C25K Week 8 Day 3

Just finished day 3 of week 8 this evening and I am stoked!!  I can't believe that next week is my final week on the couch to 5K program....  These past couple of months have gone by so fast.  I will be running 30 minutes straight next week and able to run an actual 5K!  How exciting is that?  Next up on my list is 1/2 marathon training for the spring, then I'll try my hand, err, legs at marathon training for next year. lol  I can say I am a runner now and that i really enjoy it!  I never thought I would be back at this point again after stopping running a couple years ago.  I am really happy that I stuck it out even in the beginning when it hurt so bad and all I wanted to do was quit.  The pain and aches are definitely worth it now.  It's so weird to go from huffing and puffing and feeling like I would pass out to being able to run 3 miles straight and talk while I do it.  Running is definitely a selfish sport because it's time for yourself... just you and your thoughts, but I figure, it's healthy "me time" and makes me a better person to be around.  I am a definite advocate for the C25K program especially for beginners, non-runners & people who are out of shape.  Lets tackle this last week!!  Happy running everybody! :)

C25K Week 8 Day 2

Today was day 2 of week 8 and I can NOT believe that I only have 4 workouts left in the C25K training program!  The past couple of months have flown by and I can see so many changes in my body now.  I definitely want to keep going and improving on my running skills.  I love this sport.  All you need is a good pair of running shoes and you're set.  What other sport can say that?  My endurance level is also so much better.  I can run 28 minutes as of now and not feel winded!  I felt miserable after 1 minute running intervals in the beginning, so yes, this program totally works.  My legs are amazing now too and i love that.  The only issue I am having is my legs start to feel tight in the last 5 minutes of my run interval even with stretching.... so I have to figure out a way to prevent this.  Other than that, i feel awesome and so energized!  The runner's high is definitely worth any pain or discomfort during the run.  Besides, pain is weakness leaving the body, right? :)  As soon as I finish up this program, I will be moving on to 1/2 marathon training and all of the new challenges that come along with that... excitement and nervousness.

One last thing.... my friend introduced me to this product.  I told my husband about it last night and of course he went out and bought me some.  <3 him!  Any girl with boobs knows, that your arms can get chaffed from rubbing against the seams of your sports bra.  This stuff is a lifesaver.  Just a tip for any fellow runners... good on arms, legs, feet (to prevent blisters), anywhere that has friction!

HAPPY RUNNING EVERYBODY!

C25K: Week 7 Day 3 AND Week 8 Day 1

 Well last Thursday, I went with my sister Kelli to the Primary school track to run.  I did week 7 day 3 of C25K outside because it is just so beautiful now and the weather has been all sorts of amazing!  Lets just say after predominately using the treadmill to train, running outside is much more difficult.  My entire body was sore afterwards, but it was so much better not starting at a wall or tv for the entire run also.  I need to start road running more often than using the treadmill to get used to it and adapt more for my upcoming races.

Today was week 8 day 1 and I completed my run at the gym because I wanted to work out with my hubby since we don't get to very often with his shift work schedule.  It was a good run.  A little more difficult because I haven't run in 3 days because of all the bachelorette hoopla this past weekend for my sister!  My runs are also getting longer now too.  It's a 5 minute warm up, 28 minutes consecutive running and then a 5 minute cool down.  Next week is my last week of couch to 5K training then I will be moving on to 1/2 marathon training!!!  I am so excited and nervous about this!  New challenges to come :)  Hoping to be ready for the Gusher 1/2 in the spring!

I have also gotten back on track with my nutrition and eating habits now too.... excluding the bachelorette weekend of course!  All I ate was crap food and drinks all weekend but today was a good eating day...  Whole wheat bagel & non fat cream cheese, low fat chocolate milk post work out recovery drink and lots of fruits and veggies.  Plus dinner was honey jalapeno smoked chicken wraps (whole wheat tortillas) with jalapeno ranch and steamed broccoli.  Even Damien enjoyed it and he is a PICKY eater!!   Hoping to make this week a great workout and eating week!  Happy running everybody...

Dinner :)

C25K: Week 7 Day 2

Week 7 day 2 was today and i feel AMAZING!!  The 25 minute run is getting much easier now.  I am not feeling winded anymore and my breathing is more controlled because the side stitches are gone! :)  After the run when the cool down started, I didn't want to stop running... i could have kept going...  Runner's High = Heaven! Strength training also went well today.  My legs are up to pressing 130lbs and my arms are still weaker but I am using 45 lbs on them now, so I am seeing improvement.  Still psyched about my toned legs! Ready for day 3.  Lets go!

C25K: Week 7 Day 1

We've moved on to week 7 of Couch to 5K and today was day 1!!  I feel great... energized :)  This entire week's training program consists of a 5 minute walking warm-up followed by 25 consecutive minutes of running and finally finishing up with 5 minutes of walking as the cool-down.  I never thought I would be able to run for 25 minutes without a break, but now I look forward to it.  I can't wait for the next few weeks to add more running time and cover more distance.  I am really hoping to be ready to run the Gusher 1/2 marathon in the spring with my girlfriends.  Talk about some fun to be had! :)  There are 9 weeks in the C25K training program, so I have almost completed it and then I will move on to 1/2 marathon training.  I can NOT wait!


Strength training is also going well.  My legs are ripped and so cut!  I am truly excited about this because I love muscular legs.  I am pretty sure it's because between the weights and the running they don't have a chance to stop moving and training.  My arms are getting more toned too, but they aren't where I would like them to be yet.  I don't want bulk extra crazy muscle man arm's like Madonna lol... more along the lines of sleek lean muscle like Jennifer Garner or Jenny McCarthy.  Well, just a few  more weeks, then onto 1/2 marathon training!!! exciting!  Thanks for all of the support along the way.

C25K Week 6 Days 2&3

Quick update... I just realized that I forgot to blog about days 2 & 3 of week 6 of the program!  They were completed this past Wednesday and Friday and they were amazing.  I am now up to 25 consecutive minutes of running at a time and I love it!!  Week 7 starts tomorrow and I will try to have better updates....

C25K: Week 6 Day 1

So, I finally got back on track today after taking over a week off for an anniversary trip to Galveston with the best husband ever and then another short trip to Houston to visit my sister in law and her family.  The week was so much fun and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Great memories and good food :) lol... but I will tell you that it made a HUGE difference in my workout today.  I began week 6 of C25K today and my first long run was only an 8 minute interval and I felt great, but as soon as I started my 3 minute walk interval my legs felt extremely tight and heavy... almost like lead.  The rest of my run intervals... 5 & 8 minutes were really tough because my legs felt so weird, and I did stretch beforehand.  I'm hoping the rest of the week's training goes a little better.  I can definitely see how a week off from running makes it harder when you start back.  Next time I'm packing my running shoes and sports bra and hitting the seawall or hotel gym even if it's only for a 20 minute run.

The weight training went a little better than the run but it also felt harder after taking a week off.  I am feeling better after my workout though.  I always regret when I skip a workout but never regret it after I complete one.... even if I hate myself the whole time lol  Anyway, that was just a quick update...  Hoping I can figure out a way to prevent my legs from freaking out again....  Any tips?  Have a great week folks... and happy running :)

RIP Daddy- 12 years... too soon

I love and miss you everyday.  You were one of the greats... My only wish is that everyone else could have a Dad as inspirational, loving, caring and supportive as you were.  There are none better.  RIP Daddy.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die. 

-Mary Frye

Back on Track!

C25K Week 6 will begin tomorrow!!  Back from vacation and re-energized... Missed my runs way too much!