Day 16 - Rest Day

Today is my rest day. I'm glad because I need it. I had a rough day.  

In case your wondering I took my run indoors last night. It was still over 80 degrees after 7 so running outside was not an option.  My pace was pretty slow.  I've been feeling sluggish for the last week. I hope that passes soon.  

I have a list of 5ks this year.  They are so much fun.  They are helping to keep me motivated.  In a few weeks I am participating in the Splash and Dash.  

                              

" Summertime in Florida is hot - not kinda hot, not sorta hot, but hot as… well, you know. We can hide inside all summer or we can find fun ways to cool off - run through a sprinkler, get sprayed by a hose, get pegged by a water balloon, have a squirt gun battle or pour a bucket of ice down our pants… whatever floats your boat. "

Registration comes with a squirt gun, 20 water balloons, and of course a t-shirt.  Admit it, that sounds like a blast.  

    

I had no idea what a fun run was till recently.  You have bubble runs, foam runs, color runs, glow runs, etc.  If that doesn't make you want to run I don't know what will. 

What's your favorite "fun run"?

Week 3 - Day 15

Today starts Week 3.  Each day is a little different.  Here is today's schedule.

Warm Up 5:00 minutes
Run 1:00 minute
Walk 4:00 minutes
Repeat 9 times
Cool Down 5:00 minutes

I did not want to get up this morning.  I gotta wonder do these long weekends do more harm than good. I plan on running after work today.  I think after 7 it should be cool enough.  If you ever want to check up on me on my home page you will see a training widget. After every run, walk etc I post what I have done.  

A couple things I learned the last two weeks:
1.  It is a good idea to keep a spare pair of headphones in the car
2.  Music and GPS use a lot of battery, charge your phone before going out for a run
3.  Slow Down by Bobby Valentino is probably not the best song to run with
4.  Sun glasses or a hat are a must 

I found this video this morning.  If you ever need some motivation it is a good one to watch. 

Video - Running Motivation

Day 13 - Can anyone be a runner?

Sorry I am posting this a day late.  I wrote it and then forgot to published. 

That very question was what started my search for beginner runner blogs.  Today was a tough day. I went out this morning but not until 10:30am. I think my 30 second running intervals were as slow as, if not slowest, than my walking intervals. It felt really hard to run.  I have to admit I am a bit discourage. What do you guys think? Can anyone be a runner?

One positive, even though it was hot, the sky was beautiful. 

Day 11 - Rest Day

I've been at it for 10 days straight. My calf muscles fill a little tight this morning. I'm taking a rest day today with some stretching thrown in.  Happy 4th of July!

                                       

   

Day 10 - Running Side Effects

Ran/Walked again this morning.  It was not a nice breezy morning like Monday.  It felt a little harder to run but I am blaming that on being tired and not exactly waking up in the best mood.  I made it through it though.

This last two weeks I have been experiencing some "running side effects".  The first one, which I have experienced many times before is that itching feeling all over while running.  And scratching does not help!  Well here is the explanation I found

"Inside of our bodies are major blood vessels and additionally smaller blood vessels called capillaries.  There are millions of these tiny passage ways in our muscles and bodies.  When we are too busy or lazy to hit the gym these capillaries collapse and there is a decrease in blood flow. When we get ourselves moving again and get to the gym or out for a run these capillaries begin to expand because of our rapid heart beat and faster blood flow.  As these capillaries begin to expand it causes nearby nerves to send signals to the brain.  Our brain interprets these signals as the need to itch. " 
http://liverunloveyoga.com/2011/10/27/runners-itch-what-causes-those-itchy-legs/

Bad news. It happens because I am out of shape.  Good news.  It will get better.

The second side effect I've had is new to me.  It actually started last week when I was walking.  I was almost home and for some reason or other I closed my fist.  When I did my fingers felt huge.  As a test I attempted to take a ring off and that confirmed it, my hands were swollen.

There seem to be a few explanations about this but I'm leaning toward the one where I probably have too much sodium and need to drink more water.

http://running.about.com/od/illnessesandrunning/f/Why-Are-My-Fingers-And-Toes-Swollen-After-Running.htm

I am learning as I go.  What are some of the side effects you have experienced while running?

Day 9 - The Bigger Picture

Today was a cross training day for me.  I decided to take a Zumba class.  There was one in the park close to my house so after work I grabbed Eli and her and I headed over.  It was a lot of fun.  I've done Zumba once and twice before but a long time ago.  I felt like a monkey during some of the songs. Regardless I can tell it was a good workout!

                           

I'm thinking it is a good time to share my bigger picture plan with you all.  As you know, I am using a 13 week walk to run program.  After that I have chosen a 10k training plan. (I'll share that with you later).  To keep me motivated during the next several months I am signing up for a 10k in early December.  That is what the counter on my home page is counting down too.

It doesn't stop there.  Next comes a half marathon!  I am signing up for Disney's Princess Half Marathon.

I am looking forward to these races.  Both will be major milestones for me.  After that, only time will tell! 

Week 2 - Day 8

The real start is today!  Here is the scheduled for Week 2.

Warm Up 5:00 minutes
Run 0:30 seconds
Walk 4:30 minutes
Repeat 6 times
Cool Down 5:00 minutes

It is the same schedule for 3 days of my choice.

I decided to start the week off right.  I got up at 7am and went out.  I had to laugh at myself.  While I am warming up I was giving myself pep talks.  First I said to myself, 30 seconds is not long at all.  Then I said 30 seconds times 7, that is only 3 and a half minutes.  I can do that.  Each time I ran the time was over before I knew it.  I am looking forward to my progression.  The schedule is not intimidating which makes it easy to continue.

Today was a good walking morning.  Not too hot, not too cold.  There was a nice breeze.  It was cloudy but every so often the sun would shine through.  Definitely a good way to start the week!