This was a week of ups and downs. I had one of my best runs ever early in the week, and by the end of the week I was limping once again. Luckily for me, the limping is coming right before a week where I will have to dial back the running, as there's not a lot of room to run on an airplane.
I also began using a new toy this week. As I've brought up before, I use Nike+ to help record my runs. Briefly, it works by placing a sensor in the sole of your shoe (I happen to wear Nike shoes, and they conveniently create a place for this sensor, but if you don't wear Nike shoes there are companies that make holders for this sensor that connect via the shoe's laces), and the sensor transmits a signal that is picked up by a receiver on/in an iPod (the receiver is an external unit on my Nano and is built in to my Touch). Through the miracle of technology, the sensor can tell how far I've gone and send that information to the iPod, and I can then upload the information to the Nike+ Running website. Now, the new toy for this week happens to be another gadget that will transmit data to the iPod, and will then upload to the website...a heart rate transmitter! I had been wearing a different heart rate monitor previously, but there was no way to keep track of the data. Now I can not only keep track of my heart rate while I run, but I can access the data again later and it's all contained in a single website. These are good things, in my opinion.
The next couple weeks of running will be taking place in New Jersey and Europe (I'll become an International Runner!), and that means that I won't be writing consistently while I'm away (if at all). But, I'll try to take a few pictures and write about something here that isn't just me running.
Here's how the week turned out for me:
Week 8 Totals: 5 Runs, 9.40 Miles, 1:53:53
Monday - 2.00 Miles, 20:47
Wednesday - 3.10 Miles, 33:00
Thursday - 1.43 Miles, 29:56
Friday - 2.00 Miles, 22:42
Saturday - 0.87 Miles, 7:48
The Protection of Saint Dogbert
06 June 2012
29 April 2012
Running Journal: Week 7
I am quickly learning that running requires finding a balance between following the training schedule and listening to your body, between figuring out when to push yourself and when you're doing too much too quickly. But, in finding that balance, I'm also finding improved times and that makes me happy. I still have more improvement to go before 2 June, but I'm confident that I'll be able to get there.
I also started using a new piece of equipment this week: a 6th generation iPod nano. A few years ago, I purchased a 1st generation nano, and had enjoyed using it for some time. It was with this 1st gen nano that I was introduced to the Nike+ Running concept. Earlier this year, I found out that Apple issued a recall for the 1st generation nano due to reports of batteries overheating. So, I sent mine in and a week or so later I received a replacement, 6th generation nano. Since it also works with Nike+, and it's small, I decided to start using it instead of strapping my iPod touch to my arm. This will sound a bit geek-ish, but the 6th gen nano is the one that you can actually wear as a watch, so I bought a wristband for it and turned it into a running watch. My headphone cable is a bit long for this setup, so I'm figuring out how to work around that still, but I've enjoyed using this new toy. I did run into an issue of actually wearing two watches (as I use a heart rate monitor), but I've figured out a way around this, and will write about it in the future.
The more I'm sticking with this, the more I'm actually enjoying running. Now, if only the weather would cool down just a tad bit when I get home from work, I'd enjoy running just that much more. But, after this week I'll be running for the next three weeks in the temperate German weather instead of the Arizona heat (well, I'll have a couple days in New Jersey before I get to Germany, but that's still running in a place other than Arizona).
Here's this week's breakdown:
Week 7 Totals: 6 Runs, 11.81 Miles, 2:25:53
Monday: 3.00 Miles, 36:32
I actually don't remember much about this run. It was getting dark when I left to run, so I was more focused on not tripping on potholes than anything else.
Tuesday: 1.31 Miles, 26:06
As the time might indicate, this was a walk. My wife and I decided to take a stroll through the neighborhood, as it was getting dark and my legs were very tired after returning to regular training last week.
Thursday: 2.48 Miles, 28:04
This was the first time I had gone to a park to use a jogging path. It wasn't a bad experience, but it wasn't my favorite. That could be because I had issues figuring out how far I had actually run. This park has two paths, so running path 1 is .5 Miles/lap, path 2 is .62 Miles/lap, and path 3 (which is a combination of 1 and 2) is .8 Miles/lap. I had thought I was on path 1, and I was upset after running 2 miles in 28 minutes. I then took a second look, and realized I was on path 2 and had run almost a half mile further than I had planned, and had actually run it at an acceptable pace (11:20-ish/Mile).
Friday: 1.01 Miles, 9:39
This was a run of a known distance in order to calibrate my new iPod nano. Once I finished pushing all of the buttons I had to push, I continued on with the run below.
Friday: 2.00 Miles, 23:50
I had a three mile run on the schedule, so I figured that breaking it up wouldn't be a bad thing. Of course, when I thought this, I didn't realize that I'd run my first mile a lot faster than I typically run the first mile of a multi-mile run, and I was hurting before I even finished the first half mile of this second run. But, the combined total of these two runs put me at just over 34 minutes for 3 miles, which means that I'm getting closer and closer to finding/maintaining the pace that would help me reach the goal of completing a 5K in under 30 minutes.
Saturday: 2.01 Miles, 22:02
A nice late-afternoon run was a good way to relieve a little stress. Not that the weekends are all that stressful, but there was a situation that arose during the day that had me a bit unhappy. When I got in, I was surprised to see a time that suggested a sub-11 minute pace was actually attainable. Progress, wherever it can be found, is a good thing.
Week 8 Schedule: 5 Runs, 16 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
I also started using a new piece of equipment this week: a 6th generation iPod nano. A few years ago, I purchased a 1st generation nano, and had enjoyed using it for some time. It was with this 1st gen nano that I was introduced to the Nike+ Running concept. Earlier this year, I found out that Apple issued a recall for the 1st generation nano due to reports of batteries overheating. So, I sent mine in and a week or so later I received a replacement, 6th generation nano. Since it also works with Nike+, and it's small, I decided to start using it instead of strapping my iPod touch to my arm. This will sound a bit geek-ish, but the 6th gen nano is the one that you can actually wear as a watch, so I bought a wristband for it and turned it into a running watch. My headphone cable is a bit long for this setup, so I'm figuring out how to work around that still, but I've enjoyed using this new toy. I did run into an issue of actually wearing two watches (as I use a heart rate monitor), but I've figured out a way around this, and will write about it in the future.
The more I'm sticking with this, the more I'm actually enjoying running. Now, if only the weather would cool down just a tad bit when I get home from work, I'd enjoy running just that much more. But, after this week I'll be running for the next three weeks in the temperate German weather instead of the Arizona heat (well, I'll have a couple days in New Jersey before I get to Germany, but that's still running in a place other than Arizona).
Here's this week's breakdown:
Week 7 Totals: 6 Runs, 11.81 Miles, 2:25:53
Monday: 3.00 Miles, 36:32
I actually don't remember much about this run. It was getting dark when I left to run, so I was more focused on not tripping on potholes than anything else.
Tuesday: 1.31 Miles, 26:06
As the time might indicate, this was a walk. My wife and I decided to take a stroll through the neighborhood, as it was getting dark and my legs were very tired after returning to regular training last week.
Thursday: 2.48 Miles, 28:04
This was the first time I had gone to a park to use a jogging path. It wasn't a bad experience, but it wasn't my favorite. That could be because I had issues figuring out how far I had actually run. This park has two paths, so running path 1 is .5 Miles/lap, path 2 is .62 Miles/lap, and path 3 (which is a combination of 1 and 2) is .8 Miles/lap. I had thought I was on path 1, and I was upset after running 2 miles in 28 minutes. I then took a second look, and realized I was on path 2 and had run almost a half mile further than I had planned, and had actually run it at an acceptable pace (11:20-ish/Mile).
Friday: 1.01 Miles, 9:39
This was a run of a known distance in order to calibrate my new iPod nano. Once I finished pushing all of the buttons I had to push, I continued on with the run below.
Friday: 2.00 Miles, 23:50
I had a three mile run on the schedule, so I figured that breaking it up wouldn't be a bad thing. Of course, when I thought this, I didn't realize that I'd run my first mile a lot faster than I typically run the first mile of a multi-mile run, and I was hurting before I even finished the first half mile of this second run. But, the combined total of these two runs put me at just over 34 minutes for 3 miles, which means that I'm getting closer and closer to finding/maintaining the pace that would help me reach the goal of completing a 5K in under 30 minutes.
Saturday: 2.01 Miles, 22:02
A nice late-afternoon run was a good way to relieve a little stress. Not that the weekends are all that stressful, but there was a situation that arose during the day that had me a bit unhappy. When I got in, I was surprised to see a time that suggested a sub-11 minute pace was actually attainable. Progress, wherever it can be found, is a good thing.
Week 8 Schedule: 5 Runs, 16 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
23 April 2012
Running Journal - Week 6
This was my first week getting back into a semblance of a training pattern. My legs felt pretty good. I also began to break in new running shoes, a pair of Nike Free Run+ 3 LAF's. They feel very good so far, and I'm excited about using them. My health is well, so it's now a matter of re-acquiring stamina and getting in a full week of running. I have a good idea of how I'll get through this week's schedule, so that's a good thing. My only real distraction from running this week will be Wednesday night's Bruins/Capitals Game 7, but I'll make sure I either get out during an intermission or right after the game is over.
Anyway, here's my rundown for the past week:
Week 6 Totals: 3 Runs, 4.89 Miles, 56:16
Tuesday: 2.01 Miles, 24:49
This was a tough run, as I could feel the affects of not running consistently for two weeks. I had to stop and walk a couple times, but I made my way though the run.
Thursday: 1.01 Miles, 10:09
A short run to feel how my new shoes felt. I enjoyed it, and I managed to keep a good pace throughout the run. It was also a late run, so it was dark and I didn't want to be out there for too long.
Friday: 1.87 Miles (3 Kilometers), 21:28
I decided to change things up a little bit and measure my run by kilometers, since I'll be running a 5k afterall. It was another night run for me, so I made sure to take care of where I was running and made sure I wasn't going to fall in a pothole and break my ankle. But, I only had to slow to a walk twice, and I managed to keep those stints fairly short.
Week 7 Schedule: 5 Runs, 15 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
Anyway, here's my rundown for the past week:
Week 6 Totals: 3 Runs, 4.89 Miles, 56:16
Tuesday: 2.01 Miles, 24:49
This was a tough run, as I could feel the affects of not running consistently for two weeks. I had to stop and walk a couple times, but I made my way though the run.
Thursday: 1.01 Miles, 10:09
A short run to feel how my new shoes felt. I enjoyed it, and I managed to keep a good pace throughout the run. It was also a late run, so it was dark and I didn't want to be out there for too long.
Friday: 1.87 Miles (3 Kilometers), 21:28
I decided to change things up a little bit and measure my run by kilometers, since I'll be running a 5k afterall. It was another night run for me, so I made sure to take care of where I was running and made sure I wasn't going to fall in a pothole and break my ankle. But, I only had to slow to a walk twice, and I managed to keep those stints fairly short.
Week 7 Schedule: 5 Runs, 15 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
17 April 2012
Running Journal - Week 4 and Week 5
The past two weeks have been absolutely awful for my running. First, I was hampered by the shin splints. That kept me off my feet for 2 of my scheduled training runs (the golf really didn't help my shins all that much, but at the time it didn't feel like it was hurting them either). Then I came down with a sinus infection, which kept me in bed for most of the week. I missed another 4 runs. As you'll see by my run breakdown, I wasn't able to get out much at all. I am, thankfully, feeling considerably better. Here's hoping for a more productive Week 6.
Week 4 Totals: 2 Runs, 1:10:37 + 2,311 Yards, 3.5 hours and 92 strokes
Monday - 1.98 Miles, 39:47
This was, obviously, a walk. I wanted to keep my legs moving, and I took the wife on a two-mile stroll. It was a little chilly, but it wasn't too bad.
Wednesday - 2,311 Yards, 3.5 hours
I took a vacation day and played a round of golf. Obviously, from the yardage, it was a Par-3 course, but it was a full 18 holes. Also, I shot a 92, breaking 100 for the first time in my life!
Saturday - 2.41 Miles, 30:50
After taking a few extra days off, I decided to test out my legs once again. Knowing that I was supposed to start doing 3-milers during week 4, I tried my first on this evening. Of course, I wasn't able to run the entire way, and I found that my shin area was tightening up as I walked. I didn't want to risk re-injury, so I cut the run short and headed in. It felt good to get back out there, but I was disappointed that my legs didn't feel as good as I would have liked. My head also felt a bit out of sorts. Little did I know, that was just a precursor of what was to come the following week.
Week 5 Totals: 1 Run, 21:15
Friday - 1.1 Miles, 21:15
A walk after having been sick all week. I still felt terrible, but I knew I needed to move around a little bit.
Week 6 Schedule: 5 Runs, 12 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
Week 4 Totals: 2 Runs, 1:10:37 + 2,311 Yards, 3.5 hours and 92 strokes
Monday - 1.98 Miles, 39:47
This was, obviously, a walk. I wanted to keep my legs moving, and I took the wife on a two-mile stroll. It was a little chilly, but it wasn't too bad.
Wednesday - 2,311 Yards, 3.5 hours
I took a vacation day and played a round of golf. Obviously, from the yardage, it was a Par-3 course, but it was a full 18 holes. Also, I shot a 92, breaking 100 for the first time in my life!
Saturday - 2.41 Miles, 30:50
After taking a few extra days off, I decided to test out my legs once again. Knowing that I was supposed to start doing 3-milers during week 4, I tried my first on this evening. Of course, I wasn't able to run the entire way, and I found that my shin area was tightening up as I walked. I didn't want to risk re-injury, so I cut the run short and headed in. It felt good to get back out there, but I was disappointed that my legs didn't feel as good as I would have liked. My head also felt a bit out of sorts. Little did I know, that was just a precursor of what was to come the following week.
Week 5 Totals: 1 Run, 21:15
Friday - 1.1 Miles, 21:15
A walk after having been sick all week. I still felt terrible, but I knew I needed to move around a little bit.
Week 6 Schedule: 5 Runs, 12 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
02 April 2012
Running Journal - Week 3
...And the injury bug strikes in Week 3. Posterior Shin Splints started coming on Wednesday, I ran through them on Friday, but they hurt too much for me to be able to even finish my run on Saturday. For those wondering, Posterior Shin Splints is pain on the inside of the leg, where the shin bone and the calf muscle meet. It's caused by straining a muscle that supports the arch of the foot. It's treated with ice, rest, maybe some aspirin, and dialing back the training a notch or two (the research I did stresses not to run through the pain...I should have done the research on Wednesday instead of Sunday). I did not meet the scheduled distance, but I did still get out five times this week, so that's a good thing. This upcoming week will be a challenge, as I'm supposed to introduce 3 milers into the mix, but I'm going to need to take care of this injury to ensure I don't make things worse for myself.
Here's this week's breakdown:
Week 3 Totals: 5 Runs, 7.72 Miles, 1:35:33
Monday: 1.00 Miles, 10:17
I ran a different mile course, full of hilly roads. Lots of ups and downs, so I had a slightly slower pace than my previous miles, but I made it all the way through without walking, so that's a good thing.
Wednesday: 2.00 Miles, 21:45
My fastest 2-mile run to date. I felt like I kept a really good pace throughout the entire run, and only had to walk for about 200 total yards (split over two walking stints, both in the 2nd mile). The first time I had an average pace under 11:00/mile!
Friday: 2.00 Miles, 22:12
This was an actual night run. I didn't get out the door to run until after 7pm, so I had to be extra careful about where I stepped (as I didn't want to twist my ankle in an unnoticed pothole). But, running at night means it's a bit cooler, which helps. The race in June will also be a night run, but hopefully better lit than my neighborhood.
Saturday: 1.87 Miles, 24:19
I didn't even make it through the first mile before the pain became too much. I tried to keep jogging as much as I could, but I had to cut the run short because this was an injury-type pain, not muscle burn. I tried to stay off my feet as much as I could for the rest of the day.
Sunday: 0.85 Miles, 17:00
A short walk on Sunday, just to keep the muscles moving.
Week 4 Schedule: 5 Runs, 13 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
Here's this week's breakdown:
Week 3 Totals: 5 Runs, 7.72 Miles, 1:35:33
Monday: 1.00 Miles, 10:17
I ran a different mile course, full of hilly roads. Lots of ups and downs, so I had a slightly slower pace than my previous miles, but I made it all the way through without walking, so that's a good thing.
Wednesday: 2.00 Miles, 21:45
My fastest 2-mile run to date. I felt like I kept a really good pace throughout the entire run, and only had to walk for about 200 total yards (split over two walking stints, both in the 2nd mile). The first time I had an average pace under 11:00/mile!
Friday: 2.00 Miles, 22:12
This was an actual night run. I didn't get out the door to run until after 7pm, so I had to be extra careful about where I stepped (as I didn't want to twist my ankle in an unnoticed pothole). But, running at night means it's a bit cooler, which helps. The race in June will also be a night run, but hopefully better lit than my neighborhood.
Saturday: 1.87 Miles, 24:19
I didn't even make it through the first mile before the pain became too much. I tried to keep jogging as much as I could, but I had to cut the run short because this was an injury-type pain, not muscle burn. I tried to stay off my feet as much as I could for the rest of the day.
Sunday: 0.85 Miles, 17:00
A short walk on Sunday, just to keep the muscles moving.
Week 4 Schedule: 5 Runs, 13 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
25 March 2012
Running Journal - Week 2
A second week of running is over, and I'm another week closer to the end of this program, and to actually running a 5K. The idea of actually running in a race isn't bothering me as much as it originally did, and I think that is in large part to how well my initial runs have gone. I've also started looking to upgrade two pieces of 'equipment' that I use for my runs...my shoes and my headphones. I'm realizing that if I end up getting new running shoes, I'll need to do this before I go on vacation in May, so I have time to break them in before the race. As for headphones, I'm a bit of a technology snob, so I've been focusing on the headphones out there that will allow me to control my iPod from the cord, instead of having to fumble with the actual device (which is strapped to my arm). Anyway, the search continues, as does the running.
As promised, here's a breakdown of this week's runs:
Week 2 Totals - 5 Runs, 9.04 Miles, 1:55:37
Monday - 2.01 Miles, 23:04
This was a cold, damp run. It was miserable. I didn't quite make it through the first mile before I had to slow down to walk for a hundred yards or so, but I still ran more than I walked.
Tuesday - 2.00 Miles, 23:02
Another cold day, but at least it was sunny. I made it through the first mile, and I realized that taking the route in the opposite direction I had previously taken it would actually be a good thing for me. Get the hills out of the way first. Then focus on just keeping going for the second mile. Easily a 3:1 run/walk ratio.
Thursday - 1.01 Miles, 9:09
Another fast run. It had been a rough day at work, so a quick run was a good way to let off some steam. I was gassed by the end of the run. The weather was nice, though.
Friday - 2.01 Miles, 22:02
A pace at 11 minutes/mile. This is progress. I figure achieving a pace like this at this point in my training schedule will allow me to be able to progress to the point where I'll be able to run a 5K in under 30 minutes by the time June rolls around, which is the sub-goal I've set for myself (with the overall goal of actually finishing the thing). I did have to slow down a couple times to walk, but I was able to keep those to a minimum. Building endurance is definitely going to be important if I'm going to do as well as I would like in June.
Sunday - 2.01 Miles, 38:20
I was supposed to run on Saturday, but we were in Mesa all day and didn't get home until after dark. So, instead of running on Saturday, my wife and I went for a Sunday Walk, and I'm counting it. I took her on the route that I usually run so she can gain an appreciation for how far 2 miles actually is in our neighborhood. It was cloudy, but there was a nice breeze and it was cool. Time wasn't a factor in my mind, but I just wanted to ensure that I moved my legs today. My legs have been tired (which I think is better than sore), but they seemed to enjoy the slower pace today.
Week 3 Schedule - 5 Runs, 9 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
As promised, here's a breakdown of this week's runs:
Week 2 Totals - 5 Runs, 9.04 Miles, 1:55:37
Monday - 2.01 Miles, 23:04
This was a cold, damp run. It was miserable. I didn't quite make it through the first mile before I had to slow down to walk for a hundred yards or so, but I still ran more than I walked.
Tuesday - 2.00 Miles, 23:02
Another cold day, but at least it was sunny. I made it through the first mile, and I realized that taking the route in the opposite direction I had previously taken it would actually be a good thing for me. Get the hills out of the way first. Then focus on just keeping going for the second mile. Easily a 3:1 run/walk ratio.
Thursday - 1.01 Miles, 9:09
Another fast run. It had been a rough day at work, so a quick run was a good way to let off some steam. I was gassed by the end of the run. The weather was nice, though.
Friday - 2.01 Miles, 22:02
A pace at 11 minutes/mile. This is progress. I figure achieving a pace like this at this point in my training schedule will allow me to be able to progress to the point where I'll be able to run a 5K in under 30 minutes by the time June rolls around, which is the sub-goal I've set for myself (with the overall goal of actually finishing the thing). I did have to slow down a couple times to walk, but I was able to keep those to a minimum. Building endurance is definitely going to be important if I'm going to do as well as I would like in June.
Sunday - 2.01 Miles, 38:20
I was supposed to run on Saturday, but we were in Mesa all day and didn't get home until after dark. So, instead of running on Saturday, my wife and I went for a Sunday Walk, and I'm counting it. I took her on the route that I usually run so she can gain an appreciation for how far 2 miles actually is in our neighborhood. It was cloudy, but there was a nice breeze and it was cool. Time wasn't a factor in my mind, but I just wanted to ensure that I moved my legs today. My legs have been tired (which I think is better than sore), but they seemed to enjoy the slower pace today.
Week 3 Schedule - 5 Runs, 9 Miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
18 March 2012
Running Journal - Week 1
Recently, my wife and I found a primary care physician and went in for a physical. Guess what the doctor told me? No...he didn't call me 'fat'. Well, not in those terms. He did set a goal for me to lose some weight, told me to go on a low-carb diet, and exhorted me to exercise five times a week. He then set an appointment for three months for me to come back and see him.
Since our visit, I've thought 'How can I get accomplish the weight loss goal?' The thought came to me: run a 5K. Now, running is not something I've done a lot of since my junior year in college. And, even then, I hated running in college. But, I was in pretty good condition when I was in college. I'm not in terrible condition now (Em and I have made it a point to continue to be active), but I'm definitely not in great shape, and I'm not in running shape. So, I found the two things I would need to get this running thing down:
1) A 12-week beginner's 5K training program (I have a pair of Nike+ ready shoes and use a Nike+ sensor, so I figured I'd use the 5K Training (Beginner) Nike+ Coach program).
2) A local 5K that was 12 weeks away (TMC Meet Me Downtown Night 5K Run/Walk - 2 June 2012).
I then mapped out some routes in our neighborhood and found a few that meet the distances I'm looking for, and I know of a local park with a running path.
As of Tuesday, the training has begun. I'll take a few minutes each Sunday to write a little bit about how the week's runs went. This is the easiest way I know of to keep myself honest about my progress...so here goes.
Week 1 Totals - 3 Runs, 4.23 miles, 46:45
Tuesday - 1.16 miles, 12:08
I started this program on a Tuesday, so this was the first run. I made it about 2/3 of a mile before my lungs were telling me to take it a little easier for a minute, so I walked about half a block before trying to set an easier pace the rest of the way. Of course, I didn't realize how close I was to being finished. A lesson learned for the next time. I also ended up running a little farther than I needed to, as my sensor wasn't calibrated for my running stride.
Thursday - 2.06 miles, 25:36
I despise the wind, especially when it is blowing in your face. It didn't help that I knew that this was going to be a longer run than I had done two days earlier. But, I managed to make it through mile 1 without stopping for a walk, and still jogged most of mile 2. I did find out that my route had a nice hill at the end of it. I may need to re-examine my routes, or the direction in which I run them.
Saturday - 1.01 miles, 9:01
As the time might indicate, this was the first run where I managed not to walk. Not bad for the third time out. I ran the same route as Monday, but didn't tack on the extra .15 mile, as I started and stopped at known points so I could calibrate my sensor. Now, hopefully, I won't be running any extra distance (unless I'm just feeling like mixing up the route a little bit). I also realized that I need to re-examine the first couple songs on my running playlists, as I started off the run a little faster than I would have liked. I was feeling it by the end of that run.
Week 2 Schedule: 5 runs, 9 miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
Since our visit, I've thought 'How can I get accomplish the weight loss goal?' The thought came to me: run a 5K. Now, running is not something I've done a lot of since my junior year in college. And, even then, I hated running in college. But, I was in pretty good condition when I was in college. I'm not in terrible condition now (Em and I have made it a point to continue to be active), but I'm definitely not in great shape, and I'm not in running shape. So, I found the two things I would need to get this running thing down:
1) A 12-week beginner's 5K training program (I have a pair of Nike+ ready shoes and use a Nike+ sensor, so I figured I'd use the 5K Training (Beginner) Nike+ Coach program).
2) A local 5K that was 12 weeks away (TMC Meet Me Downtown Night 5K Run/Walk - 2 June 2012).
I then mapped out some routes in our neighborhood and found a few that meet the distances I'm looking for, and I know of a local park with a running path.
As of Tuesday, the training has begun. I'll take a few minutes each Sunday to write a little bit about how the week's runs went. This is the easiest way I know of to keep myself honest about my progress...so here goes.
Week 1 Totals - 3 Runs, 4.23 miles, 46:45
Tuesday - 1.16 miles, 12:08
I started this program on a Tuesday, so this was the first run. I made it about 2/3 of a mile before my lungs were telling me to take it a little easier for a minute, so I walked about half a block before trying to set an easier pace the rest of the way. Of course, I didn't realize how close I was to being finished. A lesson learned for the next time. I also ended up running a little farther than I needed to, as my sensor wasn't calibrated for my running stride.
Thursday - 2.06 miles, 25:36
I despise the wind, especially when it is blowing in your face. It didn't help that I knew that this was going to be a longer run than I had done two days earlier. But, I managed to make it through mile 1 without stopping for a walk, and still jogged most of mile 2. I did find out that my route had a nice hill at the end of it. I may need to re-examine my routes, or the direction in which I run them.
Saturday - 1.01 miles, 9:01
As the time might indicate, this was the first run where I managed not to walk. Not bad for the third time out. I ran the same route as Monday, but didn't tack on the extra .15 mile, as I started and stopped at known points so I could calibrate my sensor. Now, hopefully, I won't be running any extra distance (unless I'm just feeling like mixing up the route a little bit). I also realized that I need to re-examine the first couple songs on my running playlists, as I started off the run a little faster than I would have liked. I was feeling it by the end of that run.
Week 2 Schedule: 5 runs, 9 miles
Thus Sayeth Your Haus
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