Be able to run around Barry Park Pond without stopping

My right knee is creaky and angry for some reason. I haven’t quite worked it out – it probably is a combination of factors, as I haven’t exactly injured it. Since running is so hard on the knees, it doesn’t seem like a good move at this point. I will bring this goal back quite soon, however. Will focus on yoga instead until then.

I think that program is a great idea, it’s just not really me. I want to run for the sake of running, and I want to run without headphones or a timer.

It will be a run/walk program for quite awhile, but not as regimented. I plan to run every other morning; I feel as though it’s important for me to get into a consistent habit of running first, before I worry about how long or hard I am running each time. I want to enjoy doing it for its own sake. Basically, I will run until I can’t, then walk for awhile, then run. To heck with timers and intervals for now.

Once I am able to run around the Pond relatively comfortably without stopping (I am told it is about a mile), I will think about increasing the goal. Perhaps I will try running to, around, and from the Pond after that.

...I went running for the first time today.

It was GREAT. I can’t believe I hadn’t done this before now. Robert Ullery’s podcast was just what I needed – a chance to tear myself away from my watch and just focus on RUNNING. He was encouraging without being annoying, and while I’m not a fan of electronic music, at least his selections were not too cheesy and had the proper BPM for running (in my opinion).

It helped that it is a gorgeous late-spring morning (nice and cool, just sunny enough to be pretty but not too warm), and that 90% of my neighborhood is still in bed. Also, I was just naturally motivated today for some reason. I hope I can remember how good I feel now on later mornings when I’m less motivated.

I’ve got:

1. running shoes. I’m not sure if they are perfect for my foot, but at some point I need to fish or cut bait. So I’m fishin’. If it turns out I need additional arch supports, I’ll get them. Price-wise, they are mid-range Nikes (I know, I know) – I could’ve gone for a more high-tech sneaker, but I’m not going to spend a huge bundle until I know I’m going to stick with this running thing.

2. loaded onto a MiniDisc, a true blessing: a podcast of the first Couch to 5k training session put together by Robert Ullrey (thanks, Robert!). I’m not a huge fan of his music selections, but they’re not too bad and most importantly, it’s like having a personal trainer to tell me when to start and stop my intervals. I don’t have a sportwatch, didn’t want to buy one, and I love the idea of being able to focus on running and walking (and watching out for cars!) rather than keeping track of varying intervals and/or watching a digital display.

I’m a little nervous.

I really want to do this all the way. ALL THE WAY. I know I can. I just hope I can believe that strongly when I’m out pounding the pavement tomorrow morning.

Apart from getting basic school and work duties accomplished. Watched a lot of TV.

However, the weather is finally nice (relatively), the snow is melted, and it’s time to get my butt in gear if I’m going to run a 5K this summer. I’d really like to.

I am picking up some running shoes TOMORROW AFTERNOON (this will give my feet some time to spread out), and I’m already thinking about good places to run (my plan is to do my first run on Sunday morning). There are lots and lots of runners in the neighborhood; what with the hills and all, it’s a good place to run. This is actually sort of intimidating; I’m a little afraid of how out of shape I will appear in comparison to these folks. I need to drop that attitude post-haste. Hey. At least I’m TRYING, right? I have to start somewhere.

I’d like to avoid asphalt as much as possible. Supposedly the nearby park has a fitness trail, but I’m not sure where it is (and it’s a big park). Maybe I can use my first couple of runs to scope out the park and see if I can find that trail.

It’s snowing again!

I think I’ll still try to pick up some “trainers” as the Brits say. But the forecast is for up to 8 inches(!!!).

Damn, damn, damn.

I was really ready to start running.

We’ll see – maybe I’ll be brave enough to say “hell with this snow!” and go anyhow.

I doubt it, though.

I haven’t even gone to pick up my shoes yet.

I plan to this weekend, finally.

The good news is, most of the snow is finally melted (finally!) and the sidewalks and roads are clear. Now, I can RUN (treadmills are just not in the cards for me – I hate them, can’t run on them, I fall off consistantly – not good at maintaining a mechanically steady pace).

I’m actually pretty excited about this goal, though. I’ve found some links to local 5K races – I’d like to pick one to shoot for. There are some good ones that are coming on too soon – I’m thinking a July or August race would be about right, providing I don’t injure myself (mamacita, what a sweaty sight THAT will be!).

I have run a few 5k’s with no training in the past, but of course spent a fair amount of time walking throughout. I like running, I just can’t do it for very long. I’d like to get more serious about exercise, but I need a concrete goal to work towards. A sweet road race t-shirt is a good goal! :)

I am going to begin this weekend by picking up a pair of running shoes. Then, I will plan my running schedule.