Determination!

I've decided that running never gets any easier. You are always going to be pushing yourself to run faster or further, therefore you can never just say, I'm going out for a run. Light and breezy. Nope. 

My last three runs have totaled 15 miles. I am still using my couch to 10k program and there are still walking intervals included. I still have no idea how I am going to run 6.25 miles in less than a month. The furthest I have run so far is 5.5 miles and it was on completely flat ground. Thankfully, those 5.5 miles were around the same course as the upcoming 10k. I am determined to make this race a success! 

I am starting to feel some of the benefits of running. I can actually run without huffing and puffing and feeling like my lungs might explode. My lungs are becoming conditioned. AND my mother mentioned that I am looking more toned. Yay for progress!

falling off the wagon

Ok, I admit that I fell off the wagon. Note the absence of posts within the last week. Last Monday night I got a phone call from Mike asking me to fly to Alaska the next day to visit him for a couple days. Of course I booked the first flight I could find. I packed lightly, as I was only going for two days, but I did bring my running shoes. Unfortunately for my running, I spent nearly all of my time on the fishing boat. I was fortunate enough for a little town time and was able to go on a couple walks with my hunny :)

After I returned home, I just couldn't seem to get motivated. Finally, on Wednesday this week I put on my running gear and stayed in those clothes all day long before finally going out for a run at 4:00pm. Just as I started my warm-up, my sister called. So I ended up walking only a mile before packing Jacob and stroller back into the car to head home. As I made my way home I drove by the Y and pulled into the parking lot. I decided to finish my run on the treadmill while Jacob was able to play in the child care center. Needless to say, after falling off the wagon for a week, getting back into the swing of things was rough!

Happy Birthday America!

In the past I never thought it was a good idea to exercise on a holiday. It just seemed like it should be a day off from everything but fun, family, friends, and food. Or perhaps that was just another excuse on my long list of reasons why I didn't exercise regularly. Hmm...

But not today. Today I gathered up Jacob and the stroller in the car and drove to the trailhead. From there I set out on a nearly 4 mile run. Today was by far my toughest day. Every step was a struggle, both physically and mentally. About halfway through my run the wind began to pick up and I soon realized that while having a jogging stroller is wonderful, it is still an extra 35-40 lbs. you are pushing. With the wind, my stroller may as well have been a parachute. Something I never considered - wind resistance. I am now thinking that I should probably go to the Y on the days that I think running will be tough, that way I can leave Jacob at the drop-in day care and not be discouraged by the elements.

C210K

Ok, so in light of the fact that I signed up for a 10k, I figured I better start training for one. Today I downloaded the Couch to 10k program and started basically where I left off on the C25k. However...the running time has drastically increased. C25k has a maximum running time of 35 minutes. Today's workout with the C210k was 68 minutes! I was seriously worried about doubling my normal routine. Surprisingly, I was able to complete the routine and manage to have enough energy to get through the rest of the day. In addition, I marked just a little over 4 miles today!

I do have a small issue. For whatever reason, I don't like running along main streets or where there is a possibility of running into someone I know. That's why I stick to the trails and obscure neighborhoods. Today I started on the Cushman trail and before I knew it, the trail had spit me out onto a main road and I had to follow sidewalks and crosswalks through a main part of town before connecting with the other side of the trail. I was instantly self-conscious. I'm fairly certain I remember sucking my stomach in just a bit further and holding my shoulders back more as I lengthened my stride. Maybe on the off chance that someone I know was driving by? I don't know what it is exactly, but I hate the way it makes me ultra aware of my surroundings. At some point, I forgot about trying not to look stupid and just focused on my run.

Would you believe that tonight after I put J to bed and just sat down to watch a movie (I know, a rocking Friday night at the Babich house!) I got a text from a friend that asked me if I was running near her work today, because she was sure she saw me go by while she was on her lunch break. I told her, yes, it was me and she better have recognized my flattened stomach, great posture and gazelle-like stride!