Week 1, Day 2 (Part 2)

Workout Length: 31 minutes. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Five-minute cool down walk.

It was back to the basics last night and a good thing it was. We had one more join Manic and I on the walk (I'm working on getting her permission to post her information*). She just started the Couch to 5K program and is on Week 1 Day 2, so that is the day we did. Maybe I can get her and Manic to guest blog about it one time instead of having me ramble on and on about it.

Anyway...

As I mentioned above, it was a good thing we went back to Week 1, because it was damn hard! I can only imagine the pain we would have been in had we continued with Week 2. Not that we aren't ready. BUT it was f'ing cold outside! My lungs felt frozen, my ears NEVER warmed up and I think it wasn't until half way through the program that the rest of my body started to feel like it should at body temperature.

Good thing was that I brought water this time! Yea, a half of a bottle that I forgot was in my car from my drive home from work (Wow, that was a lot of sentence).

While I thought I would be sorer than a turkey on Thanksgiving, my body is surprisingly not feeling that bad this morning. AND I think the whole running thing is helping me sleep better at night!

Great job team!

Mental Notes:

1. Whenever you get around to buying those good running shoes!
2. Still need more water, water is a good thing.
3. Stretch you dumb ass! Stretch! It really isn't that hard.
4. Always wear a sweatshirt now, aparantly Arizona CAN get cold!
5. Protein shakes. My body needs more protein and less carbs.

*Got permission, She will be referred to as Faffy from this point forward.

Week 2, Day 2

Brisk five-minute warm up walk. The alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Five-minute cool down walk.

You will be proud of me. This time, I kept moving on with Week 2, instead of going back to week 1. This probably would have been great, had I not technically done the Week 2, day 2 program twice. I mean, I completed it twice, last night. That's 1 hour of running/walking!

Anyway, I was lying on the couch after having ate a small amount of food. I was tired from the weekend and the night before. I was about 10 second away from sending out a text message to my jogging buddy (who I recently got permission from to exploit. Or something like that) and telling him that I wasn't going to make it. Then, I got up and changed into the neccessary attire. I left 30 mintues before our meeting time, because I knew that if I were to wait any longer before leaving the house, that text message would be sent!

Manicsocratic is my jogging buddy and he can be found on twitter, here. Also, I will now be refering to him has Manic in this blog.

Half way through the first time I did the program, I wanted to leave. Then at the end, when my Manic showed up I felt like I could go another hour. Yea, riiiight! I was beaten! I felt used and abused. My thighs felt like jello in the sense that they remained in one spot, but were shaky as hell! And my feet, my feet felt like I had been walking on iron for the last 10 years.

Yesterday kicked my ass.

Lesson learned. Don't take 4 days off and then expect to "make up" for it the first chance you get. 20 minutes in the hot tub didn't even help curb the pain my body was feeling. Today, I can STILL feel it. I sure did hand it to myself.

I think I might go out again today, and complete only ONE session, not one session twice. I am terribly exhausted, from staying up late and not getting any sleep, so I am not sure if I'll make it. I did just consume 78 carbs. It's funny how it kind of seems that excesising and eating healthy go hand in hand. Or did I get that backwards? Maybe, I'm just not there yet!

Mental Notes:

1. Don't forget your WATER! You can't keep relying on other people to bring you some.
2. Sweat pants seems to be eliminating that burning/itching feeling. I wonder if now that I am more active if I can go back to shorts and not have it at all!?!?
3. Still need new shoes (I might be repeating this for the next 9. No, 8 weeks).
4. Work on what you are eating. Try to elimiate the carb intake. *cough* fat ass *cough*

Week 2, Day 1

Brisk five-minute warm up walk. The alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Five-minute cool down walk.

I stumbled onto Weed 2 by sheer accident. I swear. I was going to do Week 1 again with my workout buddy so that he could adjust to the program, and THEN move on to Week 2. But, when starting the workout last night, I didn't move back and ended up starting Week 2 instead.

I remember after the first run, I was like, "Oh man! This seems like a LONG time." By the 2nd run, I looked at my phone and, "OH SHIT," We started Week 2! Well, by that time we felt like we were perfectly capable of continuing forward. MAN! Was that a great work-out! I felt great! I sweated my ass off, but I can really feel myself progressing! Despite the physical appearance of exhaustion, I really think that the workout is a little too short and that I can keep getting better and better.

That whole realization is enough to motivate me to keep going steady so that I do not fall behind. AND so that I can see if the program really works. because you can bet your ass, when this program is finished, I am taking my self back to the track and going to run, like it tells you too, and see if it is really 5K (about 3 miles!).

I am totally looking forward to Friday night, where I convinced Curtis that we should not go to Pappadeuax and spend $100 on a meal, and should instead save $100 and go for a run. That's the power of persuasion at its best. Maybe the Week 2 program will make him feel a little burn.

Mental Notes:

1. I fear that by the time I buy a decent pair of running shoes, I will be finished with the program.
2. Bringing water is a good thing.
3. Keep up the good work.

Week 1, Day 1 (Part 3)

Workout Length: 31 minutes. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Five-minute cool down walk.

Look, I know. Back to Week 1 Day 1, AGAIN! I could have just advanced to Day 3, which is the same as Day 1 and Day 2, since they are in the same week. But, this time I have two excuses. One is really and excuse and the other is valid. So, let's concentrate and the more valid one.

First, it's been over a week since I've ran and I just can't bring myself to moving forward without "properly" following the program. Did it work? No, okay.

The OTHER excuse is that... I found a work out/jogging buddy and he is in the same shape as I am and has NOT done the program, so I figured I would start at the beginning.

This time, while the Couch to 5K program Week 1, Day 1 thing is only 31 minutes, we were actually there for over an hour. Oh, and I wasn't at the track this time. We met up at the park and jogged/walked around the pond.

I really think I am building some endurance. The sweats things makes me LOOK more tired, but I was did REALLY good. I think running with someone helps too, because it gives me someone to talk to and I don't have time to pay attention too how much air my lungs are really getting.

So, after the 31 minutes of the C25K program we did "hills." If I only knew what I was getting myself into BEFORE I went. I still would have gone. We ran up this steep as grass hill, and then back. We did three of them and while that doesn't sound like a lot, you try it, because it is!

It was a good thing that my buddy remembered to bring water, because I didn't. I think that is becoming a bad habit - not bringing water. Anyway, we are going to meet up again on Wednesday and get back on the horse. I am looking forward to it. :D

Mental Notes:

1. Buy one of those water back packs.
2. Blue tooth headphones would be awesome (thanks friend), but I'm not dropping that kind of cash on them.
3. I still need nice running shoes. Anyone have any suggestions?
4. I love the hot tub, my muscles felt like hard jello last night, but after dipping into the hot tub they feel great this morning!

Week 1, Day 2

Workout Length: 31 minutes. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Five-minute cool down walk.



Yes, finally, I made it to Day 2. Still a little while longer than what it should be, but I think I'll be okay.

I almost didn't go. I really thought hard about if I wanted to just sit on the couch and watch another movie or go for a run. I already ate dinner, so I couldn't use that as an excuse, and I wasn't feeling up for ice cream (no I'm not sick, I feel fine). After the horrible religious views on Dead Man Walking I HAD to get out of the house and go for a run.

I almost used the excuse that if I went running, then I would be getting "ahead" of Curtis in the program and that wouldn't be fair. Then, I remembered that the whole Jog/Walk thing of Week 1 was a little weak for him anyway. So, I convinced myself I would be catching up to him instead.

...

WARM UP

Okay 3 people running the other direction, I get the whole "rebel" thing, let's be real. You look kind of silly running in the wrong direction.

I made a few changes to how I do the work out:
1. I doubled up on sports bras. Yea, one just isn't as supportive as two, and I was tired of being hit in the face.
2. I wore sweatpants instead of shorts.
3. I wore a small, light jacket.
4. I made my kick ass play list!

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

About time. Is it just be or is a five-minute warm-up just too long? I walked like a lap and a half in that 5 minutes and that is from lane eight too!

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK

That wasn't bad at all. At least I have had worse. I probably could have ran for another minute. Probably. Oh look? Someone brought the kittens food. It's dry food, but I bet they are happy to have anything. Look at those three little things? They are so cute.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

Good, I'm not even tired. I need to get running. I wonder if next week they switch it up on you, 90 minutes of running followed by 60 minutes of walking. I really should have looked up this shit before I started the program, I have NO IDEA what I'm getting myself into; only the promise of being able to run 3 miles in 9 weeks.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK

OH! I am breaking a sweat. WOW! I don't remember being sweaty the last couple of times. No, I take that back I was definitely sweaty, just not this early...

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

Oh, you can't forget to get into the hot tub afterwards. This way, your muscles wont be sore in the morning. Actually, the hot tub doesn't sound that great. Maybe try the pool to cool off first, and then hop in the hot tub. That might be better.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK

How many laps have a I done? I lost count at 5. It doesn't really matter anyway, I can't give an accurate estimate of how far I've ran because I am in lane 8. Oh well. Maybe next time, the three stooges over there will run the right direction on the track.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

OH! Mr. 50-60-70 is back! I didn't see him last time. It seems that this is a regular place for running. I guess it's nice. Quiet. Friendly. There are lights. No one seems to bother you. At least I don't think this is the Central Park of Tempe.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK - YOU'RE HALF WAY THERE.

WHAT? Really, sometimes I think they should really make these work-outs longer. This just doesn't seem like a lot at all. I guess, it is half way, and I am at the point where I could quit. But I won't, I have to keep going.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

Oh good... That makes me feel better. Half way there, and I am this sweaty! It has to be all of these clothes that I am wearing. But, I have to admit, my legs aren't getting that itchy/tingling/burning sensation in them this time.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK

My lungs hurt. Is that possible? Can your lungs hurt? It must be in my head. or it could be the double sports bra thing. It might be putting pressure on my chest. Well, it needs pressure to hold these girls down. What would you rather have, black eyes for a week or a few minutes of not being able to breath?

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

I can't wait to get home and have a bowl of ice cream. I don't really need it, but I haven't had any today and it just sounds so good. YUM! :D AWW! The kitten have a Mom!!! She finally came out to eat. :D I wonder if they will ever let me pet them. I'll probably never get the opportunity. At least I know where I can get a free kitten if The Man and I ever decide to get one. FAT chance of that.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK

Oh that bitch is back. The one with the spandex and sports bra. She brought a friend this time. A guy friend. Eww... At least he is ugly. Oh, what was that? I thinks he likes him, that look she gave was undeniably a "I like you" look. Curtis looks better. Why does she run like that? Short steps? It looks ridiculous! Pick up your knees!

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

WOW! People are actually stretching? I need to start doing that. Really, I hear it is good for you. Plus, I want to be as limber as I was when I was 13. I can try. I think if I stretch for 15 minutes every day then, eventually (in a few years, maybe?) I will get there.

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK

Hey! New tall skinny bitch passing me! When did you get here? You're leaving already? What is with these people and leaving? I know I don't smell... too bad... Hey and the 3 stooges are gone too. They came on bikes? GOOD IDEA!

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

I like this running thing, it's tough. I wonder what the deal is for next week? Like, what do they think I am going to be doing? Hopefully, not much more! Pick up your knees, Christie. Gosh, DRAGGER!

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
WALK

"ONE. Nothing wrong with me. TWO nothing wrong with me..." Yes! Great song. Why can't the good songs come on when I am running? Come on time, hurry up! I want to run to this song, it is motivation! "THREE. Something's got to give."

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
RUN

Oh no! You dirty 50-60-70 year old. You can't lap me. Damn it. Well, once is better than twice, like last time. What's that? He was here before me last time. SHUT UP! That is irrelevant to the point. Isn't this the last run, I think this is the last run. Pick it up!

BEEP
BEEP
BEEP
COOL DOWN

Oh the old man is leaving? That was a short work-out. I bet he didn't even go more than a mile! NO WAY am I going to get in the hot tub, I'm sweating more than a pig!

Metal Notes:

1. Always wear two sports bras it makes much more sense.
2. Don't forget to bring the f'ing water. WHAT is wrong with you?
3. Edit the kick ass play list. Some songs... not so kick ass.
4. Sweats/jacket works, wear it every time.
5. Invest in a bicycle.
6. Buy better shoes, but black ones so I can wear them while bartending too.

Week 1, Day 1 (Part 2)

Workout Length: 31 minutes. Brisk five-minute warm-up walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Five-minute cool down walk.

Now I know what you are thinking... The answer is Yes, I did already complete Week 1, Day 1 of the Couch to 5K, but that was just so long ago that I couldn't jump to Day 2 and expect the program to work. I said in the beginning that I had to be consist AND that I would struggle with consistency. So, I started from the beginning and this time, The Man (his name is Curtis, btw) joined me.

We went off to the track, luckily there were no 50/60/70 year old men there to taunt me and make me feel like a sissy.

However, Curtis was there which made stopping to walk on the first Beep and waiting to run until 1 second AFTER they guy told me to run was out of the question. I think I got away with that once, and only once.

I was really surprised. I wasn't out of breath nearly has much as I was a few weeks ago when I attempted this. Apparently, I might have something called muscle memory. Curtis was telling me about it during our first night at the track. It's where your body remembers where it was before you got fat and lazy; therefore, it wont take you long to get there at all.

I was right about one thing though, the first day of Couch to 5K was a little slow for Curtis and I am sure he would have preferred to just take a mile and then walk half a lap and then run a mile. SCREW THAT! This girl can't run a mile straight, at least not yet. But, he is glad to be out there doing SOMETHING and he is, I am sure, as any guy would be, glad that I have gotten off of the couch as well.

So, this time I didn't have ice cream BEFORE going for the run. I did enjoy a couple spoonfuls AFTER the run. Then, we went to the hot tub, which felt SOOO good! Today, my body is not really sore like it was last time I attempted this feet! This is giving me, however miniscule, some motivation for continuing onward.

Curtis is now on this huge healthy kick, which is easy to talk about while running, not so easy to accomplish. He is FOR SURE going to start going to the gym again. When he is going to do this? I have no clue, but who am I to burst his bubble? He damn sure is not going to go to the gym during any time we possibly might have to spend together, and I'm not in "gym shape" yet. Yes, I said gym shape. That is the shape you have to be in before you can go to the gym without people giving you the stink eye.

OH! I did get one of the shoulder strap things for my iPhone, so I don't have to hold it anymore. MUCH better! I think not having any extra weight in my hand really extended my endurance! PPSSH!

My legs still got that horrible sensation in them after awhile. There was this one other high-school female the track. She was in high-school and probably in track. Therefore, I was not that jealous of her, because she isn't burdened with things like stress and bills yet. Anyway, she was TOTALLY showing off by doing some weird one legged jump thing from one seat in the bleachers to the seat above it. Yea, wonder when I can do THAT one. I saw that she was wearing sweats and a SWEATSHIRT. "A sweatshirt?" I thought to myself, seconds before my legs started burning. Then it hit me, like that half empty soda can thrown at me last week during karaoke. If I keep my muscles warm, maybe they won't start to itch. Now that I think about it, it doesn't make as much sense to me now as it did then. I'm still going to test the theory. Maybe I can even write my own book afterwards.

Mental Notes:

1. Make kick ass play list for when Curtis isn't joining me in the run.
2. Buy good running shoes.
3. Wear clothes that cover my entire body in an attempt to avoid that tickling/burning/itching sensation.
4. Get in hot tub after work out in order to avoid horrible muscle pains the next day.