Today was the first day of school. Today I didn't get home until 8pm. Today I'm supposed to go on my run. Crap!
Needless to say, it was a serious struggle to get myself out the door for my run this evening. I considered giving myself the day off, but I'll be tired other days too so... no wussing out!
As I started down the hill for my run, I was thinking about my last post. My last run really kinda sucked and I was trying to figure out why I was so eager to get going now. Then it occurred to me. Each run is a clean slate. A fresh start. Maybe this time I'll feel like a runner. When I say "feel like a runner" I mean maybe I will enjoy all 25 minutes of my run instead of just the first 5. That's what I imagine a "runner" to be like. They don't struggle to stick with it.
Anyway.. it just kinda made me think about the first days of school. It's a chance far a start fresh. You kinda forget about why you were so excited for school to end the year before because you think, "this year, this year is going to be different. This year I won't procrastinate. I will push myself harder. This will be my best year."
So... to answer your question. No, my run did not leave me feeling like a runner... more like a light jogger. :)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Week 4 - Day 2
Saturday's workout: 5 min walk, 3 min run, 1.5 min walk, 5 min run, 2.5 min walk, 3 min run, 1.5 min walk, 5 min run
My original intention on Saturday (I'm writing this a day later), was to run in the morning before it got hot. Unfortunately when you wake up well past mid-morning, that whole early morning run thing doesn't really work out so well. Instead I decided to run in the early evening thinking that it would cool down enough to not suck a lot to go running. I was so wrong. I really don't like running when it's hot and/or humid. I find myself thinking about all the wrong things like:
Yes.. that's what the humidity does to me. But! Despite the games my mind was playing.. I made it back in OK. In fact, I think I ran a little farther on this run than the last one.
My original intention on Saturday (I'm writing this a day later), was to run in the morning before it got hot. Unfortunately when you wake up well past mid-morning, that whole early morning run thing doesn't really work out so well. Instead I decided to run in the early evening thinking that it would cool down enough to not suck a lot to go running. I was so wrong. I really don't like running when it's hot and/or humid. I find myself thinking about all the wrong things like:
* Oh my gosh I can't believe I'm actually running. or...
* Running somewhere is a seriously slow means of transportation. or...
* One step at a time Kira, one step at a time.. what the heck? I'm going to be going one step at a time for like 18 million more steps! This sucks. or...
* Seriously though... how many steps am I actually taking here? or...
* Why did I decide this would be a good idea? or...
* I think my foot hurts, no my leg, no my lungs.. I can't breathe!
Yes.. that's what the humidity does to me. But! Despite the games my mind was playing.. I made it back in OK. In fact, I think I ran a little farther on this run than the last one.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Week 4 - Day 1
This week school started for me and the crazy school schedule began. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is.. I missed a day. I should have run on Monday, but I didn't. Then I should have run on Tuesday to make it up, but I didn't. Wednesday I should have run, but I didn't. So on Wednesday when I was at the first big meeting of the school year at the arena, a meeting for all the Sioux Falls School District employees, I ran into a bunch of people I hadn't seen in a while. In fact, I saw several people who have read my blog, left encouraging comments and they all asked how the running was going. "It's going great!" I would reply.. even though I hadn't run at all this week. They were all so excited about my progress and that I had actually stuck with it....... Crap. So, that's when I decided I had to get my butt back in gear despite how hard it would be to get back on schedule and work in my runs, which are longer now, into my school schedule.
While I get back on schedule, I will continue to give myself a day off because I don't want to hurt myself or get burned out. In fact, part of my excuse to myself for slipping this week was that my legs hurt.. in the bone.. which was weird.
Anyway, I did in fact run on Thursday. It was pretty late when I finally got the chance, but I went.
This week's running consists of: 5-min walk, 3 min running, 1.5 min walking, 5 min running, 2.5 min walking, 3 min running, 1.5 min walking and 5 min running = 26.5 min total. Even though this was hard, it felt good to run for longer periods. I'm even to the point where I don't check my watch until 2 minutes of running passes! :) I was trying to keep myself paced as a ran because I was concerned about burning out and not making it back, but I did ok. I will run again today for my second workout of week 4.
I just want to end by saying thanks! Thanks for asking me about the running.. it holds me accountable and clearly I need that!
Kira
While I get back on schedule, I will continue to give myself a day off because I don't want to hurt myself or get burned out. In fact, part of my excuse to myself for slipping this week was that my legs hurt.. in the bone.. which was weird.
Anyway, I did in fact run on Thursday. It was pretty late when I finally got the chance, but I went.
This week's running consists of: 5-min walk, 3 min running, 1.5 min walking, 5 min running, 2.5 min walking, 3 min running, 1.5 min walking and 5 min running = 26.5 min total. Even though this was hard, it felt good to run for longer periods. I'm even to the point where I don't check my watch until 2 minutes of running passes! :) I was trying to keep myself paced as a ran because I was concerned about burning out and not making it back, but I did ok. I will run again today for my second workout of week 4.
I just want to end by saying thanks! Thanks for asking me about the running.. it holds me accountable and clearly I need that!
Kira
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Week 3
Week 3: walk for 5 minutes and then jog 90 sec, walk 90 sec, jog 3 min, walk 3 min, repeat. Total workout time: 23 minutes
For my first run during week 3 I decided to go running in the morning.. only I woke up really late. I ended up starting my run at 7am when I needed to be showered and ready to go at school before 8am. whoops! This run sticks out in my mind because my legs just felt like concrete. It wasn't as refreshing as my other runs had been.
The second run that week was better. I seem to discover something new about running every time I go. At the end of this run, I realized that the whole arm pumping thing is more than just to look cool. You actually do that in order to give yourself momentum. duh!
I ran the third time that week when I was at the lake. That was pretty good, but my legs hurt. It was like the bone in my shins ached. It was very uncomfortable and had me thinking I was doing something wrong. I don't think it's shin splints, but maybe it is. Anyway, by the end of the week, it was a lot easier to complete the run.. yeah!
For my first run during week 3 I decided to go running in the morning.. only I woke up really late. I ended up starting my run at 7am when I needed to be showered and ready to go at school before 8am. whoops! This run sticks out in my mind because my legs just felt like concrete. It wasn't as refreshing as my other runs had been.
The second run that week was better. I seem to discover something new about running every time I go. At the end of this run, I realized that the whole arm pumping thing is more than just to look cool. You actually do that in order to give yourself momentum. duh!
I ran the third time that week when I was at the lake. That was pretty good, but my legs hurt. It was like the bone in my shins ached. It was very uncomfortable and had me thinking I was doing something wrong. I don't think it's shin splints, but maybe it is. Anyway, by the end of the week, it was a lot easier to complete the run.. yeah!
Week 2
Since I haven't updated in a while, I'm going to play some catch up...
Week 2:
The difficult part about week 2 of running was that it was the first time all summer I would have to figure in my workout or run when I had a regular 8-5 working day. My first run that week I did at 6:30 in the morning (the Day 8 entry explains this) which was nuts. So for my next run that week I opted for an evening jog... which was not the best choice. I ended up leaving at dusk and got back by dark. (Although it wasn't hot out which was nice!) The last run of the week I did with my friend Rachel who was in town for the weekend. That was fun and Rachel gave me some advice which has definitely helped. I even introduced her to "the hill" that I'd like to conquer some day!
Week 2:
The difficult part about week 2 of running was that it was the first time all summer I would have to figure in my workout or run when I had a regular 8-5 working day. My first run that week I did at 6:30 in the morning (the Day 8 entry explains this) which was nuts. So for my next run that week I opted for an evening jog... which was not the best choice. I ended up leaving at dusk and got back by dark. (Although it wasn't hot out which was nice!) The last run of the week I did with my friend Rachel who was in town for the weekend. That was fun and Rachel gave me some advice which has definitely helped. I even introduced her to "the hill" that I'd like to conquer some day!
Thank you!
I've been really bad about blogging the last 2-3 weeks!! All of the comments you've left on this blog, on facebook and in person are a huge motivator for me and have helped me stay on track during my first month of training for the big race.
Thanks again! I hope you'll keep reading!
Kira
Thanks again! I hope you'll keep reading!
Kira
Monday, July 28, 2008
Day 8
Day 8: 5-minute walk. Then 90 seconds jogging + 60 seconds walking, repeat. Total workout time = 20 minutes.
Holy early morning batman! Today the only time I could go for my run was around 6:30 this morning. Considering I woke up around 11am yesterday, The 6am wake-up call was pretty rough this morning. However... I did plan ahead so I went to bed early.
The running time increased today, so I was worried that I'd be sucking it up. However, due to my genius idea to go running at 6:30 in the morning, it wasn't so bad! It's surprising to me how much easier it is to go running when it isn't hot and humid.
Another note: I can't believe I actually got up and went running this morning. Seriously. This is definitely not something I would typically do, but that is kinda the point. I'm trying to make a lifestyle change so that I am healthier. Running in the early morning like that was a small but crucial victory for me. Let's see if I can do it again on Wednesday! :)
Holy early morning batman! Today the only time I could go for my run was around 6:30 this morning. Considering I woke up around 11am yesterday, The 6am wake-up call was pretty rough this morning. However... I did plan ahead so I went to bed early.
The running time increased today, so I was worried that I'd be sucking it up. However, due to my genius idea to go running at 6:30 in the morning, it wasn't so bad! It's surprising to me how much easier it is to go running when it isn't hot and humid.
Another note: I can't believe I actually got up and went running this morning. Seriously. This is definitely not something I would typically do, but that is kinda the point. I'm trying to make a lifestyle change so that I am healthier. Running in the early morning like that was a small but crucial victory for me. Let's see if I can do it again on Wednesday! :)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Day 5
Day 5: 5-minute walk. Then 60 seconds jogging + 90 seconds walking, repeat. Total workout time = 20 minutes.
I wasn't really worried about this run since Wednesday's was so easy compared to Monday's. However, it was hot and humid so I was dragging my butt the whole way through the run.
About 17 minutes into it I was feeling a little better, and then I realized that the new route I'd taken was going to take me back to my house way too soon. So I decided to add a loop and run up the 18th street hill. If you're familiar with where I live, the 18th street hill is just as bad as my own hill.. only it's longer. If you're not familiar with this hill, it's pretty dang steep and then it tapers off into being not so steep but long. So I start running up the hill and it feels really good to be running up the hill like that. You just feel like you're really accomplishing something. So I got over the worst of the hill and I 'm still running. Yes! Then I go a little farther.. still running. Yes! Then I look up and realize that the worst of the hill is over, but I still have a good chunk left to run. I keep running. Yes! Then I look up again. The end is still really far away. I keep running.. 5 more steps.. and then.. I stop running. Crap. I walked the rest of the way up the hill, but despite my defeat, it still felt good. The hill will be defeated.
Next week I up my running time. I'm a little nervous partly because I'll be running longer and partly because I'm going to have to go run before marching band in the morning at 8am. This means I'll actually have to be on a time schedule or something ridiculous like that. I'm going to miss summer.
I wasn't really worried about this run since Wednesday's was so easy compared to Monday's. However, it was hot and humid so I was dragging my butt the whole way through the run.
About 17 minutes into it I was feeling a little better, and then I realized that the new route I'd taken was going to take me back to my house way too soon. So I decided to add a loop and run up the 18th street hill. If you're familiar with where I live, the 18th street hill is just as bad as my own hill.. only it's longer. If you're not familiar with this hill, it's pretty dang steep and then it tapers off into being not so steep but long. So I start running up the hill and it feels really good to be running up the hill like that. You just feel like you're really accomplishing something. So I got over the worst of the hill and I 'm still running. Yes! Then I go a little farther.. still running. Yes! Then I look up and realize that the worst of the hill is over, but I still have a good chunk left to run. I keep running. Yes! Then I look up again. The end is still really far away. I keep running.. 5 more steps.. and then.. I stop running. Crap. I walked the rest of the way up the hill, but despite my defeat, it still felt good. The hill will be defeated.
Next week I up my running time. I'm a little nervous partly because I'll be running longer and partly because I'm going to have to go run before marching band in the morning at 8am. This means I'll actually have to be on a time schedule or something ridiculous like that. I'm going to miss summer.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day 4
Day 4: Day of Rest
I was going to go lift today, but I totally didn't. I admit it. I am lame. That's about it for today. Tomorrow I will run again.
I was going to go lift today, but I totally didn't. I admit it. I am lame. That's about it for today. Tomorrow I will run again.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day 3
Day 3: 5-minute walk. Then 60 seconds jogging + 90 seconds walking, repeat. Total workout time = 20 minutes.
Today's run felt like a casual walk compared to what I did on Monday. Not only did I actually run 20 minutes instead of 30+ minutes, but I paced myself better. Plus, it started to rain just as I reached my house, so it was pretty well-timed too!
While I was running, I encountered another runner on the trail for the first time. He blazed past me and I felt a little ridiculous. Here I am walking (at the time) with my big digital watch on my wrist, my huge video iPod strapped to my arm and my bright, sparkling new running shoes. I'm such a poser.
Today's run felt like a casual walk compared to what I did on Monday. Not only did I actually run 20 minutes instead of 30+ minutes, but I paced myself better. Plus, it started to rain just as I reached my house, so it was pretty well-timed too!
While I was running, I encountered another runner on the trail for the first time. He blazed past me and I felt a little ridiculous. Here I am walking (at the time) with my big digital watch on my wrist, my huge video iPod strapped to my arm and my bright, sparkling new running shoes. I'm such a poser.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Day 2
Day 2: Day of rest
First off, thanks for all the comments and notes of encouragement! I hope you continue to read my posts!
I never realized the power of the Facebook status. Yesterday I changed my status on Facebook to "Kira started running today," and I got so many comments from people you'd think it was my birthday. (I even got a 'wtf' from Lanta) So it wasn't surprising when my teammates at volleyball tonight were all commenting on how I'm a "runner" now. So when the ball would fly out of the court they would say, "Hey! Go get the ball, runner!" Runner? I mean the word was dripping with sarcasm, but still...runner? Let's be clear. I am not a runner. I am a non-runner who is trying to run. A non-runner runner if you will.
In the meantime.. I'm getting psyched up for tomorrow's run! I got a lot of advice, and hopefully I'll be able to take advantage of some of it! Stay tuned...
Peace
kc
First off, thanks for all the comments and notes of encouragement! I hope you continue to read my posts!
I never realized the power of the Facebook status. Yesterday I changed my status on Facebook to "Kira started running today," and I got so many comments from people you'd think it was my birthday. (I even got a 'wtf' from Lanta) So it wasn't surprising when my teammates at volleyball tonight were all commenting on how I'm a "runner" now. So when the ball would fly out of the court they would say, "Hey! Go get the ball, runner!" Runner? I mean the word was dripping with sarcasm, but still...runner? Let's be clear. I am not a runner. I am a non-runner who is trying to run. A non-runner runner if you will.
In the meantime.. I'm getting psyched up for tomorrow's run! I got a lot of advice, and hopefully I'll be able to take advantage of some of it! Stay tuned...
Peace
kc
Monday, July 21, 2008
Day 1
Day 1: 5-minute walk. Then 60 seconds jogging + 90 seconds walking, repeat. Total workout time = 20 minutes.
Today was my first day of running, and I was pretty pumped to get going. I have a goal and a plan, so all I have to do now is run.
Oh yeah.. that's right. I'm supposed to run. Crap.
It was about 2:00 in the afternoon when I actually went on my run. I wasn't really nervous about it because the first week of workouts don't seem that bad. I do 20 minutes on the elliptical all the time. My thought before I left was that this will suck, but 20 minutes of running won't be that bad.
I started the run feeling great; deep down I know I am a running stud. In retrospect, I think I was feeling too great because I was really pushing myself. To complete the 20-minute run, I decided I would jog/walk away from my house for 10 minutes and then turn around and head back. 20 minutes later (and still running) I've got a side ache, I'm huffing and puffing like the Big Bad Wolf and I am a few steps away from passing out. This totally sucks.
After a total of 30 minutes on my 20-minute run, I arrive at my house. Yeah.. I am a running stud.
Today was my first day of running, and I was pretty pumped to get going. I have a goal and a plan, so all I have to do now is run.
Oh yeah.. that's right. I'm supposed to run. Crap.
It was about 2:00 in the afternoon when I actually went on my run. I wasn't really nervous about it because the first week of workouts don't seem that bad. I do 20 minutes on the elliptical all the time. My thought before I left was that this will suck, but 20 minutes of running won't be that bad.
I started the run feeling great; deep down I know I am a running stud. In retrospect, I think I was feeling too great because I was really pushing myself. To complete the 20-minute run, I decided I would jog/walk away from my house for 10 minutes and then turn around and head back. 20 minutes later (and still running) I've got a side ache, I'm huffing and puffing like the Big Bad Wolf and I am a few steps away from passing out. This totally sucks.
After a total of 30 minutes on my 20-minute run, I arrive at my house. Yeah.. I am a running stud.
So it begins...
First, let me say thanks. Thanks for reading my blog. Knowing that there are people out there checking up on me will hopefully keep me on track!
Here's the deal. I'm tired of not feeling comfortable in my own body. I'm sick of how that makes me feel, and I'm tired of thinking about it all the time-because I do. It is a symptom of the culture we live in that women are prone to be self-conscious of their bodies. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself a confident young women, but it is nearly impossible to escape the critical voice in your head (be it your own or someone else's) that scrutinizes every inch of your body. For those of you out there who don't hear that voice, you are a truly blessed and unique portion of the female population. As for the rest of us, I think the best way to mute the critical voice in our heads is to actively do something about it. So here I am at the beginning of a painful journey that will hopefully prove my theory correct: that an active lifestyle that stays active will quiet the jeers of that mean little voice in your head.
kc
Here's the deal. I'm tired of not feeling comfortable in my own body. I'm sick of how that makes me feel, and I'm tired of thinking about it all the time-because I do. It is a symptom of the culture we live in that women are prone to be self-conscious of their bodies. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself a confident young women, but it is nearly impossible to escape the critical voice in your head (be it your own or someone else's) that scrutinizes every inch of your body. For those of you out there who don't hear that voice, you are a truly blessed and unique portion of the female population. As for the rest of us, I think the best way to mute the critical voice in our heads is to actively do something about it. So here I am at the beginning of a painful journey that will hopefully prove my theory correct: that an active lifestyle that stays active will quiet the jeers of that mean little voice in your head.
kc
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