5K Training: Day 9

Now we're into week 2 where the daily run goals are just 15 minutes, which is pretty easy considering that's what I ran all last week. Ha. Again, Veteran's Park, 2.5 loops for about 1.13 miles. Today was a beautiful day for a run. It was 60 degrees and sunny, with a nice cool breeze. Uh, Colorado, you're amazing.

I was thinking about what I'll do next week with my runs since they are supposed to be 15-20 minutes. I'm not sure I can just up my running time by 5 minutes, so I might run like 16 minutes on Tues and then 18 minutes on Thursday, so then the week AFTER that (God, I'm thinking way too far ahead...) I should be able to run 20 minutes, theoretically. Anyways, just thinking aloud I suppose. If you have suggestions, lemme know!

5K Training: Day 8

Well first of all, congratulations for Kirsten for completing her first marathon in four hours. I love watching the finish line for races, not because it motivates me to run, but because these people have accomplished something amazing, and I enjoy being part of the crowd that cheers them through the end.

As for me, I'm accomplishing less amazing things. Today was a walk/XT day, and since I was running a little behind this morning, I only walked for a mile (17:08 minutes, 3.5/3.6 mph/1 incline) on the treadmill of death. The belt kept getting stuck so it would slow down, then speed up. Eff that. Then I did my normal curls/extensions (30 reps), 50 crunches, 50 cross-crunches, and dumbbell squats (2 sets of 15).

I was a little peeved when I didn't lose any weight last week, but I'm blaming my new training schedule--more working out than usual so my muscles might be big and sore. Hopefully next week will be back to normal.

5K Training: Day 7

Since yesterday was my rest day, today is technically day 7. The goal today was to run a mile, which was pretty simple except for the fact that we're heading up to Fort Collins today to watch Kirsten run here marathon. Basically, I got up at 6:40am, didn't eat breakfast or drink coffee, ran a mile up and down University, came back and minimally stretched my legs, hopped in the shower, and here I am with 8 minutes to spare until Emily & Heather show up. WHEW. I'm still sweating; I'm not sure if that's still from the run or the hot shower or the rush.

Anyways, today's mile took me 13:02 to complete, which is a little faster than normal for me, but I did have to sprint through some crosswalks with a few seconds left. Regardless, I'm ready to go cheer her on & eat bagels. Mmm. (How lame do I sound running 1 mile at 7am while she started running 26.2 at 6:15am?? BUCK UP NOLL.)

"Run, Bitch, Run."

5K Training: Day 5

Walk or XT: I walked for 30 minutes (1 incline/3.5 mph) and then did the usual arms, crunches, legs routine. 30 reps of dumbbell raises, 30 reps of tricep extensions, and dumbbell squats (all with 10 lbs mind you) & then 2 sets of 25 crunches and 50 cross-body crunches.

Tomorrow is my off day, which is weird since I usually take Sunday as my day of rest (hah, get it?). We'll see how it goes. Tomorrow we're making shirts/signs for Kirsten because her marathon is on Sunday--talk about motivation to run. Damn.

5K Training: Day 4

Let me just start off this post by saying THANK GOD TODAY IS GORGEOUS OUTSIDE. It's 54 degrees and sunny--I LOVE IT. Especially since it's been grey and gross here the past few days. And considering that my hometown is about to drown, while the south gets swept away by tornadoes. Thank you Colorado.

Anyways, today was the same as Tuesday--if you haven't picked up on this pattern yet, you will soon. Run for 10-15 minutes. So I went to Veteran's Park again and ran for 15 minutes. I have a damn consistent pace because I did another 2.5 loops, which was approximately 1.12 miles this time.

I also made a new playlist that consists of Justin Bieber, Mumford & Sons, NKOTB, BSB, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and a few other randoms like "Breakfast at Tiffany's." It's pretty legit.

5K Training: Day 3

Today's agenda was the same as Monday's: walk or XT.

So I went to the gym and walked for 25 minutes (3.5mph/1 incline). Then I did the same weights as last time--arms, legs, and crunches. My arms were really hurting after the last workout so I'm hoping this one stretched them out a bit.

It's kind of frustrating that walking for 25 minutes is only 2 activity points. Feels like more to me.

Also, it's very hard to control my singing/dancing when listening to my NKOTBSB playlist. I think I let a wiggle out while stretching my arms. Whoops!

5K Training: Day 2

Today's workout: run 10-15 minutes. To me, this meant run 15 minutes since I can easily run for 10 minutes and this is supposed to get me ready to run for like 45 minutes so I best start hard.

It's decent outside, warm, around 40 degrees with some sunshine poking through the clouds. A little chilly with the wind, but nothing too strong, so I figured I should run outside. I drove over to Veteran's Park, which has a nice little loop (~.44 mile) that I just run around. Plus, it's very small and in the middle of a neighborhood, so lots of people bring their families and dogs that I can creep on while I run.

I finished about 2.5 loops, which according to my slightly deficient running watch, is about 1.13 miles in 15 minutes. Not bad. About a 13.27 pace, which is not bad. I'm definitely not looking for speed here.

If anyone is getting into running and can't afford a fancy GPS-tracking watch and has to use one with a pedometer that can never quite calculate the distance correctly, I highly recommend using MapMyRun.com. I usually map my route before I go, so I know just how far it is going to be. Plus, if you have an iPod/iPhone (and internet where you're running), you can map it as you run. I am not that fortunate, but maybe one day.

Anyways, I feel good after that jog. (Technically, I am not "running" since that requires a 5mph pace. Eff that.) Time to shower, eat lunch, hunt for quarters and try to finish the rest of the laundry.

Ciao for now.