I am returning to my chiropractor today and planning on begging for permission to run - at least a little bit.  I feel like I've lost a part of myself.  Running is the only "me time" I get, and honestly, I am craving that sweaty rush of endorphins!  It still boggles my mind to hear myself thinking that.  Me, the couch potato, anti-exercise, anti-sweat person.  It just goes to show how much a little effort can change a person.  I literally crave exercise. 

I've been searching the local races to find one that appeals to me.  I've found at least 2, but neither are timed.  I honestly don't care about that, but the people I run with do.  I still dream of running a half-marathon.  Maybe in the spring?

It appears my running career is coming to a stand still for the next 4 weeks.  I have been advised to stop running for the next 4 weeks while my shoulder heals.  I have a pinched nerve in my neck - what a pain!!!  I am VERY thankful for the diagnoses, and I am hoping to be a good patient :)

Anxious

I just need to run.  This week has been so busy, and I haven't taken the time for myself.  Today, I am anxious and really want to be out there, but it is already too hot and I have too many kids that need me :)  Aiming for tonight!

4.33 miles!

I finally feel like a runner again.  This morning, I made it 4.33 miles.  It is my longest run in almost 2 months.  Simply thrilling.  Great, great, great way to begin my week.  I felt like I could have continued even longer, but the sun was getting higher, and hotter. 

I ran last Friday morning as well for 3 miles.  Ideally, I would do this at least 3 mornings a week, a minimum of 3 miles.  If the pain stays away I would love to sign up for a half marathon in the spring. 

race canceled

I just received an email that the half marathon we were schedule to race has been changed to a Sunday morning. The wonderful people putting on the race are offering a full refund to those that can't attend. We would not race on a Sunday morning, so that in itself is reason enough to cancel, but I feel like I've been given a new lease on my running - no more stress to prepare for a race! I am free to take time to heal and sign up for other races at later dates. Woo Hoo! I am so thankful! I still have a goal of a half marathon, but I want to do it when I am healthy. I will wait to sign up until I am further in my training :) Possibly one on Thanksgiving weekend?

I was finally able to run 3 entire miles with my hubby while on vacation this past weekend. It felt sooo good!

Dreaming

There are many moments that I think about simply running for miles. I want to do it without worrying about my knee. I don't want to think about if I am re-injuring it, or if I'll be able to walk tomorrow. I want to just run. Pain free. I want to feel the exhilaration of accomplishing more than I've done before. I wonder if that will ever be a reality. Today, it feels unattainable.

I give up. That's what I said twice during my run this morning. I made it 2.3 miles and had intense knee pain so I stopped and walked it off. I figured I could try running again and see how far I could go for the 2nd round. I ran 2 steps and stopped. I walked almost a mile home, pain free, just couldn't jog. I came to the decision to sell my race entry. I even emailed a friend about it. Then, I researched a bit and realized my entry is non-transferable. I can only switch to a later event (for a fee, of course). I believe my struggle is so hard right now because time is passing and the race is less than 12 weeks away. I suppose I shouldn't look at the calendar, but on the other hand, how can I properly train in time? At least I am still able to get in good cardio exercise - which is why I started running. I will still be able to run 5K's, even if the half marathon doesn't work out.

Back on track??

I went out to run yesterday morning. I have put it off for a bit because honestly, I was scared to go out there and encounter more knee pain. I also wasn't sure how I would feel after taking almost 3 weeks off from consistent exercise. The weather is slighter cooler, so it was refreshing to run and not die from the humidity at 7:30 in the morning. I look forward to the lovely fall weather! Anyway, I felt great. Truly great to be out there. I was praising God for the ability to even be out there using my body. Unfortunately, I only made it 1.78 miles before having to stop from severe pain again, but I can say that my cardio was fine. It was very frustrating to know that in spite of all the rest that I still have the pain. I am still going forward with my training plan - the half marathon is in 12 weeks and 3 days. I hope that by taking baby steps my knee will just get better and better? Right?!

Lazy

What can I say? I have been completely, inexcusably lazy this entire week. I have not worked out, ran, or even done crunches. We have been having some work done to our home, and with contractors in and out all day, as well as trying to keep kids entertained and out of the way, I am exhausted by evening. I can't do my video while the people are here since my tv is right in front of the front door. Enough excuses? We are going on vacation this weekend, and I hope to get back on track once we return. I've even printed off my half marathon training schedule in anticipation. I just can't seem to motivate myself. Honest.

Progress

I ran last night. We only made it a little over 2 miles, but that was progress. I am running as long as I can and letting my knee tell me when to stop. I do not want to do over use it. My half marathon training begins August 20th, so this is a time to rest and recover, not push my limits. Praying for complete healing of my knee prior to my training beginning.

I purchased the Jillian Michael "30 day shred" video, and wow. Yes, just wow. It is tough! I have managed to do 3 days of it, and I am using it as cross training. It lasts 20 minutes (doesn't sound bad at all, right?), and every muscle in my body hurts when I am finished. It's a good hurt, and I plan to continue with it!

I've lost almost an inch from my waist (measuring around belly button). Still going strong with the crunches, but on the days I do the Jillian workout I use that as my 100. I missed one full day of any ab work, so my sweet, encouraging hubby told me I had to start from scratch. I honestly am not counting at this point, but I think I would finish around the end of August?

Yes, still here

I am still here. I ran 6 miles last Thursday and seem to have re-injured my knee. I can still walk, and the pain isn't severe, but it is there and I am trying to give it a rest. I've been diligently using my foam roller, so hopefully I can try to run tonight.

My crunches are still going. I missed last night, so I am going to do double today. Yippee!

Day 9

I am still on track with my 100 crunches a day. I've actually done more than 100 most days! Strangely enough, I think I see a bit of change already. Talk about motivation!

I ran with Chad Friday night and it was absolutely the best run I've ever done. I managed to maintain a 10:33 pace, which is the fastest ever (although still VERY slow for the rest of the world). That means I've taken over 6 minutes off my 5K time. See, I am making progress! Baby steps... The most exciting thing for me was that I finished pain free! It seems as though when my stride is longer it puts less pressure on my knee, therefore giving me an easier run. Last night, I ran with a friend and we had a generally slow pace and my knee hurt most of the time. We only ran a little over a mile! Thankfully, we walked a LOT and talked a LOT, which is what was needed :)

Still going... day 5

I did my run Wednesday night, but I wasn't able to get out of the house until after 9. It was super dark, and I was alone, which made me very nervous. I decided to to just go around my block. Even that was a bit intimidating, so I only made it 1.5 miles. I stayed in front of my house and did 4 20 second sprints to finish it off. I've never been able to do more than 2, so this was a noticeable improvement.

I am on day 5 of my 30 day crunch plan. I did 120 yesterday simply because I am doing sets of 30. I am going to take measurements today to see if I will see a difference there as well. Who knows what tons of old fashioned crunches combined with running can do for me? :) I was doing my crunches today and had a bit of an issue. My 22 month old decided it would be fun to sit behind and grab my hair each time I laid back. The worst part was I wouldn't notice until I lifted up and lost about 4 strands. I did 115 crunches, and 50 leg raises. I am hoping to get in a 4 mile run this evening.

Previous running posts from other blog :)

I want to keep all my exercise information in one place/one blog, so these are some posts from another blog -

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I finally feel back on track with my running. After doing a ton of research and speaking with some knowledgeable friends I've come to the conclusion that the pain I am experiencing in my knee is the IT band. I splurged and bought a foam roller to help stretch and massage that area and it has helped immensely. I also try to run on dirt roads, which is softer impact and therefore more manageable. So far, so good!

This week I've done my workouts in the mornings, and let me just say it has taken me 30+ years to get motivated and actually do this. I am NOT a morning person. I always thought people that saw the sun rise were just naturally morning people and I couldn't understand why you would want to be up that early when your warm, cozy bed was still available. I have fought to wake up by 8 am for years. The last few weeks I decided to start my day with a morning devotion on my back porch while the kids were still sleeping. Considering they wake up at 6:30 that means I have to be out there at least by 6. It has been hard, but worth the effort. I now feel such joy at hearing the birds singing their praise. Add my workout in to the routine and I start the day ahead. Who would of ever thought I would be up to watch the sun rise? Do you know how much you can accomplish before 9am?!

I am going to be posting my workouts on here as a way to keep accountable and to keep a log of my activities.

Monday - 3 mile run, 1 mile bike ride
Tuesday - 3 mile bike ride pulling heavy bike trailer
Wednesday - 3 mile run

Sunday, March 20, 2011

I finished my first 5K race. I think calling it a race for me is a bit of a stretch, although I did jog for 3.2 miles. :) I even beat a couple of 70 year olds - although one did beat me, too. I finished in 38:02, my goal was to be under 40 and to run the entire time. It was a wonderful feeling crossing that finish line. Not because I was exhausted, but rather because I had set a goal for myself and actually followed through on it. It was bittersweet, almost like the letdown after Christmas. I had been so excited about this race, and once it was over I felt somewhat depressed that it had come and gone so quickly. I have enjoyed training so much, and loved seeing the distances increase with each run. It's a heady feeling to know what you are actually capable of doing with the body God has given you! To that end, I've decided to keep training and hope to better my times and distances. I will be doing another 5K at the end of May, and I am starting to train for a half marathon in October. I feel almost crazy even considering a half marathon, but if I can run this far in just 3 short months of training, then I should be able to do that much further in 7 months. We shall see. I am so excited!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I ran 5 miles last night. Without stopping. It took me an hour. I actually ran for an entire hour. I would never EVER have imagined myself as a runner, and especially not capable of running that distance or time. When I embarked on the c25K journey my goal was to survive running the 5K without stopping. The other night I had Chad check the distance of our laps (I run with a dear friend that makes the run much more enjoyable), and it's .6 of a mile each lap. My plan last night was to run 3 miles in prep for the 5K on Saturday. I finished the 3 miles right about the time my running buddy started her laps and wanted to keep running with her, so I just kept going and ended up doing the 5 full miles with a sprint at the end. I literally felt like crying with joy at the end because it was so unbelievable that God would give me the strength and determination to do something so completely out of my league. Now, I am loving my running. Anyone out there that thinks they can't do it - just get out there. You'll be amazed at what just a few months of training will do for your body (and mind!).

Monday, February 21, 2011

If you have known me for any length of time you would know that I am not a runner. I have tried for years to make a habit of exercise, but I typically fizzle out after 3 weeks. I take a few months to motivate myself, then try again for 3 weeks. I think I subconsciously know that it takes 3 weeks to form a habit and I didn't want to make a habit of it. This is the longest I have ever stuck with an exercise plan. I actually wake up excited that I get to run that day. The treadmill has been a huge blessing to strengthen my knees in preparation of running outside. I used to try to run outside and come home to immediately put ice on them they hurt so bad. I've been exclusively on the treadmill for the first few weeks and now my knees feel great! Another excuse down the drain!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

We finally made it through the flu. The only ones that avoided it were Chad and the babies. The little girls had flu shots. Chad was simply blessed. Honestly, I think I am just now starting to feel like myself again. The biggest upset from the ordeal (other than watching my babies so sick), was that it completely ruined my training for the 5K. I had made it to 25 minutes of straight running the day before the flu hit me. Since then, I've only made it 10 minutes straight once, and I felt terrible afterward. I am hoping to start back slowly today. The 5K is March 19th, and I only have about a month to prepare.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Let me start off by saying I am on week 7 of the couch to 5K running plan. That means I am currently running 25 minutes straight! I signed up to run a 5K on March 19 with a few of my friends and I am finally realizing that I may actually be able to do it. It's amazing what training can do for your body. It's also amazing how badly out of shape I was - when I began I could barely run a full 2 minutes, now I actually enjoy my runs!

Day 3

The first day of 100 crunches was completely easy. Honestly, I thought about upping the crunches and told myself that 100 was the bare minimum I would do. On day 2, I reconsidered since it was much harder to complete them. Today, my third day, was SO hard. Wow, my abs haven't hurt like this in forever! I do hope to eventually up my number per day, but for the moment, 100 is enough!

Today is my short run day - going between 3 and 4 miles tonight.

100 crunches a day

I resolved yesterday to do 100 crunches a day for the next month. I am wondering if I will actually see any results. I am an exercise junkie - at least for a few days. I tend to get really involved in something for a few weeks and then it fades away when I don't see results. I have actually stuck with running. I have been running since December. I started with the couch to 5K program and ran my first 5K March 19. On the way home from the race I decided I needed to set another goal, and I am registered to run a half marathon in November. I've suffered horrible knee pain, which I've discovered is my IT band, but I've persevered and I am hooked. Let's hope the crunches work out too :)