Week 5, Confidence is everything!

Week 5 was interesting. I was sick-ish the first two days, and decided to rest instead of trying to workout and push through it, which could end up making it worse. Luckily, a few mega-doses of Vit C, plenty of hydration, and a few Benadryls to get adequate rest did the trick! By Wednesday I was almost 100%, but I still took it easy that day and on Thursday due to a massive presentation and test!

By Friday, I was back in Memphis (for good) and ready to rock-n-roll! Brandon and I went for a 3 mile run, which I completed at 11:30 pace! Don't get me wrong, this is still turtle-slow-speed. But when I think about how far I've come in a matter of months, it kinda makes me proud!

This past summer, I started running for the first time ever. It took me forever to work up to 3 miles at a time, and when I did, I was running at a 13:00 pace! And now, I don't even remember the last time I ran slower than 12:00. Humongo improvements here, people!

In the past, I was scared to push myself to the next level. Now that I'm more confident in myself as a runner, I make subtle improvements everytime I go out there. I'm stronger mentally, so I push myself more and more. This can lead to faster times, but sometimes, the results aren't so great........

On Sunday, I went for a run with Kelly and Brandon. I was feeling amazing, except for the fact that Brandon had fixed me a different breakfast than my usual cereal or oatmeal, and it felt heavy on my stomach. We were set to finish in just under an 11:00 pace, and at exactly 2.85 miles, that breakfast threatened to come back up! It was embarrassing, to say the least. I had to pause to try to keep it down while Kelly and Brandon finished strong. I finished about 1 minute later, after the threat subsided.

So yeah. That sucked. HOWEVER, the point is, that I almost ran 3 whole miles at an 11:00 pace, which I have never done before. AND, I pushed myself so hard that I almost threw up. That's how hard-core I am!

But, let's hope that doesn't happen again. And let's not tell anyone else about this incident, k?

 

Week 4, What Not To Do While Running

You might have noticed that I skipped posting last week, but that doesn't mean I've been skipping my workouts! The past two weeks have been crazy busy- with school, work, exercising, family time, traveling plus tests and presentations, my blog post got neglected. 

I got several short runs in during week 4, plus a few good bike rides. I tried to work on my speed by pacing my runs, which resulted in running faster, but having to check my watch an obsessive and annoying amount of times. I quickly learned how much that ruins the fun in running.

Needless to say, I won't be doing that anymore. Running is much more enjoyable to me if I..... just go, and let my mind wander.  Checking a watch every 20 seconds just reminds you every 20 seconds that you aren't going fast enough. Or if you are going fast enough, it reminds you that only 20 seconds have passed even though it feels like 3 minutes!

Brandon spent a good part week 4 breaking in his new shoes we purchased from the Nike outlet. He completed several short runs and his sprints, as well as his 7 mile long run under his 9:00 min/mile goal pace.

This got us to talking, if he can do 7 miles comfortably at that pace, maybe he should aim to complete the 1/2 marathon faster than that! He's decided to work on his speed a bit more this week, and see how aiming towards an 8:30min/mile pace turns out. He'll still be happy with 9, but 8:30 would just be an added bonus!

Week 3, Pace Yourself!

Last week was, for the most part, a success. I worked out 6 out of 7 days, with two different activities on most days. Like I told you last week, I have a refreshed motivation for running. I "upped" my running schedule this week in order to challenge myself more, because I know now I can handle it.

I ran 3.5 miles on Sunday, with no problem at all. Well, no pain or extraordinary suffering. My problem remains my slower-than-a-tortoise speed. I know I'm not going to be winning a race with the hare anytime soon, but I at least want to beat the tortoise!

In an effort to run faster, I start out at a pace I can't hold for more than a mile or so. Then, I have to run so slow to recover my breath and heart rate, it defeats the whole purpose! So my goal for the next few weeks is to maintain a steady pace on my runs.

I do want to run faster eventually, but for now I'm happy with my consistency in working out. Check it out!

I'm really enoying myself with this new workout plan. I have a goal that I'm working towards, and every workout brings me one step closer to that goal. I've been able to spend time with my sister, husband, and cousins by working out together, so what's not to like? Brandon even told me the other day that I "look happier"!

Well of course I look happier, because I am! Although endorphins play a huge part in that, I'm pretty sure they aren't the only cause. :)

Week 2, Still Going Strong!

For me, this week has been awesome in terms of exercise. During the week, I got to ride my bike with my cousins, which was so fun! Several mornings, I worked out on the elliptical in my parent's living room while watching Glee or Vampire Diaries.

I was very pumped after my run Saturday, because it's been a long time since I've run 3 miles. Brandon encouraged me to go with him, and didn't let me stop and walk when my body was trying to give up. I finished all three miles without walking at all!

Right after, Team "Mostly Brandons" went for a long bike ride out to Shelby Farms and back.(Team "Mostly Brandons" includes Allie, Kelly, Brandon M. and Brandon C.) My stability, balance, and leg strength couldn't quite keep up with the Brandons on the hills and trails in Shelby Farms, but the ride was a blast anyways.

Sunday, Kelly and I finished strong on a 2 mile run despite "tripping" over an obstacle. :)

We also have spent an extensive amount of time planning our outfits and accessories, so we will look great in pictures after we finish the race!

 

Brandon has his heart set on finishing his 13.1 miles in under 2 hours, which means he has to run an average 9:00 minute mile! He's still as focused as ever, and not so concerned about his outfit. But don't worry! Luckily, I have volunteered to pick out his outfit for him.

8 more weeks to go until St. Jude!

Week 1, It's A Wrap!

I'm satisfied with how this week turned out in terms of exercise. I could have done more, but I feel as if I did enough, while balancing other important things in my life. Here is what my week looked like:

 I'm super pumped about being able to ride my bike! For this reason, I know I made the right choice in downgrading to the 5k. Why force myself to run 15+ miles a week when my heart isn't in it? I can burn just as many calories and get more enjoyable work-outs by riding my bike, and still throw in a run a few times a week to be ready for the 5k!

As for Brandon, I couldn't be more proud of him. He is attacking his 1/2 marathon training with full force! He's doing a combination of long runs, short runs, and sprints, while also finding time to lift weights at the gym, study and do homework, work at his part time job, and spend time with me! I am so looking forward to cheering him on as he finishes in Autozone park after I've finished my race.

I less-than-three the Greenbelt!

Week 1 is almost over, and the Choo-Chew Train has started off strong! (Cheesy, I know.)  The Greenbelt has been the best thing that happened to Memphis and my workouts in a long time. Here is why I love it:

1. First and foremost, I have a place to ride my bike! I am too scared to ride on the streets of Memphis, so I'm finally able to put that sucker to good use.

2. You feel a sense of community. After you've been a few times, you start to recognize a few people you've seen there before. Everyone is so nice and friendly! One guy even tried to help me when my chain came off of the gears. He failed, and then Brandon ran by and fixed it in 2 seconds flat. But the point is I didn't know him and he tried!

3. I get to listen to my Glee soundtrack the whole time! If I'm running or walking by myself, I usually try not to listen to my headphones, or at least put them on super low volume for safety reasons. But on the greenbelt, you don't have to worry (as much) about safety, because there are good people everywhere! Let's just hope the good people don't kick me out for singing the Glee soundtrack as I'm cruising through.

4. It's beautiful. Green almost everywhere you can look, and at times it covers you like a canopy. You wouldn't even know you were in the middle of a city except for the occasional crosswalk. See for yourself!

 BTW, for those of you not on the up-and-up of text and internet lingo (I'm talking to you, Mom!), less-than-three = <3 = a heart = love.

And BTW = By The Way.

I'm kidding, Mom. I'm very proud of you for finally learning to text. :)

Day 0- Here We Go!!

Tomorrow start my serious training and fitness schedule! I'm pumped, and a bit frightened about the time commitment. We started a little early today by taking a long walk on the new Greenbelt. If I get my project done in time, I might even go for a bike ride tonight!

Here is my training schedule, which took me forever to perfect!

Don't forget to follow this blog! If you'd like to keep up with all of the other things going on in my life, check out my other blog here!

 

http://tuningn2chewning.blogspot.com/