Week 6, Day 3

Thursday, March 11, 2021 For today's workout, it had me just running 25 minutes straight. I know I'm not able to do that yet, so I was going to deviate from the program. I decided to see if I could run a mile without stopping. I had a feeling I could do it, but didn't want to be disappointed if I wasn't able to. I did a 5 minute warm up walk, then stopped and stretched for a a minute or two. I then re-started the treadmill and covered the screen with my towel so I wouldn't know how far I had to go. The mental part of running is super hard for me! I put on Netflix on my phone and got going. I first started to feel pretty tired at half a mile. That was my first peek under the towel. I remember thinking "Ok, two more laps on the track and I did it." I upped my speed a little so try and make the distance go by quicker. Well, that also tuckered me out quicker! I took another peek under the towel at .75 miles and knew I was close. I pressed on and gave it everything I had. I DID IT!!!! I ran a mile without stopping!!! It wasn't very fast, just over 15 minutes, but I did it. I couldn't believe it. I hadn't run a mile in years. Decades, maybe! I was so proud of myself. When we first started this program, I was scared to run 60 seconds. It was difficult. To see how far I've come in just 6 weeks is so encouraging. The rest of the program is just "Run 25 minutes" or "Run 30 minutes." Since I'm not ready for that yet, I'm going to stick with running a mile and working on my time/speed followed by intervals; mixing running and walking after I finish the 3 miles. Week 6 is done, here's to week 7!

Week 6, Day 2

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 ~ So, last night at the park, I attempted to jog/walk with Ollie in the stroller. I don't know if it's just because I wasn't used to doing that or what, but it was wicked hard. I had to stop. Something about pushing it while running...I don't know, it was a whole different ball game. Anyone else struggling with this when you're used to just being on a treadmill. Anyway, I stopped the workout and walked for 3 miles instead, while Justin taught a tennis lesson. I resumed this workout today at the YMCA. It went like this: always starts with a 5 minute warm up walk. Then, 10 minutes of running, 3 minutes walking, then another 10 minutes of running. I got through the first 10 minute run, followed by the 3 minute recovery walk, and started the second 10 minute run. I got about 5 minutes into it and I just couldn't go anymore. I woke up with a sore lower back, and that wasn't helping things. I stopped my run and walked for about 3 minutes, then finished it off. I was bummed I didn't fully complete today's workout, so when the program ended, I kept going. I walked, quickly, for a while and did running intervals. 2 minute run, 2 minute walk, repeat. I did that for the next 25-30 minutes or so. I finished at an hour and my total distance was around 3.6 miles. Towards the end of my workout, one of the male trainers, Ed, came up to me and asked what program I was doing. I told him and he then asked if I'd be interested in having him customize a running workout for me as well as lifting. He's one of those Ironman guys and said he used to be a running coach. I told him I was already world class, and to move along. Kidding. If interested, he said to make an appointment and we'll get something going. Justin can join in too. We'll see. I would like some instruction on weight lifting, so I may do that. Anyway, it was a good workout! Lots of sweat! Til' next time!

Week 5, Done!

Monday, March 1, 2021 ~ Wow, hard to believe week 5 is done! It's gone really fast to far! When I saw the workout for today, I kinda peed me pants a little. Well, not really, but almost. The workout went like this: 5 minute warm up, then just run for 20 minutes. Say WHAT?? I wasn't sure I'd be able to do that. I didn't want to not try. When I got to the YMCA this morning, my goal was to just run for as long as I could and see where that put me. I did the 5 minute warm up walk, then started jogging. I ran for 10 minutes without stopping, then had to take a break. I walked for 5 minutes, then ran for another 5 minutes without stopping. I didn't run the full 20 minutes, but did the best I could! I'll get there eventually! Week 5, Done!

Week 5, Day 2

Thursday, February 25, 2021 ~ I was really nervous for today's workout when I saw it! I tend to be my own worst enemy. Especially mentally. Today's workout was the following: 5 minute warm up, 8 minute run, 5 minute walk, 8 minute run, then cool down. And I DID IT!!! I was so proud of myself. I went into it thinking I wouldn't be able to. My knee felt good too, which always helps. I was feeling good when I was done, so I pressed on and continued walking. I added another 4 minute run for good measure. So in total, I did 3.4 miles in an hour. I was a sweaty mess after, but felt so good! Now to finish week 5....

Week 5, Day 1

Monday, February 22, 2021 ~ When I first got to the YMCA this morning, I was NOT feeling it. My monthly "visitor" had arrived, and I was just feeling bleh! I checked Ollie in at the Child Watch and was thinking I would skip the 5K workout and just walk. Once I stepped on the treadmill, I said "No, you gotta do this!" I got my headphones connected, and got going. This week's workout goes like this: 5 minute warm up walk, 5 minute run followed by a 3 minute walk. Repeat 3 times. It was tough! I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finished the last 5 minute run; my legs were so tired. But I did it! I was a sweaty mess after. I'm always encouraged after I finish each workout. This one especially! I was encouraged to see the progress I've made. Running 5 minutes straight without stopping, three times. I'm also thankful that my knee has felt ok the last few workouts. On to the next one!

Week 4, Done!

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 ~ It finally happened. I got behind on blogging. So this is a combined Week 4, day 2 and 3 post. Both of these workouts were very similar in regards to how I felt. They were both hard, yet I was so glad to get them done. I was proud of myself for running 16 minutes total. Not straight, but total. When we first started this program, I thought a minute straight was hard. Now I'm up to running 5! Slow progress, but hey, I'll take it! Now on to week 5!

Week 4, Day 1.

Monday, February 8, 2021 ~ After my workout not going so well on Saturday, I was nervous my knee would act up again. The jogging part in this week's program increases quite a big, so I went into today's workout kinda nervous. This week's workout are as follows: 5 minute warm up walk, 3 minutes of jogging then 1.5 minutes of walking, then 5 minutes of jogging with 1.5 minutes of walking. Repeat. I was really "scared" to job for 5 minutes straight, two times. It's been a LONG time since I've done that. I stared out and my knee felt ok. But would it when I jogged? I started the first timed jog and it felt ok! Phew! I kept going and my knee still felt ok. I finished the workout!!! I was so proud of myself for jogging 5 minutes straight, twice!!! It was really hard, and pretty slow, but I did it. I texted Beth after to let her know and she sent me a running picture that said "Dear Runners: please stop appologizing for being 'slow'. Remember you are lapping everyone on the couch." So true! Despite running slow, at least I'm up doing it! After I finished today's workout, I got on the stationary bike and rode for about 25 minutes. Overall, a good workout!