Wednesday 28 January 2009

C2-5K: Wk 2 - Dy 1

I actually began week 2 yesterday, but held off on posting it. I don't feel it was as successful as it could have been, so I made the executive decision to run it again tonight rather than take a 24-hour rest break as usual. It was definitely a good choice as I had some frustrations and steam to release, so I pushed myself more. I didn't even have to cut any of my runs short this time.

Week two consists of 6 runs lasting 90-seconds each with a 2 minute brisk walking break in-between. I've also found an abbreviated route to take, which is about 2 miles long and literally ends at my front door, depending on when I start the podcast to start out. The best part is that the last couple of runs are a bit downhill, which is helpful since I'm usually knackered by run four.

I've been using some of my strategies from before...landmark goals, chanting in my head, and counting in beats. Altogether they seem to be working quite well to distract me from the fact that I am really running. I can't say that I have gotten to the point of loving it yet, but I am certainly noticing the effects the following day. I'm finding I am sleeping better on a night and when I wake up in the morning, I'm awake before long without having to "force" myself through the morning motions.

I also had my meeting tonight and discovered I lost one pound. It's not a huge loss, but I will take what I can get considering the lack of tracking I did on program. This week I will keep myself in line better with tracking the foods that go into my mouth. I even made a vow with some others at meeting tonight to aim for a stone by Easter -- which will leave me only 2.5 more stone to lose.

I've asked DH to refrain from buying me thoughtful treats of crisps and such because I know they are my vice and until I can control having them in moderation and only occasionally, I don't need to have them at all. I don't want this new desire for a healthier, more fit me to be for nothing. Ultimately I know what I want the end result to be, and I'm really sticking hard to "not giving up what I want most for what I want for the moment."

Saturday 24 January 2009

The "LURG"

I wanted to do my first day of the week 2 run on Friday, but I was knackered from the week. I had supply posts to work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and was sadly pushing it even working just three days. I started to feel crap Monday night and went to bed with a fever and itchy throat. By Friday, I thought it best to skip the run and get R & R instead along with some cold & flu tablets and nasal spray.

It's a good thing I didn't run, because I've spent most of the day today sleeping it all off and only now feel good enough to sit upright. I'll see how I feel on Sunday, but I imagine I won't be starting my week 2 program until Monday at the earliest.

Just rolling with the punches this time.

Wednesday 21 January 2009

C2-5K: Wk1 - Dy 3

Week one is now complete!!

I didn't have as difficult of a time doing this run. I still made my mini-goals of focusing on making it to a landmark in the distance, but I didn't find myself out of breath as I usually was.

My route was a bit different than usual because I had my weigh-in tonight at 6:30. I didn't actually make it out the door to start until 5:50 and the program is about 30 minutes, which is including the 5-minute warm-up and 5-minute cool-down. In fact, the cool-down was nearing its completion when I was literally walking through the front door.

Immediately after getting back, I had to rush upstairs to change out of my wet clothes as it rained for most of the run. I then grabbed my weigh-in booklet and DH so kindly drove me to my meeting. I discovered I gained 1/2 lb. due to my own negligence. I didn't journal and track like I should have and instead I made excuses to eat more than I should have. I should be better about it this next week.

Still, I felt good about the successful running. I'm a bit poorly this week with congestion, but all being well I will start week 2 shortly.

Friday 16 January 2009

C2-5K: Wk 1 - Dy 2

Today was super busy and I didn't think I would even wind up doing my run. I had a long day at school and was exhausted when I returned home. I didn't make it out until after 6pm, but I did make it through all eight runs without cutting them short.

I have actually found a new motivation. I found that if I could distract myself enough to forget that I was running, I could get through each 60-second run without having to trim time off the end. The way I did this was by focusing on something ahead of me, like a street sign or lamp post. Then, as I would run I would tell myself that I couldn't stop until I reached that point. It actually worked pretty well.

My next run will be Sunday or Monday. I haven't decided if I could be bothered to get out of bed early on a Sunday to do it so we will see. I am also hoping to start the week 2 podcast this week as well. I think after I complete the second week's run I won't feel as sore in my muscles.

Until then...

Wednesday 14 January 2009

C2-5K: Wk 1 - Dy 1 (Round 2)

SUCCESS!!

I picked a different circuit -- one with less of an incline -- and I was a superstar. I did cut some time off a couple of runs, although only about 10 seconds. I was determined to finish, but without overdoing it. By the time I reached the final run, I was considering walking that one, until the guy on the podcast said "this is your last run." That is when I knew I had to push the last one -- and I did.

The thing that helped me through this time was making mini-goals for myself. I would tell myself to try to make it to the speed limit sign or to the third drive, just to keep focused and it seemed to work. I was only about 5 minutes from the flat by the time I reached the cool down part of the program, so that was convenient.

The circuit tonight normally takes about 45-50 minutes to walk, but I was back within 35 minutes. It will be interesting to see how much time it will take to complete the same route once I get to week 3 or 4 with more running.

In other news, I'm back to my Weight Watchers meetings. I've gained 3.5 since my last meeting (a week before Christmas), but I'm totally pumped to lose it again -- especially with my new exercise regime.

Onward!! xx

Tuesday 13 January 2009

C2-5K: Wk 1 - Dy 1 (FAIL)

My first go was pushed to this afternoon. I set out at 4pm with my headphones in and podcast queued up.

Week one podcast starts off with a 5-minute brisk walk, to warm up, and intervals of 60 seconds running and 90 seconds walking. I was doing well until I began my circuit uphill before the 4th running interval. Up to that point I was staying as relaxed as I could be, while trying to keep my heart rate up.

When it was time to start the run again, I was too out of breath from 90 seconds of inclined walking. I decided I would walk through the 4th running interval as well as the following 90 seconds and pick it back up on the 5th. However, by the time I was halfway through the 90 seconds before my 5th run, I felt as though I would pass out. I was so out of breath and my lungs stung each time I inhaled. I managed to dig my mobile from my pocket, and make a breathless plea for Matt to come fetch me.

I plan to start again tomorrow, and if it still doesn't happen I will keep doing the Week 1 program until I can do it without feeling so out of breath. I know my limits, but I refuse to give up.

Monday 12 January 2009

One Giant Leap for Meg-kind!

Beginning at 0600 tomorrow, I take control of my overpowering fat suit!

I have week 1 of a Couch to 5K podcast loaded up, with functioning earphones (previously the setback from my original post)...and I'm ready to go. I also took my measurements yesterday and realised I have lost 8.5 inches since the 11th of September 2008. From here on out I plan to keep track every month so I can graph the losses.

In addition, I will be going back to Weight Watchers starting Wednesday night this week. I'm really looking forward to picking up better habits again, considering I've started to slip a bit since the holidays.

Anyway, full report tomorrow after my first bout of 60-second runs.