Finally...I'm back!

So after an unfortunate incident a couple of weeks ago which resulted in a painfully sprained ankle, I have returned to running this week full-force!

Patty, thanks for the website about measuring your distances.  It turns out I have been running more than I had thought, though not by much...

I also found some new, very inspiring music with which to run (The Presets' "A New Sky").  I've also almost completed THREE MONTHS of not smoking, so I'm feeling so much better about this!  On top of those two things, I'm in the middle/end of my yearly forced detox (i.e. no drinking...it's been almost three weeks) and I don't think I've felt this cleansed since I was a teenager! 

So I'm finding I can run faster for longer, though it still seems so difficult to surpass that 3 1/2 mile mark... anyway, it feels good to be back!

Barb, what's your new neighborhood like for running?  Keep up the good work, everyone!!

Measure your Distance

try runningmap.com... it lets you map out your route!

so I officially ran a mile, then walked a mile today.... will improve next time...

Today is the day

Ok, so I'm in my running clothes and headed out the door...hoping to not get stopped by the kids and Greg on the way out. It would be way too easy to find an excuse to do something else. I have one cigerette in a stash in the garage...does this mean I'm not ready?!? I'm holding on to it "IN CASE" I get this great urge...the question is, after that one is gone will I go buy another pack "IN CASE"!???
I'll let you know how it goes!
B

broke a sweat

yah, I did... really.

I played two games last night, ran my ass off around the bases a few times, and felt some strange liquid running down my face. I freaked out, wiped it off really quick, but it kept coming!

The shock has finally worn off, but my muscles are still yelling at me.

Could I be ready to take the next step and actually venture down the driveway with my new bright white running shoes (size 10 wide thank you very much) on???

I'll let you know if it actually happens.

Three Weeks

Finished my run today, another 3 miles, and realized that today is my 21st day without a cigarette!  Apparently, addiction specialists say it takes 21 days to get over the habit of the addiction and another week to replace the habit with something else or to have it eliminated completely.  So, THAT'S FREAKING AWESOME that i've made that milestone for myself!!!

I did find an alternate route for running to MaCarren Park today, one with a dedicated pedestrian path all the way.  Makes the running so much more enjoyable especially since others are using it, too!

First Hump

This is getting difficult!  I was sort of coasting for the last week or so, doing the same routine and feeling pretty great.  Today, though, was a difficult one.  I just couldn't do it.  The  couch was a bit too comfortable, the t.v. a bit too interesting.  But I did it anyway.  I did the crunches to start which pumped me up for the weights...then the heart started quickening and then running didn't seem so alien.  I may not have made the full 3 miles today, but the 2 1/2 felt good!

AND! I'm now 16 days cigarette-free!!!!!

Like Nike says...'just do it'....

Come on, guys!!!

I'm feeling a bit lonely here on this blog...lol...

But I am continuing anyway.  First bit of news: 3 lbs. lost!

Second, I think I've decided the best system for me is this: running on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; weights everyday, but more significant reps and variations on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; Sunday is a total rest day.  Writing that down appears to be a lot of work, but the weights thing only takes about 30 mins (including abs, etc.) and the running/stretching is about 45 mins.  This seemed to work and still feel good for the first round last week, so we'll keep this going for now!  Two unexpected benefits I'm finding:  less sleep is wanted! I'm getting a solid 7-8 now and I feel great!  Also, in conjunction with my vocal lessons I'm taking, I'm finding I can breathe more efficiently for my voice and can contol it better (NOW I'm beginning to understand when singers say "from the diaphragm"!!!!).  All that core work and aerobics are paying off already!

Still running around 3 miles per session.  I'd like to get it up to 4 miles, but I'm not quite at a point where I can push that hard yet...the lungs aren't what they used to be! :)  The music mix-up continues to be a big motivator for me and I'm honing in on a good mix.  I'm finding that I don't necessarily  need super hyper music, but more pressing, inspiring tunes...

That's all for now!