So the last two times I've tried to run have been pretty bad - and it doesn't end when the run ends. When I wasn't able to finish the scheduled run the last couple times the disappointment seemed to follow me throughout the day putting me in a funk that would affect my work and my mood when I got home.
Today was scheduled to be my third time doing this same run (that I have not yet been able to complete in it's entirety). The last two attempts have ended in crazy panting, legs that feel like lead, and side stitches. I wasn't sure if I should just chalk this up to my time of the month but everything I've read makes me think I'm just trying to go faster than I'm really able.
Today I decided to try a slower pace. I still kept my warm-up and cool down at 3.5mph. But instead of running at a 10 minute mile pace I decreased it to a 10:54 minute mile. The walking parts in between the jogs I decided to bump down to 3.2mph (instead of keeping it at 3.5 like my warm-up/cool down). What a difference! There was no heavy panting, and while the last 20 seconds of the last jog really started to burn my legs, they certainly weren't lead. And best of all - I didn't feel the need to collapse in the locker room afterwards for 5-10 minutes before finding the energy to take a shower. Amazing!
I have to say at first I felt really guilty about slowing my pace. This is not what I wanted for myself when I started. I really wanted to keep it at a 10 minute mile, so when I finally transitioned to outside I wouldn't be upset when I would possibly go down to a 12 minute mile (it just looks so much harder outside - nothing to pull your feet under you and having to propel yourself forwards against wind certainly seems to slow things down in my mind). But what's the point of trying to push myself to do something I'm just not ready for? All I was doing was failing and than feeling miserable.
I think what I'm going to do now is stick with the slower paces. Once I start working up to where I can go a half hour jogging without taking walk breaks then I will focus on increasing my speed. I just need to remind myself that it is ok to take the time to reassess every few weeks and adjust accordingly.
I've already got my positive feeling back which is so much more motivating. This Sunday I'm increasing my jogging intervals from 3 minutes to 5 minutes with shorter breaks in between. Exciting!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Good-bye January! Good-bye 9.6 pounds!
So as of January 1, I was an amazing 270. Yesterday I clocked in at an amazing 260.4. Obviously, I'm quite happy with how the first month has gone.
I've had quite a number of cheat meals too. I let myself have about 2 a week (one with coworkers and one with the family). I've really come to savor my cheat meals too. I don't bother eating the things that I never really cared for but ate anyway (french fries for example), I cheat for the stuff that seriously makes my taste buds happy. On Saturday hubby and I finally had our anniversary date (you know, that one that we were never able to schedule for our September anniversary). We got couples massages and then headed to a wine and cheese place for lunch. That's my gold - cheese! We got a meat, cheese, and olive plate for starters and my lunch was a super soft pita with fig jam, goat cheese and sundried tomatoes. I should have taken a picture - it was a work of art. It was so darn good. Even though the meal was mostly fat, I still think I could have made much worse decisions.
I currently have myself set up to work out 6 times a week. 3 days running, 2 days "other cardio" (which usually takes the form of elliptical with the occassional zumba or spin class) and 1 day strength training. Strength training with Greg (husband) always leaves me sore for a couple days, but I suppose that's a good thing. At least he knows what he's doing :) Thursdays are my day off, so this morning I got to sleep in to the ripe old hour of 6:25. I've been having problems getting into work on time since incorporating excercise into my morning routine. I was able to get in on time today, because of my day off, but tomorrow I need to try to start getting to the gym even earlier so I'll be up at 5:30. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up this schedule. Methinks I'll need to stick to a strict bedtime of 10:30. We'll see if I can manage that!
I've had quite a number of cheat meals too. I let myself have about 2 a week (one with coworkers and one with the family). I've really come to savor my cheat meals too. I don't bother eating the things that I never really cared for but ate anyway (french fries for example), I cheat for the stuff that seriously makes my taste buds happy. On Saturday hubby and I finally had our anniversary date (you know, that one that we were never able to schedule for our September anniversary). We got couples massages and then headed to a wine and cheese place for lunch. That's my gold - cheese! We got a meat, cheese, and olive plate for starters and my lunch was a super soft pita with fig jam, goat cheese and sundried tomatoes. I should have taken a picture - it was a work of art. It was so darn good. Even though the meal was mostly fat, I still think I could have made much worse decisions.
I currently have myself set up to work out 6 times a week. 3 days running, 2 days "other cardio" (which usually takes the form of elliptical with the occassional zumba or spin class) and 1 day strength training. Strength training with Greg (husband) always leaves me sore for a couple days, but I suppose that's a good thing. At least he knows what he's doing :) Thursdays are my day off, so this morning I got to sleep in to the ripe old hour of 6:25. I've been having problems getting into work on time since incorporating excercise into my morning routine. I was able to get in on time today, because of my day off, but tomorrow I need to try to start getting to the gym even earlier so I'll be up at 5:30. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up this schedule. Methinks I'll need to stick to a strict bedtime of 10:30. We'll see if I can manage that!
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