Friday, September 30, 2011

Couch To 5K/1000 Day Challenge

9-28-11 Wow what a day!!! C25K Week 2 Day 3 This was absolutely one of the hardest runs for me ever. To begin with I had a stomach ache that threatened to stop my 1000 day challenge as well as the work out. My doctor recently tweeked my diabetes medication and I think it was too much. At any rate once I got to the track I was motivated to complete my mission for the day. Todays workout combined 90 sec runs with 90 second walks. My calfs and right shin were hurting so badly I could not do the entire workout as planned. I did however complete the 30 mins of aerobic exercise which kept my 1000 day challenge streak in tact. I Knew that to be succesful on my next run I was going have to change the routine somehow.  When I got home that evening it was weighing on my mind heavily, I decided that I would just slow down my pace and force myself to do the workout as prescribed. Also because I really felt like my legs were not strong anough I decided to repeat Week 2 for atleast another week to improve my leg strength and endurance.

I  received a email from a friend concerning the Buck Oneil 2.2 mile run/walk! This will be held  on November 12th which will give me time to build my indurance up to attempt running the entrire 2.2 miles. While I am very excited about testing myself I have decided not to overdue it.  If I feel like I can jog the entire distance I will, if not I will combine walking and running! Either way I am excited about the prospect of this challenge.

9-30-11 C25k Week 2 Day 3 1000 Day Challenge Day 82
My stomach was aching badly again today and could not get anough rest. Finally forced myself out of the house and to the track late morning. I began the workout with a brisk 5 min walk and alternated 90 sec runs with 90 sec walks. Today was painful again but legs definitely felt stronger.  My indurance is still suspect but it didnt feel overwhelming.  Calfs were in pain again but not unbearable. Strange thing when I completed my workout my stomach ache had decreased dramatically.  Because I have a family history of prostate cancer it was suggested that i combined aerobic exercise and weight lifting for maximum effectiveness in preventing prostate cancer. Been thinking alot about when I should start but really want to feel comfortable with my running before i begin lifting.  Promised myself that I would not delay the weightlifting to long.

Received a email verifying that I had been registered  for the Buck Oneil race............so there it is, I am preparing for my second official race.  Stay tuned for my next update.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Determined

I have recently decided that I lilke the idea of walking in 5k races. The only problem is at times I can have a very competitive nature! I walked in the KC Prostate Cancer race and was proud that I finished but slightly irritated that I didnt jog. You see several years ago I could have jogged the entire thing but not today!! It was at that time I decided to challenge myself to run an entire 5k. One of my friends suggested that I use a workout program called Couch to 5k which litterallly takes you from the couch to running a 5k. I started the 9 week program two weeks ago and found it to be extremely challenging but fun all at the same time. Although the workouts have been somewhat painful I am DETERMINED to stick with the program and plan on running my first 5k in March of 2012.
Almost three months ago I decided to begin a 1000 day aerobic workout challenge . The purpose of this challenge is to promote consistency with working out by doing some type of aerobic exercise for at least 10 minutes a day for 1000 straight days. With this is mind I decided to combine the 1000 day challenge with my desire to run a entire 5k. 

Week 1 Day 1 was not to difficult it began with a brisk 5 minute walk then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. Not bad very doable.

Yesterday's program was very tough! Week 2 Day 3 C25k. The program  began with a brisk five minute walk followed by  6 90 second runs with two minutes walks in between, folllowed by a five minute cool down walk. This was a significant jump from Week 1. Man I was sooooo tired and my entire body was aching but I refuse to let the mental part of this prevent me from completing the physical part. My legs felt so heavy as well as my breathing and it was all I could do to complete the routine.  Today is much better although I feel tightness in my back I dont have any soreness in my legs and I slept very well last night. Starting to become little skeptial about whether this program will work but have decided to trust the concept and see where it lands me.

The program requires you to work out every other day but also suggest you do it at your own pace. Hmmm lets see how this plays out.  Check back with me in a couple of days!