Updates

I've been told that I need to update my blog a little more often because some people need something to read at work. It's been quiet on the home front lately because Jason has been out of town off and on for the past 3 weeks. When he's gone, I don't bother to cook for myself. (For shame!) I usually just fix something fast and read or watch TV. Nothing too special here.

I know I've lagged on the C25K updates as well. For weeks 5 & 6, I never got to do the Day 3 long runs. One weekend we were out of town and the other weekend we had to be somewhere early. I thought I'd just make up for them last week during Week 7. All three days of Week 7 consisted of a. 5-minute walk, a 25-minute run and a 5-minute cool down. For some reason, my body just wants to poop out at about a mile (or 12 minutes for me). I started this program so that I could do the Muddy Buddy race in Austin, but even that's not a consecutive 3-mile run. Since I have to alternate biking and running, I think I will start doing this in the gym this week. It will be a tough workout, but it will also be more realistic! My shins were really hurting, so a break from running 3 days a week was welcome. They are feeling much better, but not perfect. Oh well. I guess I'm not perfect after all. (Big surprise, right?)

Even though I've kind of ditched the C25K program, I'm not disappointed with myself. I can run farther than I ever could before which is really what I aimed for. Rather than focus on the failure, I will refocus my energy on weights. I really, really like lifting weights (MUCH more than cardio!!) and have really seen a difference in my body over the past few months. My legs have much more muscle now and even Jason agreed. He actually told me that he thought my cellulite had diminished and that my butt had lifted a little. He didn't want to tell me this at all because then it would mean he agrees that I have cellulite, but I thought this was great news! The hard work is paying off finally! My thighs and lower abdomen is where I carry all my extra weight, so it's nice to see that I'm making a dent. I've been on a pretty rough 3-day full-body weight routine for a while. I think I've gained 5-10 pounds of muscle which is awesome! My plan is to switch up the routine next week. If anyone is interested, I'll post the workouts so that you can follow along. After Muddy Buddy, I may try some spinning classes, too.

Other than my running failure/weight training success, not too much has gone on. I went to a bachelorette party last weekend and I'll post some pics when I get them. I also plan to try a new recipe this week which I'll post as well. I hope everyone has had a productive week. Keep on keepin' on!

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C25K W5D1

This morning I dropped back to Week 5, Day 1. Even though I ran indoors, I took the Advair and guess what? I did really well! In fact......dare I say it......I actually enjoyed my run! I can't believe those words came out of my mouth, but it wasn't so bad at all. After I finished running, and I was stretching, I felt good. I didn't feel horribly exhausted. As Martha says, "it's a good thing."

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The results are:

That I actually don't have exercise-induced asthma as we originally thought. The asthma is actually triggered by the outdoor elements like pollen. Since the oak pollen has been in the 1000s, it was no wonder that I had trouble breathing. My doc gave me Advair to take on the days that I run along with the Proventil that I had already been using. The Advair takes 45 minutes to kick in, so I just take it when I wake up in the morning. He said that if I still had problems afterward, that I would just have to continue my C25K training indoors. This was not exactly the news I wanted, but hopefully the pollen will be long gone by the time Muddy Buddy comes along.

I think that I will drop back to Week 5 this coming week. Since I didn't get to finish the W5D3 run and this week went horrible, I think it's best to go backward. No one said that you couldn't repeat weeks. In fact, on the Cool Runnings site, it's encouraged to do so if you need it. This would put me finishing Week 9 the week before Muddy Buddy. So, I should still be on track.

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C25K Week 6

Well, I've got some semi-bad news. I have completely failed this week. But it's not really my fault. It's my body's fault. It rebels. On Tuesday, I started Day 1. I got through the first 5 minutes okay and started walking my 3 minutes. I was having trouble breathing again, but I recovered somewhat. I then started in on my 8 minute run. That's where the problems started. I think I made it maybe 5 minutes before I had to stop. I just couldn't breathe at all. I tried walking for a minute or so, then finish out the run, but I couldn't make it. I walked until the next 5 minute run came up. I started in and did about 2 minutes before I had to completely stop and sit on a curb to recover. My chest was killing me. I stayed there for a couple minutes, then walked the rest of the way home. It took me almost 2 hours before I felt normal again.

Today was not too much different. I was going to press on into Day 2, but I decided that probably wasn't a good idea. I tried to do Day 1, but it didn't go well. Again, I did the first 5 minute run, but after that, it went downhill.

I've been taking my inhaler at least 15 minutes before I go outside, but it wasn't really helping me. I know that the oak pollen was part of it. But, because I had such a bad episode on Monday (the worst since I've started C25K), that I called my allergist up and made an appointment for tomorrow. Hopefully, I can get some answers.

It is so irritating that I have some friends who can pick up and run a few miles without having worked out in weeks.....or even months. Meanwhile, I work out 6 days a week, have become pretty strong, and yet I can't make more than a 5 minute run outside. It makes me feel very weak and I hate that feeling. Some of my friends look at me like I'm crazy because I have such a hard time running. They think it's fairly easy. Running is the only physical thing I do that causes the problems I have. But I still want to be able to do a 5K. And I will. I'll let y'all know what the doc says tomorrow. Obviously, Race for the Cure on Saturday isn't going to go so well. I'll probably walk most of it, but that's okay. At least I'm participating. There's still Muddy Buddy in May!

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C25K Week 5: 2/3 Completed!

This was a week of weather changes! On Tuesday, the weather looked cloudy and the wind started picking up about the time I planned to go outside and run. I decided to play it safe and run at the gym. As soon as I started driving, the rain came down! Day 1 went very well....in fact, it went better than I expected. Thursday came and the weather looked the same. Thank goodness I played it safe again because it poured as I ran to my car! I finished Day 2 with ease. I actually ran 8 whole minutes at a time on the treadmill! I think I've done it before, but not many times.

On Friday, Jason & I went to Austin to celebrate our friend's birthday. She's my Muddy Buddy partner and she runs, so I thought I would be able to finish Day 3 with her. However, the weather decided to get cold Friday night. By Saturday morning, it was literally 40 degrees outside. Now I don't even want to walk, never mind run, in that kind of weather. I planned to go to a gym, but she's not a local member, so it didn't happen. My plan for this week is to just proceed on to Week 6. The format is similar to Week 5, so I don't think it will make much of a difference. This Saturday is Race for the Cure, so I'll do the best I can following the C25K program for Day 3. This week will consist of:

Day 1:

• 5 minute warm-up walk
• Jog 5 minutes
• Walk 3 minutes
• Jog 8 minutes
• Walk 3 minutes
• Jog 5 minutes
• 5 minute cool-down walk

Day 2:

• 5 minute warm-up walk
• Jog 10 minutes
• Walk 3 minutes
• Jog 10 minutes
• 5 minute cool-down walk

Day 3:

• 5 minute warm-up walk
• Jog 25 minutes

Wish me luck people!

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C25K Week 4 Completed!

The second round of week 4 is done. I'm realizing that this running business is getting harder and harder. It's that last bit of running that kills me. I'm trying, though. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous for week 5. It's a big week of change. Here's the breakdown:

Tuesday

• 5-minute warm-up walk
• Jog 5 minutes
• Walk 3 minutes
• Jog 5 minutes
• Walk 3 minutes
• Jog 5 minutes
• 5-minute cool-down

Thursday

• 5-minute warm-up walk
• Jog 8 minutes
• Walk 5 minutes
• Jog 8 minutes
• 5-minute cool-down

Saturday

• 5-minute warm-up walk
• Jog 20 minutes
• 5-minute cool-down

Doesn't that sound rough? I can handle Tuesday and Thursday, but I am almost sick to my stomach nervous about Saturday. So how am I feeling? Physically, my shins are starting to hurt, but I'm not in full-blown shin splints so I'm not going to worry about it. By Saturday, my legs usually feel like jelly because of the weight lifting I've done during the week. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I guess I'll just keep it up so I can continue to tone them up. Now that I've started to take my inhaler 15 minutes before running, I can breathe a little better. My chest still hurts when I get home, but maybe that's normal. Who knows? Keep pushing, I say.

I thought this might be a good time to talk about speed and breaks. This week, I've had a hard time with the cool-down walking in between each leg of the run. Sometimes, I have to take an extra 30-60 seconds to breathe before I can begin running again. I decided that it was better to do this than to just quit altogether. As far as running, I know I'm slow. Yes, I'm tall and have long legs, but I'm not a natural born runner. I think it's more important to get through the time than to worry about how much ground I'm covering. That's why I have decided to do my C25K based on time rather than distance. I can always work on speed afterward, but I would rather know that I can get through 30 minutes of running first. When I have to run at the gym, I begin walking around 3.5 to 4.0 mph. When I run, I set it to 5 mph, which most people consider slow. It's around a 12-minute mile. I don't care. I'm not in it for time. I'm in it just to prove I can do it. So in case anyone is reading this and is discouraged because they are a slow runner, don't be! Slow runners unite!

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C25K Week 4

As I mentioned last Tuesday, I started Week 4 and had a rough time making week transition outside. The weather turned very cold and rainy by Wednesday, so I ran on the treadmill indoors on Thursday. It went really well even though I was sore from lifting a little too much the day before. This past weekend was busy so I planned to finish Week 4 early Saturday morning before our winery tour trip. I had to be across town by 10am (30 minute drive), so I got up at 7, threw some clothes on and drove to the gym. I arrived at 7:30 and was prepared to get in there quickly, do my run and go home to shower and change clothes.

I was not prepared to find out that the gym wasn't even open. Really? REALLY? I had no idea that my gym didn't open until 8am Saturday and Sunday (they're open 24 hours during the week). I didn't have time to wait until 8, so I drove back home and got dressed. We were gone all day and didn't get home until well after dark and well after gym closing time. On Sunday, I worked a benefit for a friend's nephew and again, I had to be across town by 10:15 (35 minute commute), so there wouldn't be time to run this day either. I worked all day and then met Jason at his parent's house so we could have dinner and celebrate Jason's 32nd birthday.

Oh yes I did just say how old he turned! Ha!

To make a long story short(er), I decided to repeat Week 4 this week. I almost skipped W4D3, but thought that might be a bad thing. So, I'll be doing W4D1 tomorrow. Hopefully, the nice weather will hold and I can get back to running outside in preparation for Race for the Cure and Muddy Buddy!

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Very Minor Setback....

Sunday I was supposed to start Week 4 of the C25K program. However, due to the time change, not setting an alarm clock & family obligations, I missed the day. I decided to go ahead and work out as normal on Monday, then start Week 4 on Tuesday. From then on, I would run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

I was already nervous about today because my running time would be doubled from last week and I was a day behind. But, to my surprise, I started out okay. I got through the first 3 minute and 5 minute runs with relatively no problem. The second 3 minute interval was hard, but I got through it. Then came the second 5 minute run. I was already tired, but I was determined to do it. At 2 minutes & 30 seconds, my legs gave out and I needed to breathe. So I walked.

I briefly considered tell y'all that today went great, but then I thought that wouldn't be fair. I am a real person and real things happen to me. I'm certainly not perfect, but I'm trying! My blog is my accountability right now so I want to be completely honest.

Even though I didn't make the entire 14 minutes of running today, I did make 11 1/2 minutes. That's the most I've run outside in my adult life. I am still proud of myself and I am actually looking forward to running all 16 minutes on Thursday.

On a side note, I have signed up for the Susan Komen Race for the Cure on April 4th. I know that I won't be finished with the C25K program, but that's okay. I plan to still follow my normal week that April 4th falls on. Race for the Cure is such a great cause and one that is near and dear to my heart.

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C25K Week 3 Completed!

This week was a hard one. I really fought with my breathing issues a lot this week. On Sunday, I ran indoors because it was really chilly and windy outside. Tuesday I ran outside and had a really rough time. I'm sorry to admit that I cheated. I stopped 30 seconds short on my last 3 minute run. I just couldn't breathe, my legs were giving out and I was pooped. I think that this not only had to do with my exercise-induced asthma, but also the fact that it had been a busy and worrisome week. I ran outside again today, but this time I took my inhaler exactly 15 minutes before walking outside. It did make a difference today! It didn't make running any easier, but I did recover afterward much more quickly. The only negative thing about running this week is that the bottoms of my feet are sore. I'm sure I bruised them a little, but oh well. No pain, no gain, right?

To reward myself, I went to Target and bought some headphones that won't fall out of my ears every 5 seconds and an iPod holder armband-thingie so I won't have to carry it around. That's right people, I've been holding my iPod in one hand, while trying to keep the earbuds in my ears with the other and trying to run at the same time. I upgraded! Unfortunately, when I got home I noticed that the iPod case covers the entire screen so I can't use the touch wheel while it's on my arm. So I'll have to return it tomorrow and find another one that works for me.

On Sunday, I'll begin Week 4 of the C25K training. This week I will start with a 5 minute walk, then:

• Jog 3 minutes
  
• Walk 90 seconds
• Jog 5 minutes
• Walk 2 1/2 minutes
• Jog 3 minutes
• Walk 90 seconds
• Jog 5 minutes

Afterward, I'll do a 5 minute cooldown walk. This will be a big jump from Week 3, but I have high hopes for myself! Happy running!

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C25K Week 2 Completed!

I got through my last day of Week 2 today and it wasn't easy. The last 2 running intervals were pretty rough, but I got through them. Today was a nice cool day but it was super humid. I don't think I realized how much I was sweating until I got home and drank a gallon of water!

I start Week 3 on Sunday and this will include a 5 minute warm-up walk then two repetitions of the following:

• Jog 90 seconds
• Walk 90 seconds
• Jog 3 minutes
• Walk 3 minutes

Afterward, I'll do a 5 minute cool down walk. 2 weeks down, 7 more to go!

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C25K Week 1: Completed!

After the rough start of Day 1, I was worried about going into Day 2. I worked out normally on Monday expecting to run on Tuesday. However, Tuesday was cold and wet so I stayed indoors. Instead, I went back to the gym on Wednesday and ran inside. The treadmill was so much easier to me than running outside. I think it is because there's no wind, a steady temperature and no terrain. I decided that I need to do the rest of my running outside, weather permitting, from then on so that I can get used to it.

Today, I decided to run in the neighborhood next to mine since they have much more room and I won't feel as if I'm running in circles. I really liked this place to run much more so than my own neighborhood. There were a few small hills that made it tough, but I made it! I didn't even feel like collapsing on the couch afterward. Did I feel wonderful & exhilarated? No. But, I felt like I accomplished something and that's my real goal anyway.

I start Week 2 of the program on Sunday after a rest day on Saturday. This time I'll start off with another 5 minute walk and then alternate 90 seconds jogging and 2 minutes of walking. I'm gonna do this thing!

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Muddy Buddy & C25K

A few weeks ago, my friend Deseere told me about a race called Muddy Buddy that she and her friend, Shawna, decided to do. It intrigued me because it included running, biking, obstacle courses and finally, a crawl through mud to the finish line. It sounded fun and different to me so I called up my friend Shana to see if she'd be interested. Oh, did I mention that there is free beer at the end? Her exact email back to me was this:

I'm in, but I need to know:
1. Can you run 3 miles?
2. Do you own a bike?
3. What does it cost?

It was something to that effect, anyway. I couldn't find her exact reply, so we'll just go with that. My answers to her were:

1. Not now, but maybe by then.
2. No.
3. $75 per person

As I typed out my reply, I could already feel her laughing. She knows I hate running with a passion, so I'm sure this email came to a surprise to her. The most I've ever run at one time was about 2 miles when I was in track in Junior High. And I sucked. Royally, in fact. Contrary to popular belief, not all people with long legs are fast. We tall people are awkward and it's hard to get the legs moving. (I can hear Shana contradicting me now since she's 5'9" and Little Miss Runner). But I told her I would do it, so we signed up. Our team name is "Running for Booze." You gotta love that!

I've always wanted to be able to run. I've tried on a several occasions, but it's always been hard on me. I consider myself to be in great shape since I'm doing 30 minutes of cardio 5 times a week plus full-body weight-training 3 days a week. Even though I don't have trouble on an elliptical, I do have trouble running. I've gotten to where I can make about 10 minutes on the treadmill, but that's about it. My doctor diagnosed me with exercise-induced asthma, so I take my Proventil inhaler about 15 minutes before I work out on cold days. Warmer days don't seem to bother me nearly as much. Even with the inhaler, I've still only managed 10 minutes. So, I decided to try a new approach to learning to run outside: the Couch to 5K program.

The Couch to 5K program (C25K) is a nine-week program designed for new runners to learn how to run properly. It tells you exactly what to do and you do it 3 times a week. I thought this would be a good way (and incentive) for me to learn to run in time to prepare for the Muddy Buddy competition in May. I ran for the first time today. Today's workout was:

• Walk briskly for 5 minutes
• Alternate running 60 seconds & walking 90 seconds for a total of 20 minutes
• Walk briskly for 5 minutes

I downloaded Robert Ullrey's podcasts to help me along. Listening to someone tell me when to run or walk eliminated my obsessive need to check my watch/iPod constantly. I started off walking in our neighborhood (which is small) and then ran the first 60 seconds. It wasn't so bad. The next few 60-second runs aren't too bad until I get to about the 7th interval. This one was tiring. When I got to the final 60-interval, I thought I was going to die! I was right back at the house by that point, so instead of the 5-minute walk, I went inside, filled a glass of water, and collapsed on the couch.

My lungs and chest were burning, worse than when I was at the gym running on the treadmill. It wasn't cold outside; it was in the 60s and very humid. My airway burned so bad and I was coughing. I know that it's the asthma, but I don't know how to make it stop. I can only take the Proventil before I work out and can't take it again for 4 hours which is too late by then. I'm hoping that my body was just going through shock since I was running outside. It wasn't my legs that were giving out on me, it was my chest. Maybe this will improve by May and it's just a breathing problem. I hope so, because I really want to do a 5K. I know that I will never be a fast runner, but I will be happy to be able to just run it. Wish me luck and I will certainly update each week of the C25K program. Advice from runners is most appreciated!

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