The Color Run - Milwaukee

So I finally completed my first 5K! Sort of. I power walked the majority of it because I haven't restarted the C25K and I'm still really out of shape. It also happened to be quite muggy out so I was slugging water for fear that I would pass out in the heat (I've never done well in hot weather). But I did it! I ran at the start and at the finish! Since it wasn't a timed race Catherine didn't mind going at my pace and we had a total blast. It has rejuvinated my desire to get my butt in shape!

Here is the section of the post where I bombard you with photos - excuse the poor quality, I took them with my phone and used the front camera for half of them:

 Here is my face upon arriving at Miller Park... yes, I was excited.

 Everyone that attends these events are SO nice - people were more than happy to take a pic of us by this Color Run sign!

Showing off my freakishly long arms...

Me and Catherine at the starting line!

At the finish - what a rush! Even after showering I am still finding blue and orange in strange places...

 Can't wait for next year!

Full of Fail

I couldn't be more disappointed in myself. I have totally fallen off the fitness wagon. It all started when I was out of town for three days at Rock USA. I kept coming up with excuses not to run after that, and before you know it two weeks had gone by.

Yesterday was the Packer 5K and I couldn't participate. When I woke up I didn't feel well and without getting too graphic about it, spent most of the morning in the bathroom. I attributed this to nerves even though I was only planning on walking the majority of it because I knew I wasn't ready to run the whole thing. Well, all of the bathroom activity of the morning left me weak and dehydrated, and I made it all the way to lining up to go and I told my friends that it wasn't happening for me. I was either going to pass out, puke, or both. I called my mom and cried about it, which is totally normal behavior for someone turning 30 in a few weeks. Right now I'm giving you a look just DARING you to contradict that statement.

Lesson learned. My stomach still doesn't feel up to par today so I'm thinking I caught a little bug or something? But I have the color run coming up in a month and I will be damned if its a repeat of yesterday. I now have an awesome 5K shirt and pictures of me sporting my racing bib and I never actually did the race. I'm the biggest lamer in the world. I never want that to happen again.

But the summer semester ends in a few days, and I have a two week reprieve before the fall semester. It's a perfect opportunity to get my butt back in gear. Start eating better again, re-quit the soda, and start doing the C25K again. I also have two Jillian Michaels DVDs and was thinking of trying the 30 Day Shred. I'm standing up in a wedding September 8th and would really like it if my bridesmaid dress wasn't quite so tight.

I'll close this with two pictures from before the race yesterday. I look all fitnessy and whatnot, don't I? Too bad I collapsed in the grass about a half hour after these were taken. *sigh*

 I'm the tall girl on the left in this one, with my friends/co-workers Catherine and Liana.

Yes, I'm very white. But I'm comfortable in my (pasty) skin!

No Excuses!

I'm posting "Top Excuses to Not Run - And How to Beat Them" because I'm sure I will think of all of these eventually and I have to talk myself out of it. My current commentary on these is written below each in italics.

These were originally found here: http://running.about.com/od/motivation/tp/topexcuses.htm - so thanks for letting me permanently borrow them.

1. "I Don't Have Time to Run."

Lack of time is one of the most popular excuses for skipping runs. But squeezing in your workouts may not be as impossible as you think. Instead of watching TV for 30 minutes, put on your running shoes and get moving. Or, divide your run up between the morning and evening -- your body still gets mostly the same benefits.

 Shockingly, I have not used this as an excuse yet. I will be out of town for three days later this week though and don't want to run in an unfamiliar city - so I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to get around that, because I'm determined to keep up with my every other day pace.

2. "I'm Too Tired to Run"

When you're feeling sluggish, it's hard to get motivated to get up off the couch and out the door. But going for a run will energize you and make you feel better. You may be tired because you have low blood sugar, so eat a snack or light meal at least an hour before running. If you find yourself feeling really tired as you start your run, start off by walking and then pick it up slowly. Extreme tiredness with a normal sleep schedule may be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, such as low iron, so talk to your doctor if you find yourself frequently feeling tired.

THIS is my favorite excuse so far. I quickly figured out that I do better when I run in the mornings, but there are some mornings where I just do NOT want to get out of bed. I had blood work done recently due to me always being tired/low-energy and of course, all my blood work came back fine, so I have no excuse there. I have now been on a low-dose anti-depressant for a few months and I'm not sure if I'm benefiting or not - I still feel like I have low energy all the time. But my mom and my boyfriend have apparently noticed positive changes, and they know me best. Plus, I don't think that I would have ever attempted C25K before, or have stuck with it for more than a day or two. Now I'm getting off track... but yes, this is my favorite excuse. I always feel more energized after I run though, but I haven't been eating beforehand. May try to eat a power bar or something and see if that is helpful. I usually take a drink of water and head out the door.

 

3. "I Get Bored Easily."

It's easy to get stuck in a running rut. We get comfortable running the same routes or it's easier to just jump on the treadmill. Shake up your running routine by mapping out some new routes using tools such as MapMyRun. Or, sign up for some local races -- it will force you to run someplace different and it'll help get you motivated.

No boredom here... running is totally my new passion right now. I google questions and tips about it almost daily and I would love to get a treadmill but I have nowhere to put one! The nearest gym is 30 minutes away and I have no time or money to travel there, plus it's just not possible with Brady. I am currently taking the same outdoor route, but I like taking the same way because I get excited when I go farther than I did the time before.

 

4. "I'm Just Not Motivated to Run."

All runners go through some periods when they're lacking motivation. One smart way to get inspired to keep running is to find a running group. When you know other people are counting on you to be at a workout, you're more likely to show up. And the social interaction and competition that comes with group training also help boost your motivation. 

 

I have motivation for sure... I want to be toned! I want to be in shape for the first time ever! I have a bridesmaid dress to wear in September and it fits, but it is soooo snug - I would like for it to fit better, maybe even without Spanx! Is that possible? Haha. I have Catherine, my co-worker, to help motivate me but we live too far away to actually run together, plus she's been doing this for two years so I could never match her pace. 

 

 

5. "It's Too Cold (or Hot) Outside."

I always tell runners, "There's no such thing as bad weather -- just bad clothes." In other words, if you're dressed properly and prepared to deal with less-than-ideal running weather, you can still go for a run -- and actually enjoy it. Get tips and precautions to take for running in the cold, heat, and rain.  

 

It was beastly hot here recently and I actually skipped an extra day because of it. When the weather didn't let up, I just decided to run even earlier than I usually do and was out the door the next day by 5:30. I don't care what the links on the about website say, I can't run in extreme heat. Humidity kicks my ass. I've never dealt with heat well and I can't see me running in winter with ice on the roads either. I live in Wisconsin, yo. You might end up coming to my house and seeing a treadmill in the middle of my kitchen, because I don't know where else I'd put it.

6. "I'm Busy With My Kids."

As a mother, I know how tough it can be to fit in a run when you're busy caring for your family. But it's important for you -- and your kids -- that you get a chance to do something you enjoy that makes you feel good. Try to make running more a priority in your life and be a little selfish. Schedule your runs and get your spouse on board so you get help with some of the child-care responsibilities. And get creative and take advantage of opportunities to run. For example, if you're watching your kid's soccer game, run some laps around the field before or even during the game. 

 

This used to be my #1 excuse. Now I just do it before Brady wakes up, because when we tried to run together (well, him on his bike and me jogging) it was a miserable disaster for both of us. He's too fast, mom's too slow.

7. "I'm Too Self-Conscious to Run in Public"

Feeling embarrassed about running in public is a common reason why people don't get started or continue with running. Try not to worry about what others think! You should be proud of yourself for getting out there and doing something so healthy.  Runners actually love seeing others out on the roads or trails. Also, remember that everyone started as a new runner at some point, so they can relate to the struggles that beginners face. And any non-runner who criticizes someone for a healthy habit like running is probably just jealous or feels bad that they aren't running. Wearing the right clothes for running may make you feel more confident and comfortable when running in public.

I still worry that I run like a dumbass... I mean, I've never done this before, I don't really know if my form is wrong or what. But with my preference of running early in the morning I don't really see many people - a definite plus. You don't want to see my pale, sweaty ass huffing and puffing while I'm jogging slower than you are walking. Yep, I have hideous self esteem issues but I did buy some cute running clothes that I couldn't afford, so at least it has nothing to do with what I wear while I run.

So the moral of this long entry is that I'm not letting myself have any excuses. Look at me blog, folks.

W2D3

What the heck is wrong with me?

I made it through W2D1, and haven't made it through a day since. I made it through to the last run today so I got farther than last time, but had to stop with only about 20 seconds to go and just walk. I could not get a deep breath, it hurt to breathe through my nose for some reason and I couldn't get a deep enough breath through my mouth so I was just struggling. Aside from my lungs/breathing I think I would have made it. I know I have some seasonal allergies, so maybe that's it? But why is it bothering me so much more now?

I did my walking cool down, came in the house and stretched, and my breathing still isn't quite back to normal. When I first got in the house I felt like I was going to pass out. I must be the most out of shape person on the planet.

I'm not giving up. So don't go thinking I am. I will stay on Week 2 for a month if that's what it takes.

W2D2

I think my issue today was mental.

For those of you that know me in real life, I'm sure you're thinking "when ISN'T your issue mental?" hahaha... but seriously.

I did not want to get out of bed this morning. I was resentful and mad at the C25K and was NOT going to do it. But finally I got up, later than usual. The sun was out hardcore which didn't help matters either. There was a lot of traffic out - and I hate to be watched. I know that shouldn't matter but it does. Despite my warming up my legs felt stiff the whole time and I just felt like I was running wrong. I kept having to consciously slow my jogging pace because I wanted to go faster and it was really affecting my breathing.

I was just full of fail, yo. I packed it in early. Yep.

So as I repeated a day of Week 1, I will now be repeating a day of Week 2. I feel a bit discouraged but there is no way I'm giving up. This almost 30 year old couch potato is going to become a runner, even if it takes me twice as long to get through the program!

Yesterday I heard about another 5K in October that I would LOVE to be in good enough shape to do. The Warrior Princess Mud Run has 10 obstacles throughout the 5K course.... does that sound like fun or what?! You even get a princess crown at the finish line, hell yeah. Must keep working at this so I can justify signing up!

W2D1

I didn't have time to blog about it this morning, so I feel strange writing about it when it isn't as fresh in my mind... but W2D1 was a success!

I babysit my niece Chloe on Thursday nights overnight, she just turned one. I waited for her dad to pick her up this morning and then headed out shortly after 5:30. It was *much* cooler this morning and I was so grateful - in fact I was almost chilly for the first few minutes of my warm up! I did the first few runs without a problem, but it definitely got harder towards the end.

I told my fitness friend/co-worker Catherine today at work that "I'm starting to feel something in my butt!". Of course she looked at me like I was crazy, but I told her that when I was running today I could feel a sensation in my butt like those muscles were being worked. Yay for hopefully a firm butt, someday! Aside from my butt feeling (haha) I have been feeling changes in my calves. It's such a thrill to know that I'm working those muscles and that in a few more weeks I will start seeing some changes... let's just hope my waist line slims down a bit!

I was also excited to tell her about how I opened my mouth during my run and a drop of sweat dripped onto my tongue... it was both disgusting and rewarding at the same time. To know that I'm sweating not just because I'm trapped in my car with a broken air conditioner (which is why I'm usually sweating) but because I'm physically exerting myself for a change is pretty great.

I don't keep track of my distance traveled right now, I just concentrate on the time - but I have been running the same route each time and I definitely went farther today than I did during Week 1, which also makes me feel pretty darn good. After I was done with the cool down I did my stretches, hopped in the shower and rushed off to work.

I mentioned in a previous entry that I will be doing the Packer 5K with a few co-workers on July 28th. I'm signed up as a "walker" and I expect to walk the majority. Yesterday at work I told Catherine about The Color Run and today she talked me into signing up for it - it's August 24th! I was wanting to do it NEXT year but her enthusiasm was contagious so I decided to go for it. If I run every other day and never have to repeat a day I will finish the C25K in time for the Color Run, but I highly doubt that will happen. If I could even run half of it that would be great... we will see what happens! The run looks like a total blast though and I'm pretty excited about it. The registration fee was kinda pricy but my boyfriend knows how happy I am about taking up this hobby and how determined I am to stick with it so he paid the fee for me. After my overindulgence on workout clothes I'm pretty strapped so the fact that he footed that was pretty sweet.... either that or he's just looking forward to getting me out of his hair for the day! (kidding, kidding... maybe)





Does that look like a good time or what?!

W1D4

Alarm went off at 5:30 this morning, I was out the door by 5:45.

This morning's weather reminded me of when I moved to Baton Rouge for three months with Pete when he was working there. HUMID. This girl does NOT like humidity. The entire time I felt like I couldn't breathe deeply enough. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I had waited a few more hours to go.

On a positive note, I feel like I'm ready to move on to Week 2. I'm nervous about it, don't get me wrong - but I do feel like my body is capable of it. I just pray that when I give it a go that it isn't as humid.... because if it is I'm not sure if I'll make it (I really need access to a treadmill). I live in Wisconsin - don't get me wrong, I like a warm day but come on!

When I got back from my five-minute cool down I did some of the stretches my friend/co-worker Catherine suggested to me the other day. I like her stretches better than what I had been doing, and they feel like they are beneficial. She's been running for two years so I'll trust her judgement.

Happy Independence Day everyone! After I hit the showers and Brady wakes up, we will be heading off to the parade.... my little guy will be marching with the Cub Scouts! I'll be wearing a big floppy hat and avoiding the sun as much as possible.

Disappointed

I took all but one Week 1 podcast off my ipod last night, and added three versions of Week 2 so I would be all set to move up after one more day of Week 1.

Brady must have had a bad dream because he crawled in with me at some point last night and I never sleep well when he is kicking and tossing and turning. When the alarm went off this morning I hit snooze. When it went off again I shut the darn thing off. Now it is way too hot and muggy to run outside.

Super disappointed in myself. No excuse. I have to think about how good I feel about myself after I get out there and do it - and how bad I feel about myself today since I didn't. I can't let this set me back, I WILL get out there and do it tomorrow morning!

W1D3

Well I'm proud to say that Week 1, Day 3 is in the books - but I'm feeling a bit discouraged after this "run". So much so that I'm going to extend Week 1 for one more day (since technically I didn't finish W1D1 anyway).

For as much as I love the fact that I'm trying to get into shape... when that alarm clock went off this morning I did NOT want to get out of bed. But I keep talking about this to my mom, my boyfriend - hell, I'm blogging about it - so I have all kinds of people that can hold me accountable. So I dragged my ass outta bed, put on my cute workout clothes and grabbed the nano.

My calves started feeling sore/rubbery with the first jog - that's never been an issue for me before, but I pushed through it. The sun is out in full force this morning so I started sweating right away too... super attractive. But I kept going. Mia, a.k.a. Chubby Jones, has a few different versions of her C25K podcasts and I listened to a different one today.

I swear that broad is out to get me. I took the same route that I did the other day, I got all excited for the spot where she said it was my last run when I went on day 2... but on this podcast I had one more run after that. Seriously, I'm not making this up. At least, I don't think I am. I finished my last run (slow jog) successfully but all I wanted to do was collapse after that.

I'm still not finding a groove. My breathing has improved so I'm not as out of breath as I was when I started, but I'm not finding a natural rhythm with the breathing/running. I know I will have it so much easier when I do. I also think that for as cute as my running shoes are, they aren't that great (sorry, my adorable K Swiss beauties).

So I will do one more day of week 1, and then push myself to at least attempt W2D1. We'll see how it goes... hope I stick with it, and I hope you guys stick with me.

(I wish I had as much fun running as I do online shopping for treadmills and workout clothes)

Relay for Life

Yesterday my mom, my son Brady, and I did the Relay for Life walk. My mom found a lump in her breast when she was 27 and was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28. She had a lumpectomy done on her right breast, which was more like a partial mastectomy, and also had to get radiation. At age 49, they found cancer in her right breast again during a routine mammogram. We convinced her to be proactive and get a double mastectomy done, and it ended up being a good decision because they ended up finding cancer in the left breast as well.

Mom had decided against reconstructive surgery the first time around, and lived 20+ years with two different sized breasts. Since she was getting the double mastectomy this time she opted to go with reconstruction. Due to the radiation done to the right side in the past, the skin had trouble healing and she ended up with numerous problems and infections. She had to get a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction done (you can learn about that here: http://www.prma-enhance.com/index.cfm/PageID/1757) and is still recovering. Mom went through about five surgeries in all, and has gone through a lot of physical and emotional issues as a result. She says if she could do it all over again she would have opted not to have reconstruction, but she is just grateful to still be here with us.

When she asked us to do the walk with her, I agreed without hesitation. It's a great cause, I've participated in the past, and I knew it would mean a lot to my mom to have us with her. Not to mention the fact that I'm working on my fitness and extra walking will do me some good.

The DJ at the event played lots of good music and we walked at a brisk pace for two hours. They had a bouncy house for the kids and Brady had a blast and made a new friend. It was a great evening, and we would have stayed longer if it weren't for mom's sore foot and the mountain of homework waiting for me at home.

My legs are definitely sore today, but I expected that because I had also done the C25K earlier. I'm hoping the soreness will go away by morning because I really want to tackle W1D3! But for today the only thing I will be tackling is massive amounts of homework. Remind me never to take summer accelerated classes ever again.

 

 Mom and Brady - Relay for Life

Couch to 5K

I never utilize this journal for anything, and I've decided it's time to change that. I'm going to be one of the many on the internet that chronicles their Couch to 5K journey. If you don't know what the program is, I highly recommend that you check out this site and see what it's all about: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml.

I decided to do this because I have never really been "in shape" in my entire life. When I was young I was always very skinny, but never had to do anything to achieve that. Yep, I was the girl those other girls hated - wolfing down Big Macs and not gaining an ounce. Then I got pregnant and my metabolism went out the window. I gained 88.8 pounds and gave birth to a bouncing 12 pound boy. Holy crap. I lost most of the weight gradually without trying, but the last 20 pounds hung on for years. I went through a stressful period when my son was about four and a half and finally got down to my pre-pregnancy weight of 145. My body is nowhere near the same of course, but to be able to fit in those smaller jeans again felt fantastic.

Of course, since I did nothing healthy to LOSE that weight, it eventually crept back on. I'm currently hanging out around 155 which is acceptable for my height (I'm 5'10") but I don't fit in the Silver jeans I bought ten pounds ago and damn it, I want to fit in those jeans. They weren't cheap.

I started off using My Fitness Pal (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/) and tried to make an effort to eat better. I quit my beloved Mountain Dew for three months. I logged my calories. This always seems to last about two weeks and then I fall off the wagon. I still want to watch what I eat, and try to make better choices - but going on an actual diet is just not realistic for me right now. Maybe I will have the willpower eventually, but I knew I had to try something else. I'm still using MFP though, it's a great way to keep track of what you're eating and to meet other people going through similar struggles.

My son is seven now - and I would like to be able to keep up with him. It's embarrassing that I'm not overweight yet can barely jog for 60 seconds (I'm a former smoker as well but quit eight years ago so I can't use that for an excuse anymore). Honestly, if I don't lose much weight from doing this program that's okay - REALLY. As long as I notice changes in my body. If I tone up and lose inches that way I will be thrilled. I have a bridesmaid dress to squeeze my rear into this September and I don't want to look all bulgy in it.

I decided to go jogging when my son was away at camp, and ended up alternating jogging and walking. I knew there was a program that did that too, so that's when I started to research the Couch to 5K. I don't like to carry my phone when I'm exercising, so instead of using an app I've opted to download the Chubby Jones podcasts on iTunes (free!) and put them on my nano.

The first official day, W1D1, I had Brady come with me on his bike. I'm not sure if it was the time of day I ran (afternoon) or the fact that I may have been trying to keep up with him on his bike... but I was full of fail. I did the first 60 seconds no problem. The second 60 seconds I finished. The third set... I stopped with 10 seconds to go and walked the rest of the podcast. I was so disappointed in myself - not to mention embarrassed. I can't finish W1D1?! I'm screwed!

Instead of giving up, this made me more determined than ever to keep up with it. I want to be able to run a 5K damn it, even if my "run" is slower than most people power walk. I'm not looking for speed right now, just endurance. I was going to do this every other day, but ended up skipping yesterday because the heat index was ridiculous. Forced myself to get my butt out of bed this morning (my preferred time to exercise) and went by myself this time - W1D2. I concentrated more on my breathing, which is why I couldn't finish day one... I was so out of breath, my lungs were on fire. This time I breathed deeply through my nose, and out my mouth. I made an effort to jog slower (turtles were passing me).

... and I finished!!!! Mia (a.k.a. Chubby Jones) didn't even warn me that it was my last 60 seconds running... she told me after I was done - and I bet I looked ridiculous walking down the road because I was grinning from ear to ear. I'm sure there are people laughing their butts off at me right now because hi, I'm only on week one. But it was an achievement for me and it made my damn day. I was winded but not crazy out of breath like last time. I felt the burn in my legs this time though, which didn't occur on day one.

Some co-workers talked me into signing up for the Packer 5K at the end of July. I'm signed up as a "walker", but this is kind of what got me started. I won't be able to finish this program before the 5K, in fact I may have to repeat weeks of the C25K - and I'm okay with that. But I'm just thankful to have found something to motivate me and I really really hope I can stick with it. All of my other hobbies (reading, gaming) are sedentary and I need to get off my butt. Plus I bought some cute workout clothes and I have to get some use out of them (I'm a big fan of Champion's Shiny Seamless Sports Bra and Adidas Perfect Rib tanks).

Our small town doesn't have a gym, so I'm already worrying about when the weather is too hot/too cold to run outside. I'm currently haunting Craigslist trying to find a good deal on a used treadmill (like, free). Wish me luck.