Week Two, Day Two

I was filled with so much doubt today. I didn’t think I was going to make it.
I said a prayer and jumped on the treadmill. Once I made it through the first 90-second run, I felt more confident. Before I knew it, the lady said, you are halfway done or whatever she says. Whew! A sigh of relief. I said a prayer of gratitude and did my best to focus on my breathing. You can do this, Sheila….

The doubt returned during the last two runs. I was sweaty and out of breath. I just repeated, push, push, push, push. I finally heard that voice, workout complete. Yay! I gave myself two thumbs up.

Lasagna

Today I decided to experiment with lasagna. I don’t eat it often because I usually eat Dreamsfield pasta and I haven’t been able to find their lasagna noodles. When I was on the My Fitness Pal site a couple of weeks ago, someone mentioned making lasagna but using zucchini strips instead of noodles. Her chief complaint was that it turned out mushy due to all the liquid from the zucchini. Someone else shared that she had the same experience.


So, I was thinking about the best way to tackle this issue. I decided to treat the zucchini the same way you pull the moisture out of eggplant—salt the zucchini before using it. I’m not much of a meat eater. I usually make spinach lasagna. However, I thought spinach with zucchini would be a bit much so I opted to use ground turkey. In addition, instead of ricotta cheese, I used cottage cheese.

C25K - Week Two, Day One

Whew! I was so nervous on my way to the gym. I keep trying to stay in a positive space but I could feel my heart beating. I decided I wasn’t going to watch the time today. It really worked out. Just when I thought I couldn’t go on, the lady said, “walk.” I completed each run interval. Yay!
I was feeling all proud of myself and shared my accomplishment with someone. First, she asked me why I was doing it, why I just didn’t walk another 5K. She thinks I’m going to stress myself out. I explained that I need specific goals to help me stay motivated. Then, she encouraged me to aim for only running half of a 5K. Ugh! I felt kind of weird after the conversation. I think, for a while, I’m going to stop sharing my training with people who are not part of my fitness pal/blogging/Twitter community. I just need to continue reminding myself that I am doing this for me and me only.

C25K Week One Lesson: Stay In Your Own Lane

To get to the finish line, you'll have to try lots of different paths.  ~Amby Burfoot

As I approach Week Two of the Couch to 5K running plan, I have been reflecting on what I learned during Week One. First and first most, my training is unique and individualized. I’ve received a lot of advice, encouragement, and even some discouragement. Ultimately, it is about me and what I want from this experience.

Nothing shows you just how unique you are as fitness. I learned this lesson when I first began this journey. The worst thing I can do is compare myself to the person next to me, ahead or behind me. All I thing I need to do is start and finish MY race.

I can learn training plans, stretching routines, and correct form from others. However, how fast I need to go, what I need to eat before and after exercise, how long I need to train, what gear I need, and where I need to train are all questions only me and my body can answer. The bottom line is that I am so happy and proud to be out there trying.

C25K - Week One, Day Three

Week One – Day Three


I did it! So very grateful! I definitely need to tackle this on the treadmill for a while. Last night I spent some time viewing some YouTube videos about running form and stretching for runners. Having the correct form and avoiding injury is very important. I just remembered while I was reading about stretches for runners that I had Osgood Schlatters Disease when I was younger. I totally forgot about it. I don’t have any problems with it now but I do see how I’ve probably always had problems with my quads and hamstrings…which manifest as pain in my knees.

I’ve been very conscious about doing squats and lunges. I’m doing my best to keep my quads and hamstrings loose.

Today I slowed down my walking pace to 2.5 mph instead of 3.0 mph and kept my “running” pace at 4.0 mph. Based on most of the things I read last night, the most important things to focus on right now are proper stretching, correct form, and sticking with the routine. I was able to apply some of the techniques I learned last night to my session today and I felt pretty good. So, I plan to move forward to Week Two on Monday.

Here are the stretches are worked on this week.

How to stretch before and after a run

Avoiding shin splints

C25K - Week One, Day Two

You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.


Yay! I did it! I completed each running interval!
 
I decided to go back to the treadmill today and I think it made all the difference. Even though it was challenging, I was able to push through and complete each 60-sec run. I think it’s because I can control the pace of my running much better on the treadmill than on the pavement. I have no idea how to pace myself without the aid of the treadmill.


I’m not sure if I’m going to go back to the park on Saturday for Day 3. I’m thinking I may train on the treadmill until I build up my stamina.

At any rate, I’m very proud of myself for trying.

C25K - Week One, Day One

OMG! It was brutal! I've been walking/running on the treadmill for about a month or two.  Nothing compares to running outside.  It also probably made a big difference that I have been walking four to five minutes between each one to two minute run.  I've been wishy washy about training on the treadmill vs. outside.  I figure since the race is going to be on the road it's best to train under similar conditions. 

First of all, I was very nervous.  The walking trail I chose has a pretty good mix of inclines.  I was good until the fifth and sixth run.  I couldn't even finish them.  I stopped after 30 seconds on the fifth run and after 50 seconds on the sixth run.  I'm not sure if it was a good idea or not but I repeated both of them.  Running up an incline was pretty challenging but I know in the long run it will be worth it. 

Next, I'm not so sure about my pace.  I think I may need to slow down a bit.  It was only the first day.  Now that the first day jitters are over I can learn what is going to be best for me by trial and error.  I'm also thinking that I may need to repeat Week One.  We'll see....

At any rate, I'm so proud of myself.  I was so afraid I was going to talk myself out of it.  I was feeling a bit self-conscious but I believe I did okay.  Looking forward to day two on Wednesday!