Week 2

After three days off (oops) we got back to it today. I mentioned we're starting out with The Couch-to-5K Running Plan right? It's pretty awesome for anyone who is not a runner or even an active person. You run three days a week, alternating between walking and jogging and as the weeks progress, you increase the jog time vs. walk time. It's so easy to be successful, even if you have no experience beyond the hell of high school P.E.

Today we went 2.4 mi at 14'35" per mile. Also, I was feeling so good at the end of our workout, I decided to just keep jogging as long as I could. I made it 5 minutes, probably about a third of a mile. It might seem like no big deal, but I felt pretty awesome having accomplished something which not too long ago seemed impossible.

Up-cycling DIY

I wasn't going to run today. My legs are sore and I was feeling pretty lazy after sitting in a movie theater this afternoon (BTW go see Brave, you will not regret it!). So I was wasting time on Pinterest and came across this:

I've seen a few variations of it and always think "I can do that!" So, today I did. It only took about 15 minutes and by the end of it, I couldn't wait to get out and show it off. I think it's a great way to salvage old shirts that might otherwise end up forgotten on a shelf or hauled off to Goodwill. Want to try it yourself? Just click the picture, I've linked to the tutorial I followed.

This was Day 3, 2.3mi at 14'59" per mile.

Running with dogs

Stella is a rescue dog. I had never had a dog before, had never met her, didn't even know she was female when she came into my life. Luckily, she turned out to be practically perfect for me. Just the right temperament, activity level, tolerance for crazy people and appetite for leftovers.

Turns out, however, we are not good running buddies. My comfortable jogging speed is barely faster than a good power walk. This makes it an uncomfortable in-between walk and trot speed for her. Also, when we go for our walks she is on a long retractible leash and has plenty of freedom to run ahead and stop to smell the roses while I catch up. When we run, I've got her on a shorter, standard nylon leash so no more stopping for her.

I've always thought one of the biggest differences between human kids and dog kids is that you can teach them both the same tricks, but the dog kids will never learn why they have to do it and so will remain static. For example, I have taught Stella to always walk on the sidewalk and only go in the street with me to cross it. Eventually you can teach a child why this is important and they can learn when it is ok to be in the street for reasons other than crossing it. Dogs can't figure that one out. So I want to run in the street (our route is residential streets with wide bike lanes) and she keeps pulling my arm off, trying to get back onto the sidewalk. On the one hand, I'm really proud that she has learned such an important safety "trick." Heaven forbid she ever gets out on her own, she probably won't be running in the street. On the other hand, I want her to knock it off and stick by my side already! This might be a tricky habit to change. I'm hoping the use of different leashes for walks and runs will help me teach her that some behaviors are ok on a particular leash only. It will be a test for us both, any suggestions?

BTW today was Day 2, 2.6 mi., average pace of 15'13"

MP3 Arm Wallet

A word of advice - if you haven't run in a year, 2.5mi might be too much for your first day back. I am SORE today! But I still feel awesome so it's worth it.

To avoid over-doing it, today I'm "window" shopping for gear I need. One thing I recently added to my wardrobe is this crocheted Sweat Blossom MP3 Arm Wallet. I found the pattern at Ravelry, my new favorite website, and it's free to download! Right up my alley.

I made mine with Lily Sugar 'n Cream, it's 100% cotton and I've found it holds up well in the washing machine - muy importante when this baby is hanging out mere inches from sweaty armpits! What do you think?

Day 1 - June 21

Today Stella and I jog/walked 2.58mi. We kept an average pace of 14'58" which I was really pleased with at first. Then I realized that makes my 13mi run almost 3.5 hours! Somehow I didn't really think about how long this thing is going to be... Anyway, seeing as the majority of today was walking rather than jogging I guess I should just be pleased, it seems like a good starting point.

Run 'n Stuff

So I'm running a marathon in January... ok, a half marathon. Still quite overwhelming seeing as I haven't been running in about a year. Until today that is. I went out today after work with Stella, my dog. We're starting with Couch to 5K and in 9 weeks will (hopefully) be starting Jeff Galloway's 1/2 Marathon program.

 Stella can't run with me in January - did I mention this run will be at Disneyland? Woo Hoo! - but my sister, Gail, and our friend, Nicole, will be. In fact, Gail has graciously paid my entry fee as I'm all poor and barely unemployed and whatnot...

 In an effort to keep myself motivated and accountable, I thought I'd start chronicling my training experiences here. This summer may be a bit tricky, I'm working a temp job with no consistency of scheduling but I can't afford to wait til fall, so I'll just be fitting in runs as best I can. Come fall, things should get easier. I already have running time worked into my school schedule and I can't wait to check out the new (to me) track and fitness center at my college!

 It may not be the most exciting or interesting blog ever, but if you do stop by to read please leave comments now and then to keep me going. Knowing people are watching will guilt me into not giving up if all else fails!