Finally got back out

At 8am I woke up. I thought, wow, I'm still tired. I was about to go back to sleep, but thought no...I need to get up and go running. This is the last weekday before Stuart starts working again. I need to do what I can now before I will have to drag 6 kids down to do it with me.

Finally at 8:45 I get out the door. It was getting warm already. I walked for about 15 minutes and then did week 3. I did 3 min. run, 3 min. walk, 90 sec run, 3 min walk (which is longer than I should have), 3 minute run, 4 min walk (another one longer than it should have been), and then 90 sec run followed by a lot of walking.

By the 2nd half of the workout, I was getting really pooped. I really had to push myself to go. It was hot and I was tired. 85 degrees at 9am...not cool. Hopefully I can get out earlier next time and that I won't be so exhausted.

Funny little side story. When I run I bring a bottle of water and a book to the park and leave them on the table while I do the running. I read when I walk before and after. Today I put my water on one of the tables. There is grandma at another table talking on the phone and 'watching' 3 grandkids...probably around 2-5 yrs old. I put my water on the table and started walking for my 5 minute warmup walk...while I read of course. As I am approaching the end of the warmup period, I go to get a drink of water. ONLY to discover...it's missing! It wasn't a windy day and there weren't any dogs or cats running around. It could have only been the kids. I had overheard them say something like..."she has water" when I first got there. So, I ask them (while grandma is still on the phone) "Did you take my water" to which they responded "no". Um, ya, I think you did. I didn't say anything and went home and got another water and left it somewhere different while I ran.

Phew, it's hot!

I just went out and walked for an hour. It is 102 degrees outside....that's warm! I am going to try to do my workouts in the early morning from now on! That felt good though. PLUS...I got to read! YAY!

Ready, Set, begin again!

So, here's the plan. I am more serious than ever!

My Dad gave me a diet and fitness journal last year (that I never did use), and I am going to use it to keep track of my eating and exercise.

Here's the plan....

Monday, Wednesday, Friday...work on couch to 5k and do additional walking for a total of 60 minutes.
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday....Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred workout video...and if I am up to it, a 60 minute walk.

I did calculations and I am suppose to be eating 1909 calories to maintain my weight. My goal now is 1200 a day, with a max of 1400. It takes 3500 calories to equal a lbs lost..so with eating fewer calories and working out, I hope to lose at least 2 lbs a week.

Back on track....

The day after my last post, my 3 yr old son got into an accident and was in the hospital and had surgery and all that jazz. That was totally draining emotionally, mentally, and physically. I got out of my routine and never got back into it.

The weather here has now gotten hot. So, this summer, my plan isn't to run much. I am going to stick with workout DVDs and losing weight and start running again in a few months. I have really noticed my lack of energy when I don't work out. I feel blah. I will get back in the habit on Monday. YAY!

Sickness

I haven't done any running last week or this week. Last Wednesday I was feeling HORRIBLE and that continued for a few days. I am still not feeling 100%, but better then the end of last week. I still can't breathe through my nose, so running is going to be a pain. We will see how I feel Wednesday.

Oops.

I haven't been writing on my blog. Life has been so busy.

Last Friday, I walked for about 10 minutes, ran for 3 1/2 min., walked for 2, ran for 4, and walked a lot after that.

On Monday, nothing happened. My running buddy was sick and I had a lot to do...so I just took a day off.

Today (Tuesday), I did A LOT of walking. So much that my feet hurt. I did a field trip with a school class, walked all around Costco, and later spent 2ish hours in Target with 6 kids...so I say...ya, I got my workout in today.

Today was VERY warm. My outside workouts won't last much longer. The hunt begins for a good in door workout video.

whoohoo

This morning I really didn't want to go run. It would have been so easy not to. But, I got going and did it.

For today's run I decided to try 4 minutes again. I did 4 min run, 3 min walk, 4 run, 3 walk, 4 run, 3 walk. When I was in the 2-3 minute mark I really wanted to stop. But I kept going and by the time 4 minutes rolled around, I could have kept going...but I thought my knee would hate me. Strange that there is an little barrier at 3 minutes. Maybe it is just where I feel comfortable, since I have been there for so long.

Today I noticed just how slow I am. I was thinking...I bet people walk faster than I run, haha. But for now, I think I will just focus on running and worry about speed later.

For Friday I think i will try what I did today again. My knee isn't bothering me at all. Yipee!

Yesterday

For yesterday's workout I did a regular week 3 workout. For some reason I was SOO tired. I could have fallen asleep on the grass at any point in time. I am wondering if my eating sugar does this to me. We had a birthday this last weekend, and we have birthday cake coming out our ears. My goal today...no sugar. We will see how tomorrows workout goes.

Yesterday's workout wasn't too hard. The first 3 minutes seemed just fine. Not hard at all, but by the time I got to the 2nd 3 minutes, that was a little challenging. When I was all done, I wasn't sore, didn't hurt, my knee was fine..but I could still fall asleep anywhere.   

Another zoo workout

Instead of running on Friday (4-22-11), we went to the zoo. The last time we were at the zoo, it was quite the workout. This time around, we didn't do as much walking and it wasn't as hot, but we were still pooped. We were at the zoo for 6.5 hours. We took a tour of the zoo for a half hour and got to sit down a little bit here and there, but I was on my feet for the rest of the time. It was quite a workout.

Kicking my butt

Today kicked my butt!

No running buddy today...but I survived with listening to Ace of Base. :D

Since I don't think my knee would do too well with the week 4 workout (specifically running for 5 minutes), I just did something in between week 3 and 4. I started with walking for 7 minutes. I had then plan to run 3 minutes. The first minute I did great but when the 60 second mark came, my butt was kicked and I slowed down. By the time 3 minutes rolled around, I thought, I could do another 30 seconds and when that came around I decided to do 4 minutes. When I got to 4 minutes I was on a role and could have kept going. But I decided against it...because I don't think my knee would like me too much at 5 minutes. I then walked for 5 minutes and then ran for another 4 minutes. and walked for about 5 or so minutes.

It was a nice good workout! It kicked my butt, but not too much.

Great start to the week!

I was rearing to go! I was excited about this mornings workout. After not running at all last week it was past time. This morning I brought my favorite music along with me. ACE OF BASE! Yes, you read that right. I love Ace of Base. I love the music. The beat is wonderful, they don't swear, and I just love them!
The music really got me walking fast for my warm up walk. That was awesome. Then I got to start running and listening to my music. That was even awesomer.

Today I ran for 3 min. 3 times with walking in between. I wanted to do a little more than regular week three. Oh, and 2 of those 3 minutes I actually ran for 3 min. 30 sec....and I was so happy I could do it! YAY! It feels so good to get out there and run. Plus, it was super fun to have my music to listen to.

And here they are....

Healthwise.... My knee wasn't bothering me at all today! YAY!!! SO happy with that. I still have a cold, but I can breathe! YAY!

I hope Wednesday goes as well as today did.

Shhh, don't tell anyone

My knee has been bugging me today. The most it has this week. Really strange. That is why I didn't run this morning. Well, I went to get the kids from school. I have to admit, I ran some of it! Two of my kids were on bikes and I had the jogging stroller. Never thought I would run to get the kids at school...but why not?

I am really liking this running thing. I don't know what has changed. I have always hated it...up until a few months ago. It feels really good to run. Even though I can't do it for very long...I enjoy it and I can't wait to run longer spurts....and eventually a 5k...and eventually a 10k and then RAGNAR!!!!

Kind of a bust week

For Wednesday I wasn't as tired, but I was very stuffy. We have had a cold going around and I was the last person to get it. I went to work out and started walking and talking with my friend. I couldn't breathe while talking...plus my knee was bugging me, so we just walked and talked.

For Friday's workout...it was even worse. My cold is getting better, but my knee is really bothersome. I realized...huh, maybe walking that 3.1 miles (aka 5k) on Saturday was a little much and my knee screamed...yea. The Dr. said not to over do it...but I did. I just walked for 30 minutes and called it good.

Hopefully Monday will be better.

No go Monday

Yesterday and today I have been SO SO tired. I don't know what's going on. I am not normally like this. It might be a woman thing or I am just getting sick from the sickness the kids have.

Last night my 4yr old kept me up for a while in the middle of the night, so I was still totally pooped in the morning. So, no working out today.

Hopefully I will be rested tomorrow.

My first 5k!

A lady in my ward (aka my Church) put together a 10k run called Sister Warrior. What a wonderful idea! There a quite a few runners in our ward. I knew I wasn't ready for a 10k, but I had heard that several ladies were going to do a 5k. I decided that I would give it a try. Thankfully Christy (the one putting it together), had a marker showing where the 5k was. I was a little nervous because my workouts right now are no more than 30 minutes.

It was rainy and cold (low 40s). I wore a thick warm black sweater thing and my big purple sun hat, which did a GREAT job of keeping the water off my face. We got our numbers and a cute little headband that says "Sister Warriors". I got to walk the first half with a lady I had never met....but we had a lot in common. So fun to get to know people that you wouldn't have normally met. The 2nd half I was by myself. While I was walking next to the canal I got to listen and watch the birds. It was actually really neat. At this point in time I was actually getting quite warm. So I took off my jacket...and then got cold...haha. As I got to the finish line, everyone cheered. YAY!

I was fine for a little while...but then got really cold. Some ladies had blue lips! Freaky! It was fun getting to chat with the woman and drink hot chocolate and eat a little food. I will for sure do this again. I wish I had timed myself. The only time I looked at my clock was at 7:51 and that was a few minutes after I had reached the 1/2 way point.

Thank you so much Christy for putting this whole thing together!!! I had a lot of fun!

They printed out my number again because mine fell apart from the rain. Oh, and notice how the only time my  hair has any body it's because it's a wet tangled mess. I actually kind of like it...haha. 

Had to get a picture with my 'Sister Warrior's headband! Super cute!

Oh, that wasn't too bad!

Monday and Wednesday kicked my butt with the 3 minute runs. However today it wasn't too bad. Much better than Monday and Wednesday. The weather was/is beautiful! I little chilly, but if you are running, it's kind of awesome. The two ladies I was working out with this week both couldn't make it, but another lady did! If we all show up on one day, there will be 4 of us. Kinda cool!

I think next week I will want to do the 3 minute runs again. I want to take it slow and not injure my knee again. My knee is doing really well. It will occasionally get a little sore, but I just ice it and I'm fine! YAY!

I am loving the way it makes me feel!

This morning we did the same as Monday..except I think we skipped the last 90 sec. part. Whoo, today was hard. Don't know why. I have been so tired lately and yesterday I was especially blahish (love that word I made up? ;) ).  There are 3 of us ladies running now and it's so fun!

Today, right after working out. 1 of the ladies and I went and helped clean someone's house and we got another workout in.  :)...that was really fun too.

I love getting to know all of the wonderful ladies around me!

Oh, I have noticed on my working out days that I have more energy. Kinda cool.

Week 3...again

I think this is actually our 6th week of working out, but between missing most of the week during spring break and my knee injury, we haven't actually done a whole week of week 3. So, here we are, trying it again.

We didn't run on Friday. My husband was in the hospital and between playing single parent and all of the emotional stuff, I was just pooped on Friday.

This morning I found myself thinking..."ugg, i don't want to go, I rather just stay at home". This is the day I needed the accountability of actually meeting someone!!...that way I HAVE to go.

My normal workout buddy wasn't there today, but another wonderful lady has decided to join us and we got to run together. We did 3 minutes of running, 3 minutes of walking, 90 seconds of running, 90 seconds of walking...and we did that 2 times. I was a little worried. The last time I did this is when I hurt my knee. We had a great workout. It for sure pushed me further than I thought I could go...but I did it and it felt really good!

I have learned to pace myself more now also, which really helps it seem easier. Sure, I might not go very fast, but I actually run farther, because I don't slow down to a snail's pace because I wore myself out too soon.

I hope the rest of this week goes as well as today did.

What a workout!

We did it again today..2 min. run/2 min walk...so 2 days in a row. Today was hard! I was really sweating after I was done. Well, that might be due to the fact that it's getting hotter. I got a good work out and that made me feel great.

I came home and showered...only to go get sweaty again..haha.

We went to a park that is 1/2 a mile away, stayed a few hours and walked home...so 1 mile there. Then about 30 minutes later, I went to get the kids at school and walked a total of another mile....which is where I normally get my 1 mile a day.
...then I came home and did a little cleaning and dishes. Not too hard by its self, but with the workout I got today...plus the fact that it is 82+ degrees in the house...yay, I am pooped.

I don't know how so many moms do it...running several miles and taking kids to soccer practice and what not, and some working on top of it! They must have a lot of energy. Hopefully someday I will too!

Yet another great day!

We weren't able to work out yesterday, so we got to it today. It was a good workout! We bumped it up a little. I don't think my knee was ready for 2 3 minute runs again so we stuck to running for 2 min. walking for 2 minutes. We finished over an hour ago and my knee is fine! YAY! AND my arches are fine too. Double YAY! The only downer is that it's getting hot...yuck!

I am so happy today was good. I got a good workout, but my body cooperated!

Progress!

All this week my knee has been hurting. Sometimes the pain is more, sometimes it is just an annoyance.

When I woke up this morning, my knee was slightly sore. I took a nap later because I was just so tired. When I woke up from my nap, my knee was fine! First day this week where it didn't hurt! SO happy about that. I was planning on walking about 2 miles today, but after my nap it is just getting too warm. :( 

That will teach me! 

Anyways, I am so happy my knee isn't hurting today...and I didn't take any meds for it either. 

Great way to end the week.

This morning started out with some excitement. The place we usually go to do our runs had a huge coyote roaming around! Eek! So we postponed our workout till this evening. It went really well. We did 90 sec. of running, 2 minutes of walking. We were both really amazed! We went really far in 90 seconds! The farthest we had gone yet! YAY! We aren't fast, but we are getting faster. So exciting to see it.

My knee was acting up, but I just pushed past the pain, not too bad. It wasn't as tight after the workout as it was  on Wednesday. This might sound strange...it was actually neat to push through the pain. Knowing that I can do it makes me want to try even harder. I just have to remember to not push myself too hard. If I do, my knee won't get better. I don't want that!

Oh, and my shoes....no arch pain! YAY!! So happy. I love my shoes and am so happy I don't have to return them.

I am actually thinking of going for a long walk tomorrow...while reading my book. Yes, I can read and walk.
The thought has occurred to me that it would be really fun to have an elliptical and/or a treadmill. Someday! ....maybe even a YMCA membership...but that's not going to happen anytime soon.

Oh, a good day!

First..I used my running shoes, and the arches didn't hurt much!! I mean, my feet were burning when I was running, but not really much arch pain like I have had! YAY!!!!

Second...the knee. All the pain was gone this morning when I woke up! I didn't take any meds, just prayed. TOTALLY amazing how well it works. My knee was bothering me when I was running. We had cut back and only ran for 90 sec. at a time, I can't imagine how much it would have hurt if I did 3 minutes again. After I was all done my knee was hurting still and I could feel it getting REALLY tight. I iced it for 20-30 minutes and that helped a lot. It still is a little sore, but I am so happy that it isn't worse! YAY!

Such a good day! Yipee!

How bad is it that I want to go again? :D I better not. Gotta rest it so I don't injure myself more. 

Little added benefits!

My goal with this adventure was not to lose weight. I try not to go down that road (the lets lose weight road). I will eat healthier and now working out, but I am a perfectionist and I don't like to admit defeat and hate it when I can't fulfill my perfectionist desires. So, saying "I am going to lose weight" is actually really scary for me..because I don't know if I can say that and actually make it happen.

For the record. I am NOT saying "I will lose weight". I know I will because there is no way I couldn't...but I am not setting any goals for myself in that arena. It was actually sad when they weighted me today at the Dr. office. I weight now, what I did when I had Josh! That was 19 months ago! I have NEVER not lost weight after a baby...until now. Granted, I still haven't lost all 40 lbs I gained with my oldest's pregnancy...but I lost some. It is a VERY good thing I don't have a scale at home....because I think it would hinder my adventure.

You're probably reading this thinking..."I thought she said added benefits..."

So, what has happened since I started the Couch to 5k program...I am eating less and the things that aren't good for me are much easier to say no too. Tonight I went to Oreganos with some friends. I ate 1.5 slices of really yummy Chicago style pizza. by the middle of the 2nd slice I was looking at it thinking, gross. It tastes good, but really, how much butter is in this crust to make it so flaky and wow, all of this cheese really isn't helping. So 1/2 a slice went to waste..but not to my hips haha.

I haven't been putting a lot of focus on food. I am taking this slow. The food thing is slowly coming along on it's own. Anything I jump into doesn't last (like a totally clean house)..but if I work on it a little bit at a time, I will get better.

Oh, and I will be saving that pazookie I didn't get for another trip :)

...is it bad that it's after 11pm and I want to go workout to burn off what I ate? haha...This is a whole new side of me. Wow. I think I will just sit her and dance while listening to my favorite songs...I gotta go to bed!

The verdict

After yesterday's workout, my knee was hurting and it hurt for the rest of the day...and even after I slept it still hurt this morning. It wasn't any better..maybe worse. So, I went to the Dr.

She said that my knee just wasn't use to the running. She prescribed me some anti inflammatory meds and said I should be healed in 4-6 weeks. Although, after reading the side effects of the meds...I don't really want to take them...scary!

She said to wear a knee brace while working out and that it will help A LOT. I should also run on a flat and even surface. So, the paths that I use should be just fine. If I do a 10k I am thinking about, I will just need to make sure I walk for any uneven parts, where the path keeps changing or if there is an incline or decline. Oh, and she said to take it easier and not run for as long. Very sad that I can't keep going at where I am in the program, but very happy that I don't have to stop!

Oh, and I asked about icing my knee after work outs and she said that would help too. Looks like I have some research to do so I don't have to take the meds.

Side notes...
I've never really had a problem with my blood pressure, but I thought it was AWESOME today...125/65!

The REAL week 3

Last Monday was the only day I REALLY worked out. I mean, i did have the zoo day, but I didn't do my couch  to 5k training. Spring break made it kind of crazy. Oh, and last Monday we didn't follow the 'plan' for week 3.
So, here I am doing week 3 for real this time.

Today, I took my two older boys down the the park and the followed me on a scooter and bike while I ran/walk. The plan for this week is 5min warm up. Then 90 sec run, 90 sec walk. 3min run, 3 min. walk...then repeat. I started off slow. I knew I should give it my all at first...because I always run out of steam.
But I did it! I ran for 3 minutes straight...two times! Yipee!!
I wore some of my walking shoes because it is beautiful and rainy out and I didn't want to get running shoes dirty just yet.
The only downer is that my left knee is really bugging me. It sort of hurts, but feels weak..like it might give out? Really strange.

My zoo workout

On Wednesday, I wasn't able to do my typical workout.

Instead, we went to the zoo. We were there bright and early at 8am!! 

We ended up walking around for 6 hours! Well, we got to ride the Safari Train for about 30 min. but the rest of the time we were walking or standing around. My feet were VERY sore by the end of the day and on Thursday my feet and ankles were still sore. Thankfully it is now Friday I they seem better. I plan on doing a run on Saturday to make up for lost time.

Ouch

For the rest of Monday, I wore my new running shoes. They actually weren't too bad. Around 7:30pm or so I took them off so I could sit on the couch and watch a movie with the kids. I did some walking around after that much not much. Now my left knee hurts. Crazy! It hasn't hurt much since I played soccer back in my elem. and jr. high years. My feet are a little sore, but not much. It's mainly my knee. So strange. Hopefully I feel better after I get some sleep.

Starting week 3! Really???

Really? Have I already started my 3rd week? YAY!

For today's run, we decided that Friday went so well...why not try running for 2 minutes. So we did. We jogged for 2 minutes. walked for 2. ran for 2, walked for 2, etc. It wasn't easy, it gave me a good workout...but it was easier that I ever imagined it would be. I mean, sure it was harder toward the end...but I can do it! The first day, I could barely run for a minutes...here I am running for 2 minutes at a time! I really can't believe it! YAY!

I just looked back at the couch to 5k program..and oops, it doesn't have us doing that for week 3. So, I think for our next workout, we will get back on track and do week 3.

Today I used my new shoes again...and they hurt again. After the work out, I walked around for about 5-10 minutes just to cool down. My feet still hurt after that. However we stayed at the park for a while longer to play with some friends. My feet actually started feeling fine! I then talked to my neighbor...who is a great support and part of my inspiration. She has two brothers who are podiatrist (foot Dr). She was so wonderful and asked them about my feet hurting from the arch support. They recommending doing non impact things (elliptical or stationary bike)...since I don't have access to those, walking around with these shoes on is my best bet. So happy I don't have to return these shoes.

Did I ever mention how excited I am?? Really! I am so excited that I am on my way to be in better shape and so excited to be taking care of my body. Finally, after so many years of growing babies (which I totally love doing) and nursing them....I am able to take the time to get into shape!

Kicking it up a notch?

I was so excited to wear my new shoes running this morning. That is actually what got me out of bed this morning. haha.

For this morning's run, we lost track of time running and actually ran for 2 minutes instead of just a min...and I did it! YAY! I think we ended up doing 2-3 2min. runs and 1-2, min and a half. It actually wasn't that bad!! YAY!!! 

However, the only downer. My wonderful shoes have great arch support. SO much more than I am use to. My feet were actually sore because of it. I hope they get more use to it because I am so happy with how well I am doing. 

My first running shoes!!

Since we were going to be near the nearest running store, Sole Sports, where they would analyse my feet, I stopped in.  It was a neat experience. I got to walk on a treadmill...and I actually enjoyed it! I found out that I need motion control shoes, I have a fairly flat foot, and I hit the ground with my heel first. The guy that helped me, Flash (such a cool name!),  brought out about 5 pairs of shoes, we went through them and figured out which ones I liked the best. The two I liked the best were Brooks...the Ariel is the one I decided on. It was $20 off too, which was awesome! It cost about what I expected, thank goodness I was expecting as much as they cost...otherwise I would have fallen down.
I LOVE them! I am excited to use them. Stuart said after I got them...now, just because you have these, doesn't mean you can run tomorrow (my day off). HAHA funny Stuart!

It is pretty, and soo supportive and comfortable! 

There are a lot of things I would like to have, but a good sports bra is what's next on my list....and I have a plan..hehe

Better middle of the week

This week's middle of the week workout was MUCH better than last week. I felt great for the first half, but the second half I was for sure lacking. BUT it wasn't as bad as last week at all. I walked for an additional 15 minutes at the end. I LOVE reading and walking!! Hum....maybe I should get up EARLY tomorrow morning and just go walk and read for an hour....wow...can't believe those words were typed by me!

Looking forward to it?

Are you kidding me??? Yesterday, I kept thinking..."I can't wait to workout tomorrow...I wish I could workout today" Could it really be? Am I looking forward to working out? I never thought I would say that!!!
Well, off to get ready to work out!

Week two, redo week one

For some reason today didn't kick my butt, but it wasn't as easy as Friday. Odd. It felt really good to go work out again today. YAY!
We are going to redo week one times. My running buddy didn't join me until my 2nd workout, so I want to give her the chance to complete a week....plus I think I need another week of it too.
The weather was great today..besides it being windy. This past weekend it got fairly warm. I had a wonderful friend offer to let me use her treadmill this summer when it gets HOT...until then I am going to enjoy the wonderful weather!

Work out 3, getting better

This morning Whitney and I worked out bright and early...at least for me. I got to the park at 8, walked until we started running and then when we were done running, I walked until about 9am. It was a beautiful morning! It was sort of chilly, but as I got running, it wasn't bad at all. It was an easier workout than Wednesday and Monday. I can't believe I just said that! It feels good to do it early, get it out of the way, and get on with my day! YAY!
Oh, and bonus! Since it was so early, I didn't eat breakfast. I have heard working out before breakfast is good because it takes the energy it needs from fat instead of from the food you just ate.

Workout 2

I am quite surprised in myself that I wasn't dreading the workout today! I wasn't totally excited, but I knew that it was only 25ish minutes and that I could do it! It was fun today to have a friend to run/walk with. Thank you Whitney! I am sure the kids also enjoyed having someone else to play with.

Today's workout was a little harder. For starters, I have a little congestion, so that probably plays a role. I think the main reason it was harder is because of the workouts I have done this week. My legs were sore last night before bed, but felt fine this morning....until I worked out. After the workout, my legs were so weak. I am so glad I brought a book and was able to read for a while. It was actually amazing. Just worked out, beautiful weather, a wonderful book, and my kids having fun! What more could I ask for?

I am interested to see how Friday goes. Will I be sore? Will it be easier? Will I be any faster?

First resting day

Yesterday I wasn't sore at all. I thought, hey, I can do it again tomorrow. I am sooo thankful I didn't! I felt fine this morning....then I went to an activity at Church. I ended up helping put away 10ish tables underneath a stage. Boy did I get a workout! Add on top of that, I walked 1 1/2 miles (to school and back, and then to school again). That extra 1/2 mile I think is what did me in. I walked it as fast as I could. My legs were burning, my shins hurt. Oh, and poor little Rachel. She was amazing! She walked with me that 1/2 mile and did a great job!!
Tonight I am soooore. I hope my rest tonight will be truly restful.
Excited to go tomorrow and get it over with :) It's only 25 min.! It isn't that bad.

First workout

This morning we went to the park nearby that has a walking trail. The kids played on the playground and I walked/ran up and down the sidewalk. It was really cute. My 3 yr old didn't understand and thought I was leaving him as I was walking away, even though I explained what I was doing. So, he followed me for a while until he understood. I started and finished the walk with 5 minutes of just walking. I ran for a total of 5 minutes, broken down into 1.5 min. walking, 1 min of running (or jogging rather). I totaled 25 minutes of working out. YAY!
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Not easy, but I think all of the walking I have done really helped prepare me.
Today I get to walk a mile while getting the kids from school. Oh, and I get to do a lot of cleaning. How does the house get so dirty in just 2 days? But you know what? As long as I can listen to Ace of Base and clean, it isn't too bad. ...yes I said that.
Not bad for a day's work.

Blog name and first race

Just thought I would explain my blog name....walking1mile2ragnar2012.
I currently am walking 1 mile a day....getting the kids from school. The first half of the school year I was walking 2 miles a day, but it has been so cold in the mornings that I haven't. I am going to start getting up early again and bundling up and doing it. Oh, and I am going to Ragnar :p I also thought it was a funny play on words.


I have looked for a 5k. I was hoping to do one in May some time, but there are seriously NO 5ks in the area at that time because it is getting so HOT. I did find a race that looks fun though, it isn't until August though. It is called "Beat the Heat Knight 5k run"...and it only cost $18. It is actually a fundraiser for a local high school (well not just ANY local high school...my kids future high school's rival!). It is in the later evening, so it will be nice and cool. Oh, and in case you didn't catch it, the High School's mascot is the Knight. Clever huh?

I've been looking at more races. In October, there is the Komen breast cancer Run (I think it's 5K) that I want to do for sure. I think it would be great to do a 10k for Thanksgiving (you know all those Turkey Trots going on?). Then I found a neat one... It is a 12 K run in December and there are carolers and it looks really neat.

If anyone has any tips or advice or resources or whatever that you would like to share, I would love it!

The journey begins

Over the past few months, I have heard people in my ward talking about the Ragnar. A week or two ago I finally looked it up. It's a 200 mile relay race with a team of 12 (so you and 11 friends). I have seen pictures of all the fun that people have. Yes, It looks fun! It takes a day, a night, and a day. Our next door neighbors run it together. I told the wife, Janae that I am thinking about doing it and she is excited for me and is so encouraging!

So....here begins my journey to Ragnar 2012. I can't believe I am purposefully going to be running. I have always hated it. Back in Jr. High we had to run a mile every Friday. Ugg. I still remember it well. I hated it so much....it didn't help that I hated my PE teacher either. I mean, what was I really complaining about? I lived in BEAUTIFUL San Diego, the weather was great, green tress and bushes all around me...I had PE early in the morning and I have many memories of it being foggy. That is like a dream now. If only I could have that much quiet time to be alone and such beautiful weather...aww...I didn't know how good I had it.  But, here I am now, just barely 30 and planning on partaking in a 200 mile relay race in a year. I have a LONG LONG way to go...but the journey starts here. Tomorrow will be my first official day where I get started on that path . I am going to use the Couch25K program to get started and then take it from there. 


I am hoping that by making this blog and my journey public, I will hold myself more accountable.