Exercise at my own pace and level and cheer others on!

So, its been weeks. Like 2 or 3 weeks since I have exercised. First it was because my shoes were so horrific I hurt to wear them. I finally get to the store to get a new pair of running shoes and it has rained everyday since. Not sprinkle rain, like, its rained for 40 days and 40 nights, rained. Like send the dove out to see if there is any land left, rained. I have been following plan though and am down 2 1/2 lbs so it hasnt been so bad. Im hoping to get some time at the park in tomorrow. I have to run home, gather the stuff and head to a friends house for dinner. She returned home from Spain and we are going to her home to cook for her and hear all about it.
So, buckle down, or get an umbrella I can run with.

Thats not my pic, but, thats about right. Things flying around everywhere.

yesterday was the first time I had run in a week. I have been walking (really fast walking), but decided if I wanted to keep up my pace, I better run. The wind was strong and it was hitting me head on so, needless to say, I did what I call the fat person run. Ran and told myself I could do it, I have been running between 3-5 minutes at a time, but, ran 1-2 minutes and felt like I had been punched in the stomach. I think at some point though I thought I said it in my head, the words “are you KIDDING me” actually came out of my mouth. Good thing everyone now a days wears ipods. So I did it, but by the time P caught up with me I tried explaining that no matter how hard or often I try to breathe, Im not getting my breath, its going into my stomach, making me feel like Im going to throw up. (It was 1 flipping week)!! She told me to put my hands behind my head and lean back a bit. Sure enough, air started filling my lungs and I felt much better.
So, I have decided that no matter how good the words “Im going to take today off and run tomorrow” sound over the weekend, its just the devil talking. Put on the shoes and run.

Yesterday, I ran for 4 minutes straight. TWICE. Then 3 minutes and by the time I came back around the front of the park, the wind was hitting me in the face so I had to tuck my head a bit, but it still didnt stop me from having a hard time breathing. That last one was 2 and 1/2 minutes. I couldnt believe it. 4 minutes. Amazing for someone who started at 10 seconds. I listened to my music and tried not to think about much of anything. I find if I focus, I start doubting myself and it gets harder. I felt amazing, like I could do anything.
Im very happy with my Forrest Gump experience and plan on relishing in it all day.

I decided today before it got to be 90 degrees that I would run in the park. Instead of following the podcast, I thought it might be good to just listen to my mp3 player and run sporatically, keeping track of how long I can run. When I started, 7 months ago, it was 20 seconds. I stopped for a while because I was like “I so dont get this”, but about 1 month ago, the running bug bit me again. So, in 3 weeks, I have gone from 30 seconds to almost 2 minutes. I know it sounds funny (even to me) and menial, but, at least its mine. My brother text me today to see how it was going and I almost cried. We really didnt like each other growing up, but since he married and had kids, he has become quite a wonderful man. He told me he was proud of me. (He runs triathlons and wants to do the ironman). “we all started out at 30 seconds, dont let anyone kid you. Way to go!” It was right up there with him telling me that if his kids turned out to be 1/10th the person I had become, he would be proud and honored he had done something good in his life.
So, today I was proud I have danced to my own drum; with running and with my life.

these cards are absolutely adorable.
My favorite is the polka dots.
http://www.sunshineandmolasses.com/shoppe.php

I went back to Fleet Feet yesterday (best store EVER by the way if you dont know what kind of shoes to get). They fit me after looking at my first pair of shoes. How the bottom of your shoes wear is how they tell what kind of shoe you need. I had the Brooks GT 8. They helped with support and overpronation. I got inserts for my feet because apparently I have Mortensen’s syndrome, which sadly has nothing to do with Viggo….sad day. So, now that I have the inserts, I dont need a special shoe, I can use a neutral shoe. How exciting! I wanted one that had some bright orange or green in it, but alas, I ended up with a turquoise. They feel great though and I cannot wait to try them out.
PS, the cool thing about Fleet Feet too is that you try the shoe on and they walk outside with you to run around the parking lot or you can hop on the treadmill. Im telling you, if you are in the market for sneakers and dont know where to begin, start at fleet feet.

Saturday was day 2 of week 2. I had a harder time this time than the day in the rain. I think it was because it was so damn muggy. I listened to the techno so I could stay on focus. I needed to podcast to help me out. I knew it was going to be a long 6 intervals when on the first run I was already sucking bad air. Sure enough, 4th one I had to walk an extra minute and by the 6th, I was running thinking “dear god is it over, is it OVER”?! When I finished, I was sick to my stomach and couldnt breathe. How fun the whole experience was. At least I did it. Im supposed to run tonight but have 2 appointments that I need to keep, so I am working 10am-6pm tomorrow. I’ll do it in the am, shower and come to work. Gotta stay on plan.
I have to admit, I do look forward to it. It just sucks when you know 1 interval in that its going to be a tough run.
Hopefully, this one will be better.

I started week 2 of the couch to 5k podcase by Rob Ullrey. I was a little irriated with P so I ran in the rain which, was quite nice. I thought I had to run 90 seconds, walk 90 sec for 9 sets. I did 8 and walked an extra 90 seconds. It was hard. I didnt listen to the podcast because it was set to HORRIBLE techno and just listened to my mp3 player and timed myself. I get in the car and start thinking I did it wrong. I know I did it wrong. Sure enough, when I listen, I was supposed to run 90 sec, walk 2 minutes for 6 sets. So basically, I kicked butt. I was pretty proud I did it, in the rain no less.
Tonight is day 2 of week 2.

Im not sure, but I think this kid lapped me.

Today when I get home I am changing clothes, going to the park and doing the 2nd day of Couch to 5k on podcast. Im kind of excited. Nobody wakes up running a 5k. This is my start.
P said she would cook dinner tonight which is meatloaf, sweet potatoes and green beans along with pineapple and grapes. Im very nervous about it. She has never cooked it. “I’ll be fine, you go run”. I can do it when I get back….you have to run too. “No, no, its my rest day. I’ll be great. You take time for you. I can tackle a meatloaf”. Eek.
New experiences all around.

I woke up, ate half a serving of shredded wheat and soy milk, dressed for the park and played with Tobey (our cat) while I waited for my food to digest a bit. I went to the park and did the first installment of the Couch to 5k on podcast by Rob Ulley. AND…I…DID…IT!! All of it. No stopping, no sucking horrible air (the middle and last installment put me in the middle of hills so it was kind of tough), no DEAR GOD HOW MUCH LONGER!. I did it. I almost cried after the last one. I did raise my hands like Rocky and said “I DID IT!!” 2 people clapped, the rest just stared. But who cares. Today, I am queen of my world. Master of the first installment of couch to 5k podcast kingdom. Today, after 4 months of feeling insecure and terrible since P had the affair, I got a good chunk of me and motivation back. I can do THIS. I dont need anyone else’s approval or cheering, I just need mine. Today, I feel like Olivia the Pig. We can do anything!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to shower, clean my bedroom and sit on my throne known as the couch and watch a tivo’d episode of Lie to Me which is this kick ass show I discovered.

I signed up for the Subaru Chase a few months ago as a way for me and P to have some racing events in common. I walk them, she runs them. Tonight is the Chase. All day yesterday all I kept thinking was “I wonder if Stefany will be there”. Ugh. Not only do I hate her, I loathe thinking that. This is my race too…well, not so much a race, Im walking it. The head of the event said I can start a half hour early and stay on sidewalks until the racers come through, then, hop on the road at any time and finish with everyone. He also pointed out that I was the only person who ever asked if they could walk it. I told him that I must be the only person with enough courage to ask and drive to want to do it. I think I was convincing myself.
So anyway, 4 miles today. mp3 player is loaded and ready. Its pouring right now. I dont think I have it in me for the rain part if it keeps up. But, Ive surprised myself before. Next week is a 5k walk for Mental Health Awareness. That one Im doing alone. P said she wanted me to have my own walk/race for all my own and she would cheer me on at the finish line. I appreciate that.
Hopefully it will stop or slow in the rain department. The thunder is rolling in, but it has 10 hours to leave.