I did it!

I know I have not been diligent about posting, but I haven't forgotten my running I promise!

Tonight I completed week 9, meaning I graduated the couch to 5 k program. I am so proud of myself I don't even know how to express it. Not only did I complete my last run tonight, I decided to up the ante by sprinting a bit! I never would have dreamed I would not only complete it but push myself to run even harder.

I have to admit on Monday I only did 25 minutes. I was not well, but I am proud I went anyway. Wednesday I did the 30 minutes but it was hard! Today, well I felt like I sailed through it. I mean again its running, its not easy, but it was achievable!

And on another note, I joined a new gym today. I liked that I did it for my last run, it felt like a new beginning almost. My old gym was scuzzy. The staff were mean, the equipment was in disrepair, the other members were dirty and inconsiderate. This new gym is beautiful, and right beside work. I liked that a lot, it was nice to get it done right after instead of having to commute half way home! Life is pretty amazing for me right now, and I think it's all stemmed from my commitment to running. I've changed. I'm more confidant and strong, and I believe in myself. I know now I can do anything I set my mind to.

I survived Christmas

I ate a tonne of food, spent some time relaxing with family, and managed to only miss one run. You know considering the mayhem that the holidays can be, I'm pretty proud of that. The old Jenn would have blown it all off.

So yesturday I did my first 28 minute run. I won't lie. It was hard. I was tired. I am still coming off my junk food high. My body was not happy with the lack of good nutrients it has been receiving.. but like the trooper I am, I overcame. I do my next run this week tommorow... and I have a feeling it will be a bit easier. I always find the first run of the week the hardest, which I'm sure is no suprise to anyone following the program.

Let me just take a moment here to reflect on how far I've come. It's been 8 weeks.. that's only two months. So in September, I was a lump on my couch. By December I am running 28 minutes and 4.5 km's in half an hour. This is an amazing feat! It's been totally lifechanging for me. Ifeel better about everything. I hold my head higher, because I know I have this secret strength. I can run. I brag about it every chance I get, and revel when people oogle over my amazing ability. I used to be one of those who oogled over those runners.. and now I am one. I may not be the fastest, and I may not be the strongest, but I am a runner none the less..

I was always of the belief that good things will happen if you can learn to put yourself first enough to make yourself a priority. I am bad at this. I take care of the entire world, on a daily basis. I am the first one to lend an ear, money, sympathy, help to anyone in need.. especially those I love. This journey has been one of learned selfishness. 3 times a week, I make a dedication to me and me only. I do not let anyone interfere. Some of my friends have thought it funny how unflexible I am, but I know this is the most important thing in my life right now. I am going to acheive this goal.. and I almost have...

So I enter week 8 with a clear sense of the finnish line. I am not going to let anything get in my way. I am going to be a graduate in the new year! I can't think of a better way to enter the new year.

Slacking.

I've been slacking on the blogging.. and I appologize for that. Well this is mainly just an appology to myself since I only have a few readers. Anyway who reads it doesn't matter, this is more for myself to be able to look back on.

On Friday I did my first 25 minute run. I won't lie. It was hard. I threw the towl over the time display and went for it. I got through the run, but really felt it! By then end my knees were actually aching, and this is a first in all of the running I've done.

Yesturday I went again. Since this is the week of Christmas I am trying to squeeze in my runs. I have a feeling I won't be able to do my last run until Saturday. Anyway, I did my 25 minute run and this time it was easier. Don't get me wrong, I don't compare with with a leisurely stroll in the park. But it was definately easier. This is encouraging.

On the weight front. I kind of wished I hadn't payed attention to it, because now I feel myself obsessing again. I think I need to put the scale away where it is not accessible. Last week I didn't lose any weight and I felt dissapointed. I am only 9 pounds away from being within target range for BMI... And that is all I've been thinking about. I have to believe though that the weight will come as a result of the healthy lifestyle. And for crying out loud, its CHRISTMAS! I am going to eat and enjoy the goodies! So no, the weight loss may not be happening... but I also havent gained any weight.. so I guess its an even keel. There now you see the obessing first hand.. tonight I put the scale away and don't look at it again for a while. Maybe once a month...

Jenn.

A true blooded runner.

It just hit me today sitting here. I am a runner. No more walking.. No more intervals. From here on out I run the whole way. Tomorrow is my 25 minute run.. (Don’t worry I am going to drink AT LEAST a litre of water during the day!!)… And Next week, is all 25 minutes. And the week after that... 28 minutes... and the last and final week.. 30 minutes.

I am going to enter the New Year as a runner! How exciting as that. I will be able to run 30 minutes within the first week of the New Year! What a great way to start off the year!

The worst run yet.

Monday was tough.. but I made it through o.k. I did find it hard to go back to intervals after doing the longer run though. I can understand what everyone meant by that now on the forums, it was hard.

Tonight however.. tonight was dreadful. As bad as Monday's run was, todays was much worse.
I knew it was going to be tough from the get go. I had trouble doing the first ten minutes. I was tired, my legs were tired.. and my brain was trying to talk me out of it. But I plugged though. I came out of that run dripping in sweat ( I know gross!) The three minute recovery was o.k. But the next ten minute run, well that was harsh. I was sweating profusely again but I pushed though..

This may have been a mistake. I got off the treadmill feeling a bit wobbly... Then I felt sick. Immediately I knew I was dehydrated, and grabbed a bottle of water. I realised I had only had 500 ml today. I usually drink a litre to a litre and a half a day especially on a run day. Thankfully I did get that water because I was NOT feeling good at all.

So Friday I will drink a tonne of water before that run!

Added bonus!

I kinda thought my pants were a bit loose, but hadn't really stepped on a scale.

I am down about 5.5 pounds.

This means I've lost about a pound a week, which is perfect!! To get into my target BMI range I needed to lose about 10 pounds, so I'm halfway there.

For fun I went to try on pants one size down from what I normally wear, I could get them on and zip and button!! But there were still a little too snug around my hips for my comfort, so I'll hold off on buying new clothes a size down for now. Lost weight last year and I knew it was time to go down a size when my pants would literally start to fall down on me and I contemplated a belt!

This is exciting. I am not looking to lose a lot of weight. I have that classic curvy figure. And I love that about me, I will never be stick thin. But to lose that ten pounds and be where I should be in BMI, lose maybe one pant size.. now that would be awesome!

Jenn

Booh Yeah!

Today I finnished week 5.. that means 20 MINUTES!

I won't lie.. it was hard! I put on an audio book, and covered the time on the treadmill and went for it.. I wanted to quit about halfway through.. I was literally dripping in sweat.. and at the end I got a nasty side stitch.. but I pushed through..

This is the most exciting moment in the journey so far. I have not been able to run 20 minutes since college. And that my friends is over 5 years ago. This feels better then it did back then, because I've worked so hard for this.

And you know what.. I'm going to finnish this.. I can see myself becoming a life long runner, I'm becoming addicted!

Jenn