Count Down to 5k!

September 28, 2012 By 8 Comments

Today marks exactly 1 month until my very first 5k. I’m both nervous and excited. I fear tripping over a log and falling to my death, left cold and alone on the ground for the zombies to feast on. I have zombie-bait nightmares where I wake up in a cold sweat gnawing on my own arm. Bizarre, I know.

I also picture myself being so overwhelmed with fear that I black out and kung fu kick a zombie. I’m guessing that this is frowned upon, but there’s no telling what’s going to happen once my adrenaline kicks in during the race. Watch out, zombies, I’m unpredictable. Swarm at your own risk.

I know I haven’t posted a running update in a few weeks, but time hasn’t been on my side. Frankly, I need more of it. Anyone have any time I can borrow? I didn’t think so. I’ll just have to work with what I’ve got.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous, so I’ve been taking advantage of it by pounding the pavement under the beautiful blue sky. I’m still running just under 3 miles, and I’m praying that will change before race day. Let’s just say that I’ll be working diligently for the next 29 days.

Even Maddox (my dog) is loving this weather. After my run, I stop by the house and grab him for my cool down. He’s usually waiting impatiently at the door with his leash on the floor next to him. He loves going for walks.

Keep on pounding that pavement!

 

 

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Running: Week 6

September 8, 2012 By 5 Comments

I’m a one bad mama jama, people. I only ran once this week. Once! I’ve been so busy preparing for school that I was left with no time to run, and that’s just wrong.

I need more time in the day. Do you think the government could fix that for me? I mean, they did give us daylight savings, so why not more time? I’m going to put in a request for that.

I’ve been running on the treadmill at the gym since the heat refuses to say good-bye. The treadmill and I have come to a mutual understanding; I’m going to play nice, and it’s not going to hurt me. I usually run for 30 minutes on an incline of two, running about 2.5 miles at a pace of 5.5. I’m really hoping to graduate to 3 miles soon, but that requires more time on the treadmill. If only I could win the lotto and become a rich housewife of Baltimore, then I would have the time to workout more. Now I’m dreaming about being a rich housewife of Baltimore.

Thanks to the treadmill, I’ve come to learn the importance of a cool down. Did you know there’s a button for that on a treadmill? How fancy. I’ve never actually utilized the cool-down method. I would just run and stop, leaving myself dizzy. I would walk back to my car all caddywompus like, with my head spinning, my heart rate still accelerated, and my legs feeling like jell-o. It’s a horrible feeling. Then, the “cool down” button appeared. It was like a sign from the gods, so I gave it a test run. On the treadmill, the cool-down option gradually slows your speed, allowing your heart rate and breathing to slow to its normal pace. And, wouldn’t you know, it works. No more caddywompus feeling for me.

When you run and abruptly stop without giving yourself some time to adjust, your body goes into shock; however, if you allow yourself a cool down, your body is able to right itself, pull itself together, in a sense. It allows your body to gain back a sense of equilibrium. It’s like an airplane taking off, it needs time to adjust to its surrounding airspace before it levels itself in the air. The same goes for your body. It needs to adjust, and that adjustment takes some time. Your heart rate needs time to slow, your breathing needs time to steady, and your muscles need time relax. If you give yourself the time for a cool down, your body will thank you for it, and you won’t be left feeling like you’re about to pass out. It takes my body about 3-4 minutes to cool down and bounce back.

Keep pounding that pavement!

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Running: Week 5

August 30, 2012 By 4 Comments

So sorry for confusing you with 2 posts this week, but life totally trampled me last week and I forgot to post my week 4 running draft. Oops!

I have big news, y’all! I signed up for a gym membership. Little ol’ me now belongs to a big, sweaty gym. I guess you could say my relationship with exercise is getting fairly serious. We see each other 4-5 times a week, now. I hope exercise doesn’t get tired of seeing me anytime soon, because I plan on sticking around for awhile… or a lifetime. We’re going to see where it goes. You know, test the waters a little (don’t tell exercise, but I’m hoping for ring. You know how they feel about commitment, don’t want to scare the little bugger off).

I spoke to a few of my friends and settled on a gym that’s right around the corner from my house. It only takes me 5 minutes to get there,  so I won’t be able to use the “too much traffic” excuse to get out of going. They just renovated the entire gym, replacing all the old equipment with brand new shiny equipment. It has that new, rubber matt smell when you walk through the doors.

I was so excited to run in the air conditioning that I went straight for the tredmills. Did you know you can plug your ear phones into a little device on the tredmill and watch T.V. while you run? Um, I totally just discovered this the other day, and I’m in love with the fact that I can watch Food Network while I run. The food channel motivates my workouts. Sad, huh? Basically, I exercise so I can eat. I’m not ashamed to admit it, either. I love to eat and refuse to give it up, so I exercise.

I hadn’t been on a treadmill in years, so I did what any person would do; I gave it the stare down. You know the kind. The you-don’t-scare-me stare down. After giving it a once over, I deemed it harmless, so I puffed out my chest (to really show it who’s boss) and hopped on.

Running on a treadmill is completely different from running outside. It felt easier to me, so I over did it and hurt myself. It’s not easier, just different. I pulled a hamstring muscle, causing pain to radiate through my hip and down to my calf muscles. Apparently, my badass ego didn’t do the trick because the treadmill totally whooped my butt. I sulked off with my tail between my legs, defeated with a wound to my ego.  I was waddling for a few days after that and was unable to run until this past Sunday. I’m hopping to get the hang of the treadmill and show it who’s boss in the next few weeks.

The treadmill and I will come to agreeable terms. This I can promise.

Keep pounding that pavement!

 

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Running: Week 4

August 28, 2012 By 4 Comments

Eeek! I forgot to publish my running post last week, so you’ll be getting 2 posts on my progress this week. I’m so sorry, y’all, but life got a bit hectic, and my organizational skills have been lacking (no surprise, there).

I’m not going to tell a lie. Nope, I just can’t do it. I feel like we have a close relationship, so I’m going put my big girl panties on and tell y’all the truth.

I didn’t run this week. Gasp! I know, and I feel really, really bad about it. I chose to bike, instead.

Now, I’m fairly new to biking, but I really enjoy it. I did about 15 miles on the bike this week. My Aunt and I rode last Sunday, and my brother and I rode this past Friday and Saturday. I have to admit, I like biking better than running. I think it’s the speed factor. I can zoom-zoom on my bike. The wind whips through my hair and I feel like I’m flying. I love it!

If you’ve been reading my blog, then you’ll remember this post about my clumsiness when it comes to biking. I’ve almost fallen off curbs, biked through a bees nest, and had a close call with a car. Even after some practice, I still don’t have it all together. I’m no Lance Armstrong, that’s for sure.

Off roading isn’t my forte. I’m more of a smooth sailing, flat road cruisin’ kind of gal. My transition from grass to sidewalk, or side walk to road, is utterly embarrassing. Put it this way, it’s not a graceful transition. I look like a child riding their bike for the first time after the removal of training wheels, all wobbly and unsure of themselves. I wear a dorky helmet that everyone makes fun of, but wear out complete necessity, for fear that I might damage my head on anything that I come in contact with, like a tree branch or car mirror. These things happen; it’s a known fact.

I’ll be back to running next week and be back with the details.

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Running: Week 3

August 14, 2012 By 16 Comments

Here’s what I’ve learned about running:

It’s hard at first. You’re not going to take down a 5k on your first day. It’s just not going to happen. Period. However, with a little patience and practice, you can build yourself up to have speed racer stamina. You have to start off as the tortoise before you become the hare. It’s just the way it works.

I felt like death my first two weeks of running, and I even thought about giving up, but only quitters give up, and I’m not a quitter. You have to give yourself a chance before you give up on yourself. Your body needs time to adjust to the initial shock. Of course I felt like death. I went from no exercise and cupcake eating to exercising 5 days a week and eating fruit. My body had no idea what was going on and, on top of that, it was going through cupcake withdrawals. Be patient and let your body adjust. I promise you it will.

Mastering a hill takes time. It can be done, but it takes time. Your muscles need to work their way up to hill climbing. Remember that hill I spoke of last week? The hill that was taunting me? Well, I showed that hill who’s boss this week, and it was exhilarating! I kicked that hill’s bootay, and I’m darn proud of it too.

Psht, you don’t scare me any more, hill! I got this.

I also ran a mile under 10 minutes this week and only had to stop running once for a breather. I felt accomplished. I felt proud. I felt like I could do anything. Most of all, I felt confident. At that moment, I no longer feared the 5k.

No fear!

Running is no longer a chore that I have to coax myself into doing.

I enjoy it. I crave it. I look forward to it.

Go out there and pound that pavement. You can do it!

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Running: Week 2

August 8, 2012 By 11 Comments

“Just keep running. Just keep running. You can do it. Just keep running,” are the thoughts that go through my brain as I’m trying to push through my run. I may have a bit of a Nemo/Disney obsession (child at heart, here).

I can feel my muscles getting stronger each time I run and, oddly enough, even my arm and upper back muscles feel stronger.

My run time is beginning to improve, and my breathing is starting to become steady and smooth. No more jagged breaths and painful lungs.I’m able to run 2.30 miles in 25 minutes. Yay! The only thing that bothers me is the heat. It’s hot in Baltimore, and running in the heat and humidity is extremely difficult. Even with continuous water consumption, I still struggle. If someone finds me laying flat in the middle of the street, can you please call the emergency number located in my bag :) Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I wish I could get up at the crack of dawn to run before work, but my body physically won’t allow that to happen. I am so not a morning person.

I have also noticed that I have so much more energy now that I’m exercising again. Who knew exercise could do such a thing. I love it!

Next week, my goal is to run 3 miles in 30 minutes. Fingers crossed!

See that hill in the picture below. It’s mocking me. It’s sticking it’s tongue out and saying, “Nah nah boo boo, you can’t handle this!” Well, next week, this hill is going down. You hear that hill? You’re going down! Don’t mess with this!

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Running: Week 1

July 31, 2012 By 15 Comments

Yesterday marked my first week of running.

Guess what? I think I’m actually beginning to enjoy it. Who knew that little ol’ me would enjoy exercise.

Guess what arrived at my door yesterday? My new CamelBak. I. Love. It. No more holding water bottles or iPods while trying to run, and no more loose gym sack that falls of my shoulders. So, thank you CamelBak for creating such a lovely piece of running equipment. Seriously, it’s the best thing since sliced bread.

Yesterday was my best day out of the entire week. I actually ran the majority of the time, and I’m not going to lie, I’m quite proud of myself (why don’t you just pat yourself on the back, Jenn! I know. Sorry). You see, I went for a run on Sunday, and it was so hot that all I could think about was the heat and potentially passing out. I felt like I was never going to get the hang of running, and then Monday came along and changed my outlook (thank goodness). It was a reasonably nice day out yesterday, and I was able to push through. Hallelujah! The running gods were looking out for this gal.

I managed a 2.22 mile run in 26:01 minutes with an average speed of 5.13 mi/hr. Not too shabby for an out of shape diva. I mean, I would probably get eaten by a zombie if I were to run the race now, but I’m getting better. I’m no longer gasping for breath while running- yay for that! My muscles are becoming accustomed to pounding the pavement- woot! And, I think my calves are beginning to bulk up a bit- hello shorts!

I know I just made it sound like everything is hunky dory, but it’s not all good in the hood. I’m still struggling with hills and inclines. I start to make it up a hill, but tucker out at the halfway point and end up walking the remainder of the incline. I’m hoping that my body will eventually get used to the inclines, or else I’m zombie bait!

Cheers to pounding the pavement!

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Running: My New Journey

July 30, 2012 By 7 Comments

I’m training for my first ever 5k. I’m a little nervous, but mostly excited. Exercise has taken a back seat since I started school back in 2009, so I thought signing up to run a 5k would force me to exercise. So far, it’s working. My goal is to be able to run a full 5k without walking. *Fingers crossed*

I’m participating in the Run For Your Lives Zombie 5k on October 26th in Darlington, MD. Volunteers sign up to made into zombies that chase after you durning the course of your run. How cool! Training is a must if I don’t want to be gobbled up by a flesh eating zombie.

Running involves having a good pair of running shoes, so I investigated running stores in my area and came across Charm City Run. The sales personnel were so helpful. They took me under their wing and custom fit me with an amazing pair of Brooks running shoes. They happen to be neon purple. They watched me run, which was a bit nerve racking, but totally helpful. I happen to land hard on my heal, so they fit me in a pair of shoes that help align my body and guide my feet to fall in a more comfortable position.

I started training four days ago, and my body is slowly adjusting to the change. My muscles are screaming at me. They’re angry, but they’ll just have to get over it. Soon they’ll be toned and running like a pro.

Here’s what I’ve learned after only four days of running:

1. Buy a pair of good running shoes. You’re feet will love you for it.

2. Invest in some running attire. I love the light, loose fitting shorts with the built in undies and loose-fitting, sleeveless tanks.

3. Music is a must. Download some of your favorite tunes to help you push through. In my opinion, a really good song helps me stay strong and push forward when I’m running. I have a special playlist on my iPod specifically for running. It’s full of up beat music that keeps my ponytail wagging throughout my run.

3. Download the Map My Run App on your iPod or iPhone. It keeps track of your route, pace, time, and distance. I love it. It also tracks your progress.

4. Holding my water bottle when I’m running is no good. I even tried placing it in a Nike gym sack that goes over my shoulders, but that didn’t work either. The gym sack was too loose and just kept falling off of my shoulders. I invested in a Camelbak hydration pack. No more holding a water bottle. And, it has a place where I can keep my keys and iPod. Plus, it’s pink. 

5. Carry some pepper spray. You just never know when you’re going to need it. Being a woman that runs by her lonesome, I carry some pepper spray.

6. Set a goal. When I’m out there running and starting to feel tired, I give myself a pep talk. “Okay, Jennie. You can do it. See that tree up ahead? If you can make it to that tree, you can take a break and walk for a beat.” I know it sounds lame, but it totally works. Try it some time.

7. Always stretch before running. I made that mistake once, and I’ll never make it again. My muscles seized up and there was no running after that. Stretch and stretch some more.

8. Start with a warm-up and end with a cool-down. I start every run with a 5 minute walk and end every run with a 5 minute walk. It helps prepare my body for the run and helps slow my heart rate when I’m finished. The last thing I want to do is shock my body.

9. Don’t overdue it! If you’re muscles are telling you no, then no means no. There will be no 5k if you injure yourself. Listen to your body; it’s usually right.

10. Don’t run on an empty stomach or an overly full stomach. I will either run in the morning or when I get home from work. If I run in the morning, I usually drink 8 ounces of water and eat a banana. In the afternoon, I eat a whole grain granola bar and a piece of fruit and drink water.

I’m not claiming to be an expert runner. These are just some of the things I have learned on my new journey. I hope this helps any future runners.

Cheers to miles more pavement pounded!

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