30 minutes or 3 miles?

0.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	12:26 min/mi	00:12:26
2 mi	12:07 min/mi	00:11:59
3 mi	13:22 min/mi	00:13:18
3 mi	19:17 min/mi	00:00:23

My weekly workout says I should run 30 minutes two times a week and then  a long run. Should I only be doing 30 minutes or 3 miles? I have decided to run the 3-miles and push myself...hopefully midway through this training 30 minutes and 3 miles will be about the same. Until then I will continue running 3 complete miles. Going back to my lesson from an earlier blog...push longer and further.

Had to take a short break today in running to take a call from David. It was into my 3rd mile and so my time reflects that a little more but still ok with it. My second mile is still a good one for me. Is it the route or my running? I would like to think a little of both. 

Still love the running shoes! I can't get over what a difference they make.

No Baby Steps!

 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	12:01 min/mi	00:11:57
2 mi	11:07 min/mi	00:11:05
2.6 mi	13:19 min/mi	00:08:06

Oh how I didn't want to run today...but I knew if I waited until tomorrow it would be that much harder and NO excuse for me not to run today. I have decided that M-W-F are better days for me to run so I am adjusting my training to try to accommodate that schedule. 

The weather is a cool 73 with low humidity and a great breeze...again, no excuse not to run today. I decided to reverse my route today and it worked out well, I liked it. I was well into my 2nd mile when I realized I had not taken any baby steps or hadn't even thought about it, so I was determined to finish 2 miles without baby steps. Once I did that I decided to try to finish without baby steps since I was almost to the end of my route. 2.45 miles before I hit my cool down spot without baby steps. Small accomplishment for me. 

I think on Wednesday I will take the same route and adjust a bit to see if I can get in 3 miles. 

First 5K down!

.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	10:40 min/mi	00:10:38
2 mi	11:26 min/mi	00:11:20
3 mi	12:07 min/mi	00:12:02
3.2 mi	12:08 min/mi	00:02:27

I just got home from my first 5K, this isn;t my first but it is the first in more than 5 years...I did it! I ran the entire time and I didn't finish last. It felt good finishing (emotionally that is). Physically, after my cool down, I felt better than immediately following the run.  

Joe, David, Nick and Marshall were there at the start of the run and met me at the finish line. It was great having them there for moral support. I was kind of nervous...I didn't want to finish last, and plus the area we were running in was not good. There was police presence at every corner so that was nice. This is a popular race course so I was certain there would not be any issues, but still scary running in an area you are not familiar with. 

First 5K down!

During the first mile several runners quit running and walked. I saw a girl running by herself (Brenna) and stayed with her, I think she was in high school. She was struggling at times, as I was, and we kept each other going. I had to take baby steps into mile 2, but it helped me to continue. I eventually caught up to her again. She ended up finishing about 10-20 seconds ahead of me, but she ran the entire time too. It felt good knowing we did...there was a time well into the 2nd mile when a couple to be in their 20-30's were running together and they stopped and walked for a brief time, but for all I know they could be non-runners and they were out for a good cause.  The last 1/4 mile I could see the finish area...it was so close but yet so far. The song that came on that I finished the run to was "Runnin' on Empty". I just started laughing when it came on. I have my running track on shuffle so it was random. 

3 weeks of training completed.

Tomorrow was was supposed to run 4 miles according to my training schedule...I will forego that and get back on schedule next week. 

Pushed it today

0.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	12:15 min/mi	00:12:12
2 mi	12:00 min/mi	00:11:55
3 mi	12:57 min/mi	00:12:52
3.3 mi	18:00 min/mi	00:04:36

I was not going to have another set back today. It is too easy to give up and harder to push yourself. 

I have my first 5K this coming Friday and I did not want my last run before it to be another set-back. I ran 3.1 miles today before I stopped at the corner that I start my cool down home. My third mile was much slower than my first two...but I don't care...I ran it and that is what matters to me right now. 

The weather was great today, 75 degrees with a nice breeze. I am so glad the weather is cooperating with my training. 

Lesson #4: when doing my cool down stretches wipe the sweat so it doesn't get in my eyes. :-/

In the heat of the day...

0.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	11:43 min/mi	00:11:43
1.5 mi	12:31 min/mi	00:06:52

This morning I went to the lazy river and walked with my friends. I did this in previous years and have always enjoyed the time with them...however, I forgot how much it would hurt my back. So, what did I do to help my back, I went for a short run to warm up and stretch my muscles. It really did help. 

Only ran the first mile and then walked and ran my .5 mile back home. Successful considering it was in the heat of the day. 90+ degrees with high humidity. 

Small set-back

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	11:53 min/mi	00:11:52
2 mi	12:09 min/mi	00:12:07
2.8 mi	13:19 min/mi	00:10:34

I am adjusting my training schedule this week since I will be running my first 5K this Friday. I didn't want to run on Thursday and then a 5K on Friday. I just am doing a M-W-F circuit this week. I am sure I will need to make some adjustments along the way. 

Today I felt that I had a small set-back...for whatever reason I really struggled today. I was only able to go about 2 1/2 miles before I had to stop. I even stopped during into my third mile to walk a bit. 

I knew that I would have days like this and this is the first. Up until today I have always pushed a little further than the previous run...not today. For whatever reasons my legs felt twice as heavy today. I would like to blame it on the heat, but it wasn't too bad out today. We will see what Wednesday brings. I think I will really try to get hydrated between now and Wednesday to see if that helps.

I created a "Running" track of songs. It was good, I was about ready to stop into my second mile when my "go-to" song came on. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. I think I was even able to pick up the pace/steps a bit. Music does help!

Wow...new shoes make a difference.

0.1 mi

0.5 mi

1 mi

5 mi

10 mi

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	12:03 min/mi	00:12:02
2 mi	12:10 min/mi	00:12:09
3 mi	12:17 min/mi	00:12:15
3 mi	13:11 min/mi	00:00:33

Today I completed my second week of training. It was a good week the weather was really nice here for mid-July. I ran the 3 miles today for the "long run". I didn't think I would be able to but I DID IT! The first 1/2 mile is still a killer for me. I just give myself small/short goals and that seems to help, sometimes it is just the the corner which is 1/2 block away or making up the small incline, I do that throughout the entire run.  I needed to take baby steps twice today, once about 1.4 miles in and the other about 2.2 miles in.

Today was my first day with my new running shoes. I took the advice of everyone and went to Running Central and got fitted for a pair of good running shoes. WELL WORTH IT!  I would come home and take off my shoes immediately today they are still on my feet.

I took a longer cool down today in hopes that I wouldn't have the sick to my stomach feeling after my run. It seemed to help and I ate a 1/4 of a bagel this a.m. about 45 minutes before I ran. Maybe the combination helped. I need to work on getting a comfortable set up for my post run stretches...the concrete floor of the garage in nice an cool but, oh so hard! :-)

Official 'PIT"...Princess in Training

DISTANCE	PACE	ELAPSED TIME
1 mi	11:21 min/mi	00:11:21
2 mi	11:55 min/mi	00:11:52
2.9 mi	12:31 min/mi	00:11:23

Since my last blog...I am an official Princess in Training, PIT. Tuesday afternoon I signed up for the Princess 1/2 marathon. I thought a good way to stay on track is to run at least one 5K each month. This month (July) the Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) is my designated run. That is a week from tomorrow (July 25).

Today was my 30-minute run. I learned from life lesson #3...I went longer than 30 minutes. I almost have my 3-mile loop down. I know what I need to do to make it 3-miles on Saturday. My first mile today went well. I always have a hard time getting my breathing regulated to start...but after the first mile I felt pretty good.

In my second mile today I was giving myself short goals so I would not stop, during my own little "pep talk" I ran past two of my former co-workers who know of my 1/2 marathon goal. So even through my music I heard them yelling and cheering me on. It was fun and gave me a little more "umph". I think I went at 1.3 miles before I took my "baby steps".  However, I didn't think that 2nd mile would ever end. I have a long way to go for 13.1...but I have a 7 months. I don't have to conquer that this month or next!

It was warmer out today than I anticipated and it was in the mid-70's when I ran. I am glad I didn't wait until later in the day. I was back home doing my stretches when it took everything I had not to throw up. I took a sip or two of Gatorade and that seemed to help. I need to tweak my morning routines on my run days. I think a good start would be no coffee or just a little, I also ate a little something this morning (toast with peanut butter) maybe that needs to be adjusted.

Today...I am hoping to go to Running Central and get fitted and buy my first "real pair" of running shoes. I heard that it is well worth the time and money.

What a difference 20 degrees makes

Today's training 30 minutes...  2.40mi, time: 29:07, pace: 12:08min/mi, speed: 4.94mi/h.

1 mi	11:31 min/mi	00:11:30
2 mi	11:54 min/mi	00:11:53
2.4 mi	14:11 min/mi	00:05:38

The weather today in mid-July for IL is exceptionally cooler. Usually we are hot and humid...which will be right on for FL in February. But today it was a cool 65 and low humidity with a slight breeze. Perfect for running today. It was even a little chilly getting ready and my first thought was to wear a t-shirt, but I am glad I wore regular running gear.

My first mile came a little easier today...I think the weather had a lot to do with it. I actually hit my first mile in 11:29  minutes today with no baby steps! Woo-hoo. I had to rethink my route so I could hit 30 minutes. I fell short by a minute or so. I guess I should have gone around the block before making the turn back to my house. Lesson #3...don't take shortcuts...push myself to go longer. 31 minutes is better than 29 minutes.

I was pushing to run 2-miles today when my music stopped around 1.4 miles so I walked to figure out my music. You would think after my walk I would have been ok but for some reason I needed to take baby steps in my 2nd mile. It's o.k. because my split time after 2 miles was still under 12:00 minutes.

I need music to run...it helps me keep my mind going to the beat of the music. I am not one to listen to the lyrics but more the beat of the song. I do remember "I Will Survive", "25 or 6 to 4" and "I'm Still Standing" being in the mix today. Not bad motivational songs for only 30 minutes.

Today is the day that Karen and I are signing up for the 1/2 marathon...no turning back.

Update later after we are "official" race participants!

YEP...it's official we are Princesses in Training.

We tried to log-on to register when it first opened and the website was too slow so we agreed to register later that night. 2 hours later she called saying they are at 70% so we got on and were able to register! First accomplishment to makes this a reality.

Sunday Quick Run

Today I was not going to go out and run. Afterall, I did my first "long run" yesterday. But I needed to do something and I wasn't up for a walk since I needed to be at my parents house at 6:00 and it was already 5:00. So I decided to grab my phone to record my run,  music, water and a wet towel around my neck and see how I do for a mile. I don't do well in the heat of the day so I wanted to be prepared.

I had an idea of how far I needed to go for 1/2 mile and turn around. It worked out perfectly. I had 1 1/2 blocks for a cool down before I was home. 11:57 for my time, now I need to make it so my mile isn't so labored. Maybe that is what I will do on my "off" days. I guess my goal is to run a mile and not think about when is this going to be over...it's a mind game, a game I am determined to win! :-)

Lesson #2: Don't eat cucumbers and then decide to run.

My first "Long Run"

I did it! My first "long run" according to the Training Program Schedule for the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon. The goal was 2 miles. I am not sure if it was run-walk 2 miles or run 2-miles. I ran the 2-miles.

I woke up this morning to rain...I know if I put off running I won't do it in the afternoon...especially in the summer. By 9:00 the rain was gone so I took that opportunity to go out.

My first mile was 13:12 my 2nd mile was 13:31. A slower 2nd mile...BUT I DID IT! I remembered the hint my son Nick gave me when I was running my first 5K...don't stop running, if you feel the need to stop just run in baby steps. I needed to do that 4 times today, only for about 10-20 yards each time but it helps me. My first mile felt pretty good the second mile was much harder for me today. I didn't thing that 2nd mile was ever going to end, but just as I was ready to give up the voice came on to tell me 2 miles. Goal accomplished! Just in time to have a 1-block cool down walk home. Total - 2.10 miles.

The songs today were pretty good...I can't remember them, but I remember they were good running songs. The only thing that would have made it better was if in the last 1/2 mile the song "Runnin' on Empty" would have come on. I remember when I was running before I had on my I-pod. "Don't Stop me Now" by Queen. that was my go to song if I wanted to stop. Maybe I need to look into downloading some songs.

Update to status: 11:00 -  I just got off the phone with Karen...her excitement rubbed off on to me and yes...I verbally committed to the Princess 1/2 Marathon. Wish me luck.

Getting started

Last week my high school friend, Karen, called me and asked if I was still running. My answer is I run a mile here and a mile there but nothing consistent. I start to train and then the wind blows in a different direction and I don't finish. I have a tendency to start something and not finish my goal...with the exception of I always wanted to run a 5K and when I set my mind to it I did accomplish that. No record breaking time but I finished...two 5K's as a matter of fact. Then the wind blew in a different direction and I stopped, after all my goal was complete.

Back to my phone call with Karen...she too, is recently retired and wants to accomplish something and asked if I wanted to join her. She prefaced it by saying she wants to do this with someone fun! I am glad I am one of her fun friends...I think. What is her goal that she wants me to help her with?..run the Princess 1/2 Marathon in Disney World in February. Now I am not so sure I like being her "fun friend".

This is not something I take lightly...if I commit I have to stick with it since someone else is depending on me. My husband, Joe, saw the e-mails and asked if I was going to do this? He knows my downfall of not finishing things. However, he was not discouraging the fact that I should do this, he even mentioned this to one of our boys. Maybe this is just what I need to get going and start running and lose some weight.

I read up on 1/2 marathons and Karen sent me some links to look over and read. My problem is I needed to see what my starting time for a mile is right now to see if this goal is realistic for me. I know I could run-walk 13.1 miles, but with this 1/2 marathon you need to stay at a 16 minute mile pace. What is my starting pace now?!?!?! All this was being transpired while I was out of town and couldn't comfortably check out my mile pace until I got home.

Tuesday afternoon we got home and so I hit the street with Map My Walk and Slacker Radio on my phone. I decided to alternate walk to a song and run to a song...much to my surprise I finished my first mile in 13:29. Encouraging...maybe this goal is attainable.

Now...how do I stay on track to complete this goal? Sign up for another 5K...I am looking into some area 5K's and plan to sign up for one this month. YIKES...I am actually thinking of how this can be done.

Though I haven't officially accepted the challenge yet it is looking more appealing.

Today, Thursday, I went for my second "run". I went on the same route I took the other day. I pushed myself a little more to see if I could improve on my time. I would walk to one song and run to two.  This wasn't too bad...with the exception of the phlegm I had and couldn't gracefully get rid of. Lesson #1 figure out a way to carry water with me. 

Much to my surprise, my time improved on my first mile to 13:00! My next mile or .87 was more difficult...I must have sounded like a crazy woman since I was talking to myself saying I could do this and I was talking over the music. Oh well...it worked!  I ended the run with  Distance: 1.87mi, time: 24:39, pace: 13:10min/mi, speed: 4.56mi/h. 

Let's see what the next time will bring. But I think it is looking more promising to commit to Karen.