Workout 12/25 (Yup, Christmas)

After making it through 4 days of family gatherings, Christmas parties, gift exchanges, flights, and Christmas morning, Mr. E and I actually headed outside, in Alabama, in the rain, to run at about noon on Christmas. I kept thinking, I can't believe I'm outside, in the rain, running on Christmas. But, after 4 days of events and food, it kinda felt good to get outside and just move. Of course, by the time we were done, I was pretty much soaked to my skivvies. But we did do our final workout for the week.

Stats:
About 50-60 degrees
Run 25 minutes
Fairly flat
2 minute cool doown walk
Total distance???

Workout 12/20

Workout tonight seemed really daunting when I looked at it a week ago, but then the run yesterday went so well tonight's didn't seem as bad. It went quickly, amazing how watching bad TV programs as a distraction can make time go quickly. Anyway tonight's program was 5 min warm up, 10 min run, 3 min walk, 10 min run. Could've been worse. Glad it's over.

Stats:
5 min warm, 4.0 MPH/2.0 incl
Runs at 5.4 MPH/2.0 incl
Walk at 3.5 MPH/2.0 incl
Cool
Total distance 2.45 miles, 33 minutes

Workout 12/19

I'm scared to admit that Mr. E was right tonight. I'd had just an awful day, and was on my way to do my run for today (5 min warm, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run) and he said "maybe it'll make you feel better to get your blood pumping". Yeah, right. I'm pretty sure in the history of the world, running has never made me feel better ever....until tonight. Some old, and probably horrible with the sound on, Jean Claude Van Damme movie was on the tv in front of the treadmill I was working out on, and Aida was on the iPod. Amazingly, although this was one of the longer in time workouts (29 minutes before cool down), the longer I went, the better I felt. I got home and told Mr. E that I was upset with him for being right. I'm not admitting I have turned that "corner" that everyone tells me exists from hating running to it actually becoming cathartic and an enjoyable experience...I am admitting that for once, I was not miserable. We'll see what the next few workouts bring as to the long term attitude.

Stats:
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH/2.0 incl
5 min runs at 5.5 MPH/2.0 incl
8 min run at 5.4 MPH/2.0 incl
walks at 3.5 MPH
5-6 min cool
2.65 miles, 34-35 mins (I lost track)

Workout 12/16

So it took two tries to get this workout done. I went in on Saturday with Mr. E to do the workout, but due to a bout of middle-of-the-night sickness, was pretty physically drained by the time the workout came around. (I'm fine, but I apparently ate something that I'm either (a) allergic to or (b) was really bad because my body determined it did not need to stay in me...enough said). The workout was the first of our long runs - 20 minutes without stopping after a 5 minute warm up. On Saturday Mr. E did his workout, but I got to about 13 minutes in and my body began to give out. I got in another couple minutes of running, but ended up doing a run-walk-run-walk session. Overall, that was 30 minutes and 2.3 miles. So, not wanting to give up on our program, Mr. E and I went back on Sunday. I'm not sure if it was the day of food finally in my system, the Rent soundtrack, Mr. E working on the recumbant bike and not clearly kicking my ass running next to me or what, but I made the 20 minutes without too much pain and suffering.

This coming week is going to be a challenge, the week before Christmas just seems as if it's doomed to be super busy. Things may have to be "squeezed" in during the week, but Mr. E and I are determined to make it through week 6 of 9. I guess on the positive side, I'm over half way done with this program!

Stats:
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH/2 incl
20 min run at 5.4 MPH/2 incl
5 min cool
Total Distance 2.4 miles, 30 minutes

Weight 12/15

Back in the right direction this week, down 0.8. Plus 19.6 now.

Workout 12/12

Today's workout only happened because I'm committed to the training program with my husband. Otherwise, not a prayer. It was super crazy at work and I had a concert that night. I had to sqeeze in a 5 min warm up, 8 min run, 5 min walk, 8 minute run at some point. I arrived late, barely had time to change, do the workout and run to the concert and I was almost late for that. Ugh. Nevermind that two 8 minute runs almost killed me. I found though that if I cover the counter with a towel it seems to go faster. I don't know. Regardless, if this had been any other time in my life I would've skipped the workout and just taken my time between work and concert.

Stats:
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH
1st run at 5.7 MPH
walk at 3.5 MPH
2nd run at 5.6 MPH
4 minute cool
Total 2.3 miles, 32 minutes

Workout 12/10

You know that saying out of sight out of mind? Well, that's how it was for the beginning part of this training program. Its on two sheets of paper, so the first 4 weeks only showed, the last 5 weeks were out of sight and blissfully out of mind (what I can't see won't hurt me?). Unfortunately, I had to eventually turn the page. Holy crap, I'm not sure what to think of this. Today didn't look too bad - 5 min warm followed by 5 run, 3 walk, 5 run, 3 walk, 5 run. My initial thought - at least there's a bunch of walking. Then I looked to the rest of the week. Workout 2 - run 8, walk 5, run 8 (EEK), Workout 3 - run 20 minutes with no walking (EEEEEEKKKKKKKK).

Stats:
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH (2 incl)
walks at 3.5 MPH (2 incl)
Run 1 at 5.7 MPH (2 incl)
Run 2 at 5.6 MPH (2 incl)
Run 3 - min 1 at 6.0 MPH (2 incl), min 2 at 5.9 MPH (2 incl), min 3-5 at 5.5 MPH (1.0 incl)
6 min cool
Total Distance (approx) 2.3 miles (I hit some stupid button and the machine reset in the middle), 35 mins

Workout 12/8

I really didn't want to go to the gym. I really didn't want to go to the Chrismas party after we got home. I did both. At least I get tomorrow off.

Stats: (all at 2 incline)
5 mins warm at 4.0 MPH
3 min runs at 6.0 MPH
5 min runs at 5.7 MPH (except last 3 mins of second run were 5.6 MPH)
Walks at 3.5 MPH
Total: 2.52 miles, 33 minutes

Weight 12/8

I really needed some positive reinforcement today to keep me going on the healthy eating and running....up 0.4 pounds wasn't it. I shall have to find inspiration somewhere. Back to +20.4.

Workout 12/7

Nothing to note from the workout. It is amazing how empty the gym is on a Friday.

Stats: (all at 2 incline)
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH
3 min runs at 6.0 MPH
5 min runs at 5.6 MPH
Walk at 3.5 MPH
Total: 2.5 miles, 33 mins

Workout 10 12/5

To be completely honest, I was really scared about this workout after the problems I had on Monday. I learned a lesson in listening to my body on Monday for sure. Mr. E had an event tonight, so I was also on my own. After waiting 10 minutes for my treadmill to open up (why is the gym soo busy at 630??), I put on my iPod and got going. This week's workout is one round of walk 5 minutes for warm up, run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minues, walk 2.5 minutes, run 3 minutes, walk 90 seconds, run 5 minutes. Monday I made it through the first run and walk and absolutely died in the second run. On top of not being all that confident I would finish the workout, I was on the treadmill next to Mr. Sweatyandsmellyguy. We all stink when we leave the gym, but it always sucks to get on the treadmill next to the guy who's half-way done and smelly. Regardless, I finished the workout! I hit a huge wall about 2 minutes into the second 5 minute run. I realized that I was at the 2 mile point, the exact point in the 5K on the 2nd that I had issues too. As soon as I pushed past the 2.1 mile hurdle, it wasn't as hard getting to the end. That doesn't mean it was easy in any way...

Stats:
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH/2 incline
3 min runs at 6.0 MPH/2 incline
5 min runs at 5.5 MPH, 1st one at 2 incline, 2nd one 2 incline for mins 1-2, 1 incline for mins 3-5
walks at 3.5 MPH
5.5 min cool down
Total Distance 2.45 miles
32 minutes

My 1st Setback

Today was supposed to be the first workout for the week, but after a workout on Saturday and a really taxing day yesterday with the 5K, my body gave out about 10 minutes in. I'm going to do all 3 this week, but my legs, lungs, and will weren't there today. I'm taking tomorrow off and hitting the next workout on Wednesday. (FYI, Mr. E finished the workout and looked strong.)

5K - 12/2

Ok, so signing up for a 5K didn't sound like a bad idea 2 months ago. My company sponsored the event, so it was a good thing to show up and have people there to support it. Due to reasons drastically beyond my control, we got there 2.5 hours before the race actually started to get our pictures taken. Then stood around for what felt like forever. I don't like the cold...actually, I REALLY don't like the cold, but there we were standing around in 50 degree weather for 2.5 hours. The essential goal was to go from start to finish without walking. Mr. E ran with me and we actually jogged the whole thing, finishing in about 36:30. Not a bad pace for only really starting to train at running 3 weeks ago. But, OH MY GOD, I am so sore tonight. I am totally paying for that. So sore and tired....off to bed. I'm not looking forward to how I'm going to feel in the morning.

Workout 12/1

Today was a long day, for a Saturday. I had a weigh-in and bridal shower in the morning, came home and all I wanted to do was sleep...so getting up for the 3rd workout of the week was hard. Got to the gym, it was cold in there. Didn't feel like running, but once I got about 1/2 the way through it became ok. Finished strong and even did some push-ups and bicycles.

Stats (all at 2.0 incline):
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH
Jog at 6.0 MPH
Walk at 3.5 MPH
7 minute cool
Total distance 2.10

Weight 12/1

Yippee!! Sticking to my "menu" this week worked, down 2 pounds. Now at +20. New menu for this week and more running, hopefully down again.

Workout - 11/29

I originally thought I'd get this workout in on 11/28, but work had other plans for me. After leaving at midnight on 11/28, it was wonderful getting out in time on 11/29 to hit the gym and have some time to relax at home. Mr. E had worked out as scheduled on 11/28, so I was flying solo. The gym instituted a new sign-in procedure for treadmills - not brain science, but there were some people who just didn't get it. After a few minutes of waiting and watching (also known as poatching), I got a treadmill. I think one of the greatest parts about an iPod is that there is the "suffle songs" option. Essentially is a built in auto suffle of any and all music you have without having to own a 100 CD changer or something (never mind faster!). After struggling on Monday, I was hesitant about this workout...especially since Mr. E wasn't there to keep me motivated. It actually ended up being easier that Monday, and maybe than I thought. Fluke? Maybe, but I'm hoping that it's more that the consistent workouts are starting to make a small, but noticable difference.

Stats: (all at 2 incline except part of cool)
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH
Run at 6.0 MPH
Walk at 3.5 MPH
7 min cool
Total distance: 2.09 miles

Workout 7 - 11/26

The easy part of running is officially over. My runs are no longer counted in seconds (except in my head as I'm doing them), and now are in minute chunks. SUCK. This week's workouts consist of two rounds of 90 seconds run, 90 seconds walk, 3 minutes run, 3 minutes walk. It is absolutely AMAZING how the time flies during the walk but seems to go on forever while running. It was definitely a case of mind over matter tonight. I think that's going to be the biggest hurdle for me, getting my mind to not give up. I think my body will come along (slowly), but I have to keep the mind set that I can do it. Jillian definitely showed up again last night during the 3 minute runs. Mr. E tried to raise my spirits by saying that it would get easier as the week goes on....yeah right.

Stats (all at 2 incline)
5 min warm at 4.0 MPH
Run at 6.0 MPH
Walk at 3.5 MPH
7 minute cool down (total 30 mins)
Total distance 2.08 miles

Weight 11/24

I wish I could blame it on Thanksgiving, but I didn't even pig out. This upcoming week will be a big adjustment to my diet. Regardless, up a pound to +22.

Workout 6 - 11/23

Thanksgiving = 4 day weekend right? Umm...no. I spent all day in the office, so just what I wanted to do was go workout when I got home...Not. Went anyway. It's amazing the lack of a crowd at the gym the day after Thanksgiving. You'd think there'd be a ton of people feeling guilty and trying to work off all the calories they ate the day before (I heard somewhere that the AVERAGE Thanksgiving dinner is over 5000(!) calories), but the reality is more people either (i) count their 6 am shopping trip as their workout or (ii) just ate so much they decide to give up until after the holidays. Regardless, very easy to find a treadmill.

Today's workout was the hardest of the bunch this week - probably a combination of exhausted from the week and the fact that I worked a full day on what is one of my 7 official days off during the year. Made myself do at least what I did on Wednesday though and really saw that my body will respond when I want to push myself. Instead of doing what I think I can do, I really have to believe that I can do at least what I did before, if not more. That's always been hard for me, to push to my actual ability instead of my perceived ability. I think that is really going to be a challenge for me throughout this process, to do what I actually can do, not what I think I can only do.

Tomorrow is a weigh in...ick.

Stats:
5 min warm at 2 incline
Run at 6.0 at 2 incline
Walk at 3.6 at 2 incline
Cool down (at a bit of a fast pace)
Total distance 2.13 (mostly due to cool down)

Workout 5 - 11/21

Same as earlier this week. Actually not too bad in the long scheme of things. The Beach Boys provided entertainment. Amazing how you don't feel like workingout at times (especially after a long day of work the day before Thanksgiving), but at the same time when you actually get there and get started it turns out not as horrible as you think.

Stats:
5 min warm up 4.0 MPH
Run at 6.0 MPH, last one at 6.1 MPH
Walk 1st at 3.5, rest at 3.6 MPH
5 minute cool
Total distance 2.10 miles

Workout 4 - 11/19

Before I even got to the gym I figured this workout was busted. I worked late so Mr. E went to the gym and worked out before I even got changed into workout clothes. He calls and tells me "It was so much harder then last week". CRAP. I figured, well it was fun for a week to do the actual workouts, the fall begins today...right? So not the case! Maybe it was because my body was so numb from working for 12 hours that running didn't feel too bad, the fact that 2/3 of the Top Gun soundtrack are awesome workout songs, or . . . something else, but it was actually not horrible. (and not horrible is a huge accomplishment for me!). This week's workouts are all the same: 5 min brisk walk warm, 90 seconds running, 2 minutes walking for a total of 20. I'm sure that's going to feel awesome the day after Thanksgiving.

Stats:
5 min warm at 4 MPH
run at 6.0 MPH, 2 incline
walk at 3.5 MPH, 2 incline
5 min cool
Total distance 2.09 miles

Beginning Weight

Since this is a journey for both running and weight loss, figured I should keep myself honest about that part too. So my starting weight is +21 (in relation to my long term goal). Here's hoping that it goes down from there.

Workout 3 - 11/16

Workouts on Friday should really be outlawed in some way. So should the remix my gym was playing the last couple of days. For some reason they've tuned the overhead radio into some sort of very odd techno mix of horrible songs. For example - Wednesday it was ex-American Idol Kimberly Locke's "Eighth World Wonder" and today it was Natasha Bettingfield's "Unwritten" at about 100 times normal speed. As if working out isn't already miserable enough, they have to play music that wasn't great to begin with and then mix them and put them to dance music. As for the actual workout, it was easier today then the first time. Of course, that's just in time for a new workout next week.

The other realization I had this week. There is a significant downside to running on a treadmill inside. A few years ago, Mr. E and I attempted to have a running regimen - and we did it outside. With allergies, cold weather, and numerous colds, there was always somewhere to dispense of snot along the side of the trail. Somehow I'm pretty sure spitting and blowing snot rockets are frowned upon by the Y. So, I must make a confession - tonight, I wiped my nose on the complimentary towel and I'm not sorry about it.

Stats:
5 min warm up at 4 MPH
Run at 6 MPH
Walk at 3.6 MPH (faster!)
cool for 5 min
total 2.08 miles

Workout 2 - 11/14

The workout is the same all week, but this is the first time I worked out with Mr. E. As usual, he kicked my ass. We are not on the same page as to how we're going to run these events. I think, "Mr. E is going to be slowed down by me, he should just run and meet me at the finish." He thinks, "We are doing this together, we should run the whole thing together." I try to explain to him that when he "trods" along with me (at my slow ass pace), I feel terrible. Never mind I hate running, but now I feel like shit as he slows down to hang out with me. Tonight was another of those situations. I'm HUFFING and PUFFING through the final run and I look over, Mr. E may have broken a sweat...maybe. Then when we get back to a walk pace (and I start to breathe again...yay oxygen), he looks at me and says "I did the last one 1/2 a MPH faster just to see how it was." Of course, I'm sweaty and pink as a strawberry and I'm thinking - well then just do it at your speed the whole time, why bother with slow, fat me. UGH. After I got control of my lungs again, I explained to him how it made me feel and he apologized. I fear it's going to be that way the whole time. I'm basically killing myself for something that is his medium-minimum effort. Oh, and my mini-imaginary Jilian was back again...

Stats:
5 min warmup 4.0 MPH
Run at 6.0 MPH, 2 incline
Walk at 3.5 MPH, 2 incline
Cool for 5 minutes
Total distance 2.04 miles

Workout 1 - 11/12

The workout sounded simple enough - "Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Alternate 60 seconds jogging and 90 seconds walking for 20 minutes." Then I did it. I realized just how out of shape I've gotten in the past few months. I think I watch too much Biggest Loser because the only way I actually got through it was to imagine Jillian standing by my treadmill yelling at me not to give up and reminding me that I'm stronger than I am. I finished 2 miles in 30 minutes including warm up and cool down. 2 down, 24.2 to go.

Stats:
5 min warm up at 4.0 MPH
Run at 6.0 MPH at 2 incline
Walk varied 4.0 to 3.0 at 2 incline
Cool down 5 min
Total distance 2.00 miles

Am I Crazy?

It's one of those things I thought I should do before I die - run a marathon. Easy? Oh sure, just pull my out-of-shape self up off the couch and go right? No. After always being the chubby kid growing up and continuing the trend into my early 20s, I decided to lose weight and get in shape. Over a year and a half I lost the weight, then I had surgery and put 10 pounds right back on.

The Biggest Loser must be the most inspiring and completely depressing show at the same time. It's great to watch all those people lose the weight, while you sit in front of the TV eating your carefully portioned dinner and weight watchers ice cream snack and realize that you haven't lost weight in months. Its a dichotamy I have a hard time reconciling to myself. I have a Y membership...I'm in a "healthy" weight for my height (the upper part of that scale)...I eat healthy...and yet, I can't get off my butt to the gym to get in shape and to feel good about myself. Thus, begins my journey for this blog.

I discovered about a week ago, that I have to have a goal to get me to go to the gym. Whether it be a specific competition, a team sport, or whatever, the thought of "I should go for me" has just never worked. This past Saturday was the Richmond SunTrust Marathon (figured I should get the sponsor plug in there). The night after the race I was at a party with Mr. E and we were talking to a woman who had run the race that day. As I stood there talking to her, I realized that although she hurt and hated almost every moment of the race, she had accomplished something that she sought to accomplish and that was something no one could take away from her. I looked at Mr. E and said "We should do it next year." It wasn't out of the blue that I decided the way to cure my soul was to run 26.2 miles, it's been something I've wanted to do in my life at some point. It just seems like it is the right time. So here I am, just a year shy of actually doing it.

Here's the problem - I hate running. It probably stems from always being in the back of the bunch during the 1 mile run tests in school, or perhaps because I'm almost as fast in the water (swimming I love) as I am running between point A and point B. Mr. E is the opposite - he LOVES to run, was a cross country runner and has this annoying ability to not workout for months while I do and still kick my ass at a moment's notice.

This week Mr. E and I started the "couch-to-5K" 9 week program (www.coolrunning.com). It's supposed to get you from not working out at all to being able to complete a 5K in about 9 weeks. Not a bad way to make a slow start. In January a local group has a 10K training program for a race in late March/early April and not long after that the marathon training program starts. We figure we'll work our way up - baby steps right?

As I was on the treadmill on Monday doing my first workout, I realized that this whole process is going to be more than just a physical challenge for me. It's going to be a mental challenge - I'm going to have to find a way to convince myself I can do the things that my workouts are going to require of me. That was never a problem on swim team or softball teams growing up, there was always a coach to keep you on track and challenge you. But when it's me, my iPod and the treadmill, the urge to make things easy is stronger than ever.

So the purpose of this blog is to have a place to express my thoughts and a place to have a record of what I've done and how it's gone, my challenges and to track my process. I'd be surprised if anyone other than myself reads it, but that's ok. This is going to be part of my process.