A Rumbly In My Tumbly

Two bites of a banana, that was all I would risk.

Give me FOOOOOD.

I try not to eat about two hours before running so I don't get cramps or feel gross when running. However, I was feeling absolutely famished so I thought some of a banana would be fine. It was. Dinner was going to be ready by the time I was back from my run and I couldn't WAIT to eat.

I ran a bit later than I usually do, because Ben and I had some errands to get done. One of those was going to the chiropractor. Guess what folks!? I have a pinched nerve. Yay... not. Ugh. I hurt my back in a work related injury almost a year ago and I have never felt the same since. I did therapy which sort of helped but the constant pain never let up. I was told by the doctor back then that its just part of getting older. I said the exact same thing to this chiropractor and he asked me how old I was. When I said 27 he told me there was no reason I should have chronic back pain and that he would help to fix me up so I can go about my life without daily pain. I'm relieved. I know it will take time but hey, its a light at the end of this god awful tunnel.

Just kidding. :)

Honestly, I wasn't sure it was okay to run knowing now that I have a pinched nerve, but errr... my googling skills came up with no reason not to? Hehe. Don't judge me! Seriously though, I feel like being active bothers it a little at first but in the long run will help it. Maybe its all in my head and I'm just making it worse and worse. I'm crossing my fingers that upon another mention of my running program he won't advise me against this. I already told him once and he nodded along with me, so...

In other great news, I kicked butt at week 3 day 1! I am up to a 90 second run/walk followed by a 3 minute run/walk. I wasn't sure how I'd fair that 3 minute jog but I did it and I'm proud of it!! It wasn't easy at all, but compared to a few weeks ago, its something I wouldn't have been able to do.

"Will Run For Food"

Melt or Soak?

Because either way, this is happening.

Ew. -.-

Yesterday was so hot. I had so much going on and running through my mind that when Ben got home I decided to wait to run until the sun went down and it cooled off outside but before it was so late that the rain came. Then it dawned on me when Ben's pager went off (he's a volunteer firefighter for our township) that I couldn't wait because he had to go to drill that evening. So he stayed with the kids like normal and I went out in the blazing sun and made myself go, despite the heat.

All I have to say is that it was hot, hot, hot. I didn't look at the weather until after I finished because I knew that I might possible become whiny and call it quits, claiming heatstroke or something.

Emily, nearing the end of 26.2 miles.
The Glass City Marathon 2013

It wasn't so bad at the first couple ran phases. Half way through and towards the end I was struggling. Just too warm, too sweaty. Uncomfortable in every sense of the term. My shins were trying to bust out the front of my legs. My feet felt swollen and sore. My back hurt from trying to maintain decent form. I know I am my own worst enemy when it comes to getting finished. My body is capable. I just have to keep that in mind.

"Will Run For Getting It Over With"

I have a chiropractor appointment tomorrow and I'm hoping it will bring my lower back some relief. I hope he will tell me that training like I am is doing me good, versus doing me harm, because I am all signed up and registered to do The Color Run come August. I'm on a team called The Wacky Waving Inflatable Flailing Arm Tube Men, with my friend Jessica as our captain. By the way, I just noticed that she, too, has started using the C25K app for training so here's my shout out to her to say go get 'em, girl!

Here's another shout out to my sister, Emily, because she is brick training for the Steelhead half Iron-Man coming up soon. Apparently, brick training is riding for miles and miles on your bike, and then immediately running for even more miles and miles. I guess your feet feel like they're made of bricks? It sounds brutal. She's going to kill it though. She's my inspiration. Love you, Em!

Emily during the biking part of the 2012 Sylvania Triathlon.

Did I Miss Roll Call??

Here I am! Hi! Here! Hello!

I haven't fallen off the bandwagon. :) I had no computer/internet a few days ago, so even though I ran I couldn't blog. Yesterday, I ran but was so busy enjoying the beautiful weather and the company of great friends that I didn't bother getting online.

The day we lost power, it was SO hot out and I felt like the sun was pouring sweat over my head by the bucket loads. I was grateful for a cold shower when I got back. I took Kota again that day, and she was better behaved that time around. I gave her a break yesterday because she just looked whipped still.

My motivation that day: "Will Run For Sunshine and Cold Showers"
 
Yesterday, Ben asked if he could join me and the kids hung out with my friends for a little while next door when we hit the pavement. It was really nice to have him with me.

Plus, I found two compliments to help motivate me more as the workout progressed. When I first started running, Ben and the kids both joined me, and he was able to keep pace with me. He never ran, just walked. When I started running this time, he shouted, "Oh so you're actually run-running now?!" I guess I would not have noticed otherwise, but yes, I was faster! The program is working! Yay! I did slow a bit as I got farther into the phases, but still. Faster is faster, period. I also think running with Dakota might help push me to keep up at her jogging gait.

Then as we ran around the park path, we came across the playground for a second time. As we passed, an older lady who was there with her grandkids said to me, "Did you just run around that fast!? Wow, that was quick. I just saw you two here!" I caught myself saying how I was training, and said thank you. I felt a little silly but I allowed myself some pride in the fact I must truly believe I am doing this now. Pride in the fact that two times now someone told me I was going quick.

"Will Run For Sweethearts and Compliments"

Dog Days?

They're kinda hot and smelly.

That Ohio weather is at it again. I usually get to run around 3pm, and it was some 75°F outside this time. Much different from the super chilled 40°F it was two days ago. Even still, I ran with my light jacket on because I'd been almost sunburned last week from running in a tank top.

This would've been cooler if my headphones wire wasn't in the picture.

Anyways, back to the point of today's post. I took my German Shepherd with me today. She's 9 years old, and her name is Dakota. I wasn't sure how she'd do because well, in dog years she's 63! We've been living in an apartment for over a year now and hasn't had lots of running exercise. She kept pretty good pace with me though.

However, I had to stop a couple times. At one point there was a little girl playing with a puppy in her front yard. Kota isn't the best socialized dog ever (my fault, I know...) so she has no manners and acted crazy, barking loudly and vocalizing with groans, moans and grunts. She wanted to go to the puppy but I want her to know that being my jogging partner means jogging, not running up to puppies. I kept onward.

Mind you I have in my headphones, so I don't hear much besides some of Kota's loud-mouthing over the music. She didn't settle down as we kept going so I glanced behind me to see that we were being followed by said puppy. And said puppy was being chased by said little girl. The puppy wasn't going too fast, I thought she'd get him. I kept running.

Don't judge my hip shooting while running.

I glance behind me a few strides later to make sure. NOPE. Puppy is caught, but only by its tail. Little girl is being dragged (somewhat) by puppy, who really wants to catch us and probably sniff my dogs behind, as dogs like to do. Now I notice that little girls mom is chasing her. I decide to just stop and make Kota sit. Let puppy to come us, I thought. Kota is obnoxious around other dogs but I know I have control of her head; she wears a Halti. The mom caught them both before they actually got to us, and I said I was sorry, even though no one had really done any wrong. I still felt badly. I saw her lips moving, caught her say, "Don't worry about it," and we continued on our run.

Not even a whole minute later, another dog is chasing us. This time, its coming from the park across the street, where its people were playing catch with each other. The dog must've felt left out. 'No ball for me? Okay then, I'll just go jog with those folks over there.' HA HA! Kota acted out again, getting the attention of the other dogs owners, who called to it, not that it cared. This dog was older looking, and his gait wasn't quick. Right before he crossed the road to us, a car came and thankfully he was smart enough to see it and stop. When he stopped, he lost interest in us and went back to his people. That or maybe I just couldn't hear them shouting to high heaven that he'd better get back or else... Headphone. Music. Yeah.

Even though there were a couple times I had to stop because of Kota's misbehavior towards seeing other dogs, we kept decent pace and I really enjoyed getting out today. I even paused for a moment because I saw a butterfly in the road. It allowed me to touch its legs and climbed onto my fingertip, but flew off before I could pull out my phone with the other hand to snap a photo. I have to say, getting any decent shots with a camera phone is NOT as easy as you might think when you're walking. Hello, motion blur!

Between the sun, the heat, and the dog (accompanied by hot doggy breath), I sure stunk and couldn't wait to get in the shower when I got home.

"Will Run For a Running Partner (of the canine variety)"

Hit A Wall

I saw it coming, even!

When I start anything that has to do with dedication to a workout plan, I always come to that day where "I just don't wanna!" I know I'm not the only one. And I know today won't be the only day like this I encounter. I'm glad to say that I ignored every excuse I came up with! I got ready, went out, and got it over with. 

Blogging is more fun with a picture...

Today required a lot of motivation. This entire point of blogging about it is to motivate me to get it done. I don't want to skip a post because even if no one else knew or noticed, the point is I would know. To come and post about not finding the energy or the time to fit it in? Well, that just seems like it would be embarrassing.

Okay, so here I was, given no other choice, and outside in the cold May weather. (This is Ohio, people. Mother Nature really has it out for us here. Two days ago I was ready to turn on my air conditioner! She likes to play with natures thermostat just for kicks.) I was already miserable and wanted to go back inside. I had to look for motivation around me fast.

"Will Run For Warmth"
 If anything was going to warm me up, the running/jogging (lets just call it "not pretty"), this was it. I headed towards the park next door to our apartment complex. I looked at my confetti trees along the railroad. They aren't as pretty as two days ago. I felt a small dread as I went around the track and quickly decided I needed to avoid that dread as much as possible. Clearly, this was old.

"Will Run For a Change of Scenery"
I didn't even finish a whole lap on the track. I hit the bend near the playground, and crossed the parking lot to visual freedom. I couldn't stand to look at the track anymore. So to the neighborhood across Main Street I went. I immediately realized this might be a bad thing. People were everywhere!

"Will Run For Hoping I Don't Look Weak"
My shins. My hip. Even between my shoulder blades, somehow. A lot of places were hurting, but I wasn't about to stop and pop a squat in front of that old man tinkering about in his front yard. Or in front of the house with a small family gathering taking place on their front porch. (Hello, do people not realize its only some 40°F outside!?) And I sure as heck was not stopping in front of the house where this amazing looking woman emerged from her house to get her paper. I hate beautiful people. Okay, no I don't. But she really looked like she just rolled out of bed and yet, somehow, she still looked nice.


  

Not Only On Paper

My body seems to believe starting over on paper means starting over in reality.

I dialed the app back to start at week one again. The last workout I felt fairly good, all things considered. Or maybe I'm just remembering it that way because its behind me now? Either way, today is the beginning of a second week running and I thought I'd feel a little bit better about it. I was actually somewhat geared up for it and laced up as soon as I woke up. (What in the world has gotten into me?)

Running parallel with the railroad to the left.

Maybe its the fact that I wore my crappy tennis shoes. But today felt like the first day all over again. It probably had something to do with not eating anything beforehand, or maybe its the stiff neck I've had since yesterday. My shins hurt but I powered through that. I chewed gum so I wouldn't have a dry mouth. I still had to stop at the water fountain for a drink though and I felt like I couldn't couldn't control my breathing.

I think I'm rambling so let me sum this up. It was bad. It was good. (Mostly it was bad.) You get it.

Nature's confetti. :)

So I looked for motivation. Positive thinking? I tried thinking, "You made a choice. You can follow through!" My next thought? "You're a sick masochist." Okay then! Positive thinking, out! How about some of last workouts motivation? "One foot in front of the other." Then I noticed that I feel that stinging hot sensation on the ball of my right foot. Ya know, the one you get when a blister is forming? And then I was trying not to make it worse, which I know was ruining my form, making everything harder. "Curse these stupid shoes! I should've wore my Skeletoes again..." I had to stop focusing on my feet.

Today was drearier than the other running days by far. The clouds were all grey and it smelled like rain. The temp wasn't bad for running though. A little chilly but comfortable enough I didn't need sleeves, and there was a slight breeze. So I decided my motivation would be the environment. There's a part of the path that runs parallel to the railroad, and its lined with beautiful trees that are losing their flower. As the wind blew, it threw the tiny petals around me like confetti. 

That isn't a gravestone, I promise!

On the other side of the park, towards the entrance to the baseball fields there's another pretty tree that the neighborhood kids like to climb in because of its low growing branches. I took photos of these for the blog, but mostly to help distract me from my misery and the desire to just sit my big butt down somewhere, anywhere.

"Will Run For The Scenery (or for the chance to finally sit back down, whatever...)"

PS- At the second run phase I decided I wanted to know what it would feel like if I pushed out a real running gait. So I envisioned I was running for my kids safety. Two thoughts came to me: 1) This will be fun to do at this pace if it ever stops feeling like imminent death, and 2) OH MY GOD I'M GOING TO FALL ON MY FACE.

I FINISHED!

The first week is behind me! ...Maybe?

Its a small achievement, I know. You can bet your bum I'm still taking pride in it!! :)

Today, my 7 year old wanted to run with me. I wasn't against it, and thought it would be fun to do together. I've said before that I barely have any speed so there was no leaving her in my dust. She put on her sunglasses and strapped on her Disney wrist watch. I popped in my headphone sans music, she mimicked me stretching and off we went.

Donning my FILA Skeletoes

I had envisioned taking a picture together with her afterwards, me sweaty and probably kinda stinky, kneeling at her level with her arm draped across my shoulder. Maybe she'd throw out a thumbs up and a silly face for the camera. I thought it could be my motivation to get me through this workout. Mom and Daughter: Team for a Day.

Never. Again. We didn't even finish the 5 minute warm up walk before she turned into Negative Nancy! This kid will run for hours on end with her friends on the playground, but she couldn't manage a minute jog at snail pace with me. She dramatically clutched her side, "It hurrrrrts..." The weather was beautiful. "Its too sunny!" I suggested she wear the sunglasses on her face, instead of sporting them in her hand. I preferred she stay beside or in front of me. She opted to run (with a slight exaggerated limp) to each bench before us and sit and wait for me to catch up.

Once I heard that half way message, I made a turn from the park to head back to our apartment. "Are we done!?" she asked me too enthusiastically. All I could think was "I wish!" Two more run phases and we were at the front entrance to our place. I told her to go buzz the door so her dad would let her in. She held the door open for me, but I wasn't suppose to stop yet.

Overall, running didn't wind me today. My back and hips weren't aching to high heaven. The trouble was my shins and calves killed. I might need to repeat the first week. I don't think it would hurt. The Color Vibe date isn't set in stone yet so I've got time. I laid my calves on top of a rolling pin and used it to (hopefully) massage any kinks out. My dear husband brought home some Blue Goo sports gel. Its got a little bit of scent to it. Mwah ha ha. That's right, breathe in my mentholated scent!

Anyhow... "Will Run For Peace and Quiet"

Running Day Number 2

Ow. Ow. Ow.

So yesterday I didn't have to run according to the program. It was my rest and recover day.

Um... WHO ARE THEY KIDDING!? Because I sure as heck didn't feel like I was recovered and starting anew. No, no. I felt like my legs were made of heavy concrete slabs only two phases in. With every step: Ow. Ow. Ow. 'Maybe I should try landing lighter,' I thought to myself. Ow. Ow. Ow. Nope, that didn't work. Besides, how exactly does 200 pounds "land lightly" anyway?

I was told this is a mental thing. That my body is physically capable of going much further than my mind believes it can, or hell, lets be honest, wants. Surprisingly, I heard that lady in my ear tell me I was half way done before I expected to hear it. I guess I was so focused on making my legs and feet do their job more efficiently that I wasn't paying attention to the time.

There she went, though, having to point it out to me! So, the second half felt like for-ev-errrrr. The last run phase (though I didn't know it at the time) had me seriously doubting if I could finish without stopping. When she finally said I was allowed to walk again, it took all of my might not to collapse onto the ground right then and there. Three minutes passed at the speed of sound and I heard her voice again. I began a step to force myself into another run. Then I heard what she was saying, "Begin your cool down now." Oh sweet Jesus thank God. I could just keep walking. Let's be honest anyways, my run is more like a pathetic excuse of a jog. But I was done and I didn't quit. That's all I cared about.

"Will Run For One More Phase"

 

This is Stupid. I am Crazy.

Let's try to keep this short. I have never been a runner. 

I've honestly never been inclined to go outside and hit the pavement for absolutely no reason.* My friend and I were just joking that we'd only run for a couple reasons: Our lives or for ice cream.

But here I am, starting a Couch to 5K program because I saw this post on Facebook about The Color Vibe 5K. ( http://www.thecolorvibe.com/ The C25K is an app I got on my iPhone.) Both of my sisters are avid runners and I thought it looked like a lot of fun to do together.

Hanging from a noose...

Yesterday I did the first days walk/run. So with my ear buds in, Pandora streaming, and the girls held tight with a decent sports bra, I went on my way. 5 minute walk to warm up. Then 30 seconds of running followed by 90 seconds of walking, for a half an hour, while some woman's voice in my ear was letting me know when to walk or when to run.

Seriously, though? Go me.

I FINISHED! I was proud of myself, but seriously ready to die. I have a weak back and screwy feet, so my lower back and hips are really stiff this morning. But tomorrow I'm doing it again and I vow not to give up. My goal is to be able to participate in The Color Vibe at a pace that wouldn't slow down my sisters too much. After that, who knows. Small steps, baby.

So for now:  "Will Run For Family Fun"

*For the record, I am quite the couch potato. I'm NOT proud to say it but... I'll own up to all of the 200 pounds that I currently weigh. I'm not running for the purpose of losing weight, but if I do as a side effect? BONUS!