Week 2: Excuses, Excuses

So I just finished a three mile run, plus extra mile walk, and it was brutal. This weekend we (Andy and I) lounged around and didn't run or even walk ... very far. We did walk to the corner and back (to get Italian food and a movie). Full of excuses (even if they were good ones), he had a cold, we had to clean the house, birthday party, no time now. So it's not even week two and I already have excuses. I've decided to make a list of all the excuses... that I thought about on the run today (even though today it was warm and sunny outside) and why they are not valid!

• It's too nice outside to run. --- It's to nice outside to not run.
• It's raining. --- You have a hat!
• It's dark. --- Your running shirt is bright yellow and jacket is white; you won't get hit.
• I'm tired; work was hard. --- Suck it up. It'll make you feel better, or at least sleep better later.
• I'm too busy to run. ---  Run fast, it'll take less time. Maybe you'll have to skip your TV show tonight, too bad, so sad.
• My legs are tired from yesterday. --- You can rest tomorrow! Bubble bath/ice later!

So tomorrow, let's go running! I bet it'll be better than today, now that I have no excuses!

Week 1: About to start

Well it's the new year! Resolution, goal making time. This year we are off running! Not like this time last year (see previous posts). This year, actually this April, I will be running a half marathon, which I just registered for! Like a minute ago. So I'm really gonna do it, its paid for and everything. Then we'll see how that goes before making any other goals (like a full marathon :) ).
I promise to write at least once a week to note my progress and the joys of training, which sounds like a blast. I'm gonna be using two books to motivate me through my training. Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running, full of reasons why running is great for you and helpful advice. The second is a far more hilarious book The Nonrunners Marathon Guide for Women, by Dawn Dais. I highly recommend this book, which was recommended to me by many runner friends.

Dawn writes it is important to have a reason do something insane, like run a marathon, and that you may want to have a number of them, as counterarguments seem to arise as training gets hairy. So for my list of reasons:
1. My ankle is better, I need to use it.
2. I like running... for now.
3. 13.1 miles will feel like a real accomplishment.
4. Fitness, let's get in shape.

I will for sure let you know the counterarguments when they show their faces.

Over the fall I have accomplished a number of goals which I set for the ankle recovery. On Thanksgiving, I ran the turkey trot (only walked a few minutes!) On December 22, 2011, I ran 5 miles without stopping, without walking, to celebrate Ankle Day (one year old!). I know that training will be tough and there will be days that I don't want to go run, whether I'm tired from work, or its raining, or its too cold, or I just would rather watch tv. I know I can push through and do it (plus its already paid for).

I'm off for my first run (maybe walk) of 2012, and the beginning of the HALF-MARATHON TRAINING!! Wish me luck!

Getting in the routine.

So... its been a long week, but a good one. I started back at school this week, bye bye summer vacation, hello long hours and sore feet. Its good to be back at work; I think its going to be a great year.

Let's start with running! Today I ran a half mile without a break, my long run for the week. I know that a 1/2 mile does not seem very long, but when you're out of practice it is. I did continue to walk after running for a total of 2 miles this morning. The weather today was great, it was cool, but slightly humid, and very sunny.

I have not had too many stories from running yet, but I plan on having some adventures as I start to run further. Right now I'm just running around the block, but I am very close to one of Springfield's green way trails, and I'm looking forward to running on the trail. One of the trail access is about a mile away, so when I build up to 2 miles I can run to the trail and back and hopefully will be able to run on the trail a few miles sometime in the future. I also have to say; I'm not that sore from running, but I expect that to change as I start to run further too.

As I start back to school, I'm getting back on a regular routine, which not only means to continue the running schedule, but also to start my weight loss plan again. Over the last school year I lost about 35 pounds and was down to about 140 lbs, but over the summer due to my lack of self discipline, I gained 10 lbs. So last Sunday when I weighted myself I was at 150 pounds. This week I have started tracking my food choices using Weight Watchers, which I used last year to lose weight. I will be using this blog to not only write about my adventures running, but about my trying to lose weight. My goal weight is 135 pounds, which I was almost to, but didn't meet. I know that I'm not fat by any means, but it is important to me to stay in shape and to be healthy.

In conclusion:
Longest run: 1/2 mile
Current weight: 150 pounds

Let's begin the running

It's been a while since I've been running. I ran a little bit this spring and a little bit this summer, but now that school is about to start it's time to get on schedule. Thanks to Beth, I have a schedule with a goal. 5K by Thanksgiving; Turkey Trot here I come.

So today I woke up and got dressed in running clothes, shoes that rarely have been used since that day last summer when I fell and started the huge ankle mess. Zelda got ready too, harness and leash, and she was ready to go. We begin our schedule, walk .25 mile, run .25 mile, walk .25 mile, run .25 mile, then walk. We did stop after running and played on the playground at the local elementary school. Zelda enjoys jumping over the balance beam and climbing on the playground equipment. Then we finished by walking home. We only encountered two squirrels on the walk home from the playground, but enough to get Zelda super excited.

So a totally of .5 miles of running!  It's a start.