"I just felt like running so I went for a run..."

I have been asked when I decided to start running. I have also been asked why? I could Forest Gump it and just say:

"I felt like running..."

The truth is as a woman of my family we all have the tendency to be bottom heavy so I have always tried to keep an eye on my weight, and that I did. I watched it go up and down and up and down. At my heaviest I was 160lbs on a 5'2" frame, which was not good. Prior to getting married I got down to 120lbs in the course of one year. The weight returned faster then I anticipated. I quickly jumped back up to 14olb before I knew it, guess I went on a binge and ate all the stuff I couldn't have before the wedding :o) I gained weight so fast people started to think I was preggers! YIKES! I started to work on the weight again and got back down to 120 which took me about 9 months. Then it started to creep back up! It would have kept going up if Brad did not make the decision to go to Mexico this year.

With the impending date of heading to Mexico and having to wiggle myself into a two piece made my stomach twist. So, I decided that I would start to work on my weight again. I started to take part in a walking group at work. I would walk 1 1/2 miles at lunch and focus on what I am eating. Finding foods that I like are are good for me has been hard and I get off track often.

Wiggling in to that two piece still made me want to up chuck my last meal but I was a trooper and did it. I felt better after I bought a wrap to cover up. I mean have you "seen" the scenery in Mexico? I felt like the kid no one wanted on their soccer team and had to be the "second goalie"

So after I returned from Mexico, and realising that there would never be a day that I would look like I used to at the current rate, I decided that walking was not enough, so I decided to start running.

So to bring you to the current date and time, I have noticed physical changes in me I also noticed mental changes. For one I bought a scale which was a huge step. Brad once tried to bring on in to the house about two years ago and I tossed that before it even hit the bathroom floor. I never wanted to obsess about my weight ever again. The focus is to feel healthy and feel comfortable in my own skin. For me to step on that little white scale by choice and not for the annual doctor's visit is scary thought.

There are times that I ask myself what have a gotten myself into? and wonder if I am going to finish it. I would only be out $25 bucks but the shame I would face by not finishing something I started kicks my butt back on the wagon. There are times when I back off running and I think that I need the mental rest, but when I get back I feel great and what makes it better is I do a run better then the last time!

Sore Legs Go Away

I have been running although I forgot my Nike+ adapter to my iPod, work was very quite on Thursday. I have been listening to my body and trying to heal. My right quad is still very sore, nothing seems to be helping. My left shin split has healed but it brought on a left quad acke.

I look rather funny hobbling around, I am trying to tough it out though. Tomorrow is another Jack Quinn's Run. I am thinking of hitting the elliptical upstairs and see how my legs do. It happens to be 90+ outside and the idea of running is less then desirable.

I am seriously considering taking an epson salt bath, and those that know me know how I feel about submitting my self in a bath of salt. It may find its way into places it DOES NOT belong. So I will continue to stretch and rub out my ackes.

No Pain No Gain right?

I have 25 days to go and I am getting a little scared that I will not reach my goal. But I have four weeks to go! I guess a few days out is not so bad as long as I kick but in my training.

Still Running

Yes, I am still running just forgot to blog more. I will try to keep up on that.

Yesterday I ran the Jack Quinn's 5K race and did it in 40 minutes! I am happy with my time, I would like to do this in 30 minutes or less and I have five weeks to go. I think that is a realistic goal.

My new shoes were wonderful and I didn't have sore feet after the run which was nice. Although that stupid hills still kicked my "ars" and the thin air still gets me. I need to work on my breathing, I get to panting and it makes it harder to run.

I found that if I run through my leg cramps it does get easier, so that was nice to realise. I also ran much further this week. I did a good run walk method. I would like to try and limit more of my walking. I also forgot my gum so I ended up with cotton mouth ICK! I was at Walgreens today and looked for the gum with "energy" in it. Like it really helps but I figured I would give it a try.

Last Thursday I was proud of myself, I could have been a "Lard Butt" and sat on the couch after Brad and I went out to dinner, but I got myself outside and ran my fastest 1.45 mile! That was a great feeling.

Friday, we went out for our anniversary and I did not run, Saturday and Sunday brought rain, which made it less desirable to run. Monday I ran at lunch and felt back on track. Today is a rest day and I need it my right quad is killing me and very sore, I have been trying to massage it out, but nothing has helped, I hope that I did not do something bad to it. I don't want to be writing about and injury instead of my journey towards my first race. So, I will take it a little easier over the next few days.

Shoes say so much..

I love shoes! I feel that shoes say a lot about a person. Also, I love that no matter how much weight you gain or lose your shoes always stay the same size.

That being said, after work yesterday, I decided I would stop by the Colorado Running Company to look at a new pair of shoes to replace my Asics that are quite a few years old. I have heard at the store that they put you on a treadmill and watch you run, help you pick out a pair of shes that are best for your feet.

Since, I had left knee surgery a few years ago, I have been cautious about in re-injuring my knee again. I don't want to ever have to do that again. I tore my meniscus, bruised my ACL, and bruised my femur and tibia. All that done while running, maybe it had to do with my Ascis? Or me just being the klutz that I am.

I spent some time handling the shoes, and looking at the styles. I concentrated more on shoe's that had an integrated ship system for my Nike+, which happened to be either Nike or Adidas.

I got tested for something called "pronation" and "supination". Pronation is a turning outward of the foot or ankle, so that one has a tendecy to walk on the inner border of the foot. Supination is the opposite of pronation.

First they gal had me stand on this squishy jell pad that was connected to a computer. This showed my pressure points. I mostly stand on my right back heal. Which I expected, I had learned to stand on my right after surgery. It also showed that my right foot had a fallen arch, which I again contribute it to standing on the right. The gal asked me to walk for her to look at my arches. So, I strutted my stuff and she told me that when I walk my arches flatten out. Honestly, this I already knew, since I wear inserts in my shoes to help with my arches. What I was more interested is to know if I was running "normal".

I tried on three different types of shoes that were best suited for my feet. Two different pairs of Nike's and one of pair Adidas. I walked around with both shoes on, two different shoes on, both shoes on....and ran up and down the bock. I finally narrowed it down to two different Nikes. I hopped on the treadmill two different times. My running was recorded for each pair of shoes and compared side by side. My left foot is "normal" however my right foot, I tend to run slightly on the inside of my foot, which is known as, "over pronation". I still believe that it is due to my knee

My final decision:
Arn't they pretty?

Let's hope these bad boys carry me through my first 5K run! Pink is my favorite color not that it helped me make my decision, but it sure doesn't hurt. Under the left insert there is the chip integrated system. This will be nice, because I forget my chip pack often and hopefully this will help me keep track of my progress a little more.

Recap of Last Night's Run

Last night's run through downtown Colorado Springs was run under GREAT weather. We have had a heat wave, and before the run, the clouds rolled in and the temperature drooped. 900+ runners finished a 5k+ (the "+" is because it was 5.44K which is a little over 1/4 mile longer). For those that do not know a 5K is 3.1 miles.

The run was a variety of pavement, road, trail and two hills. The hills kicked my "ars" and I learned very quickly that it was time to get new running shoes. Since the ones that I have are 10+ years old, but they have carried my but through many runs.

Here are my stats (according to my Nike+)

• Time: 0:47:48
• Pace: 0:14:09
• Total Kil: 5.44
• Calories burned: 252

Not the best that I could do, but I am very happy with my results. I now have a base line established. I ran 1Kil. walked 3Kil. then ran the last1k+. I will try to aim for a walk run method next time, and hope to improve my time. I also have to remember that I need to stop my time when I am stuck at a stop light. Running through down town you tend to hit street lights.

Jeff Galloway's nutrition advise was great, I never once felt dehydrated, although a power bar one hour prior to the race was needed (http://www.jeffgalloway.com/nutrition/index.html . I skipped out on it in fear that I would end up with a gut acke. He suggests on Race day, you eat often in little portions, and stop four hours prior to the race, drink plenty of water and sports drinks 6-8oz every hour. I went with a G2 Gatoraide Lime flavor. I am not much of a juice drinker so it was tough for me to get that down. For lunch I made a Chicken Salad, with Almonds, grapes, cucumber, ranch dressing, celery, onion and pepper and a few wheat Special K crackers. So by the time I got out of work, with all that protein and the sports drink in me I was a little hyped up, or it could have been the endorphins rushing through me.

All in all, I feel it was a great run and I will look forward to the next one. Good thing today is a "rest" day, my muscles are sore, and I need to get new shoes.

Finished My First 5K!

I am happy to report that I have finished my first 5K!

Just a little shout out to Mother Nature:

Thank you for providing me with great weather for my first run!

I am going to hobble up the stair take a shower, hobble down the stairs, eat a bite to eat, drink some water, hobble back up the stairs,

you know then look steeper then I remember?

and then go to curl up in bed. I will blog tomorrow with my post-race thoughts.

Run or Walk?

Run....Walk....Run ...no Walk...no Run...which do I choose? After thinking about this, I really should set my goal to set a personal best verses Running or Walking. I am more scared that I will set my sights to high and ending up coming "First In Reverse"

I took some time to research a plan it does seem possible to get myself ready in 8 weeks for a 5K, but I am a little hesitant. I have a schedule mapped out and I am on week three which now will include four runs a week.

Here is my plan:

I will attend my first 5K hosted by Jack Quinn's Running Club Below is a map of where I will be running (hopefully)

Brad will attend to keep my butt moving and be my support person. I am a little nervous about it, but I can always take time and walk when I need to. I will report out my status tomorrow after my run. Let's hope I make it back if I don't pass out from utter exhaustion :o)

Decisions...

40 Days Until My First Race

Yesterday I did not run, but I did do am 8mile ride with Brad in the mountains, it was nice to change up the views.

Today I ran 1.43 miles and I felt good about this because the distance that I thought I was running was 1.0 miles. Thanks to the Nike+ I found out my run was longer, this makes me feel better about my progress. Today I ran/walked this in 18 minutes, which I am getting quicker each day.

I signed up for a "coach" on the Nike+ web site. According to this, my next run will be Tuesday and I am scheduled to run 3 miles. YIKES! Guess it will be a good time to join the Jack Quinn's running group. They have races on Tuesday's. Monday is an off day for me, I am not so sure I will take it off though. According to the "coach" in 12 weeks I will be ready for my first 5k run. 12 weeks? Well I guess everything takes time and patience.

So, I have 12 weeks? I guess that is a reasonable goal...but I was hopping for something a little sooner. I did take some time last night to look at a few races in the area. There are two that I am considering one is the "Run for Hope 5K" the other is the "Alex Hoag Run for Sunshine"

The "Run for Hope 5K" supports the circle of hope fund, which supports Memorial Health system cancer patients with living expenses while on treatment for there illness.

The "Alex Hoag Run for Sunshine" is a foundation the brings awareness to Proteus Syndrome, which can affect different systems of the body such as, increased organ, bone or body size; tumors of the vascular system and fat cells; extreme deformities; pulmonary embolisms; which call lead to death.

I have considered both runs, one which hits home for me and the other is a great cause for a local family in Colorado Springs. After thinking about both of these, I will attend the Alex Hoag Run for Sunshine. I want to save my emotional connection for cancer patients for a special race. Something I am ready for and have prepared for. I want to make it memorable.

The Alex Hoag race will be a great testing point to see how I can do. Not only will this be a great test. It sounds to be entertaining. I will finish at the Sky Sox Stadium! After the race there is a pancake breakfast which will be prepared by the COS Firefighters! This was voted by CO Running Magazine as the "Best 5K run in Colorado" in 2006.

So with that said, my race will be Saturday July 17th. I will register for the 25-29 age group. To run or to walk? I would like to sign up for the run, but I think the walk maybe better for me since I have not completed 5K running all the way. Perhaps I should wait until Tuesday after the Jack Quinn Run/Walk race. This will give me the base line to see if I can do this.

Thoughts: If I believe in myself and I believe that I can do this I know I can.

The only problem is staying focused. I need to stay focused! This also means I should take better care of my body. Shoes, payment and water are not the only factor that I should take into consideration. Being healthy is another major factor if you don't feel well then you will not preform well.

So, this looks like I have quite a few decisions to think about. Let's see what Tuesday brings.


Alex Hoag Run for Sunshine:
http://www.alexhoagrun.org/register.html

Jack Quinn Running Group:
http://www.jackquinnsrunners.com/index.php

Calibrating Nike+

After hours or trying to figure out how to calibrate the chip fro my Nike+ I think I may have figured it out.

Apparently, you have to sinc the chip with the iPod by walking a distance. Like I had mentioned in my earlier post, it was hot yesterday! I just had to use it so I took no expense and walk around the block. My word, it was flipping hot! I couldn't wait to get back inside my cool house.

I "tried" to sinc up my results to Nikeplus.com and got frustrated with the software, they sure don't make it user friendly!

After thinking, I need to pick a date in when I want to do the 5K. I think I will surf around the net and see if I can find a real race and register for it. Not that Jack Quinn's is not real, but it would be a great practice for a race.

Time for the Nike+

Today I decided that I would get up with Brad at 6:30am and hit the pavement early since today will be HOT 90+ and we have a concert to go to later. I decided that I would give Orion another shot to run with me. After 20 minutes of Orion displaying his excitement of dancing and wiggling like he's a fish out of water I was able to wrestled on the harness on.

After we get going, it seems that a good nights sleep was what Orion needed. He did very well only stopping once to do the do! I shed two minutes off my time buy running more then a speed walk. Yeah for me!

To track things a little better I decided that I would pick up a Nike+. This handy little gadget will track my progress a little better then the pedometer that comes with the iPod Nano. Thanks Trista for the suggestion!

After two different trip to two different stores, I finally got my hands on this hot new item. Now all I have to do is set it up calibrate it and start running. So the book says, but we'll see how easy this is.

Don't Take the Dog!

With the weather being a little cooler I decided that I would head out for a little jog. I went upstairs to get ready and while putting on my shoes. I look over and see Orion. He was looking at me like "Mommy, can I come too?" While lacing up I look over at these happy little brown eyes I thought to myself well, he is looking a little chunky and I guess he could use a jog. What's wrong in wanting to benefit your dog and yourself?

Why not I thought to myself, so, I grab his harness and a baggie and away we go. Or so I thought. How quickly MY jog turned into Orion's jog. He has the need to stop and mark everything we passed! This what his brain must have been thinking:

"Oh, look a tree, that's mine. Oh, look a rock, that's mine. Oh look weeds, that's mine. Oh look wait that's not mine, I must mark that too..."

I think you get the picture. Half way through I told myself, well maybe he's just not ready to take on this length? Mid way through my thoughts I feel a yank on my arm. I look back and Orion has decided that he was done. No matter how much coaxing I did he was not going to move. I walk over to pick him up and he decided that he hot a burst of energy and takes off. WTF! I thought he was out of steam! Guess he wanted to pull the old "SIKE" Mom out since she tricked me into going on a jog instead of a stroll.

As we round the last corner of our jog. I decide to pick up the pace. What was I thinking? I am not ready for this, my chest tightens and I start to feel light headed. Just a few more steps and I am there. I see the house in site, come on legs you can do this. I hit the driveway with since of relief and an enormous amount of pain in my chest. Guess I am more out of shape then I thought I was. How on earth will I ever make the journey to a little 5k?

I unharnessed Orion and he darts for the water bowl, and I hit the fridge and gulp down water like it is going out of style....OUCH brain freeze!

Time to go log this and then hit the showers, tomorrow is another day.