Back on Track

Last week was not a good one for me when it came to running - if you have read my previous post then you already know, that I was unable to complete week 4 day 1 last Tuesday due to a migraine. Thursday I never made it out the door and by Saturday I pulled myself out the door by the hair to do a week 3 run.

Today I once again attempted a week 4 run and I nailed it - sure I felt my breathing at the end but in my defence the last little bit of running was uphill - the curse and blessing of running outside.

So I'm back on track and feel confident about the runs to come.

Tip of the day: Don't trip yourself up by thinking it's hard and that you might not be able to do it - tell yourself that you can do it, believe in yourself.

Week 4 Day 1

Yesterday I failed to complete w4d1 - I had a migraine all day Monday and was not completely in the clear yesterday, but I decided to try anyway. I made it half way through the second 3 minute jog before I had to stop and walk home.

So, there you have it - but I'm not giving up. Tomorrow I'm going for day two but since I didn't complete the first day, I will repeat week 4 till I manage all three days.

Tip of the day: Even if you stumble on a hurdle the race is not lost - or in other words, shake it off and keep going - it was just a stumble and not a fall ☺

Week 3 Day 3

I completed week 3 today paying extra attention to what my body was telling me. I figured out, that it wasn't my muscles complaining but rather the tendons and ligaments in my shins.

That has me wondering if they need more conditioning before I push on. Still, I've decided to move on with week 4 but if the soreness begins to stick around for longer then I'll go back and repeat the week 3 program.

It was a good run today, however I suspect a cold is creeping up on me so fingers crossed I'll be able to keep going.

Support

Today is for rest - well, in the sense that I'm not running 😊 but I want to share my thoughts on support.

Getting of that couch and becoming a runner takes planning and help especially when you have small children who needs someone to care for them, while mummy does her running.

My hubby definitely supports me, but in all honesty he fails at times - he might forget, that Tuesday means running...but he is human and I will have to accept this. Most of the time he remembers, and he always asks, if I've had a good run.

Other people can be great support too - even complete strangers like those you meet in the C25K Challenge group on Facebook. Imagine posting that you've completed a run and then someone you've never met likes it and maybe even comment. That kind of support is just as good as that given by family and friends.

Tip of the day: Spread the Word!! Be proud of every single accomplishment no matter how small it is, and tell people about it 😊

Week 3 Day 2

Today I completed week 3 day 2 - and I have to say, that it was not as easy as on Tuesday, even though the program was the same. That had me questioning, what I have done differently from last time.

One thought was, that maybe I haven't hydrated well enough last night. I ran this morning and didn't have a lot to drink before heading out - only about a half liter but there wouldn't have been time for it to get around my system - and that was after 10 hours without any water.

So my tip for today is, that if you run in the morning make sure that you drink plenty of water the evening before so you're not to dehydrated the next morning, when it's time to hit the streets for your run.

Two Milestones

I have reached what I like to think of as two milestones within a few days. First I was supposed to complete week 2 on Saturday - but before I got out of the house we got a call from family, that we don't see often enough, and they asked us to lunch. Naturally we accepted but that meant postponing my run to Sunday. And I did run Sunday which was a huge accomplishment for me - I give the credit to the C25K program for making it easy.

The second milestone was passed today when I finished the first week 3 run - I had dreaded it a bit, thinking it would be really rough graduating to the 3 minutes runs - but it wasn't actually too bad. My breathing was controlled and the muscle burn in my legs were tolerable and manageable.

So this is me, giving myself a big pat on the shoulder for work well done - especially, since I got up at 4.15 am to make sure I got my run in today.

Week 2 Day 2

Today I completed week 2 day 2 and I have to say I still find it fairly easy to get through my runs eben though I'm sure it'll change soon enough!

That said, I should mention that I run outdoors and today there was more wind than I've experienced on the previous days. The wind did make it harder workout but not in a way that had me struggling.

So far I look forward to my scheduled running days and have not yet been tempted to skip a day.

Banana Snack

It's no secret that a huge reason for thus running business is, that I want to loose some weight. 1 year of maternity leave with too much cake and chocolate have put 6-8 kilos smack dab on my stomach.

Monday through Friday I try to avoid sugar and white bread, but being in school at the moment, often leaves me with cravings for something sweet.

So yesterday I made myself a healthier snack:

2 bananas
3 dl oats
4 tbsp peanut butter
4 tbsp cocoa (the real deal)

Mix it all together and stick it in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour. The roll it in to small balls and dip them in coconut.

They are actually really nice and will be in my fridge from now on as an alternative to chocolate.

Week 2 Day 1

Top of the morning to all of you out there!

Today, right this minute I feel great though the day didn't begin that way. After a frustrating meeting at the school I'm attending, I came home and immediately changed into my running clothes as the weather is supposed to be storm and rain later on today - it's already rather windy out there.

I've actually been itching to get going with week two and it felt good out there. I found week one fairly easy on my breathing during the jogs, and I'd thought about, how it was going to be with 30 seconds added to the jog. In reality there wasn't that bad, and I still found it easily doable.

So far I'm a big fan of the C25K program.

Snack Time

Today is the second day off before I begin week 2 tomorrow. We've finished dinner and our daughter is asleep. So it's time for a little snack - apple slices with peanut butter ☺

Tip: Add the peanut butter and then make sure to hide the jar 😉

Running Gear

What gear do you need to begin running? Not a whole lot really, but good running shoes are essential to avoid injuries.

If possible go to a specialist running shop and buy your shoes there. In the one I went to, they put me on a treadmill and video recorded me running. That way the could slow down the recording and get a clear idea of how I land on my feet etc. And they used that information to find the perfect shoe with optimum support  for me.

The shoes was the same (and priced equally) as those in your regular sports shop - the knowledge of what is needed in a running shoe for individuals is simply an added free bonus.

As for clothes nothing special is needed, however, I will recommend a base layer that keeps you dry. I had running tights, t-shirts and jacket stored all the way back in my closet - bought one of those other times where I thought I might take up running but never got around to it. I use it now and to be honest, they are more comfortable.

If your female then you also need a good supportive bra - there is nothing worse than having your assets bouncing all over the place.

I use my Ipod where I have downloaded the free podcast from www.runningintoshape.com made by Carly. She did not create the C25K program but she had made it easier by adding up-beat music and her voice telling you when it's time to jog or walk. I can really recommend it especially if you're just getting started - no need to look at watches or keeping track of how long you've jogged or walked for.

Becoming a runner

So...I've decided to become a runner. Question is, how do one go about it? Well, this blog will follow my journey.

A long time ago I downloaded the C25K podcast from runningintoshape.com but I never really got around to use it - but then I had a meltdown about a week ago when the scale read 69,9 kilo...that is minimum 10 kilos too much on my 158 centimetres...in height not wide that is!

I decided then and there that running was to be a part of my life and out came the running gear including the podcast.

Tuesday I did the first run and Today I completed the first week of 3 training days. I have to say I'm proud of myself.