{Still Running}

I am pretty darn proud to be able to tell you all that I am still running! And yes, it makes me feel really good to tell you that.  Although I did pretty much take off all of last week, due to the crappy weather. I just could not find the motivation to go to the gym, especially since I have been running outside for weeks now. I just couldn't imagine going and running on the treadmill, I have no clue what I will do when the winter months return.

I am noticing a difference. My stamina has greatly improved. I have run for fairly long distances now, at least the distance seems long to me. =) I would say I can go about an entire mile at a nice pace.  And when I'm running, I am not getting as short of breath, as fast as I had been when I started.

Also after running I am feeling awesome. My energy level goes up...way up! I am to the point where my 2 mile run is not enough, and I find myself wanting to go further.

I did get new running shoes, and I am happy to say that my shin splints and knee pain has pretty much disappeared. The new shoes were defiantly worth it.

 I would like to get one of these: ...An iFitness Belt  Its kinda like sweat-proof fanny pack! ha! It holds your phone/keys and an ID.

I will say, I have noticed a difference in myself. I had to get new dress pants for starters... I dropped a size! Whoohoo!! That was a nice feeling... trying on pants in the dressing room, and they were too big... =)

So that's a little update on my running, Im still at it!

{Improvement}

I am happy to say that I am seeing improvements in my running.  I ran on Sunday with Bobby and we both agreed that I am getting better.  Way better from the first time I went running with him.

When I started, I couldn't go very far without becoming out of breath, so out of breath it was to the point where I almost had to stop and I felt like I was going to keel over.  Now I am able to go a greater distance all while running, have a little conversation and not feel like Im going to pass out from the lack of oxygen. 

Although, with improvement,I am having some issues, mainly with my body being sore. I mean really sore.  Lately my ankles have been aching/hurting, and I have sadly been experiencing shin splints. But I'm trying to just push through it, and hoping that the soreness with subside.

Nonetheless, Im going to keep up with the running, this might only be the start of some good improvements... and hopefully the soreness with get better!

Running Update

Well folks, I am still at it... running ((or more like jogging)).  I have even found myself a running buddy. :-)

It's actually a gal from my class and she lives less than 5 minutes away.  Karen and I both will be graduating in June, and we both will be attending MSU. Although, Karen will be taking classes at Oakland, where as I will be at MSU.

Karen and I worked out together tonight, and let me just say it was great.  It is so much better ((I think)) to have a workout friend. Someone who motivates you, keeps you accountable, and makes working out fun. We ran outside ((Which is completely different from workout out in the gym, mind you)).  We walked/jogged over 2 miles. It was a very good workout. We chatted, laughed and pushed each other.

We're going to jog again Saturday morning, we are going to attempt to jog together 3 times a week. And our goal is jog the entire route by the end of June.

I'm feeling really good.  I defiantly feel better after I work out! So here's till Saturday. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

{...I Hurt.....}

I did it! This week I ran/walked 4 days.  I started the week off by walking 6 minutes at a fast pace, and jogging 1 minute. I finished the week by walking 5 minutes and jogging 2 minutes. So I am getting stronger.

Although today and yesterday my body has been hurting. I cannot remember the last time my body hurt this bad. My back, legs, knees, arms... I hurt everywhere!

But I will be doing it all again tomorrow!  So here's to my day of rest, and hoping that this week goes just as well as the first!

Day 1

Well I completed the first day of a running program. 

I almost thought I wasn't going to be able to go to the gym yesterday.

I had my internship, which I ended up working late because of a suicide case.  I left after 5, class starts at 6. Not enough time to get to the gym, change, run/walk, and be to class on time. So at first I thought I would have to skip yesterday. 


I went to class, and we got out early, 8pm. That was plenty of time to go to the gym, run/walk and be able to get back to the house at a decent hour to study.

After the gym, I felt really good. Almost ready to do it again. :)

I did a 10 minute warm up, jogged 1 minute.  Then I walked 6 minutes at a fast pace, jogged 1.5 minutes, walked for 6 more minutes then jogged for 2 minutes. I never felt out of breath, and I felt like I could have carried on a conversation with the person next to me. 

So day 1, I would say was a success.

Im going back to the gym on Thursday to do it all again.

Running a full 30 minutes, nonstop, here I come!

{I'm Gonna Do It...}

I've decided to start running. Now just for the record, I am not a runner.  In the past, the most I have truly ran at one time, was the bases on a softball field. I know, its sad.  I have never enjoyed to run. Running the mile in gym class was utter hell.  I could never understand why people enjoyed running. 

After talking with a few runners, I have decided to give running a try.

In fact, I start tomorrow.  I have found a simple running plan online and am going to try to follow it. My plan is to run/walk at least three days a week.  I will start slow to build up my endurance, and by the end of 8 weeks the goal is that I will be running a full 30 minutes.

Here's the plan:

Warm up: 15 minutes

Week one: Walk for 6 minutes, then jog at an easy pace for 1 minute. Repeat 3 times. Aim for three sessions with that same sequence for week one.

Week two: Walk for 5 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Aim to do three sessions in week two.

Week three: Walk for 3 minutes, then jog for 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Aim for four sessions in week three.

Week four: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 5 minutes. Repeat 4 times. Shoot for four of those sessions in week four.

Week five: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 8 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four of those sessions in week five.

Week six: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 9 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Try to do four sessions for week six.

Week seven: Walk for 1 minute, then jog for 11 minutes. Repeat 3 times. Do four sessions this week.

Week eight: Congratulations on making it to week eight! For your first run this week, try walking for 5 minutes to begin and end the workout, and run for 20 minutes in between. By the end of the week, try to run for 30 minutes without stopping.
Cool Down: 15 minutes

So wish me luck, I will be hitting the gym between my internship and class. I'll let you know how the first day goes.

**Any runners out there have any advice/wisdom to share with a new runner?**