Pre-Race Jitters

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow!

Tomorrow's the big day for my "first" 5k, and I'm slightly nervous. Ok, that's a lie. I'm petrified.

It must be that "out-of-my-control" type of thing I struggle with in more than one area of my life ;)

I'm not really sure what to expect. I have this crazy idea that I should run the whole 5k, or it's nothing, that walking isn't acceptable (even though it perfectly is). For the record, this isn't the actual 5k I had planned to run, but it's for a good cause and a normal run day with C25K anyway, so why not? I might as well have fun, right?

Well, I keep telling myself that. It's your run, not anyone else's, however I'm finding myself struggling with that idea the day before the race. I want to do my best of course, and I feel that whatever I do, it won't be enough. I'm not sure how the course is set up, as obviously it's my first time running it, and our race packets will not be available until registration tomorrow morning. No map, no number, nothing to go off of, no pre-planned route that I could scope out the hills and turns before.

Up until now, I've been lucky enough to avoid the treadmill, something I did NOT want to run Couch to 5k exclusively on. It was there for backup, just in case my run outside was rained out, or the weather was too hot. I love being outdoors, hiking, fishing, etc., so running country roads have been a bit spoiling to me (and the weather too). I've added some hills, turns, etc. to my route, that have allowed me to help build muscle and endurance, something I wouldn't necessarily get from running on the treadmill constantly. I think it's also helped me stick with the program thus far, as I've been able to just enjoy the scenery, whether it's farmers in their fields, wildlife, or crazy locals on mopeds. I tend to change up my routes, sometimes running south or east, as opposed to north (all the time). It's something different each time, and I think it helps keep me coming back for more!

Anywho, now that I'm completely off topic, I'm still nervous for tomorrow. It's not supposed to be as hot as I'd expected, which is nice, but that I feel like I have to perform top-level, like this is do or die (even though I know better). I'm hoping I can be sub-40 minutes, and just run my regular C25K run, but may run a little more depending on how I'm feeling. The ultimate goal is just to complete 3.1 miles. (I think I can, I think I can...)

Tomorrow's run will consist of a 5 minute warm-up walk, running for 25 minutes, and cooling down for 5, though I think I might run towards the end some, or run more than actual 25. It will all be up to my body at that point, the terrain, and how I'm feeling.

Look for a race recap tomorrow afternoon/evening, perhaps Sunday. (I'm having lunch with my best friend since high school at a restaurant in my hometown after the race. The local-grown breaded/grilled pork tenderloin and basket of homemade potato chips are my reward. Counted, though, of course!) ;)

C25K: Week 4 & 5

I can officially call myself a "runner," or at least that's what my C25K app tells me ;)

I finished my longest run I've had to date on Saturday, wrapping up C25K Weeks 4 & 5, and I can also say that I've ran my first solid mile, one thing I've never done in my life (and I went a mile and a half to boot)!

Looking back, I still can't believe I've made it this far, honestly. You can read previous blog entries, however I can seriously say that I've never been able to call myself a runner. It's fun (and it still doesn't suck)! It's given me a HUGE confidence boost, even if the dreaded number on the scale isn't budging. Stupid plateaus. (I can, however, see my legs leaning out, and my size 12 pants are barely held up by my hips. Clearly something is progressing, even if the number isn't.)

Week 4 really wasn't too bad, but it did bring me longer runs that I've had before. Week 4 consisted of warming up and cooling down with a 5 minute brisk walk, running for 3 minutes, walking for 1.5 minutes, running for 5 minutes (my longest at the time), and then walking for 2.5 minutes, repeating the cycle once more after.

My Week 4 times stayed average, with the following per-minute mile times below:
Run 1: 13:39 min/mi, average speed 4.40 mph; total distance 2.49 miles
Run 2: 13:04 min/mi, average speed 4.59 mph; total distance 2.66 miles
Run 3: 13:19 min/mi, average speed 4.50 mph; total distance 2.53 miles

Considering I started Week1, run 1 at 15:06 min/mi, average speed 3.97, with a total distance of 2.18 miles, I'll take it.

Week 5 started my "diverse" runs, as I had a different interval rates walking and running for each separate run.

Week 5, run 1 consisted of warming up, running for 5 minutes, and walking for 3 minutes between each 5 minute run, repeated 3 times, then cooling down. I was able to keep an average pace of 13:00 min/mi, improving upon previous times by a few seconds, and also going further at a total covered distance of 3.09 miles (due to an app pause, but hey, I still felt great, and it was my first 5k distance-wise)!

Week 5, run 2 consisted of warming up, running 8 minutes, walking 5 minutes, then running another 8 minutes, before cooling down. For me, this had been a difficult run, I think mostly because I had psyched myself out before it, but when the heat tends to kick on in Indiana for the summer, so does humidity. It really challenged my muscles and breathing, but I was able to complete it without stopping. The first 8 minute segment actually wasn't too bad, and I remember thinking, "Wow! Really? That's all?" The second 8 minute segment I wasn't as lucky, as with 4 minutes left I remember yelling a choice curse word or two... ;) Week 5, run 2 was completed with an average pace of 13:09 min/mi, average speed 4.57 mph, and I covered 2.40 miles.

Week 5, run 3 brought about the, "Aw, hell naw," type comment the day before, as I slightly freaked.

"You want me to do WHAT?! Run for 20 minutes? In this heat?! Ha, yeeeeeeaaaahhhhh.... Not happening, sister."

Well, guess what? I pretty much went beast-mode, running early in the morning before it got too hot and after hydrating some, completing not only 1, but 2 sub-12 minute miles! Saturday's run consisted of warming up for 5 minutes, running for 20, then cooling down for another 5. I was able to complete the run with an average pace of 12:07 (that's not a typo, folks) min/mi, average speed 4.95 mph, and covering a distance of 2.48 miles.

Here's my proof:

I can honestly say I am looking forward to running Week 6, as now I start to shift my focus on distance covered, building up to 3.1 miles/5k. Week 6 runs are diverse, just like week 5, with tomorrow night's run consisting of warming up, running for 5 minutes, walking for 3, running for 8, walking for 3, then running for 5 before cooling down.

I will also be completing my first-ever "official" timed 5k this Saturday. It's a scheduled run, as per my previous blog of jumping the gun a bit, and I plan to just run my run like normal, with warming up for 5 minutes, running for 25, and cooling down for 5. I will run more if I feel like it, but we will see how it goes. It is supposed to be hot, but also first thing in the morning in a shaded park, so I should be good (minus the hills). I will have a race recap later this weekend!

I can definitely say after Saturday's run: A) it's starting to actually click, and B) I can take on almost anything I set my mind to!

Happy running, folks! :)

C25K Update: Slight Change of Plans...

Well, I suck at life sometimes.

I had planned to run the Color Run July 20 in downtown Indianapolis. Since I dropped the ball, and went to sign up today, it's sold out! (Of course, right?!)

(I'm surprised, but I'm not. I just wish it would've sold out AFTER I signed up! Hindsight's  20/20.)

Instead, the Color Run is being held in Ft. Wayne (same distance drive-wise) the week after, on July 27. Signed up a team, with 3 really good friends of mine (including my favorite little one, 'Cupcake')! 

I'm actually a little relieved, in a way. It gives me an extra week to run a full 5k before the actual run (not the last day of C25K program the DAY I'm supposed to run my race), so there is breathing room of a week built in.

All in all, it works out! Now to just get there... :)

It's Official: Plateau #2

As if I never thought I'd survive Plateau #1 at 175, here I am with 5 pounds to go, and guess what?

PLATEAU #2.

(Hang with me a sec, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.)

Ok, a little better....

At 175, I found myself giving up, losing steam, and definitely lost lack of any motivation I built from the first 75 pounds. At one point, I figured I didn't really need to count, because, well I got this, right? WRONG. Guess who gained 10 pounds? This girl! I guess you could say I broke the plateau, however it was in the wrong direction.

After fighting my lack of motivation and lost accountability, (add in a Canadian vacation plus a wedding as a guest to look forward to), I finally said enough was enough. I buckled down, and after several weeks of dreaded weigh-ins, I finally broke loose and lost a pound.

The past three or four weeks have been slightly rough, again. I've hit that dreaded plateau at 155 and really haven't moved. I've been as low as 153.4, but after picking up C25K, I've noticed I hang around 154-155, and nothing lower. I can honestly say though, this plateau is a little different. I'm not cheating, I'm tracking everything I eat, I've cut back on any sugary foods, and have been soda free for well over three months. THREE MONTHS! Of course there are a few possibilities that could factor in as to why it's holding on this time around: building muscle (yeah!), stress and lack of sleep (it's hockey playoffs folks), it's the last five pounds (of course, right?), or salt/sodium intake (though I try to monitor this as much as I can).

I can promise however, that I won't give up this time and just try to wing it. I want to fight this plateau and hit my healthy weight range and goal of 150.

But you might ask: why 150? Aren't you happy with what you've done so far? Why not keep going? Why not just stop here? Why not focus on muscle building? Why focus on the number that's on the scale?

I don't plan to stop at 150. I do want to lose maybe a little more, 5-10 pounds as a "cushion," but for me, 150 is that magic number. Not only is it the 100 lb mark from starting this weight loss journey (so I can finally say without hesitation, yes, I'm a 100 lb loser, hee hee), it's a new Brooks Laich jersey (my me-to-me gift for hitting goal). ;)

New Capitals jersey aside (and most importantly), it's also a goal I never thought I'd ever complete, that my discipline, determination, and perseverance really does pay off. It's proving to myself that "Yes, Ashley, anything you set your mind to, you can do. If you can dream it, you can do it."

I can honestly say that has been the most important lesson I've learned through this journey; that I can do anything if I set my mind to it.

Of course, you can too. With a little discipline, determination, and perseverance, you'll be shocked at what you can achieve.

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt

C25K: Trigger Happy

So I guess you could say I jumped the gun a little...or I'm just impatient? Maybe excited about how running is going so far? (Yep, that sounds good...)

I hadn't actually planned to run my first official 5k until July 20, the Color Run Indy, however after speaking with a friend's mom over the weekend, she encouraged me to run the Fireworks 5k, June 29. I've not actually ran (or even really walked) an official 5k before. This one is timed, but I really didn't want to pass up the opportunity. It'd give me great "practice" to kind of get the hang of what to expect in July, it's also a day I'm schedule to run anyway (why not, right?), and the money for race registration goes to a great cause, towards the Fireworks fund for the July 4th celebration in the park.

I'm actually really excited about this race, as it's in the city park near where I work. The park is beautiful, always well-kept, has a pond or two, tons of trees, scenery, etc. I'm only intimidated by the hills and curves that are included in the course. And well, running. In front of people. EEK.

If all goes well, I will be finishing up Week 6 of 9 with the C25K program, with warm-up walking for 5 minutes, running a solid 25 minutes, then 5 minutes of cool-down walking. In total, I'll have 35 planned minutes of activity, but potentially more depending on my distance covered, and where I'm at on the course.

Until then, and even after, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. Yes, I am a little intimidated, as again it's timed and scored (with other people around) however my first and only goal is to finish. I'm not really in it for the time. It's all for fun, and for a good cause!

Until then, I run tomorrow night as well as Saturday, and I'm still fairly confident I don't hate running! Last night's run (which I'll recap in detail later this week) went very well, especially for the distance covered and the time intervals that I ran. I'm still very happy with progress I've made, and I'm blown away by progress made in just 3-4 short weeks.

I never imagined I'd ever be able to say that yes, I run. :)

An Unexpected "Workout"

Small town, Indiana is pretty much as you'd stereotype, at least to me. I used to hate the fact I was from a small town; growing up among corn, everyone knows everyone, etc. By senior year in high school, I was so ready to go off to college, I literally counted down the days from the start of school that year until graduation. I couldn't wait to "get out of dodge."

One right of passage some take, including me, is crossing the state line to head to the local country bar, about a half hour away from where I lived. It's open to anyone 16 years or older (of course 21 to drink; we're not THAT country), but it was always about getting a group of friends together to laugh, dance, and hang out. I met several new friends there during high school and college (including my now-husband, although I hate admitting THAT'S where I met him), all the while getting to know better the friends I already had, too.

Admittedly, it's been a LONG while since I've darkened the doorstep of this place, but after some asking around, we were able to round up a group of some friends to go. For me, it'd been a bit of a week of highs and lows; new adventures, old stresses. I just wanted to go out, have fun, let loose a little, and dance some cares away. (Must be why I love Zumba classes so much!)

Earlier in the day, I had already completed the final run of Week 3's #C25K, and I usually don't see line-dancing (or dancing in general; again, I'm looking at you Zumba) as a workout; especially if the "workout" is fun, or something I love!

I can't really even begin to tell you how much I sweat that night dancing (it's gross), but that at the end of the night, I felt great. (MUCH better.) And to top it off, I actually remembered a LOT more dances than I thought I would have. In the end, I usually wind up with sore legs for days, however so far, so good. We'll see about tomorrow though... ;)

Working out can certainly be a lot of fun when finding doing things you enjoy, and you're certainly more apt to stick with being active or a certain activity if you're having fun. (It's why I've been so incredibly hesitant with C25K runs, but so far, so good as I've described in previous posts.)

So if you're interested in becoming "active," moving more, or working out, I encourage you to find something you enjoy to do, something fun, whether by yourself or with friends. I love taking walks, riding a bike, running/jogging, Zumba, line dancing, among several others, however to me, most I don't really view as working out anymore. They're fun!

Any activity, no matter how small you start, is a step in the right direction! No matter what you choose, you have the tools to help yourself, and even one small step is better than none!

Get out there. Have fun!

(Coming soon: a new adventure! As described before, I finally found summer skating lessons nearby, which start June 21st! I'm signing up this week, so stay tuned...)

C25K: Week 3

Week 3 brought me my first "long runs." When I first looked at Week 3, I honestly said there was no way; it didn't feel natural for me to be able to run a solid 3 minutes without stopping, or dying. 

Week 3 consisted of a 5-minute warmup walk, run for a minute and 1/2, walk for minute and 1/2, run for 3 minutes, then walk for 3. The cycle was repeated twice, then a 5-minute cool down walk, which I found actually not too bad! The recovery of a cool down walk really helped quite a bit. By today, this morning's run didn't feel bad at all! I actually feel pretty comfortable thus far!

I can also report that any muscle soreness I had within Weeks 1 & 2 after runs has pretty much subsided, and I also recover fairly well, which to me is surprising. I'm not riding the struggle-bus anymore, and I love it!

I can also still say running doesn't suck, and that I'm really enjoying it. (Especially this morning as I ran with the sunrise. It was such a sight! The picture does not do justice.)

I'm stressing Week 4, a little. This one will combined my current "long run" of 3 minutes, plus a 5-minute run, which is something I haven't done in a long, LONG time (or joyfully, ever). 

Say a few prayers for me, as now stuff is getting serious to me. I'm almost to the half-way point of the program, but I'm pretty excited to have made this much progress so far.

I'll keep you posted next week on Week 4!

C25K: Weeks 1 and 2 Review

Officially I've started Week 3 as of tonight, and I can honestly say, running doesn't suck! :) (Cue my happy dance!) Running Weeks 1 and 2 weren't terrible (which I'm still sort of shocked)!

Week 1 consisted of 1 minute runs, with 1 1/2 minutes walking in between each run, repeated 8 times for a total of 28 1/2 minutes of exercise, 8 minutes running.

Week 1, I'll admit, I struggled with. It was more mental than anything, as I still thought, "I've never been able to run. I'm not a runner. What are you doing, Ash?!" The first run hurt so much more than I thought would, at least after. (During wasn't bad at all!) I hadn't really stretched before, as each run includes a 5 minute brisk walk warm up. Soaked in an Epsom salt bath, and I was good as new the next day! Average pace was 15:06 minute/mile.

The second run of C25K, Week 1, my confidence grew quite a bit, as I finished 14:07 minute/mile which I thought was pretty cool. I had shaved off almost a minute from the first run! (It definitely makes me want to improve each run, no matter what the week!) Still had some soreness (this time mostly from my calves), but after a few stretches and another Epsom soak, it helped soften the soreness the day after.

With the third run, came even more confidence. (Running still didn't suck!) After a hard, stressful day at work, I've started to find that up until now, the running helps tremendously. I'm able to turn up my music and take off, clear my mind, etc. I'm really starting to find it very therapeutic. (Also shaved off another :15 seconds, to make the average pace of 13:45 minute/mile (all the while running near my grandparents' property in western IN. It's woodsy, hilly, and was rather cold...!)

Week 2 consisted of 1 1/2 minute runs with 2 minutes walks in between, repeated 6 times for a total of 29 minutes of exercise, 9 minutes running.

 The first run of Week 2, I continued to improve. I was back from a visit with my grandparents, full of soooooo much comfort food (my German Oma doesn't skimp when it comes to meals, that's for sure). I was able to keep pace, and burn a few extra calories I didn't exactly count. I'm also at the point, I tend to run in just any direction, whichever country road sounds appealing or fitting of my work day. I definitely don't have a set route, and it helps change up scenery, as well as terrain, making for more challenging runs.

Run 2 of Week 2, I was still able to keep the pace as I set out on a new, hillier (is that a word?) route, at 13:46 minute/mile. Wasn't too shabby, and I still didn't hate to run! ;)

Run 3 of Week 3, I think, had been the toughest run thus far. It's the first day I've ran in the lovely (hint: sarcasm) humidity that Indiana tends to possess, usually reserved for July or August. On top of humidity, allergies were at an all time high, and of course my run took me through a wooded area (although pretty) which slightly killed my sinuses. Excuses aside, I pushed through, maintained pace, and finished the run. I was just super-happy to finish it.

Week 3 started tonight, ran went much better than I had anticipated, as it included two "long" runs with two shorter. I will have that update later in the week...

All in all, I am starting to actually like running, and I think it's actually starting to become a little easier than I certainly anticipated. As I said before, I'm able to just go out on my own, turn up the volume, maaaaaaybe sing along out loud a little bit (complete with dog's barking, ears bleeding), and just clear my head.As long as I mentally prepare myself, push myself, I'm finding this running thing might be possible! I actually feel great about this new "adventure!"

Two weeks down, seven to go! :)