Running Status

I am continuing with running. I am convinced it is one of the best exercises you can do. I've worked up to four miles, but there are still some days I do less. It just depends on where I am running and how I feel that day. I'm up early today and plan to run with my young friend at the track this morning.

My schedule is to run three times a week and since I started with the C25K program in February I haven't let more than two days go by without running. I've been doing 1-2 runs a week on the treadmill at work or in town due to the heat and humidity. Yes, I have some aches and pains occasionally but I am doing my best to stretch out afterwards, and do some kind of stretching or minimal strength building on my off days. That may only consist of trying to hold a "plank" for 45-60 seconds, leg lifts, or a few repetitions with weights for my arms.

Although I didn't have much weight to lose, my legs and thighs are really toned up. The thing I notice most is I've moved my belt back four holes, about two inches. I can get into clothes that were too tight last year. My resting heart rate is down to about 56 beats per minute. It was normally in the 70's.

And, I am hooked. I love the feeling you get after a good run. It has to be that runners high. They say the thing that will keep you exercising is that you love it. I am there.

Didn't run

I wimped out. It was pouring the rain when my clock went off and I had only gotten about 4 or 5 hours sleep, so I rolled back over and went back to sleep. Yep, wimp. However, my son and daughter in law were here so I got to spend more time with my loved ones.

I also punished myself later in the day yesterday and ran 2.2 miles on a hilly trail at a local subdivision. That was tough.

Run for God 5k

I wasn't going to do any races for a while....but right now, tonight, my plans are to get up early and drive to Sweetwater in the morning, for their second annual Run for God 5k race. It is supposed to be flat and fast. I am nervous. I want to break my prior record so bad, but I am just not sure if I can. Also, I've always had to walk a bit in the 5ks and I do not want to do that. I want to run the whole thing.

So, unless it is a monsoon, which it might be, I'll be headed south early in the morning. My coach is going with me (the hubby). Wish me luck.

 

Why I run

Why I run: to increase my bone density, improve my heart, experience the "feel good" endorphins, it tones up legs, thighs, and bottom, to maintain a healthy weight, and to prove to myself that I can......why do you run?

I also love to set a difficult goal and strive to accomplish it. By the way, I set a new PR yesterday - 4 miles!!!

Ever seen these?

These are good for warmer weather when you want to pamper/heal cracked heels. I can't sleep in socks, but these aren't so bad 'cause my toes get to breathe!

 

Runner's Feet

Don't you think every runner needs to pamper her toes every so often??
I do.....

Got a French pedicure today. Nice. Ran 3.5 miles on a treadmill today. The ankle has still bothered me some, but I've really made an effort to stretch it more during the day. It did fine today. It was pouring rain when I wanted to run so I visited the local fitness Center. For $5 you can walk in and run/workout, without being a member. That will come in handy, on days where I don't have access to the worksite treadmill and on days of bad weather.
3.5 is getting easier......

Still at it

I don't post here much but I will occasionally in hopes that some newbie runner who is over fifty will see this blog and be encouraged. I am continuing my running. Three days a week, occasionally four. This evening after work I ran on the treadmill at our workout center. I'm getting the hang of the treadmill and have decided it really isn't that bad. Did 3.61 miles in 43:03 minutes for a pace of 11:55. That included about a minute of walking starting out and a very slow running pace starting, around 13:30. By the end I was running at 5.6 mph. I think that is a pace of about 10:43 min/mi. That is treadmill pace which, due to lack of wind resistance is faster than level surface outside with wind.

I was very excited. This was a personal record for time and distance. I'm a happy and tired camper tonight!

Good runs!

I recently figured out that low humidity equals a "good" run. Learning to run on a treadmill helps with a good run. On the really humid days I've been using the treadmills at work. They have a huge fan that blows right on you, which is nice. Last week as I tried to wipe my sweat I pulled the key out so it stopped and lost my info. Argh!! I had my stop watch on so I knew my time. I did 39 minutes and felt like I could have done more. Today I did 39 minutes outside on the lakeside trail. Went 3.4 miles. The most I've run. Ever. Felt awesome.