And the doctor says...

I'm clear to run! That aforementioned hip pain was really killing me after Friday's successful run. I decided to get it checked out to make sure I wasn't doing any real damage. Doctor said it's probably just a muscle strain and told me to do some stretches everyday. Yay!

This week's coolrunning.com workout is upping the intensity with up to 1/2 a mile of running at a time. Shouldn't be too bad after Friday.

12 min!

I JUST RAN A 12 MINUTE MILE! Me. I ran ONE MILE in only 12 minutes! Did you hear me?


You did what, ma?


Seriously?!


Victory!!

I'm *that* committed

I went to run yesterday instead of staying home to watch President Obama's press conference. That's dedication.

Week 3 begins!

Well, I barely made it through week 2 - it was really hard to find time to get to the gym last week. Ernest and I tried to go on Saturday, but Rey lasted a whole 10 minutes in the child care before they paged us. So much for that. I'd probably get a much better workout if I just strapped him on and ran around for a while. :)

I did today's workout on the itty-bitty track at the gym. 12 laps = 1 mile. It's a nice change of scenery - and no risk of having to watch Papa Bear O'Reilly on three different TVs.

Short Workout

Today I had just enough time to do a 20 minute version of the 25 minute week 2 workout. I tried to make up for the shorter time by running for longer - I think I ran for about 8 - 9 minutes, instead of the 90 second interval they suggest. I know that when I run the actual 5k, I'll definitely be going longer than 8 or 9 minutes, but for week 2, I think it's not too bad. I could've gone longer, but I had to go pick up Alex from preschool.

The shorts I bought suck - they ride up when I run. Maybe it's me and not the shorts. Wouldn't be the first time!

I don't think I'll get to the gym tomorrow. I'll be manning the OREF booth at the RMLS Trade Fair all day and probably will be home later than normal.

Back in the saddle again

Yay - I woke up this morning and I didn't feel like crud anymore. I got my first week 2 workout out of the way without any problem. I still wish I was able to go yesterday - I feel like I'm in the hole and have a workout to make up.

Week 1 rewards

I successfully made it through week 1 of 5k training - yay! This weekend, I bought some workout gear as a little reward. Now I have at least 3 things to wear to the gym - and none of them are Mr. Bubble pants, as sexy as they are. I picked up a pair of pants, a pair of shorts and a shirt. A good start.

I came down with some weird sickness yesterday and I'm still not feeling great today. I'm hoping that I feel a little better as the day goes on so I can make it to the gym for the beginning of my week 2 workouts.

It's always something like this that derails people - I really don't want that to happen this time. I feel like if I don't go today, then the whole thing is in question. I wish I had gone yesterday or Saturday so I could take today off.

It's official!

I just signed up for the 5k run on 4/26.

Day 4 - Rest (sort of)

Today I spent roughly 4 hours waiting in line to register Alex for preschool, so getting to the gym was not in the cards. Let me say though - 4 hours - damn! And this is for the co-op preschool! Check out the line that was behind me:



Anyway, I finally got home after successfully securing a spot for Alex and got the kids to bed. Then a strange thing happened...I actually wanted to go work out. As I sit here right now, I seriously can't believe that I am writing this, but it's true. I'm totally wishing that I found the time to go. Crazy...

Day 3 - Off-schedule

The coolrunning.com program calls for 3 workouts a week. I've already done the first two, so today I thought I'd try something a little different. Tomorrow I won't be able to get to the gym - I'll be standing in line to register Alex for preschool instead. I think, for once, I'll rather be in the gym. :)

So, tonight, I did 10 mins on the bike and then I ran 1/2 mile on the track. I ran a half mile. Without stopping. I don't think I've ever done that. I could have gone more, but I didn't want to over do it.

Tomorrow is a rest day - yay! My thighs are killing me. Wish me luck as I try to get Alex into the preschool class we want. At least I'm a little more in shape to fight off the other moms!

Just to give you some context, I'm writing this while my 10 month old walks around the room, farting. How's that for ambiance? Can you hold it against this guy tho? Really?

Playlist

First thing I did after deciding to take on this challenge was put together a playlist for my iPod. I used to listen to NPR while I worked out - I thought the interesting stories would be a good distraction. That didn't really work...all I could think about was how I wanted to run out of the gym as fast as possible and then finish listening to This American Life. I love ya Ira Glass, but you just don't get me movin'.

So far, this list has worked really well:


I think I'm going to need to add some more for variety. Any suggestions?

Day 2

I made it to the gym today, after my dentist appointment. I really like the coolrunning program. Right about the time I started to look to see how long I was running, it was time to switch it up.

I really need to get some decent workout clothes and some new shoes. I told myself when I make it through the first week of training I can treat myself to some new stuff. I almost didn't make it out the door today because the only thing I could find to wear was Ernest's Mr. Bubble night pants and a t-shirt. (Don't ask.)

Sore today

For the last week or so, a muscle on my right hip has been hurting a lot, probably from carrying Rey around. Running yesterday certainly didn't help. It's worst when I first get up after sitting for a while, but after I get going it's not so bad. I've got a heating pad on it today and that seems to be helping.

I think I'm going to follow the plan at coolrunning.com. I seems a little complicated, but I like how each session is broken down into small increments. Maybe it will keep my attention longer.

I hate the gym

It's true. I freaking hate the gym. I hate everything about it - sweaty people, stupid machines, my complete inability to multitask while there, etc. When I run, I feel uncoordinated and gloppy. Come to think of it, I pretty much feel like that anytime I'm moving, but it's particularly strong when running.

If you know me, I'm sure you can think of at least one klutzy Megan incident. Someday I'll share the story of how I broke my hand by running into a door frame. Those lemon bars were delicious.

That's what makes this whole thing kind of unlikely. I'm not one of those people who like working out. But I really want to do this. Even if it makes me go like this:

Day 1 - where to begin

It's been about six hours since I decided to do this and I've already gone to the gym! Not a bad start, if you ask me.

Back in the day when I tried this before, Cooking Light had published a 10 weeks to a 5k guide in their magazine. It breaks the training down into manageable pieces, but this time, I don't have 10 weeks.

I think I'm going to go with this guide from ChannelOne.com but this Cool Running one looks good too. (Thanks Terra!)

Zero to 5K in 7 weeks!

I've always wanted to run a 5k. I'm not sure where this idea came from, but over the years, I've said I'm going to do it several different times. Each time, something came up and I never did it.

Today, my cousin Shannon sent me this link and I decided now is the time to stop making excuses and actually do it.

My cousin's children are affected by the same disease as Olivia was. Her friends started a fundraiser to help them build a house to accommodate their family. I help them by building and maintaining the site, but I always wish I lived closer to so I could help them out more. I feel like doing this race is a way to support the cause.

Want to join me? I hate running as much (actually much, much more) than the next gal, but it's for a good cause. And, you'll be able to cross it off your bucket list. :)