Week 3- Days 15,16, 17

This week started off with a bit of a hiccup... I skipped the run on Monday in order to clean my apartment and recover from a totally crazy Holy Week. 

On Tuesday, I jumped right back into training and did my walk.  I was totally unprepared for the cold snap that we had early this week and because I was horribly underdressed I had to cut my walk short by 10 minutes.  I'm not too discouraged by my bumby start to this week, after all I am still working out at least 5 days a week which for me is pretty freaking awesome.  I will very soon have to take my runs a little more seriously in order to really get my training where it needs to be to start the distance training in June.

Wednesday was a challenging day, but one that I am proud to say that I overcame and did a great run.  I procrastinated my run for hours, but finally found myself on the treadmill for the full 30 minutes.  I might have cheated the last few seconds on the faster interval, but I felt really good after this run with not very much soreness.

I still need to work on a stretching routine for after my workout. Right now my runs are not very long or strenuous, but when I start adding significant time and distance the risk of injury will increase.  As I just officially registered for the Marathon TODAY, I would hate to be laid up with a pulled muscle or worse. After all, the registration fee is non-refundable.

While going through the registartion, I started to feel much more serious about my training.  This is real now. I'm registered.  Signed on the dotted line.  I also was pretty freaked to see that in order to officially finish the race you must finish in 6 hours 15 minutes.  I was horrified at the thought that it would be possible to run a full 26.2 miles and not get the medal, or t-shirt, or "officially finish". I know that I would feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment just to cross the finish line at all, but for me I need that validation and recognition on paper!  The pace for the race is 13:44 minutes per mile to fininsh in time and now I have a realistic goal to work for.

Even though I'm still not loving all this running, I might be hating it a little less every day.

Day 9 & 10

St Paul Skyline

Monday- I am really happy with my workout on Monday. I pushed myself during my running intervals and even though I did get really tired toward the end, I was proud of myself.  I was especially proud of myself because as I was getting out of my car to walk into the Y I twisted my ankle stepping in a hole in the pavement.  I promptly sat back down in my car and decided that I couldn't run on a hurt ankle, could I.  As I drove around the block and the initial shock of the injury faded, I parked my car and decided that I was alright to run and would be thoroughly disappointed if I didn't get my run in. Yay me!

Tuesday- This was a really disappointing day. I was completely unmotivated to even think about taking a walk.  I drove around hoping inspiration would hit me and I would be excited to workout, but alas that did not happen.  I eventually settled on walking along Rasperry Island along the river in Saint Paul.  So far my walks have not been as pleasant as I anticipated them to be, and my calves burned more during my walk then they did on Monday during my run. I depserately need new shoes! On the up side, the scenery was beatufil and the sunset over the city did help make the walk worth it.

Harriet Island Bandshell

Day 8- Week Two: Can you believe it?!

Week Two! 

To catch you up:  Thursday was a choir day, which I totally forgot until I was already at work and so I did not get my run in early.  I also talked myself out of getting the run in after choir, it was just too late (a whopping 8:30pm).  I'm a little disappointed in myself for that, but I have to let it go.  On Friday I was so proud of myself. I woke up early and got my run in before work! This is quite an accomplishment for me since I still don't really love running and mornings are not my favorite time of the day.  I have to admit though, I didn't really push myself during this run.  I am going to have to work on challenging myself to work through the pain and get past to the next level (something to work on during week 2).  Saturday was my official off day, so I took it. (I know I didn't run on Thursday... but it happens).  Sunday was a great workout.  I set goals and pushed myself to keep an even pace. I was able to jog more than I had earlier in the week.  I still need to work on my legs. They are totally my weakness right now. My calves start to burn like they are on fire after just a little jogging.  Hopefully, as I get stronger that will not be as much of an issue.  I am also looking into getting running shoes sometime next week.

My fundraising is going well. I've had two donations so far already, and one for $100! (Thanks MaryJo) I'm not too concerned right now with the fundraising since it's just the beginning of the second week. I know that when my family and friends see how committed to this race I am the money will come pouring in, right?!

Tonight's workout is a 25 minute run 2 /walk 1. I got this!

Overview of this week's workout:

Monday- 25 min Run 2/ Walk 1
Tuesday- 30 min Easy Walk
Wednesday- 25 min Run 2/ Walk 1
Thursday- 30 min Easy Walk
Friday- 25 min Run 2/ Walk 1
Saturday- 35 min Run 2/ Walk 1
Sunday- EASTER DINNER! (Rest day)