As Long As You're Trying, You're Not Failing

Monday I went for my first run in almost half a year. After really aggravating my shins running last summer and feeling like I got no where, I decided to join the I'm-not-a-runner club again. And I've been perfectly okay with not running (there were a few times when my friends ran races and it made me want to try again, but for the most part not running was good). So instead of running I've been taking WERQ fitness classes, and I've been having so much fun. Unfortunately, my class package is over and (for now) I can't afford to take anymore classes.

Ultimately it means I'm back to relying on home workout videos and outdoor activities for exercise. I'm feeling pretty thankful that it's spring and spending time outside has been enjoyable again (at least for now, you never know what'll happen with the weather in MI).

Anyways, I went out on Monday for a walk and randomly decided it'd be a good time to try running. I thought things would be fine because I had stretched well before leaving the house and had walked for a good 5 minutes before taking off but after a minute of running I stopped to take a small walking break. The lower half of my legs felt so tight I was afraid they were going to cramp up so I tried to walk it off and then finally stopped to stretch them out. After stretching I was hoping to try running again, but I couldn't even walk right let alone run. Part of me was afraid I'd mess up my shins again and part of me was afraid I'd fall on my face because it felt like my ankles weren't working properly.

I walked all the way home feeling like a failure because I only ran for a minute, then I remembered that as long as you're trying, you're not failing. Working towards something, even if it seems like you're not accomplishing anything at the time, is 10x better than not working at all. It's a lesson that's not only good for running but every aspect of life.

So I'll be running again because the only way to get better is to keep trying (yup I've gone full on cheese balls now).

I know that I probably talk about this kind of encouragement a lot on here, but it's something I typically need to be reminded of. Plus I figure if I need to be reminded of this, there's probably someone else that needs reminding too.

-S

Trying to Keep Myself Busy

Unfortunately, I am still not working so I have had lots of time on my hands lately. Even though I don't particularly like my current situation, I often try to remind myself to look at all the positives. I don't have to wake up early (even though I typically try to), I don't have to be indoors on nice days, I can go hang out in coffee shops all day, I can workout whenever I want, I can catch up on all the TV shows I'm behind on, and lastly I can read all the books I want. Sure, there's lots of good things about not having a job but it also gets boring and stressful, and I'm definitely sick of feeling like I'm doing nothing with my life.

Anyway, what I really wanted to talk about with this post was how I went for another run today! I just keep reminding myself of the Disney Princess Half Marathon (well that and my friend won't let me forget about it). Going to Disney World and running in a tutu is definitely a good way to get me off my ass and out on the trails. I'm very lucky to live extremely close to some of the major trails in Traverse City, so I never have to worry about driving to a good running or biking location.

Today I decided to switch it up and run away from the water and downtown. It ended up being a great decision because I didn't have to worry about crossing many busy roads or maneuvering around the construction by the Marina. I did another interval workout using the RunKeeper app. The warmup was 5 minutes of walking and then 1 minute of running followed by 2 minutes of walking and finishing up with another 5 minutes of cool down walking. Running didn't feel completely awful, although I still feel like I'm not as relaxed as I used to be during my running intervals (maybe that's a good thing?) I am getting faster though, which is exciting. I just hope that I'm not increasing my pace too much too soon. I definitely don't want to exacerbate any old injuries.

Overall I managed to do 2.8 miles (minus walking to the start of the trail and back) in 43 minutes. I would like to at least start finishing 3 miles by the time I finish the 40 minute interval session (which I'm sure will be easier to do when I increase the length of the running intervals).

Now I'm off to try and be a little productive today, then later I'm going to a cookout for my friend's birthday. Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

-S

About How I "Hate" Running

I always forget how horrible running is when I haven't done it in a while. I just got back from a 2.5 mile run/walk that took me 40 minutes total and just felt awful the whole time. I usually try not to put much thought into what others think of me while I'm exercising in public, but today I'm sure it was obvious that I just wasn't feeling it.

I feel like running is one of those ideals. Most people I know, when they want to "start working out again" just start running like it's something easy to pick up. If they can't run for a full mile they come close to it and running a 5k without walking seems like a random afternoon workout and not a big deal like it is to me. Sometimes I feel like everyone and their mother can run faster, longer, better than me (I don't even know if what I'm doing can really be considered running). Then I try to remind myself that I'm not the only one that feels this way, and the more often I run the easier running will become. After a while I can even trick myself into thinking I "like" running.

Running has never come easily to me. Ever since I was little I despised running. My legs are short, my lungs are weak, my knees are bad, and I'm prone to shin splints. In fact, every time I've stopped running in the past has been because of either knee or shin pain. The only that has improved is the tricks I've learned to prevent these injuries for at least a longer period of time. I consider every pain and injury a learning experience. New shoes, insoles, tape, foam rolling, stretching, cross training, not pushing too hard too soon; these things have all become important for me to remember. If I'm going to run and keep my body in good working order, I have to take precautionary measures.

The most important thing to remember is: everyone's body is different. I can't compair myself and my running goals to other people. It is okay to start off slow and walk a lot to begin with. And lastly, doing something is always better than doing nothing. Just don't give up, before you can try.

-S

Run It

Short and quick for documentation sake.

Mile Breakdown:

• 3 minutes walk (warm up)
• 5 minutes run
• 2 minutes walk
• 1 minute run
• 1 minute walk
• 1 minute run (end mile 1)
• 1 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 2 minutes walk
• 1 minute run
• 5 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 2 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 3 minute walk (end mile 2)

It Might Sound Pathetic Comparatively...

But to me it's a big deal. I ran for a straight 5 minutes tonight, meaning straight half a mile. It felt good too!

I didn't plan on going to the gym tonight, but I couldn't focus on hw and I didn't know how else to clear my mind. I'm hoping it stays clear, although I doubt it. I kind of feel like my brain's been taking a trip on the TARDIS lately.

Anyway... I miss running like that and I definitely want to do it again soon. Hopefully I can build up some mileage again. I only went for 1.3 miles or so, 20 minutes. A short and sweet (or should I say sweaty) homework break.

So I guess here's the mile breakdown:

• walk 3 minutes
• run 5 minutes
• walk 2 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minutes
• run 1 minute (finished the mile here)
• walk 6 minutes

I've been on a roll with this and I'm not gonna let it stop anytime soon. I just keep hoping my knees and shins will stay pain free... although I am definitely feeling a bit of tension in my right shin (the one that always gets hurt). Definitely need to rest it tomorrow and make sure I build up strength.

Exercise Log: Week 1 of Intervention

Well I made it the minimal requirement of 3 days for week 1 so far and I'm feeling pretty good about it. I'm definitely struggling more than I used to and can tell it will take some work to get my stamina up for running or biking any sort of distance.

On Friday I went to the Rec to bike for 2.5 miles (although I swear it was lying to me because I was on there for roughly 40 minutes). 

Sunday I just worked out at the Centre's gym for half an hour, alternating running and walking. As well as some core and arm exercises.

Tonight I started out on the treadmill for 10 minutes at an incline of 4-5 walking, then I moved onto the stationary bike for just over 20 minutes and 5 miles. I couldn't believe how bad my my legs hurt just after that little ways. So much time ahead of me. I'm definitely going to have to get to the gym more than 3 or 4 days a week.

I just wish I had my actual bike here to ride outside on a trail. Which reminds me that I need to find a bike shop around Kalamazoo so I can go get fit. If anyone knows of any let me know. Also if you have trails to recommend, I'd appreciate that as well. 

Turkey Trot 2011 Recap

I realize this is a bit late so it's not going to be very detailed just some nice words.

The race this year was a lot more crowded than last year. I believe they said it was the fourth anual Turkey Trot so I can only foresee more people in the future. This year also had a new route/finish/start line which was nice to switch things up. I liked this route a lot better because we didn't have to run by the water as long. Although the temperature was surprisingly warm on Thanksgiving Day, the wind was definitely not. The wind bit through my clothes like my cat often does. I definitely should have remembered some nice ear-warmers or something.

My dad ran again with me this year (one of these times I will get my whole family in on this), but I like running with my dad. We crossed the start and the finish line at the exact same time so our time was exactly the same.... 48:15. That's not what I was hoping for and five minutes slower than last year, but it could gone worse. I just felt good about being active in the cold, and on a day when I planned on eating a ton. Nothing went horribly wrong and we made it to the finish line with another 3.1 miles behind us.

Thanks dad for running with me :) Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

3.1 Training Run

I told you I would do it.... 3.1 miles in 45 minutes, with like a 5 minute break in the middle because my side of my calf would not loosen up and I didn't want to pull anything or cause damage to it right before the race.

It was a little rough, but I think the first time you run longer than you have been running it's going to be challenging.

Here's the breakdown:

• walk 3 minutes
• run 8 minutes
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minute (mile 1 done at 13.5 minutes)
• run 1 minute
• walk 3 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minutes (another .5 mile done followed by 5 minute break)
• walk 1 minute
• run 2 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minutes

That's a total of 23 minute of walking and 22 minutes of running. Hopefully I can push a little bit harder on Thursday and finish around 43. But really whatever time I get, I finished and that's what is important.

Run, Run, Running

Another logged run. I went to the gym thinking I was going to go on the elliptical but they were all being used, so I hopped on the treadmill instead.

I should have had Josh there to motivate me.

Anywho, here's the breakdown for anyone who cares:

• walk 3 minutes
• run 7 minutes
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute (the first mile was really more 13.5 minutes... every second faster counts)
• walk 2 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 3 minutes (finished .5 mile in 2.5)

A little over 1 and a half miles logged in 22 minutes.

I will run 3 miles next time.

I will run 3 miles next time.

I will run 3 miles next time.

But seriously it's happening.

t minus 7 days.... did I say it was 7 last night too because I'm pretty sure I meant 8 haha

till next time,

S

Forth Training Run

Short and sweet.

Just over one and a half miles in about 23 minutes. Ran a mile in 14 minutes.... pretty sure that's the fastest I've done it in quite some time (even though that still seems incredibly slow I'm sure for a lot of people)

• walk 3 minutes
• run 3 minutes
• walk 1 minute
• run 2 minutes
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute (1st mile done, water break)
• walk 2 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minutes 
• run 1 minute
• walk 3 minutes

Longer run tomorrow or Saturday. We'll see when I have the time, can't believe I only have 7 days till the race!

Third Times a Charm

aka. 3rd Turkey Trot training run or When running feels good

Today's run went off way better than I had hoped for. My legs didn't hurt so bad, my hips weren't aching for me to stop, my back felt fine, my shins did not feel like they were splitting open.... all was good. Granted running is still running and there for I still had to stop and take breaks. Sometimes when I'm running for a while I get light headed or dizzy which is never good and I always take it as a sign to slow down or stop. Today was a 2.5 mile run done in 40 minutes, not the greatest but better than last time (besides being less painful). My legs actually kept begging me to keep on going when they're usually telling me to stop.

Here's the breakdown:

Mile 1

• walk 3 minutes (warm up)
• run 7 minutes
• walk 2 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minutes

Mile 2

• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minute 
• run 1 minute
• walk 3 minutes
• run 2 minutes
• walk 4 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 1 minute

Last .5 Mile

• walk 5 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 4 minutes

That's a total of 14 minute running and 26 minutes walking. I'm hoping to at least get to where I can run 3.1 miles in 45 minutes (even though I'd really like my time to be less than that). I'd say today I would have been right on track until the last half of a mile :) Hopefully Thanksgiving will be a good running day for me.

Second Day Log

Wednesday night I went to the gym for another training run. It was harder than the first one. The second day of working out is always harder than the first one. I still managed to do 2 miles that took me an even more time than the last time (didn't think I could get any slower).

Here's the breakdown:

• 5 minute warm up walk
• 1 minute run
• 1 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 1 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 2 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 4 minute walk
• end of mile 1 and quick water break
• 3 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 2 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 3 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 3 minute walk
• 1 minute run
• 8 minute walk

I ended up walking a lot of the time because my body was just not feeling the whole running thing. Something was really off about my stride and it threw everything else off. I have no idea what my problem was, but I only ended up doing just over 2 miles. One of these days I need to run the whole 3.1

First Documented Turkey Training "Run"

"run" aka a jogging pace

2 miles took me 33 minutes tonight. Yikes that's slow, I feel like people walk the whole thing faster than I can semi run it. I have started out by alternating running and walking because that seemed to work on previous occasions.

• walk 5 minutes
• run 2 minutes
• walk 1 minute
• run 2 minutes
• walk 1 minute
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minute 
• run 1 minute
• walk 2 minutes
• run 1 and a half minutes
• walk 2 and a half minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 3 minutes
• run 1 minute
• walk 3 minutes
• run 1 half minute
• walk 3 and a half minutes

I think that's right.... it should total to 10 minutes of running time and 23 minutes of walking time.

Even though I have a ton of homework I knew I needed to find time to train and just plain get exercise. I'm just making excuses if I say I have too much homework because I still take breaks and I might as well spend one of them working out.

I just got back today from a weekend with my great grandma. I love spending time and getting to talk with her.

Signed Up

Last night my dad agreed to run the Turkey Trot with me again!
He even signed us both up. So it's official. In about 19 days I'll be out in the chill kick starting my metabolism so I can eat gilt free on the day of thanks and feasts!
Guess I better get my butt to the gym on a more regular basis this next few weeks in order to train more seriously. I've been running off and on this semester and have built up a little distance (only on the treadmill) but during the next few weeks I plan on getting up to at least running one and a half miles. If I really thought I could train well enough to do 3 in the next 3 weeks I would but I don't see that happening. I'm up to about 7 out of 30 minutes right now.... but it's a lot better than the 3 out of 30 I started doing at the beginning of the semester. The plan is to work up two more minute each time I go, keeping about a 12 minute mile pace. Not fast but fast enough for me, and probably the only way I can run any sort of distance for at least now. I'm gonna run 3 times a week and hopefully get to the gym a fourth time for some sort of strength/crosstraining exercise.

Wish me luck! If you're in TC on Thanksgiving hope to see you there :)

Running thoughts

Just for starts I'd like to say that this new blogger interface (I think they've had it for a while but I just switched) is taking me a bit of getting used to.

Secondly, I'm still sore from running (with a lot of walking) Sunday and Monday. Granted it's only Wednesday, but I didn't run that far and I used my foam roller. I need to get back to running at a regular schedule. I'm thinking Mondays and Thursdays at least for now, although I'll probably up that when my legs get adjusted to the work again. I had a horrible time Sunday trying to get my calf/shin muscles to loosen and stop causing me pain. Finally after thinking I'd have to give up running for another day I reached a point where the pain subsided enough and that was really all I needed. After that running felt so good.... for the 10 minutes that I ran. The only good thing about running on a treadmill instead of the track at the SRC is that I can pace myself better. I usually run at a 12 minute/mile pace on the treadmill, which keeps me steady and also prevents me from slowing down as much when I take walking breaks.

Sunday started with around 10 minutes of walking
1 minute run
5 minutes of walking
5 minute run
1 minute walk
1 minute run
and 5 minutes of walking

.... it was a start at least.

Monday was a short and quick: starting with about 6 minutes of walking
1 minute run
1 minute walk
1 minute run
1 minute walk
1 minute run
3 minute walk
1 minute run
5 minute walk

both days were a little over 1 mile each. Followed my lifting weights and leg presses.
Getting serious for the Turkey Trot this year.

"Fitblr" Favorites

I woke up early for another morning jog. This time I went 3.1 miles and finished in an hour. I figured it took me an extra 15 minutes or so to wait at all the lights and go in and talk to my mom, so it was probably more like 45 minutes of actual run/walking. I wish I was faster. Right now I'm just trying to work up to a straight mile again before I work on speed, but I get so discouraged when people can basically walk faster than I can jog it.

One of the reasons I've started to work out and get motivated again is from reading two blogs that really have inspired me lately: One Twenty Five and Ben Does Life. I had heard of Ben Does Life here and there in fitness blogs that I've read over the past year or so. He's made local, national, as well as international news. Ben made headlines after making an incredibly inspirational Youtube video called "My 120 pound journey"(I cry every time). I'd definitely recommend checking it out, because you pretty much can't not get up and get exercising after you watch it. If he could run at 358 pounds (at a faster pace than me nonetheless), then you really can't make any excuses for yourself. Since Ben started he's run 5ks, 10ks, marathons, and even two Ironmans. His blog is pretty amazing! I've laughed, I've cried, and I've gotten jealous of the way he does life.

Liz at 125 is this Canadian bad ass, who recently announced she's skipping over to Europe to travel and climb Mount Everest! Seriously, I think she's super cool and just want her life. She used to be 200 pounds and then a few years ago (around the same time as Ben, started the blog to keep her accountable. Her goal weight is 125 and she's already down 50 pounds.

So I guess in a way, I owe Ben, and Liz, for getting me back out there, getting one step closer to my goals every day.

What are you waiting for? Go out and DO LIFE.

Love and Peace,
S

PS. I totally agree with Liz in that I hate the word fitblr.

Morning Jog/Walk

I mapped my "run" this morning which turned out to be roughly 2.6 miles. Farther than I thought it was going to be. Weather was perfect this morning! A comfortable 68 degrees and the sun was still behind the morning clouds. It took me roughly 45 minutes (because I walked a lot of it). I did however run the full way from the light at Division and the Parkway to the turn toward the water and the open space, past the volley ball courts. It was a major accomplishment seeing as when I first started running last year I could only do about half that before stopping to walk. Probably if I had really pushed myself I could have made it a bit farther too. I'm hoping by the time I go back to school in a few weeks I can run all the way from my house to the sculpture that marks the start of the TART trail. It's quite a bit farther for two weeks so we'll see. I guess it just depends how much running I can fit in between now and the 26th.

I told my dad he better start training too or else he won't be able to catch up (lies because he can already run 3 miles without really training... lucky). Now I just need to find a 5K to sign up for to keep me on track. Anyone know of any races coming up in Michigan?

Off to cross off thrift shopping with Sandy at Goodwill!

(file under perfect Sunday)