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 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.

Week 1, Day 1

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 took me several weeks to finally get the gumption to get off my ass and go for a run. I mean WEEKS. So, I was sitting (more like laying on the couch) being lazy, and watching some TV when I got the sudden urge for ice cream. YUM! I sat there, on the couch, for another hour before I mentally convinced myself some Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream was worth putting on a bra and going to the store. I did, I bought 2 gallons because between trying to pick which brand of cookie dough ice cream I wanted (Lucerne) I saw my ALL time FAVORITE ice cream, Caramel Caribou. Yum! I already had cookie dough on my mind so I had to buy that and after seeing my childhood favorite ice cream, I couldn't leave without that one either.

There I was, back at home, watching TV (I was on the last few episodes of Season 4 of The O.C.), and consumed in my Cookie Dough/Caramel Caribou ice cream concoction when I got this sudden urge to exercise. I know, right? I finished my bowl of ice cream, finished watching the season and got dressed for the track. I made the mistake once of just running down the street, to the next block and back. Not only am I pretty sure I ran past someone trying to break into the party store down my street, I am almost positive he followed me for 100 feet before backing off. Plus, the cat calls were a bit annoying and I'm not sure heartfelt because I needed to run, if you get my point. Plus, it's dark and I rarely see a cop on this street, despite all the traffic and I couldn't live with myself if I was on the front page of the Phoenix Sun because some crazy couldn't control himself. So, to the local high school track it was, which happens to be right down the road.

I'm driving to the track, totally pumped up for the run. I can't wait. Yes, let's do this. I've only been to the track here once, I don't even know if I remember how to get there. You know what? Instead of driving around aimlessly, I am just going to turn around and go home. Oh look! That's your turn, it's just down this street. Wait, did I make the right turn, this doesn't look familiar, I don't remember it being this far down the street. Maybe I should turn around. Oh look! The parking lot for the track.

It's amazing the anxiety my mind goes through in order to avoid any physical exertion.

I parked my car; I made the decision to park under a light, after all it was 730 at night. As I was walking to the field/track I was, again, mentally psyching myself out. I mean, I forgot a water bottle, I should go back and get one, but I know I'm not coming back if I leave. Forget the water! Wait, I'm carrying my keys, I can't carry my keys while I run. I'll put them in my bra. No, I don't want to jingle every time I leap forward. I know I'll hide them. If I were keys where would I hide? Boy, this track sure is at a loss of hiding spots for keys. Maybe I should just go home. Oh fine! I'll just put them out of the way. But if someone steals my keys, I swear! Wait. Someone else is on the track? I don't want to bother him. What if he doesn't want to be bothered. Just run already! Okay, okay, okay... 5 minute brisk walk.

Luckily, I have the C25K application on my iPhone. Oh, I don't have head phones. This would be so much easier if I had headphones and I have to hold my phone too! Maybe I should leave. No, that would make me look like a moron to this man jogging around the track. What is he like 50? Shouldn't be on a breathing machine instead of jogging around a high school track? OH look? Kittens. Awe... She is so tiny. Where is the Mom. I should take them home. No, can't do that, Curtis is allergic. Oh how I wish I could take them home.

Beep
Beep
Beep
RUN...

Oh cool, it beeps at me, and tells me to run. Oh wow. I remember these days, I was the fastest girl on the track, well maybe not the fastest; but definitely the most strategic. No one could beat me in the 400m (once around the track) or the 800m (twice around the track). Well, that wasn't too long ago. Let's see... I was 13 when I last ran track, and I am 20 now. That's just...

Beep
Beep
Beep
WALK...

I love this phone. This is a piece of cake. Okay, I just can't hold this phone much longer - in the bra it goes. Opps. Turn it around, my boobs are smuggling the speakers and I can't hear any music. There, that's better. Now, see? This isn't so bad. I could really use some water about now. I KNEW I should have gone back to get some.

Beep
Beep
Beep
RUN...

What? Run? Already? But! Let's see now... I was 13 and I'm 20 now, so that was SEVEN YEARS! It's been SEVEN whole years! I can't believe I let my ass stay out of shape for 7 years. What happened to me? What the hell was I possibly busy with when that I didn't have time to take care of myself. Oh yea. High School!

Beep
Beep
Beep
WALK...

Oh thank, God! I am so walking! Wait a minute. Who is this Bitch! Showing up here on the track with her water bottle, sports bra and spandex. She should be wearing a tank top at least! Who does she think she is? Oh, good song!

Beep
Beep
Beep
RUN...

She doesn't even have any curves. Who would want a body like that? Not me. That's for sure. Wait, then why am I here? How far have a ran? 4 laps. Yea, about a mile. Damn, this is hard. What happened to my 3 minute 800m? Oh look! The kittens are pouncing on each other. I really want to take one home. A lot of people use this track. I'm impressed. My legs are tingling? Wait, I remember this feeling. That time I went to the Chiropractor and he put me in that water contraption machine that was suppose to massage my back but ended up feeling like the jabbing knife a friend. It has something to do with blood circulation, this is good my blood is moving. It LIKES it! Wait, I forgot that it itches.

Beep…

About time! I think that timer is wrong, because that was definitely more than 1 minute of running. Man! I wish I could scratch my legs, but then I would look like an idiot in front of these pros. Foot steps are behind me. I hope I don't get jumped. Please don't get jumped, please don't get jumped! There are too many witnesses. Plus, miss Skinny Suzie over there looks better, she would be raped before me; I guess being fat *cough* bigger has it's plus (no pun intended). Those last too thoughts are horrible realizations. Speaking of the, Devil; I guess those were her foot steps. Bitch!

Beep
Beep
Beep
RUN...

More foot steps behind me??? Come on I am not that slow..... ...................... ............... Wait, WHAT? Seriously! No, not possible. That man looks like he is in his late 60s. Maybe he just looks old; he is probably in 50s. Like that makes it any better! Plus, people who exercise look younger not older than what they are. That puts him in him early 70s! I can't believe he is going to lap me? Really!?!

Beep...

It's a really nice night tonight. Not too warm. If it was in the dead of summer, I would be out here. I couldn't handle the heat. It just gets too hot. Breeze! Oh how nice! I hope it is nice and breezy every night that I come out here to run. The Man and I should really should do this; it isn't so bad.

Beep
Beep
Beep
RUN...

I'm just afraid that he will try to show off and run ahead of me, or make me feel like I needed to run faster to keep up. That isn't good. I would have to keep my own pace and he would just have to slow down to stay with me, becauseI don't want him running away from me. Wait, I don't want to hold him backeither. Is that what I am doing? Holding him back in life? Who wants to be in thatkind of relationship. I really need to figure out how I can get one or both of those kittens. Damn it, where is there Mother? I could tell him I rescued them... Hmm... Let's see, almost hit by car? No. Dogs were chasing? No, that is no good.

Beep...

I'm not going to walk this time. No WAY am I letting that 50-60-70 something year old man lap me, AGAIN! Maybe, Skinny Suzie is kind of cute.

Beep

No you need to walk. You're going to do it any way and by putting it off you will only make it less walking time before you have to run again.

Beep

No, not going to do it. I am going to run through this walk and then walk at the next one.

COOL DOWN.

OH! Look? I did it! Woo Hoo! Now, just walk a little slower and that 5 minute cool down will be done by the time you get to the car. That old man is still running? Isn't he going to like, slow down? Or walk? He's GOT to be tired.

Okay mental notes:

1. I need good shoes; nice running shoes for this. I'm going to get me a pair.
2. Get a shoulder strap for my iPhone, this boob thing just isn't going to last.
3. OH! Make kick ass, motivational play list for phone to listen to while running.
4. Don't forget water next time!
5. Come up with a good excuse to bring home those kittens

* * * * * *