Today marked Week 4 Day 1 of the Couch-to-5K program I've been following. And it was a hard one. After the warm-up, 3 minutes running, 1.5 minutes walking, 5 minutes running, 5 minutes walking, repeat. I made it through the first two intervals, but after the second 3 minutes I was burning. The second 5 minute interval I had to take several breaks, which amounted up to about a minute of walking.
I'm mad at myself for it. I should have done it. I did the first 5 minutes, why couldn't I do the second? I shouldn't beat myself up, I know. In the past few weeks I've improved so much in my physical ability, much more than I thought was possible. I also made several mistakes today. I went running much later than usual (my usual time is around 6-6:30 am, and today I went at 11:30), without having eaten anything to build up my reserve of carbohydrates. It's no wonder I tired out. Still, I won't make that mistake again Thursday. I will not be weak.
Despite all that, I am proud of myself. I'm glad I've progressed this far. I bought my very first pair of real running shoes last week, and they feel great. I've started counting calories and bought a scale, and I've already lost a pound in the last week. If I can continue on my current path, I'll be well on my way to living a healthy, active lifestyle. My goals for myself in the coming weeks are to continue C25K as planned, further develop my nutritional plan to ensure I have the proper energy to exercise, and also begin incorporating some different exercise activities into my off-days. I haven't decided exactly what other types of exercises to do though. There's so much information on the internet, I wish I could just get a personal trainer!
Anyway. After writing my frustrations and goals, I'm actually feeling better about myself. Thanks. So until next time...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Up and Running
Literally. This week I have been up and running. Me, the most unathletic person in the world, the girl who even in elementary school hated "Monday Run-Day" on the track ... I have gone running, and enjoyed it, twice this week.
I've started a beginner running program, Couch to 5K (or C25K). I downloaded a free app on my phone (C25K Free for Apple or Android users), and just decided to try it out. It's a great program so far; it works to gradually bring you from a sedentary lifestyle to being able to run a 5K distance in 8 weeks, running 3 times a week. You start off with a 5-minute warm-up walk, and then, at least for week 1, complete 20 minutes of intervals, 60 seconds jogging, and 90 seconds walking. Then one more 5-minute cool-down walk, and you're done. The first day was hard. My diaphragm was aching. My lungs were burning. My legs were straining. But I did it. And boy did that cool shower feel good afterward. Today I completed Week 1 Day 2, and it was remarkably easier. Not easy, but definitely easier. I found myself, as I neared the ends of the 90-second walking intervals, wondering when the jogging would start because I felt ready for it. My next run will be Saturday, and I'm already looking forward to it.
Yesterday also marked the second week of which I have been participating in Lent; I decided to fast from meat and soda. I am proud to say I have been successful! I've been trying new vegetarian recipes, really pushing myself to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. My body is my temple, the only place I have to live on this earth, and I need to treat it right. After two weeks of a strictly enforced better diet, and now running thrown into the mix, I think I'm taking some pretty good steps toward better overall health and wellness.
Oh, and this past weekend I took my Dachshund Toby to our second ever field trial; he placed! I was so proud of him, being able to display his natural talent for hunting, doing what his ancestors were bred to do. I also met and networked with a lot of really cool people, and plan on continuing even after we move to The City. (Which by the way, is only 4 months away now! Yay!!!)
Anyway. Life is good right now. Jam-packed busy, but good. School is in full-swing, but soon enough I'll be moving on to the next chapter in my life. I can't wait! So until next time...
I've started a beginner running program, Couch to 5K (or C25K). I downloaded a free app on my phone (C25K Free for Apple or Android users), and just decided to try it out. It's a great program so far; it works to gradually bring you from a sedentary lifestyle to being able to run a 5K distance in 8 weeks, running 3 times a week. You start off with a 5-minute warm-up walk, and then, at least for week 1, complete 20 minutes of intervals, 60 seconds jogging, and 90 seconds walking. Then one more 5-minute cool-down walk, and you're done. The first day was hard. My diaphragm was aching. My lungs were burning. My legs were straining. But I did it. And boy did that cool shower feel good afterward. Today I completed Week 1 Day 2, and it was remarkably easier. Not easy, but definitely easier. I found myself, as I neared the ends of the 90-second walking intervals, wondering when the jogging would start because I felt ready for it. My next run will be Saturday, and I'm already looking forward to it.
Yesterday also marked the second week of which I have been participating in Lent; I decided to fast from meat and soda. I am proud to say I have been successful! I've been trying new vegetarian recipes, really pushing myself to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. My body is my temple, the only place I have to live on this earth, and I need to treat it right. After two weeks of a strictly enforced better diet, and now running thrown into the mix, I think I'm taking some pretty good steps toward better overall health and wellness.
Oh, and this past weekend I took my Dachshund Toby to our second ever field trial; he placed! I was so proud of him, being able to display his natural talent for hunting, doing what his ancestors were bred to do. I also met and networked with a lot of really cool people, and plan on continuing even after we move to The City. (Which by the way, is only 4 months away now! Yay!!!)
Anyway. Life is good right now. Jam-packed busy, but good. School is in full-swing, but soon enough I'll be moving on to the next chapter in my life. I can't wait! So until next time...
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