Week 3

Whew! Well today was the first of 1min/3min (for 16mins)...and a bit of a doozie! My legs were really tired and stiff. I think I'm still recooping from the ice skating on Saturday...that did a number on my legs for sure! Heading into the last interval, I had to stop at Kilbourn and this older woman asked me about my shoes. She used to run before her knees got bad (something have to look forward to!), so she asked me a few other questions. Before the light changed, she told me to keep up the good work! Well, I was at that 12 min mark and was supposed to walk from 12 to 13, but a. I had been resting at the stoplight for about a minute, and b. I felt stupid walking across the street after our inspirational talk! So I ran all of the last four minutes! It wasn't so bad! The important thing is that I was in a super shitty mood upon getting home, and the run made me feel better :)

End of Week 2

Well here we are already at the end of week 2! I wouldn't say that running is getting "easier" per se, but I find that every time I go, I like it more! I always look forward to it, and, like today for example, sometimes I have to stop myself from going! I think my knees need a break. I can feel a little more pain than usual when I go upstairs now. But I had a feeling that would happen since my knees have ALWAYS been rough. But if I keep my training steady and don't overdo it, I'm sure I'll build up some endurance in them. Hopefully!

Week 2 Stats:
Walk 1 Min/Run 2 Min (15 mins total)
Total Distance: 5.42 mi
Ave Distance: 1.355 mi/day
Ave Time: ~11:20 min mi

All good stats! I obviously raised my mileage adding on that extra minute, but I also shaved off a few seconds on my average time. THIS, however, won't always be the case. I can imagine that I'll undoubtedly hit a block where I'll be running longer than my body is ready for in the next few weeks, maybe even this next week, and I'll have to slow it way down.

I'm ready for the 1min/3min intervals! I think I've found a comfortable pace/stride now...it's just a matter of controlling my breathing. I can see having a little trouble with that tomorrow. I wonder if there will be snow all over the place??

ahhhhh

I LOVE RUNNING :)

That is all.

Week 2!

Real quick here, but I just had to mention that not only could I do the two minutes, but it was pretty easy!! And actually I think this morning's run was better than yesterday's and this one was on six hours of sleep. Not bad at all! ...I think I'm gonna like it here ;)

End of Week 1!

Week 1 Stats:
Walk 1 Min/Run 1 Min (14 mins total)
Total Distance: 4.74 mi
Ave Distance: 1.185 mi/day
Ave Time: ~11:50 min mi

Well I definitely made it and passed with flying colors I think! I mean granted the first week schedule is pretty easy, but hey, I wasn't a runner by any stretch prior to this week, so it definitely means a lot to me!!

My run today was gorgeous yet again! I felt great...the only thing is that I need to find my stride: the distance and timing of each step. In addition to simply building the endurance in my shins, I think finding the right stride and how I land with each step will help too.

I'm very ready for Week 2's 1 min walk/2 min run. In fact, during my last two runs I found myself looking repeatedly at my watch to see when it's time to start running, yet forgetting to look when it's time to start walking. It can even be a little frustrating when I hit a good pace and stride and I have to stop! So mos def a good sign!

First run of Week 2 is tomorrow right away, good stuff!

PS

Gadgets are fun and I want this one! $30 isn't so rough...I think I'll make it my reward for completing Stage 1 in ten weeks! NEAT!!

running at dawn

...is A'OK with me! I've always had a lot of trouble exercising in the morning. I think it has something to do with being a slave to coffee and the inability to do anything functional without it. I gave up coffee for Lent 3 weeks ago, however, so maybe that helped this morning. Again, this was a very invigorating run as it was probably around 45 degrees. I got a couple minor stitches though...I think because I didn't have Mandsi there to set a pace! But I did my little breathing trick and within 15 seconds it was fine. It's totally stupid, but I just have to remember to breathe when I run. You wouldn't think it'd be so difficult!

I know it's only the second day, but I'm still having a great time! I find myself VERY much looking forward to these little runs! Like I find myself bummed that I have to do boring Twist Step tomorrow after work ;)