Slacking...

Luckily I'm slacking on this blog and not my running.

I did ok last week, getting back into the swing of things.  I found a trick that gets me through the runs easier.  I noticed that as my runs got longer, I was having a really hard time.  I'd listen to my music and try to not focus on the time remaining.  But I didn't do very good at it.  Last week it was time for me to do my 8 minute runs.  I didn't know how I was going to do it.  So for the heck of it, I decided to attempt reading on my iPhone.  Not easy as you are running.  I kept losing my place...BUT, it really helped keep my mind off of the time left.  Before I knew it, I was done!

Ok...so fast forward to Friday.  I was working from home.  Work was a little slow.  It was a fairly cool, cloudy day...a little humidity, but there was a nice breeze.  I decided to get my butt up and attempt to do a run outside.

Now, I've heard running outside, when you are used to running on a treadmill, is a totally different experience.  Well, let me tell you.........it is.  Holy cow!  Not to mention, my next scheduled run was 20 minutes STRAIGHT.  But I decided that I had no good reason to not attempt it.  I figured that I'd just slow down if I needed to, but that I should at least try.

It was rough.  I felt like I was back at the beginning of this journey.  My chest was heavy.  My legs killed.  I was sweating even though it was cool with a nice breeze.  I had to slow down to a walk twice, but all in all, I did ok.  I was pretty proud of myself.

Well, yesterday I was back at work.  Back at the gym.  Scheduled to run on the treadmill.  I wasn't sure if I could do the full 20 minutes...but I figured I'd try.

I get on the treadmill and I decide to try the reading trick again.  It was hard.  But my breathing was ok.  My legs felt ok.  Before I knew it, it was counting down.  Every time 5 minutes passed it would tell me.  So I'd just try making it through that 5 minute run and then I'd tackle the next.

Well...four 5 minute runs later...I did it!  I did 20 minutes continuously!  No stopping!  I did 4.2...so a slow jog...but I did it!!!

Hard to believe that just a couple of months ago, I was getting winded walking up ONE flight of stairs.  Now, I'm jogging 20 minutes at a time! 

I feel like my goal of a 5k is within my reach.  I can see it in the distance...its coming into view a little bit more each time I run.  I can see it!!  I'm so very proud of myself.  So proud that I don't even have the right words...but I feel it...and I love it!

Yay me!!!  I think you can officially call me a runner!

Never again!

So, I never checked back in last week...but taking a week off DOES affect you.  I will never ever do that again.

I had a hard time getting through the 5 minute interval runs.  I really had to push myself.  And my legs were hurting afterward...not just sore...but they HURT.  By Thursday I was hurting big time.  So I took Friday off.

Yesterday I was not able to get to they gym...I'll go today and tomorrow.  Then Thursday and Friday are going to be difficult.  I'm afraid that will set me back as well.  Ugh.

I'm not quitting.  I'm still doing it.  But its rough. 

Oh and foot did fine.  No pain.  :)

Ready to Run!

So, my foot seems to be healing well.  Today...after just over a week off, I'm going back to the gym.  I think my foot will be ok.  I guess we'll see what happens when I put the sock and sneaker on.

I'm supposed to start Week 5 Run 2, which is two 8 minute runs.  But I think that I'm going to repeat the run I ended on, which is three 5 minute runs.  We'll see how I do with that.

I hope over a week off didn't screw me up too much.  But if it did, I'm not going to let it get me down.  I'm just going to keep going!

Anxious...

I'm nervous...I haven't been to the gym since last week.  I got a tattoo on my foot on Saturday and I knew that I would have to take a break from running.  My tattoo guy said I could put on a sneaker/sock whenever I felt comfortable enough to do it.

Well, my foot is still pretty sore.  And the tattoo is starting to scab over, so its tight feeling.  I know right now I would not be ok to put a sneaker on.  Its still uncomfortable wearing a flip flop.

I'm starting to get anxious...almost panicky, about not working out.  Its odd because I do not like the gym, but its like my body needs it at this point.  It feels odd to pack up my work stuff and head straight home.  Usually I pack up my stuff and head straight to the gym.

I'm also worried that taking a week of will set me back in my runs.  My next run is supposed to be 8 minute intervals.  I'm scared I won't be able to.  I wonder how long it takes for your body to take a few steps back.  I wonder if I'll have to go back to my 5 minute runs.  I just don't want to screw up my progress.

I'm going to give myself the rest of the week.  I think my foot needs the rest of the week.  On Monday I'm going to put my sneakers back on and attempt to do my run.  I hope I can do it.

So I guess I'll check in on Monday.

Here is the tattoo if anyone cares to see it: