"Real" Running

Yesterday I ran through the Arboretum with a co-worker, Kennedy. I had put up a sign at work asking if anyone wanted to run with me after my work days. Kennedy is a "real" runner; she does 5K's regularly, half marathons, and has even run a marathon. She is kind of like Rose in her excitement for running--like the Energizer Bunny. I had no idea when she said she would that she was a real runner. She runs regularly through the Arboretum so when I said I only had 30 minutes, she actually knew a good path. It was just beautiful. I have seen people running through there & have always wanted to. I ran for 29.5 minutes. That's my longest run yet! It was really good. I even had a few conversations with Kennedy. She was really positive and said by the end of April I will be able to run that route with no problems. I did pretty well actually!

Week 8, Day 1

I decided that Sunday counted as "Wk 7, Day 3" and then some!!

Today was another beautiful day. I am so grateful for the sun setting so much later! I can get SO much accomplished in the day & still get a workout in! Love it! Today was a 28 minute run. I ran the entire time, except when I was running up hill. I ran half way up & then walked quickly. This is really much improved because just running with the stroller has been challenging.

Today Rose & Dirk sent me a link with upcoming Seattle 5K's. I found out about the Fremont 5K. I have seen the people coming from this before. They wear ties, button-down shirts & "Buddy Holly" style glasses with tape around the nose bridge & carry briefcases. I never knew exactly what they were doing; I thought it was a pub-crawl. This time strollers are welcome. Ian will be sporting his tie & white button down from the Kennedy's in his stroller! And since it's not till June, I should be able to push him, rather than Dirk!

It was a good exercise day!

St. Paddy's Day Dash

Goal #1 accomplished! On Sunday, March 14 Dirk & I ran/walked the Seattle St. Paddy's Day Dash, a 3.7 mile coarse. Dirk thinks I probably ran 3 miles. The weather was perfect! It was really cold, but sunny. We didn't dress up like a lot of people (next year); we dressed for warmth & comfort. We also decided that next year we will bring Ian in the stroller. The brochure said "NO STROLLERS", but apparently we are the only ones that read that...I was very proud of my accomplishment! Now I am going to look for a 5K in May to do.

By the way, our friend/former trainer Rose Wetzel won the Dash!

Week 7, Day 2

Yeah, yeah, I know I skip a few entries. Whatever, it's not like anyone really is reading this...

So Tuesday I did Wk7, Day 1. It was ok, not great. I was on the island & forgot my inhalor--at home! So I did the best I could, which was about 12 minutes. Not bad considering, I forgot my inhalor, was running with the dog (who tried to trip me), it was very cold & very windy.

Today I did Wk 7, Day 2. I felt so good! I had the right pace & was "clicking" along and the program announcer had just told me I was half way done--Wahoo!, when my knee started to hurt a little. I would have continued to run, but tomorrow is the St. Paddy's Day Dash & since this is the run I have been working towards, I don't want to screw things up now. I have been kind of scared for tomorrow, but after todays run, I am not. I think it will go well.

Also, I decided today while I was running that my next goal is to do a 5K in 4-6 weeks & run the entire thing. There it is now out there so I have made a commitment!

Week 6, Day 2

Wahoo! I did really well today. Went to the gym. I was having a bit a hard time at first; I was cramping in my side, my asthma was acting up & I was getting really tired. But I persevered & did it! Today's interval was run 10 min, walk 3, run 10. I just keep talking to myself to keep going, and I did! It was a good work out. then I did 25 crunches. Good exercise day!

Queen of Excuses

Today I went for a run on the flat trail with the jogging stroller. The weather was warm, but overcast. I started off well. Ran the first 8 minutes. Walked 5, the second segment I had a hard time running. I was getting a side-stitch. I tried standing up straight, breathing in thru my nose, out thru my mouth; nothing was helping. I also had the wind blowing against me which made it hard to run. I ended up walking a couple minutes. When I was done, I realized I had run Wk 5, Day 2 instead of Wk 6, Day 1...opps!!! Better luck next time. At least I made it out....

Week 5, Day 3

Today Dirk & I set out with the dog, kid & stroller in tow. We drove down to a flat bike trail. Dirk knows me well enough that today's run was going to be a challenge for me, so he was going to do whatever he could do to make it easier. Today's workout, warm up walk, then run 20 minutes straight! No walking in between! Then 5 min. cool down. On the drive down the the trail he asked me if I was scared. No. I figured I'd run for 10 min. and the walk a little till I got my breath back & run again. I'd do my best.

So we set off. Dirk had both the dog & the stroller so I could concentrate on my running. I felt good. I paced myself at a good speed so I wouldn't burn out or get winded. The announcer (on my C25K program on my iPhone) told me when 10 minutes had gone by. Yeah! Half way done! At 15 minutes I did need to stop for about 10 seconds & walk, but I kept going (with Dirk's encouragement!). And I did it!! I ran 20 minutes straight! I am VERY proud of myself! Now I think I will be able to do the St. Paddy's Day Dash.

Now we just need someone to watch Ian for that morning. We'll figure that out.