Week 9 Day 3 (attempt 1)

This morning was supposed to be the last official day of my Couch-to-5K program. I was supposed to do a 30-minute run (not 5K yet for me, but I'm getting there.) After 21 minutes, I suddenly caught my foot on my dog (who runs with me, his leash tied to my waist), and I went down. My hands and knees hit first, then my hip, and lastly my head.

I don't think I have any real injuries, but we'll see how I feel tomorrow. I expect I'll be somewhat sore. I certainly didn't feel (physically or emotionally) like continuing to run, so I walked straight home.

I've been working so hard on this program, and to be stopped with a fall, 2/3 of the way through my last run, is so disheartening! I know I can finish it on my next running day (Thursday), but for now I'm having just a bit of a pity party. (And pity parties don't burn nearly as many calories as running does.)

Week 9 Day 2

My goal for today was to run at a pace of 11 minutes a mile. I got close to that (2.69 miles, 11:07 per mile), and, most importantly, it was a great workout. I was rested and energetic, and I made a point to push myself.

I did wonder, several minutes in, if I was pushing too hard, but I was surprised as I kept running that, though I was breathing heavier, I started feeling really good.

I'd love to get down to that 11 minutes a mile pace on Monday. But my primary goal is just to complete the run Monday, because that will mean I completed the Couch-to-5K training program! I'm close, and I feel so great about that.

Now I need a Garmin watch, so I can track my pace while I'm running. Too bad Santa doesn't come back for about 51 more weeks....

Week 9 Day 1

Well, here we are--Week 9! This is the last week of the couch-to-5K program. I'm up to 30 minutes, which is where I should be since I've been doing the program by time, not distance. Distance was 2.58 miles today. My pace has stayed pretty steady the last few runs (11:32, 11:34, 11:37), and the plateau is a little frustrating. I think Saturday I want to push myself just a smidge harder to see if I can get that pace down.

I was excited that I discovered a new way to use dailymile's mapping software today! I can use the hybrid map (both satellite & streets) to make sure I'm mapping correctly. I discovered I've definitely been underestimating on the streets, but overestimating the distance through the tiny little park I run through. Hopefully overall it's been about right. I know I can really map it accurately from here on out!

Goal for Saturday: 11 minutes per mile. That would get me up to 2.72 miles in 30 minutes. Can I do it? (Hope so!)

Week 8 Day 3

Same route as Saturday, and almost the exact same time. Consistency is a good thing, I suppose! I felt much better than Saturday. It was a good run!

Wednesday: The first day of Week 9 (the LAST week of the Couch-to-5K program!) I'll be running 30 minutes. I won't be going 5K (3.1 miles) yet, since my pace is slow. And that's okay; I'll get there. I definitely plan to keep running 30 minutes, three times a week, after the official program is over.

Week 8 Day 2

Today was a hard run. Yesterday I ate too much junk and went to bed too late. I don't really regret either of those things; it was Christmas, and it was a wonderful day! But today I just didn't have my normal energy or motivation.

At one point, about 22 minutes into my 28 minute run, I almost stopped. I was feeling so winded, and I think that kind of panicked me. I slowed down to a walk for about a second then decided to keep running. I'm so glad I did! Within 30 seconds or so, I got my "second wind," and the rest of the run was easier. I even ran about 30 seconds extra, since I was so close to home at 28 minutes. So much of this is psychological, and though the run was tough today, I felt great that I got through that "wall" when I wanted to stop.

And, lo and behold, my pace improved again! Pace today was 11:32 per mile, an 18 second a mile improvement over Wednesday! I went 2.47 miles. (In case you didn't notice, that's very close to 2.5 miles!)

Week 8 Day 1

Wow, today went great! It was a 28-minute run, and I was shocked when I mapped it. I improved my pace on this longer run! I went 2.36 miles, for a pace of 11:50 a mile. Yee haw!

I changed the way I was using the mapping software so that it was more accurate. I was able to factor in street crossings and (somewhat) cul-de-sacs. I've probably been going a little further in most of my other runs too. (However, I used this new mapping method for the first time Monday, so I definitely, genuinely improved my pace over that run.)

A 10:00 per mile pace is still a ways off, but I bet I'll get there.

I've always said, "I hate running. I admire people who do it, but I don't think I'll ever be a runner." Here I am, doing it, and even enjoying it. Very, very cool.

Week 7 Day 3

2.01 miles today, pace 12:31/mile.

This run was actually enjoyable. I think keeping my pace consistent was immensely helpful too. Saturday I started too fast and that's part of what made it so hard.

I usually listen to podcasts as I run. Saturday I had music on instead, and I think I automatically adjusted my pace to the music. Not good. I went back to a podcast today, and that was a good thing. I mean, hearing about Raptor Rex on Quirks and Quarks doesn't inspire me to run at any particular speed; I can keep the pace I feel comfortable with!

I know this makes me a little weird, since most people listen to actual music while they run. But I prefer to think I'm just unique.

I'm ready to add three more minutes on Wednesday! And I'm so glad today's run was so positive; after Saturday's I was kind of dreading today. My good attitude is back now!