Training: Day 46

I went out on my 20 minute run tonight. I was pretty sore from running yesterday and wasn't sure I'd be able to run the whole time. I ran halfway, and then my calves were so tight I couldn't run anymore. So I walked one street over to my friend's house and picked up the scarf I left. Then I walked back to where I stopped running and ran back home. So I got 20 minutes of running, I just had to take a few minutes in the middle to rest my calves. I am sore. Gonna go sit in the hot tub now. Gotta go!

Training: Day 45

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....
I ran for 20 minutes tonight! Okay, more like the slowest jog ever for 20 minutes, but it's a start! I can't believe I did it! I was really feeling like I couldn't do it. I could only manage 5 minutes at a time last week. I think the key was slowing down. I paced myself with music on the iPod.
I started out thinking I would just try to run for the first 10 minutes. Then, when I had run for just over 9 minutes I turned around. I knew I would be slower coming back. I told myself I would just keep going as long as I could and walk the rest of the way home. I made it all the way back.
This is making me feel like I actually can do this. I think that was part of what kept me from going out on Monday. I felt like I couldn't do it, so the cold weather just gave me an excuse. That is why I am wanting a treadmill. Then I won't have any weather excuses. It would just be for part of the time. Outdoor training is probably the best. I am going to look at a used one tomorrow. We'll see what happens.

Training: Day 44

I was going to make up for Monday by running today. It was actually colder today with hail/snow/rain mixed all together. I looked on craigslist for treadmills and will be going to the store later this evening. I need to run. This week was supposed to be 20 minutes running. I don't know if I can do that yet. I'm pretty out of shape and haven't run for more than a minute in about 20 years. I'm only 32. What does that say? I will let you know what happens with the treadmill.

Training: Day 40, 41, 42, 43

Friday was a rest day.
Saturday I was supposed to get out there for my last walk/run. It never happened. It was quite a busy weekend with 2 birthday parties. And I was being lazy.
Sunday was another rest day.
Monday... Well, Monday was stinkin' cold. I had to give a friend a ride so she could get her car fixed and by the time we were back, it was after 7pm. It was already below freezing outside. I really don't like running outside when it is that cold. It burns my throat and hurts my pinky- which has fibrous growths in the joint and the pain gets worse in the cold. I am looking for a good but inexpensive treadmill for really cold and really rainy days when I just can't bring myself to get outside.

New shoes

Jeff and I bought new shoes tonight. We went to the Eugene Running Company to get them. They do a gait analysis to help you choose the right shoes. I guess I have a bit of pronation? They recommended a couple of shoes and I ended up getting the Brooks Ariel. They have quite the arch support. It did affect the inside of my lower legs in my run/walk tonight. Hopefully I will get used to that quickly.

Training: Day 38, 39

Wednesday I was recovering from my travels and did not get out. Bad me.
Thursday I ran/walked for 35 minutes. I tried to do more running all at once. I got about 4 minutes in at the beginning. Then walked for a bit and ran about another 4 minutes. I was dieing. I don't know if I spelled that right. It looks kinda funny. Anyway, I had total pain on the inside of my lower legs. Especially on my left leg. Must be the new shoes. I will get to that in my next post.

Training: Day 35, 36, and 37

Sunday was a rest day. I didn't do a Healthy Eating Goal this week. Being out of town, it just didn't happen.
Monday I walked/ran on the treadmill again. I went 2.4 miles this time. As I was running, I really started feeling like I wasn't ever going to be able to run for 20 minutes consecutively. I could only run for 5 minutes. Then I walked 2, ran 2 and couple rounds and then walked for awhile. I ran the last 1 1/2 minutes. I was really discouraged. But I have thought a lot about it and decided I am just going to keep trying until I get there.
Tuesday was a rest day. I went to the beach in Pensacola in the morning. Then we went to the mall and then the airport at 2 pm. I was traveling home until just after midnight. I am home now!

Training: Day 31, 32, 33 and 34

I am in sunny Florida! Wednesday I was preparing to leave and did not get out. Thursday was a travel day (6:30 am - 8:30 pm). It was a long day. Friday I went to the clubhouse at my friend's apartment complex. I used the treadmill. It was nice to see that I went 2.2 miles in the 35 minute walk/run. Saturday I used the treadmill again. I think that was the first time I have done it two days in a row. It was harder the second day. Anyway, I will be here till Tuesday, so I plan to use the treadmill again on Monday!

Training: Day 30

Tuesday was a rest day! Yay! I actually was not sore. Kinda strange because I was plenty sore right after my run/walk on Monday. Just to let you know, I am going to Florida Thursday and won't be back till really late Tuesday. I might not be able to post a lot while out of town. I do, however, intend to train while there. The days might be a little off because I will be traveling all day Thursday and might not be able to get my run/walk in until Friday. Woohoo Florida! Here I come!

Training: Day 29

I went out for 35 minutes of walking and running this evening. It had been a week since I last got out. I have to say that the sore muscles are spreading. It seems like each week I hurt in new places! Will it ever end? Maybe if I don't take a week off!

Week 5: Healthy Eating Goal

This week's healthy eating goal is going to be to refrain from eating after 8 pm. This is a tough one for me as I like to eat something at night when we watch TV. But it is something that I definitely need to do.

Training: Day 28

I am going to try running tomorrow. My cold is still here, but I think I will never get back out there if I don't just go for it.
This week training will be a 35 minute walk/run. Next week will be the same as well. Then we switch it up to a 20 minute full run. Yay! Not sure I am ready yet. We will see....

Training: Day 27

Today is the worst day so for with this cold. I am getting really annoyed. I am hoping it gets better soon so I can get out there again.

Training: Day 26

My cold is getting worse. It is making it too difficult for me to get out there.

Training: Day 25

This cold is really killing me here. The rain is supposed to be gone for awhile starting tomorrow, though. I didn't get my run in again, but am thinking of making up for it with a run on Friday.

Training: Day 24

I woke up this morning with really bad congestion. It was raining tonight when I would go running, and I am not sure it is a good idea to run in the cold rain with a cold starting. I really need a back-up plan for these kind of days. Like a treadmill or indoor track. Oh how I wish I had a treadmill today. That would be a lifesaver on a rainy day while sick! I don't know that tomorrow will be much better. I really need to keep up the running or I will never work through these shin splints!

Training: Day 23

Tuesdays are rest days. I definitely needed it today. My legs were hurting very badly. But not from training. Sometimes I just get pain in my legs. I don't really know how to explain it. It is like it is radiating out of my bones. Nothing makes it go away except sleeping. It was pretty awful.
I didn't eat breakfast or lunch. I only ate dinner at 11:30 pm. Not very good. I pretty much blew every single one of my healthy eating goals today!

Training: Day 22

Today marked the first day of our 30 minute run/walk week. Wow! My shins were on fire when I got home. Jeff and I soaked in the hot tub that was only 100F, not so hot. More like warm. But it was nice. I am imagining that we will be needing it more tomorrow.

Week 4: Healthy Eating Goal

This week I am going to refocus on my previous goals as well as setting a new one.
Just to review they are:
1- Eat both breakfast and lunch every day.
2- Leave a little food on my plate.
3- Make my own bread.

I seem to be slacking on some of these. I will try to get back on track this week.

Now for this weeks Healthy Eating Goal:
Eat at least 3 servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily.

I had broccoli, kale, and an orange with my dinner. And the real kicker, the veggies were steamed. That's the only way to do them, if not eating them raw. I'd say I got that one in the bag today. Let's see how I do tomorrow.

Training: Day 21

Sundays are rest days for me, so nothing much going on today. I definitely got in some rest! 2 naps. Although, I am not sure if 10 minutes each time really counts. Hmmm. I don't think it does. Oh well!

Training: Day 20

Today was supposed to be my last day of a 25 run/walk. The day was filled with sleeping in, making a birthday present, attending a Tupperware party, attending a birthday party, picking up a babysitter, and having a Rock Band get-together with friends. Had I not slept in, I could've found time to get out there for my run. Nope. I had to go and be lazy. What's with me? I am so not perfect and disciplined. I wish I was. I am still working on it. Bare with me, please. I am a work in progress. This blog is tracking my ups and downs on the journey. I will continue training, even when failing for the day. One day shouldn't effect the outcome of the journey- it just might mean I have to work harder to get back on track. As I've said before, I will do this. I can do this. I can make my life healthier, happier. And finishing this half marathon will give me a great sense of accomplishment.

Training: Day 19

Fridays are rest days, so I didn't run. I did, however, make spelt bread. I usually go for half whole and half white spelt flour, but this time I did 3/4 whole flour. It really made it dense. It is still good. Especially toasted with butter and honey. Yumm! What isn't good with butter and honey?

Training: Day 18

I went running! It was 50 degrees when I left, so I didn't have to wear a jacket. That is nice, not running in the freezing cold! I am actually finding myself looking forward to running most days now. I was really hoping to get out yesterday, but it was a busy day- first taking the girls for haircuts, then babysitting for a friend, then having a playdate for the kids at my house, then dinner, then cleaning for the Rock Band Marathon, then the party starting. It was pretty much non-stop. I am not good at getting up early in the morning by myself to exercise. If I have someone to go with I will do it. But on my own, not so much. So it is usually middle of the day or evening runs for me.

Training: Day 17

With people coming for a New Year's Eve Rock Band party, I didn't get out today. I know. Lame excuses.....

Training: Day 16

Tuesday was a rest day. Luckily, I actually wasn't sore! I was quite shocked. Didn't get around to making bread, again.

Training: Day 15

Today began the week of the 25 minute run/walk. And guess what!? I went! I did it. This time I ran at least half which way outdoes my not quite half of 20 minutes on Saturday. This time the running was very slow. My shins hurt at first, but then I got used to it. Luckily, I also have a rather high threshold for pain. I am proud of myself for getting out there today. It was 36 degrees out there, but I got hot and took of my jacket. I had capris and a tank top on. Yeah, it gets that hot when you are working up a sweat!
Didn't get around to making my bread today. It was a busy day due to going in to work for a change.

Week 3: Healthy Eating Goal

This week my goal is to make my own bread. I have really enjoyed eating baked foods made with spelt, but it seems that all too often I just am too lazy to bake. So this week I plan to make bread, and not eat any store bought bread. It really shouldn't be too hard, I just need to do it.

Training: Day 14

I am definitely sore from running yesterday. A nice soak in the hot tub last night was nice. My shins still feel bruised today, but I think it will get better in a couple of weeks. I am not looking forward to the pain I will probably have to endure while trying to run tomorrow. I will do this. I just have to keep telling myself that I can and I will.

Training: Days 12& 13

Yesterday it just never happened. I know, I am not very good at this. It is quite a stretch for me to be doing this, but I will do it. I can do this.
Today I made it out! I walk/run on the EWEB bike path that is behind my house. There are electrical lines along it. I alternated running and walking between sets of poles. It worked out well. I ran almost half of the time. That is much better than I did the last time.
The only problem I have with running is that I get shin splints. The kind that is just caused by the muscles. I think that I can eventually work through it. I think it is just because the muscles are being used and stretched in ways they haven't in sooooo long. Any tips?

Training: Day 11

Merry Christmas! Today is a rest day. We filled up on a big early dinner and enjoyed having friends and family with us!

Training: Day 10

Today I was stuck at the sewing machine, so I did not get out. My shoulders are sore from all this sewing. I didn't even finish everything. I will get out on Friday for more running in my walk. Happy Christmas Eve!

Training: Day 9

Today, I decided to make up for yesterdays slacking. I dragged myself out of bed and went out in the near freezing morning air. I got in a tiny bit of running. Hopefully I will be able to add a tiny bit more tomorrow. It got me up and going for the day- which is really nice when you have a tendency to stay in bed as long as possible in the mornings.
This week I am modifying my schedule to look like this:
Monday: rest
Tuesday: 20 min walk/run
Wednesday: 20 min walk/run
Thursday: rest (Merry Christmas!)
Friday: 20 min walk/run
Saturday: 20 min walk/run
Sunday: rest

Week 2: Healthy Eating Goal

This week's healthy eating goal is to leave food on my plate.
This may sound weird, but it has a huge impact for me.
When I was growing up, my parents would set the timer for me to eat my carrots or whatever other food I didn't like. When the timer went off, if I hadn't eaten it I would get a spanking. I was always told to eat all of my food. I am sure that most people were told to eat everything on their plate when they were growing up. I vowed never to do that (the timer and spanking thing) to my kids. Now, I have to admit, I did this to Ashley once. She has a very difficult time eating anything other than chicken nuggets. I was trying everything I could think of to get her to eat a variety of foods. I cried as I did it (more like as I forced Jeff to do it). We never did it again. We found other means that have worked fairly well without crying or pain (hopefully- but Ashley might disagree).
Anyway, leaving a little bit of food on my plate seems to leave me with a sense of discipline. I feel empowered by it. It may sound strange, but try it. You might be surprised. I am also trying very hard to teach my children to eat only until they are satisfied.

Training: Day 8

Yeah. Not so much.

Training: Day 7

Today is my rest day. I am excited and nervous about this week. I get to run/walk. I am not sure how much to run. I guess I should take it slow and just see what I can do at this point, and then push myself further each time. It is kind of a strange time to start training- with snow and ice and then Christmas and New Years. But I will do this.

Training: Day 6

Guess what!? I walked today! It was at home in my living room. I walked back and forth across it. It was about 10:10 this evening. Yep. This blogging thing is making me get up off my behind and do something. The thought of having to leave a day blank or fess up to not doing anything is enough to make me do it! Guess its good motivation. Tomorrow is a rest day, so I was trying to think of something to blog about on rest days. Maybe I'll come up with something meaningful and somewhat related to running or training for the half marathon.

Training: Day 5

Today is a rest day. We awoke to snow again. I am still doing well eating both breakfast and lunch every day. I am looking forward to next week when I get to add a little running to my walks. Looks like next week's weather won't allow me to train outside yet. I'm not sure how I will be able to run at the mall. Anyone have any ideas on where to run in icy rain?

Week 1: Healthy Eating Goal

I am going to set a healthy eating goal each week of training. My plan is to work on the new goal that week and then continue it on each week thereafter.
This week's goal is to eat breakfast and lunch everyday. Sometimes I seem to get up late and then take my time doing "stuff" around the house and forget to eat breakfast. Then I want a snack and eat whatever I can find. If I make a conscious effort to eat both meals, I will snack less and make better food choices. I have done well so far this week.

Training: Day 4

Woohoo! Today was a go! The roads were cleared with the rain that pounded down last night, so I was able to get to the mall to walk this morning. I walked for 30 minutes. I probably should've walked a bit faster, but Bridget and I were pushing strollers. It is supposed to freeze again tonight, so we'll see about tomorrow. This weeks plan was to walk for 20 minutes 4 times. So far I've gotten in 1 time. Next week is going to be a 20 minute walk/run. I'm really hoping this cold craziness is gone by then, because I'm good at walking, but not so much when it comes to running.
At least I was able to get some training in today.

Training: Day 3

The weather is still awful. I think it is 33 degrees right now. I am hoping most of the ice will melt. I checked out the bike path where we are to do our walking and running. It has some clear spots, but half of it is still ice and snow covered. I am getting frustrated. If there is school tomorrow then I can go walk at the mall and push Natalie in the stroller. I've tried that with the 2 older girls and they get tired and complain. What is a person to do? And there is supposed to be a storm tonight with more snow/ice? And again on Sunday!? What's with this crazy weather. It usually only snows once or twice and melts off by noon! I need to get going with this training!!!!

Training: Day 2

So... Today is supposed to have a high of 16 degrees. School was canceled. Again. Today is supposed to be a rest day, but I was hoping to make up for yesterday. So much for that, seeing as how we are iced in. And now another storm is coming in tomorrow. It's supposed to stay really cold and have sleet and icy rain. Yuck. This is not working so well. What's with the freakish weather?! Pray for warmer days again so I can train, please!

Training: Day 1

Jeff and I were planning to get up at 6 this morning and start our training with a 20 minute fast paced walk. It snowed.
Because we are training outside, we weren't able to go. Unfortunately, it rained yesterday so under the snow on the pavement is a layer of frozen slush/ice. It would snow/ice on our first day! We will try to get our walk in this evening.

Beginning

I decided to start a separate blog tracking the progress of training and running a half marathon. My husband Jeff and I are doing this together. The event is May 3, 2009. Training is 20 weeks and begins tomorrow, December 15th, 2008. Hope you'll come visit often!