C25K - Week 1, Day 3

I SURVIVED MY FIRST WEEK!

Something clicked today, while I was jogging.  I managed to get my feet up higher, move further forward, feel like I was actually running.  The downside: my right leg stiffened up not too long after I started, stitches in my side, feeling like I was going to die.  Today's stats are:

total distance: 2.19 mi

total elevation: 2802.82 ft

pace: 13:40 min/mi

speed: 4.39 mi/h

projected 5k: 42:28 min

calories: 390 kCal

I keep saying so and so day was the hardest, but for this - the first week - today was truly the hardest.  Starting next week (which for me will start on Sunday), I'm supposed to move to 90 seconds of running, and 2 minutes of walking.  However, even with the progress I've made (as my friend pointed out, it's a steep learning curve), I feel I could use a little more of the foundation.  So I will repeat anywhere from 1 to all 3 of week 1's training schedule, so that hopefully it will get a little easier.  But even with the little I've done, supplement by other things, I'm feeling a difference in me, my body.  So I'm gonna do my best to stick with my grind.  Notice how I went faster and further than my last training day.  So if you haven't already, join me!  There's a C25k app for iPhone and Android by Cool Running (Total C25K on Windows phone).  Let's all run this race together!  It's never too late to get in shape.  #fancyfabulousfierce

C25K - Week 1, Day 2

I'M NOT GIVING UP!

So...technically day 2 was Tuesday, and I'd already fallen off the wagon!  You're supposed to supplement the c25k training with some other type of exercise.  So I went to my local 24 for some quality swim time, to find that the pool was closed!  Something wasn't working, they'd fixed it, but needed 24 hours to let the water cycle through as it cleaned itself.  Granted, I could've stayed, being in gym clothes and all, but I'd had my heart set on swimming and I didn't feel like doing anything else.  So I left.

Wednesday, day 2 of training.  I would've thought day 1 was the hardest.  But I was pumped, starting a new routine, ready to get fit, got my goal up ahead..Getting out of bed day 2, an hour and a half earlier than usual?  ROUGH.  But I made it.  My awesome c25k app, calculated my stats:

total distance: 1.89 mi.

total elevation: 1348.43 ft.

pace 15:52 min./mi.

speed: 3.78 mi./h.

projected 5k: 49:19 min.

calories: 390 kCal

Now it's not horrible, though I can't see myself running for almost 50 minutes straight, but it's a huge difference from my first day stats - which, incidentally, were made up because the app added a good half mile I didn't even run :-/.  That aside, I made it through another day of training, and am already feeling better.  I'm still tired, since getting up so early, and I'm not sure that anything really changes that quickly, but if I can stick with it, make good changes in my life..I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

And wonderfully, I made it swimming today!  Only did 35 minutes, and then sat for 10 in the hot tub, let my muscles relax, but it was glorious!  Hard, I haven't been swimming in months and months.  But I love seeing all the hot guys at the gym so I'm gonna stick with it.  Anyway, day 3 of training will be tomorrow and I plan to rock it.  c25k all the way!  #fancyfabulousfierce

C25K - Week 1, Day 1

This weekend I randomly decided I wanted to participate in my first ever 5k Marathon event.  Well, it won't seem quite so random once I tell you the whole story, but let's start at the beginning.  Sort of.

I hate running.  Like, if running were a person, I'd punch it in the face.  But what are you gonna do.  So I'm totally fine with walking a 5k.  And when I hear 3.1 miles I think 'Oh, that's not so bad', but my body thinks 'we're gonna dieeeeeeeee'.  Currently, I'd say I'm in the worst shape of my life.  I've never been crazy athletic to begin with, being plus-size and all I avoid throwing myself around when I don't have to, but I've decided this needs to change.  For health reasons, self-esteem reasons, etc.  So: a marathon.

Of course, I can't just go from irregular exercise to a marathon aficionado.  I need to train.  Even the word makes my head hurt!  But if everyone else can do it, why can't I?  If there's one thing I'm trying to work on (among the many others) it's my discipline/willpower.  So, instead of exercising all over the place, without an actual plan, I've decided to work through the Couch to 5K program. 

Couch to 5k is a running plan that's designed to get you off your ass and in fit shape.  You train 3 days a week for 9 weeks, with sessions ranging from 30 - 35 minutes (including warm-up/cooldown). Supplemented by cross training (fitness classes, swimming, etc.) on your off days.  The training plan looks something like this:

Today was my first session.  And I tried my hardest not to go.  'Oh, it's raining!'; 'I should wait til July, make my first day the first of the month'.  But I knew if I waited it would never happen.  So I went.  In the rain, and an hour and a half earlier than my usual wakeup time.  Anyone who knows me will tell you I LOVE my sleep.  Anyway, I downloaded the C25K app to my phone, so the autovoice would tell me when to warm up, alternate between walking and jogging, and when to cool down.  Today's session:

5-minute warm up (brisk walk)

Alternating: 60 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking

5-minute cool down

Total Workout: 30 minutes

During the session, the running was hard.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't the duration - I was only running 60 seconds at a time.  But like I said, throwing that weight around..It's hard on the knees, hard to want to bring it all up into the air.  And even though it was a short workout, I felt like I'd done a lot more than if I'd only walked for the same amount of time.  So tomorrow, I'll like go swimming at the local 24, and back to training on Wednesday.  Of course, all this training won't help if I don't change my eating habits.  I know for a fact that will be one of the hardest things for me to do.  But as long as I take it one step at a time...

 This whole thing started Saturday when I went to The Crucible, a workshop based art center where everything taught deals with fire or gasses.  I went with my family to sign my sister up for a welding class, and decided impromptu to take an Intro to Neon class.  I LOVE neon lights, think Vegas and glow sticks.  And as we were home that evening (mom lamenting how every time we go anywhere she winds up spending more money than planned), I realized once I had my new light skills and could trick things out, there was a marathon I totally wanted to run: Electric Run.

I've never been to one, but it's essentially a nighttime marathon/music/light show that looks absolutely amazing.  I discovered them earlier this year, but was in no shape to participate.  However, they're having one an hour away from me at the end of this year and, if I can get my behind in shop, I'd love to participate.  You're allowed to walk it - and frankly that's probably what I'd do - but I'd love to invite friends, go as a team.  That said, with most of my friends more in shape than I am, I'd like to be able to run it - at least parts of it - if we so chose.  And I could go alone - and maybe I would, even - but it seems the type of thing you want to do with friends.

So, all this to say I'm determined to do this training, and at the end of these two months I should - will - be able to run this awesomesauce marathon.  If you're reading this and I know you, or you're in the Cali area and want to participate - and especially if you want to C25K with me, let a girl know.  Wish me luck and stay tuned for more!  #fancyfabulousfierce