Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Where Am I? (Volume 8) … Answer: RUNNING!

Life has been kicking me around a little this past week. I’m overdue on the blogging and out of touch on the reading. Rather than having a fun-filled weekend, I ended up working all day on Saturday. Instead of socializing on Sunday, I did long-overdue yard-work (which is fun in a way, but I'm beginning to miss human beings). To top it off, neither my husband nor I are sleeping well … he has the “can’t get to sleep” insomnia and I have the “stressed out about work and waking up extra-early” insomnia. It’s a barrel of fun around here, I tell you what.

In the midst of all of this, exercise and eating are going pretty well. Let’s discuss the gory details, shall we? Because it is Tuesday … time for the “where am I in my weight loss exercise and wellness journey” stats check.

Exercise: My goal was 3x cardio via couch to 5k workouts and 2x strength training. I did my couch to 5k runs, but (once again) I only got one strength training workout in. I probably worked my muscles some by doing the yard work (it involved hauling heavy stuff around), but in my opinion that doesn’t count as OFFICIAL strength training. So, technically, I did not meet my exercise goal.

HOWEVER …

I’m THRILLED to say that I successfully ran 25 minutes this past Saturday! Woo hoo! Twenty five minutes! That’s a lot of running. I ran slow but steady and I got it done. It wasn’t even that bad. I think the run before it was harder (two 10 minute runs separated by a 3 minute walk), which makes no sense at all. Thinking about what made that run hard and the Saturday run easier, I bet some of it was the time of day. I ran the two 10-minute runs at the end of a very long, hard work day. On the other hand, I did my Saturday run in the morning, post coffee but pre- everything else. Plus, it was a beautiful day, and I was able to enjoy my own music for the first time, and … it was a good morning.

I am NOT a morning person, but maybe I could become a morning person when it comes to running. Hmmmm. I’ll have to consider it. I can always try it, and if it doesn’t work out go back to afternoons. Besides, if I keep waking up well before my alarm, I might as well get something done, right?

Today I run 25 minutes again, then I do it again on Thursday (come to think of it, Thursday would be a perfect day to try a morning run, since I’m busy that night), and then on Saturday I go up to 28 minutes! Wow.

I read an interesting post by MomOf3 - she’s also doing the couch to 5k program. She mentioned that sometimes when she runs for periods of time that she’s never run before, she has the urge to just STOP. She isn’t in pain, she isn’t incapable … but something inside her tells her to stop. I SO can relate to this. I’ve experienced that many times during this couch to 5k program, and it’s very odd. What is it that makes us feel that stopping is the answer, even when the messages from our body tell us that we really can keep going? I have no idea. But the good news for me is that during my 20 minute run, I didn’t hear that "time to stop" voice. I had no strange urge to stop running … and I tell you, those last five minutes were uncomfortable. But I REALLY wanted it, and I did it.

Again, another example of how mental this running thing is. Who knew?

Anyway, the running is going well, and every time I put those running shoes on I’m able to do more than I ever thought I could do. That feeling is GREATNESS.

Now, on to weight loss (which, if you recall, is not my primary focus these days, but I still have my eye on losing a couple more pounds) …

Weight loss since last Tuesday: 1.4 lbs (135.4 vs. 134.0). I’m glad to see I took off that 0.2 lbs I gained last week, plus more. More than I expected at this point in my journey, actually. I guess there’s something to be said for working your tail off all the time … if you’re heads down at work, you’re not out making bad eating choices. (Honestly, I’d still choose less work, though.)

Weight loss since fall 2007 (most recent leg of weight loss journey): 18.4 lbs (152.4 vs. 134.0).

Total weight lost (entire weight loss journey): 33 lbs (167 vs. 134.0).

All in all I had a good week when it comes to eating and exercise. No badges earned … but I earned the “I ran 25 miles!” badge that exists in my head, and that’s good enough for me!

15 comments:

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

Excellent week! I'm so glad you're able to stay focused during the stressy work time!

Holly said...

Sounds like a great week for you! Congrats on the loss and the great running!! I hope work eases up a bit for you though..

Kate said...

Good job keeping your focusing, even though other areas in your life are stressful...go you!

Also good job on completing the run, way to go.

Anonymous said...

I think you had a great week and, even though you're not really all about the loss right now, congratulations anyway. :-) That's a great loss!

Awesome run, too! I cannot even imagine a 25-minute run yet. Go you!

V.

sauchagirl said...

You are in such a great mind set right now you are soaring! That's awesome that the running is working so well for you. I'm sorry work is so stressful but you seem to be handling it real well. Great job!

RunToTheFinish said...

Way to go on the running! Once you learn what you can do..the rest becomes easier...not easy, but easier!

healthy ashley said...

Ahh, Happy, you are amazing! I am so proud.

I say you should give the morning running a shot. I'd really like to incorporate it into my schedule. That way, no matter what happens throughout the day, I got my workout in. Do it!

Hanlie said...

Well done! I hope you get the stress sorted out and sleep better.

briy said...

I agree with dietbook... I just started week 2 of C25k and I can't even imagine a 25 minute run yet! Before I started C25k I was just sort of doing my own thing, coming up with my own training plan, and I got up to 12 minute runs on a fairly regular basis, but it was always around then that that "I want to STOP really really bad" voice became really loud, and I listened to it. But I'm hopeful! I can do it! I REALLY can't wait to get there so I can listen to my own music. I'm using Ullrey's podcasts, and bless him for making the things, but that techno dance stuff isn't my running style. I'm even considering sucking it up and trying to make some of of my own for the mid-length runs.

Anyway, I just stopped by to say thanks for the welcome to HYC! Congratulations on your weight loss and sticking to your plans in the face of adversity. That's something I struggle with a lot. I hope you sleep better soon!

~briy

Anonymous said...

Well done that is an awesome week of working out. I hope the sleeping thing sorts itself out soon.

MomOf4 said...

Thanks for the mention in your blog! You made my day! I tell you, Dori works for me! Just keep swimming (running) even when you hear that little voice that wants you to stop! :) (If you have not seen Finding Nemo this will make no sense. It really is a good movie. I should know as my kids and I have watched it 1 million times! Ha!)

Heather said...

great job this week! amazing loss and you are doing so well with the exercise.

Cherry Dolphin said...

Congrats on your loss and exercise!!!

Anonymous said...

Running for 25 minutes is great! I am running tonight and I am hoping to run for 20 solid minutes this time. We shall see.

You are doing great on your runs. Just keep going and you will be running the entire 5k in no time.

Susie said...

ok- i just left a comment--and it disappeared..how frustrating is that!!! Hope it doesn't post 2x.
You are quite the superstar and hard worker. Great job on the weight loss!!! and the running!!!! Sorry work has been stressful. I hope you and your hubby sleep better this week. Keep that momentum going!