walking, 3 minutes of jogging and 3 minutes of walking.  I had to repeat the jogging/walking cycles once.

The 3 minute jogs were the worst.  My knees didn’t want to bend right, the music on my playlist wasn’t working for me, and I could feel myself sweating.  I hate to sweat when I can feel myself sweating.  It’s odd, I know, but sweating when I’m running around and playing is one thing, sweating when I don’t have anything else to distract myself is another thing altogether.

Either way, I did finish the workout.  No wussing out for me on this one.  I ended up going 1.5 miles during my 23 minute workout.  Not bad for someone who could hardly walk around the block a couple years ago!

Yesterday I had to work, so I didn’t have much time to do any exercising.  Plus, my head hurt (I missed lunch) and could hardly see well enough to cook a decent meal.  DH took me out for sushi instead.  I’ll just freeze some of the chicken or not make the tuna casserole on Friday to makeup for the missed cooking last night.  I did a quick workout with weights after dinner.

Breakfast this morning was a quick parfait thingie: nonfat strawberry yogurt topped with a handful of mini shredded wheat, a few almonds and a banana.  It’s an easy breakfast to make and delicious to eat.  I usually make it with raisins instead of a banana, but I need to eat this fruit before it all goes bad.  You don’t have to use strawberry yogurt; any flavor works, that’s just the flavor I had in my fridge.

 

C25K – W2D3

For more information about the Couch to 5K workouts visit http://www.c25k.com

Today was the third and final workout of the second week of this plan. It was pretty difficult to start. I had to talk myself into it… and finally I resorted to using a guilt trip. Yes, this means I’m capable of using guilt against myself. I reminded myself that I needed to work off those two bites of donut from this morning. So, I changed into my trusty workout wear, grabbed a bottle of water from the pantry, set up the treadmill, started my playlist and got going. Walk for 5 minutes, and then cycle through jogging for 90 seconds and walking for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes.

The first jogging portion was tough, then it got progressively harder. My knee started to stiffen up and the ankle on my other leg started to hurt. I kept wondering how I was ever going to jog a 5k if I couldn’t even finish a short little 20 minute workout. I talked myself into keeping going, and then when I got to the jogging portion at 19 minutes the playlist hit “Twist”. It was the perfect rhythm for the speed I was going and I started having fun. I actually ended up jogging for the whole 3 minute song! It felt good, but I was happy for it to end so I could do my cool down walk.

When I got off the treadmill I noticed my stiff knee was very warm to the touch and red. *sigh* The other knee was a little bit too, but not nearly so much. I stretched, grabbed an icepack, and sat down to tell you all about it.

Now I’m just waiting for my husband to get home so we can have some dinner!

Couch to 5K – Week 2 Day 2

For more information on Couch to 5K visit http://www.c25k.com

My plan called for me to do this workout on Wednesday.  Well, my knee still hurt from Monday’s run.  I’d planned on walking instead while DH was at Judo, but his class was canceled so we did date night instead.  The lack of movement helped my knee feel better so I thought I’d just run on Thursday instead.  I’d forgotten we had plans to celebrate FIL’s birthday, so we did that instead.

And so, I did week 2 day 2’s jog today, instead of week 2 day 3 like I’d planned.  As long as I keep doing it, I’ll be OK.  I’m just frustrated by the holdups/reschedules, ya know?

Today’s workout parameters were the same as Monday’s.  It seems like the first jogging portion of every workout is the most difficult.  I’m not sure why that is, but know that this is the way my workouts work makes getting through them that much easier.  About 20 minutes after I started, the workout was done and I could have my coffee!  🙂

Funny story: I was talking with my coworkers about our respective workouts, and the subject of music came up.  I showed them my “running” playlist on my phone.  They totally cracked up laughing and said I have the most schizophrenic tastes in music ever.  Something about a crazy mix of banjos, country music, pop, Metallica, salsa and more for running seemed a bit off to them.  Whatever!  I chose the music because it makes me happy and keeps me moving!  What kind of music do you listen to when you’re working out?