Thursday, April 22, 2010

Not a Quick Post (ICLW and Running Update)

Happy ICLW everyone :) I'm going to be horrible this month, ugh. My priorities are all messed up, work is crazy, and blogging is taking a back-seat at the moment. Will definitely do my best though. If you want to know more about me and what I'm talking about, scroll down to the end of the post when you see asterisks.

Running* update!
Note: we** are working on distance, adding .1 mile about every week. Our speed seems to be sticking right around the high 13's / low 14's so, even though we're still super slow, I'm proud of what we're accomplishing.

3/23/10
Run time: 32:48
Run Distance: 2.31 miles
Ave Pace: 14:14/mi
(100 crunches)

3/29/10
Run time: 32:39
Run Distance: 2.30 miles
Ave Pace: 14:12/mi

4/01/10
Run time: 33:44
Run Distance: 2.41 miles
Ave Pace: 13:58/mi

4/03/10
Run time: 33:35
Run Distance: 2.41 miles
Ave Pace: 13:58/mi

4/05/10
Run time: 34:25
Run Distance: 2.41 miles
Ave Pace: 14:16/mi

4/13/10
Run time: 35:48
Run Distance: 2.50 miles
Ave Pace: 14:19/mi

4/18/10
Run time: 34:48
Run Distance: 2.50 miles
Ave Pace: 13:55/mi

4/20/10
Run time: 35:33
Run Distance: 2.52 miles
Ave Pace: 14:06/mi

We've finally gotten up the courage to branch out of our normal loops and into neighboring areas. 4/18 was our first time in the new area and included our first slight hill. It had a lot of downhill as well, which is why our pace was so good that day. The next run (4/20) was around the same area but included two more small, but longer hills, which our pace clearly shows. We were so tired after that last run.

I've been continuing with crunches almost every time we go - usually ~110. Things are generally going great in the (lack of) pain dept. No shin or knee pain at all. My left hamstring (? area from my lower butt cheek to the back of my knee) has been hurting lately. It's really tight after I run and I've been trying to stretch it out well, and often. It has gotten better in the past few days. The arch of my left foot is still hurting too. That started earlier this year before I even started running again so I don't think it's specifically from running but I'm sure it doesn't help. I've been stretching it out by rolling on a tennis ball and that seems to help.

Now a bit of exciting news:

I SIGNED UP FOR MY FIRST 5K! scary...

It's May 20th in the early evening. I'm freaked out. I've already had a bad dream about it. I think signing up scared me enough that I started making excuses to not go running. You'd think it would motivate, but not for me apparently. It's a corporate challenge event (technically 3.5 miles... that's a bit longer than 5k, isn't it?) downtown in the city I work and my company is sponsoring its employees who signed up. The proceeds are donated to the boy's and girl's club of the area. I really want to get up to jogging 3 miles straight before May 20th. I don't think I'll be able to run the whole thing but if I (show up at all) run most of it, and actually finish, I'll be satisfied. So Very. Nervous.

Since I always run with C, I've never listened to music. I have an ip.o.d to.uch but I'm thinking of getting a shuffle. My problem then becomes what music should I listen to while running?? I love all kinds of different music, I can't say I completely don't like any one category. I need some upbeat songs to add to a future running play-list. If you have suggestions, please HELP! :)

* Last year in March I decided to see if I could become a runner. I have never been very athletic and have never run at all. Never. I followed the couch to 5k plan and ended up quitting due to procrastination in May '09. I started back up in Aug '09 and finally completed the plan in Nov '09. I kept running for a few weeks but stopped when it got below freezing (I only run outside, I've never run on a treadmill). I started back up in March '10 and have blogged the whole journey so far.

** "We" in conjunction with running always refers to myself and my sister, C. She has been learning to jog with me almost the whole time and is a huge source of motivation for me. We also spend time often doing non-joggy things together. She lives 1 mile from me and I'm so happy to have her so close.

22 comments:

  1. Here from ICLW. Congrats on the running! I recently started working out with a trainer and it's kicking my butt!

    http://www.teseivf.blogspot.com/

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  2. We are VERY close in our running pace. I think we're doing great! hehe. But those crunches - you are killin', girl.

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  3. Congratulations on signing up for the 5K!!! This is awesome! You will totally rock it, I know.

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  4. 5K woo hoo girlie! You are a bad ass I knew it. Missed you. xoxoxoxo

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  5. Wow!!! Congrats on signing up for your first 5k! You can do it!!! You will be surprised at how easy it is. Your pace sounds exactly on target for an outside runner (at the end, mine was around a 10 minute mile, but I ran indoors on a treadmill, which makes it much easier to pace yourself-- no hills!). I ran a 15 minute mile at my first 5k, and then a 13 minute mile at my second 5k a week later. Weirdly, the second one was hillier than the first. The only difference (but a big one) was that I got a new asthma medication before the second race.

    Anyhow, I'm super excited for you!! As for running music suggestions, I am a dedicated hip-hop listener when it comes to running.

    Here's some tracks off my favorite playlist (not entirely hip-hop, but mostly...):
    Name Artist
    Got 'Til It's Gone Janet Jackson Feat. Q-Tip & Joni Mitchell
    Nur Getraumt Nena
    Crack a Bottle Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
    The Fear Lily Allen
    You Got Me The Roots Feat. Erykah Badu
    The Rooster Outkast
    Music Madonna
    SexyBack Justin Timberlake
    A Life In The Day Of Benjamin Andre Outkast
    Stronger Kanye West
    'Till I Collapse Eminem & Nate Dogg
    Gettin' Up Q-Tip
    Remember the Name Fort Minor featuring Styles of Beyond
    I Wish Skee-Lo
    Saturday (Oooh! Ooooh!) Ludacris
    Laid Back Fonzworth Bentley
    Pump It Black Eyed Peas
    Lose Yourself Eminem
    Check The Rhyme A Tribe Called Quest
    Down For Whatever Ice Cube
    Flava In Ya Ear (Album Version) Craig Mack
    Can I Kick It? A Tribe Called Quest
    Get Down (Album Version) Craig Mack
    Everybody (feat. Kanye West & Andre 3000) Fonzworth Bentley
    Lookin Boy Hotstylz
    Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangster The Geto Boys
    Life Is Better (feat. Norah Jones) Q-Tip
    Rollout (My Business) Ludacris

    I also recommend taking a look at Nike's running playlists (on iTunes). They've got a few good ones, with some tracks I may not have thought of before.

    Good luck!! I can't wait to read about you kicking that 5k's ass!!!

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  6. I am... in awe. The running program is incredible, esp in the context of hypothyroid! Wishing you all the best of luck for your 5K!

    Happy ICLW!
    ~Miriam (ICLW #44)
    Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed

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  7. Ohhh I am debating myself about signing up for a 5k and I think you are motivating me - you'll do great!

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  8. Oh, that's just so awesome. I'm so impressed with your drive and determination, and it's so great that you signed up for the 5K. That will motivate you even more!

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  9. Keep up the good work in running! =) I could not run to the end of the block when I got diagnosed with PCOS in Oct. I also did the C25K program Oct09-Jan10 and I eventually did a Sprint Triathalon (run5k, bike 12k, swim200meters). The training was a VERY good thing for me, preventing me from turning into a blob. You've gotten me more motivated to get back into those running shoes. I'll be following your progress...do you have a goal finish time for your 5k?

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  10. Yay, congrats on the 5km - it is a great distance and you will rock it out, no doubt!! I always had distance goals rather than time goals because I am very much a plodder of a runner (though not a runner at all at the moment). Glad to see you back and with a vengeance - well done!! I can't wait to hear about the 5km!!

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  11. I've always admired runners - I'd love to run but I don't know if my mind or my legs quit before I get anywhere...

    ICLW #119

    http://lovelyladybump.blogspot.com/

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  12. I know what you mean about being scared & nervous about running the 5k, you are at least running ! My walk/jog is ridiculiously sporatic & I feel like dork when I run ! LOL...

    Your run is a few days before mine so I can't wait to hear how it goes...and YES you should show up !

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  13. Wow! You are doing really well. All those crunches? Now there is a goal to get rid of some flab over here? :). It is inspiring to see how you're making the most of it, and working to be healthy. I needed this kind of boost today for myself. Thank you.

    Tammy
    here from ICLW (my maiden voyage!)

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  14. That's amazing that you are going to do a 5k! Good luck!

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  15. What an awesome job you are doing at running! I picked it up a few years ago as well! I also love to crochet and bake!

    Good luck with the 5K!

    ICLW #166

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  16. you go girl [actually, girls ... your sister, too!].
    it's always those of us who were seemingly not athletic in school [or chosen last for teams in gym like me] that turn to running [i used to be an avid runner] or walking [my passion now ... some 70 minutes a day/7 days a week]that somehow find our way to tennis shoed feet when we are older; while all those athletes from our youth ... well, many of them have pot bellies, and other body parts that have gone to pot today!
    good luck to you guys!!!

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  17. Yay for running! I have been a runner for a LONG time and I love, love, love, new runners. First off, you should be SO proud of yourself. You signed up and you are doing it! That is awesome. Running can be an amazing outlet when struggling with anything that life throws at you. I wish you the very best!
    I will check back to see how it goes.
    You can do it!! I have a tendency to be an annoying cheerleader for runners if you want me :)

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  18. You are doing so awesome!! I think signing up for the 5k was the best thing you could do! We did that 2 years ago and it was just a great motivator for us to actually try to run the entire thing...that was my goal, though it was more of a steady jog on my part. It sounds like you have a realistic goal and I'm sure you will do great!

    As for songs, I always love upbeat dancy songs, so Pink, No Doubt, Black Eyed Peas...those types of artists help me out a lot. GL!! Can't wait to see how you do!

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  19. Congratulations! It looks like you're logging some excellent training! You will feel unbelievable crossing that first finish line, but be forewarned: it's addictive. :) One of my favorite songs to run to is Nelly Furtado's "No Hay Igual" (the club mix, if that makes a difference). It's fun and upbeat. I can't wait to hear about your first race! Go get 'em! ICLW

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  20. Congrats on the running and excersizing. You should be really proud of yourself and good luck on the 5k!

    Happy ICLW!(#70)

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  21. WOW What a running program.

    ~Stopping by for ICLW #126

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  22. Hi! So... blogger has been eating your posts. At least it wasn't letting me see them. *pout* I was thinking that you hadn't posted in a long time, and was starting to get worried. Glad it was a comp glitch. :) Anyhow... WOW a 5K! I'm so jelous! After Jack I was to train back up and maybe run one with Hub. Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great!

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