Up, down, and up again...

This week was a challenging one for my 5K training. Monday's run was okay. Felt like someone sitting on my chest, but I completed the "assigned" workout. Wednesday didn't go as well. I was supposed to run 10 minutes, walk 5, and then run an additional 10 minutes. I wasn't able to do it. AUUUGGGHHH!!! I ran for 10 minutes feeling like I was dying. Then I walked the 5 minutes and started running again. By 7 minutes, I was near dead. I couldn't breathe, my lungs were burning, I was coughing, my shoulders were extremely tense and I was VERY discouraged. So I stopped and walked. I walked for 3 minutes, and then ran for another couple of minutes. I was very discouraged and disappointed.
I think there were several reasons I was unsuccessful run on Wednesday. First, I thought it would be no problem to run less than 10 minute miles. However, I had had nothing to time my pace. So, my friend Beth loaned me her Garmin Forerunner (if you've got an extra $300 to burn on a tech gizmo, this one is it!!). The Forerunner tracks your heart rate, pace, miles run, and has a timer. So, I made sure that my pace was under 10 minutes. I think that was the major factor. I was running too fast.
So, after talking to my "coach" and number one cheerleader (Thanks, Laura!!) she advised me to slow down to a 10:30 to 10:45 pace. I tried it today and did great. I am back on track with my program. I ran 2.2 miles without stopping. But, the greatest news is that it was easy, fun, and enjoyable. Those are three things I couldn't claim previously. I dare say that I found the "zone" as I wasn't worried about time, how far I'd gone, or what hurt most. I didn't even fiddle around with my iPod during the run.
Needless to say, I'm on a running high today.
Keep me in your prayers for Monday. I am scheduled to run 2.5 miles without stopping. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

5K Update

It's been a rough couple of weeks. I had a fairly serious sinus infection which I finally caved to and saw a doctor. One day on antibiotics and I felt much better. (Yes, I know... Take all the meds even if I'm feeling better.) Anyway that yuck in my head kept me from keeping up with the running program.

What that means is that I spent a few runs on the treadmill. WHAT A FARCE!! Yes, I was moving and burning calories, but I was also running like Flo Jo! I finally figured out that running on a treadmill is WAAAAAY easier than running outside. (DUH!)

So, when I finally made it back outside yesterday, it was rough. I felt like someone was standing on my chest. But I ran. And ran. And ran. (Now that I think of it, I'm not sure that you can call what I do running. More like a fast shuffle.)

Even though I've been told, "You won't be ready." I am keeping up with the program. I am running (shuffling) more and walking less. And here's the big news: I've registered for the race: The Hilton Head Island Shamrock Shuffle (see, I'll fit right in!). The race is on Saturday, March 15th. Please keep me in your prayers. And watch for pictures...

I'm never working out again...

I'm buying the Hawaii Chair!

You've got to watch this video about the new Hawaii Chair. Supposedly it works your abs while you're just sitting on it. They claim you can use it while at work. I hope you laugh as hard as I did while watching it. That will be ab workout enough!!

I can only hope to be this kick-ass when I'm a granny!

Our January

Our January was busy. Both the kids had a doozy dose of some super nasty stomach bug which kept us housebound for a full week. After that, we did find some time for fun. I took the kids bowling for the first time. Once they got over all the sensory stimulus (it was LOUD!) then they had a great time. Don't know if Matthew had more fun bowling or running up and down the ramp that the workers used to get to the back of the lanes....
Enjoy the pictures!