Running FAIL

Or not. It was almost a C25K bust after only 1 week. I got ambitious. It happens. I AM, after all, great, so why shouldn't I be able to do anything?

Oh, yeah...great, yes. Human, yes. Superhuman, not so much.

Here's how it went down.

Last week, I was walking 28 minutes and running 2. I had kept my speed to 3.0 on the walks and 4.0 on the run, but that always felt slow, so i would bump it up to 4.2 about 15 seconds in. No problems at all.

This week, we were increasing the running to 4 minutes and decreasing the walking to 26. I went into this really excited about this, by the way. So I work out my times and put them on a post-it and stick it to my iPod. Because I'm anal like that and hate staring at the treadmill and counting on my fingers to make sure I have the times right.

Ok, so 26/4 works out to 8 minutes walking, 2 running, 9 walking, 2 running, 9 walking. I like to do my short walk at the start so I have more recovery time after running. See, I do think these things through. Well, like I said...I got ambitious. 3.0 and 4.0? Nope. Not good enough. Lets go 3.3 and 4.5!

The first 8 minutes were gravy. No problem at all. The first 45 seconds of running was ok, too...then, my shin started to hurt, and I was barely able to keep up with the treadmill. I stuck it out for 45 more seconds, then hit stop. I had every intention of saying fuck it and just walking the rest of my time. But...I'm stubborn, and all I could picture was Jillian Michaels standing in front of me. I decided I wasn't going to give up just because it was hard, but I wasn't going to kill myself, either. So I started the treadmill again (after a few gulps of water)...but at 3.0 for the walk. And I didn't set up the intervals beforehand. After about 5 minutes, I figured I had recovered enough, and set out on the second running interval...at 4.0 for a minute and a half. Done. Walked another 5 minutes, then did the last minute of running, and gave myself 10 minutes of recovery walking. I had done it. Slower than I wanted, but I still finished.

And when I was done, I wiped the sweat off of my face, and went through the weight circuit. No slacking at all for this chickie.

What I learned: for right now, work on time, not speed. Speed will come later. Or not. I'm not actually planning on participating in a 5K, so if I can't do a 10 minute mile, so what? Or if it takes me longer, who cares? My ultimate goal is walking 60 miles...not running 3.

As a side note, I *may* be developing shin splints already. I'll be keeping an eye on this situation, and hoping that I'm wrong, but if the pain gets worse, I'm gonna head to the doctor. Right now, it's mild discomfort...which could just be because I'm fat and putting a lot of stress on my legs.

Ten things I like about me.

Saturday was Day 45. I have successfully stayed OP for a full 46 days now. I've even started going to the gym for which I have been paying $35 a month for 2 years and not using. I have lost a total of 10 and a half pounds. I deserve my reward. I should be jumping for joy.

But I'm not.

Yeah, sure, I'm proud of myself for sticking it out. And yeah, I'm glad I'm finally starting to go to the gym. But I have yet to run to the store to cash in my reward (it was supposed to be $15 for my Starbucks card). I haven't even thought of a suitable replacement reward. I know I deserve SOMETHING, but I just can't think of anything.

Maybe it's PMS. I'm feeling like for as much as I have been busting my ass, I should be down at least 12 pounds...or my work pants should at least be comfortable by now. I should be able to go up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'm going to die...or at least not be drenched in sweat by the time I get to the top. But they aren't, and I can't.

I know this isn't a race and there is no hurry. I'm still trying very hard to focus on actions not results. But when you aren't seeing results, it's hard to keep up the actions. Actually, that's not true. I've gotten pretty good at the actions. Hell, I only ate one slice of pizza last night because I didn't know how many points it would be. As it turns out, I could have had 2. Instead, I had some dessert when we got home and I found out I had 5 points left. But the point is, I start to wonder why I'm doing this if I'm not getting the results.

I tried on my Goal Dress on Saturday, just to see. I had a somewhat easier time getting it on...but it's still too tight. I *could* probably wear it with some Spanx or control top hose, but I'd be miserable.

Ok...enough with the self pity. Here is a list of things I should be proud of:

1) I have stuck with my points for 46 full days. Yes, I have had days where I have gone way over, but at the end of the week, I have always had enough flexies to cover everything.

2) I ran a total of 4 minutes last week. Actual running. I also walked a total of 101 minutes, and swam for 45. That is 150 minutes of exercise that I did. Voluntarily. There were some weights in there, too.

3) I have turned down seconds of dinner at least twice in the last week, and taken home leftovers two other times.

4) I actually told DH today that yes, we can go to Maguires for dinner, but I still want to go to the gym first, so he was going to have to go home and get me a towel and meet me there. As it turns out, he gets off work early today, so he's cooking instead. But the fact remains...I said that I was going to the gym, no matter what we were doing.

5) I have continued to track what I eat, even when I don't want to and just want to give up and get a cheeseburger and some cookies. Actually, I have had the cheeseburger. And the cookies. Just not on the same day.

6) I have routinely asked to substitute the steamed veggie of the day for french fries when we have gone out to eat.

7) I am actually looking FORWARD to adding running time to my workout.

8) I have only annoyed DH once with my obsessive planning of meals. At least, only once that he has said anything.

9) While I feel like dying, I am able to exercise at a moderate intensity for over 30 minutes non-stop, and still have the energy to lift some weights.

and finally

10) I have lost TEN AND A HALF POUNDS in a month and a half. With a vacation. And going out to dinner more than weekly. 6 weeks. 10.5 pounds. That's a little over 1.5 a week. That is actually a PERFECT pace.

So next time I get down on myself for ONLY losing 10.5, and that I break out in a sweat after 2 minutes of exercise...someone remind me that I'm still 10.5 less than I was and while I'm dripping with sweat, at least I can keep pushing.

Life, or something like it.

Real life is starting to catch up to me and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to out run it. Especially considering I have only just started C25K today.

I feel like I have SO much going on right now, and I think it's gonna get worse before it gets better. We have the obvious things that this blog is about: WW, exercise and the 3 Day (and the fundraising for that). Then I still have 2 more months of class before the semester break. And we have to finish the last few things to get the house in order before my aunt comes to visit. And we have bills that we want to pay off...so instead of sitting here talking to myself, I should be ChaCha-ing, but I'm just not as into it as I used to be.

Today, I picked out my class for next semester: Econ 2105, which is Intro it Macroeconomics. Ew. I really have no interest in this, but it's a pre-req for the classes I need once I take the GMATs (eventually) and actually apply for my masters in Computer Information Systems. This semester, I'm taking College Algebra. Anyone who knows me well knows that this is a joke for me. First, I took it when I got my bachelors. Second, I just like math. I'm weird like that. But next semester might actually be a challenge. And that won't be fun.

We finally picked out a color for the dining room. It was supposed to be tan. It's green. Luckily, it's in the same family as the living room, just about 2 or 3 shades lighter, so it could still work. But it's not what we wanted. We have about a month to get it put up on the walls before my aunt comes to visit (YAY!). Also, while she is here, we are FINALLY having our housewarming party...which is going to double as a Tastefully Simple fundraiser party. So we REALLY have to get the house cleaned up and in order.

I did start C25K today...the conservative program. Today was 28 minutes of walking, 2 minutes of running. Aside from not being able to breathe for about a minute and a half or 2 minutes after my running sections (I did 9/1/9/1/10), I really felt good. I kept my walking speed to about 3.0 mph, and for my runs, I did 4.0. Really, I almost think it was too slow, but I was a little nervous about it. Unfortunately, I think I'm gonna end up with shin problems. Even in 2 minutes, they were hurting while running. Not after, at least, but while running. I also did a weight circuit today: arms (tricep press, bicep curl, shoulder press, upright bench press) and legs (leg press, leg extensions, inner and outer thigh press). I kept the weight pretty low, and I only did 1 set of each...We will see how I feel tomorrow before I decide what I will do on Friday.

I'm also 3 days away from my 45 day reward...which was supposed to be $15 added to my Starbucks card, but I'm re-thinking that. I really don't know why I bothered to write down rewards. I have changed every one of them. Anyway, I have been really hungry today, and I think it's the addition of exercise to my program. But it's making it really hard to stick it out. I'm determined...but it's getting rough.

I think my goal for the next week is to get the dining room done, and just work on a schedule. If I can make the gym a habit, and then worry about working everything else in, I think I'm more likely to succeed with it. Right? RIGHT?! Somebody please tell me I'm not just lying to myself and that this really will become a habit...because right now, it's just a hassle.

Me? A RUNNER? Don't make me laugh!

I've started going to the gym and actually using my membership that I've had for 2 years and have used about 5 times...one of which was to take my nieces to the pool when they came to visit. But with the 3 Day looming a year away, and me being pitifully out of shape (wait...round is a shape. I'm in shape. Just not a shape to accomplish my goals), I figured I needed to start sooner rather than later. But the 3 Day training program is 24 weeks long...I have more than double that. So, I was thinking about what I could possibly do with the other 24+ weeks, and then it hit me.

Couch to 5K.

For those that don't know, this is a running program that takes you from never having run in your life (except, perhaps, after the ice cream truck when it starts to pull away...not that I know anything about that) to being able to run a 5K. There are 2 programs: the original, and the fat-girl extremely slow build up conservative program.

Both programs have merit in my case. The original gets me there fast and will force me to push myself right from Day 1. It's a 9 week program that starts with running intervals from the very beginning. A benefit is that there is a podcast, complete with music, that goes with this program, and tells you when to walk and when to run, so you don't spend your whole workout looking at your watch. The downside...it's only 9 weeks, and I'm really trying to fill more time than that...and seriously, I don't run now. At ALL.

If I do the conservative program, it starts off much slower. In fact, I could probably skip the first, oh, 3 weeks? That would have me starting with 20 minutes of walking 4 days a week. Considering I was trying to get 45 minutes to an hour 3 days a week (granted, I've only done 2 days so far...), 20 minutes would work. And I might even have some time left to do the weights I wanted to do. I've got that double wave thing going and want to nip it in the bud before it gets really bad. Plus, the whole program is 28 weeks...which has me ending 2 weeks before I need to be starting the 3 Day training...PERFECT. The downside? No podcast. So I need to make my own. Not torture...but a minor hassle.

I think I'm going to be the lazy runner and do the conservative program. It will still challenge me, since I detest running, but the first week of running is 28 minutes of walking, 2 of running...and it can be split any way you want to do it (so 7 walking, 30 seconds running, 7 walking, 30 seconds running...).

I've also worked out most of a schedule with the DH...who I think still has doubts I'm going to follow through with the whole gym-going thing. And who can blame him? It's not like I've shown a tendency to be a gym addict. But we worked out a deal where on Mondays, when he gets off work right at 6 (most of the time), he will go home and cook while I go to the gym. We are also working out whether he can do the same on Wednesday or Thursday...and I'm going to go before my Starbucks on Saturdays. I *may* also use an hour or so on my weeks this month that I get off early on Fridays to do some extra. Last night was the first with this schedule...I got home just after 7. He had dinner ready (some really YUMMY chili and Parmesan cheddar biscuits) when I got home, and didn't complain (much) when I wanted to eat before showering. Seemed to work out pretty well. We'll see how the rest of the week goes.

Also, I finally had a loss this week after 2 weeks of holding steady. Not a huge one, but 2 pounds, bringing my total to 10. I'm thrilled with that...but...a little disheartened for some reason. And I don't know why. 10 pounds in a month is just about a perfect pace. And it means I *could* be near goal when we go to FL next. And with adding in the gym, I will theoretically be toning up, too...which is really more important than the number on the scale. I'm still trying to focus on actions and not results, though. It's hard, but I'm trying. Control what I can. That's my motto. And so far, it's working. Guess I need some workout rewards set up.

And no...working out is not it's own reward.

Save Second Base!

Ok, I wish I was creative enough to say I came up with the title, but I'm not. I stole it from a team when I did the Breast Cancer 3 Day in 2007. I'm stealing it now because I'm walking again!

So...right from the start, I'm gonna ask for your money. I need to raise $2300 by next October. Every little bit adds up. Thank you in advance.

I also need other fundraising ideas, because, lets face it, my 8 readers aren't rich enough to support me. Tell your friends. I'm funny. Really, I am.

I am thinking of doing a yard sale, probably in May of next year...and for those that have stuff to get rid of, but no cold hard cash, this is a great way to help out! I'm also gonna talk to DH's boss about the company sponsoring me...or working out a deal to raffle an inexpensive scooter. We'll see what he'll agree to...if anything.

I'm also going to start training early. If our numerous Disney trips have told me anything, it's that my daily walking limit is about 6 miles a day right now. I need to more than triple that. And me being the procrastinator I am, I really need to start now, because if I wait, then I'm going to be waiting to put it off...and not do anything.

And most importantly...no ChaCha Slide for 2 months before the walk. Especially not in flip flops.

Are you ready for some...

FOOTBALL?

Ok, since I got married, I really haven't watched much football. Hubby isn't a fan, and I usually have other stuff going on. But today, I decided to see if the Virginia Tech game was on. It is...they are playing Miami. HUGE rivalry game, and Tech is at home. I miss Lane Stadium.

But there was just a play where the defender (Miami) drew a pass interference call, and the commentator said something that stuck out to me:

"It's not a bad play. It's not like the penalty is 40 yards. If you know you are beat, take the penalty." (paraphrased...didn't feel like rewinding for the actual words)

Now, at first, I had issues with this. I mean, you are essentially GIVING the other team 4 more chances to score, since the penalty, while not 40 years, is 15 and they get a whole new set of downs...starting 15 years closer to the goal. And I started writing this thinking, why would you WANT to do that? Seriously?

But then, I thought some more and related it to weight loss...yeah, I'm a bit obsessive. What's it to ya?

So, it was highly likely the VT player would have scored had it not been for the interference. He broke away just after, and was alone on the field, with wide open spaces between him and the goal. Basically, the Miami player took what was a sure score, and turned it into 4 more chances to PREVENT that score.

How's this relate to weight loss? Well, there are times you take a hit to give yourself 4 more chances to succeed.

TOUCHDOWN HOKIES! Oh..sorry. They just scored on a blocked punt. I got distracted. 21-0 now.

Anyway...times like when you have no option BUT what someone else has prepared, and you don't really know the points (calories, carbs, fat grams, whatever it is that you count). So, you take the hit and enjoy your dinner. But you give yourself the chance to get right back on the wagon, and back to your goal.

Take hardships in stride, and don't let one meal throw you so far off your goal that you can't recover. Give yourself 4 more chances to succeed.

There's your gem of wisdom and inspiration.

Another milestone, fast approaching

That's right. Despite my struggles last week/early this week, tomorrow is Day 30, which, if successfully completed, earns me a $5 addition to my treasured Starbucks mini card.

I really thought 30 days would feel like a bigger accomplishment than the first 15 days, but it doesn't. In hind sight, that first 15 days was pretty tough. The Disney trip, in my mind, was a HUGE accomplishment. This last 2 weeks has just been daily life...not "extra" struggles.

So how do I wrap my head around the fact that without that first 15 days, I wouldn't be at 30 now? Because that's true. And honestly, EVERY day is a struggle at some point. Deciding between a snack now, or an extra serving at dinner, or even what to make for dinner. I know this is what I need, but some days it frustrates me no end. And I *want* to do what I did the first time around and institute my "off day," but I also remember that sometimes it was so much harder to get back on, that it's just easier to stick it out and just pick a day where I can work in the treats without being "off."

So what are the plans for the last day and a half before my reward? Well, I've only gotten to lunch today: leftover enchiladas from last night. I have 11 points for dinner, and I have 16 flex points left for today and tomorrow. I have no clue what dinner will be tonight, though I'm considering having DH grill some chicken. And tomorrow, all I know is breakfast, because I usually eat the same thing for a week at a time. This week, coffee (3 pts for my creamer) and a Jimmy Dean DeLights Turkey Sausage, Eggwhite and cheese English muffin (5 pts). Lunch will likely depend on dinner tonight, since I usually bring leftovers.

In other news, DH and I are starting to get ready for Halloween. We have a cauldron which is already filled with candy. This is (obviously) our first year in the house, and we know there are a lot of kids in the neighborhood, so we are expecting a lot of trick or treaters. I'm unusually excited about this. We also got some Mickey pumpkin lights and found a set of smaller lights I had bought last year, so those will probably be put up shortly. DH also wants to make a pumpkin sculpture he saw somewhere...and I told him go for it. If anyone knows how to make carved pumpkins last longer, I'd love to know. He was gonna try shellacking them, but oddly enough, I've done that before and they just mold under the shellac. Not worth the extra money or effort. So we are looking for ways. Maybe I'll try to look it up today. Not really feeling like working anyway.

Which probably explains my posting here 2 days in a row, as well...