Running Update

TGIF!  I don't know about you, but I am ready for this weekend.  I worked out of town all last weekend, so I am more than ready for a couple of days off.  No big plans, just looking forward to a little down time.

 

My 5K is one week from tomorrow.  Thank you to all of you that have given me kind words and major support over the last few months.  It has truly meant the world to me!  I wanted to give you an update and a realistic picture of the expectations for the race.  As most of you know, the last couple weeks of the Couch Potato to 5K training program I was battling major "tingly" feet.  Up to that point I had had no pain at all.  I was feeling confident and pretty amazed that I was progressing through the program.  I continued to run....the stubborn streak in me refusing to give up.  I decided to maybe give new shoes a try as I knew that I had not been running in traditional running shoes.  I went to a running store and was properly fitted.  I felt very confident that I was sporting a great pair of shoes.  Fast forward to the next evening.  I went out for my final run in the C25K program and much to my dismay my feet were worse than ever.  I was close to tears because of the frustration.  I was just baffled!  The next morning when I woke up, I could hardly get out of bed, my back was so sore.

 

A few people mentioned that they thought it may have nothing to do with my feet and may in fact be a nerve issue.  With as much pain as I was in, I gave in and visited the chiropractor.  I had two adjustments in a four day period and he told me when I saw even the least bit of improvement I could hit the trails again.  I ended up resting my back for almost two weeks.  There was improvement, but it was far from right.  Wednesday night, I laced up my shoes and headed out with high hopes.  Now mind you, even though I did complete the TIMED C25K program, when I got to the end I was only completing two miles running.   Anyway, just to keep myself on track I used the last workout and had it to guide me through my run.  I finished the workout...running just shy of 2 miles - wait for it.....WITH NO FEET TINGLING!!!!!  But (because there always is one), Thursday morning I was hobbling from, you guessed it - back pain.  On the plus side, I am now certain that it is a back issue and not my feet.

 

As far as the race goes, I am determined to participate.  I am registered and I have friends that have signed up to support me as well.  Will, it be the 5K that I envisioned for myself?  Sadly, I do not think that it is in the cards for me (at least not this time).  I am going to attempt to at least run a portion, but I am definitely going to listen to my body and let it be my guide.  I am sad and frustrated...I can't tell you all how badly I wanted this.  I am going to talk to my doctor and see if he thinks that is something that I am going to be able to work through or if I am not cut out to run.  I don't want to hear, or believe that but I also don't want to end up doing irrepairable damage to my back. 

 

Sorry that I rambled, but I thought that I owed it to all of you that were cheering me on to let you know what was going on with me.  What do you guys think?  Are some people just not cut out to run?  I would love to know what you think.

 

 Have a wonderful weekend! 

Cross 'Em, PLEASE

This may sound silly, but I need everyone crossing their fingers, toes, eyes...really whatever you can cross.  My last three Couch Potato to 5K workouts have been seriously rough.  At about 1 to 1.5 miles my feet have been getting "tingly" - the only way I know to describe it is to tell you that they feel like they are asleep.  Not a great feeling when you are trying to run.  So pretty much I hit about 2 miles and I can't go any further.  I have been completing the workouts based on the time, but have not made any progress as far as distance.

Tonight is the last workout in the C25K training program and honestly, I am SCARED!  In just over 3 weeks, I have to increase my distance by over a mile....GULP!!!!  I hope that these babies are going to help me accomplish that:

I found out that I was running in cross trainers - huge mistake!  Although up until about two and a half weeks ago, I did not have one bit of trouble with them.  My knees didn't hurt, my shins didn't hurt and up until I developed "tingly feet", they did hurt either.  I went to The Runner in Arlington.  If you are in the area and are in the market for running shoes or gear, definitely check them out.  They are very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure that I got a great fit.  The owner even gave me a 30 day exchange option in case they don't work out, cause girlfriend can't make another investment like that for awhile.  I am guessing that you can't get a deal like that at the Nike superstore....just sayin'.

Anyway,  if you got it....cross it.  I would really appreciate it!  If they don't work, I am not sure what I will do,but I am not going to think about that right now.  Just thinking positive thoughts.  I will do my best to post a quick update tomorrow, but if you are just dying to know, follow me on Instagram.  The news will hit there first.  Thanks, y'all and have a great evening!

Third Time Is A Charm

I make goals...and when I make them I don't intend to drop the ball.  I don't intend to fail.  However sometimes it happens .  Such is the case with the Couch Potato to 5K training program.  I have attempted it two times previously and both times derailed at Week 3.  I am choosing to believe that third time is a charm.  Tonight, I will complete the third and FINAL workout for....wait for it.....WEEK 4!!!!  My goal is not to become a runner.  My goal is to complete a 5K....jogging the ENTIRE way.  I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did...the 5K would definitely be included.  Why?  I can't really put my finger on it, but I think until I do it, it is going to eat at me and drive me totally crazy. 

 

So, why is this time going to be any different?  I am not sure, but I am trying to cut myself some slack and truly listen to my body this time.  To be honest, about half way through Week 3 I thought to myself..."here we go again".  I felt so frustrated and wasn't sure what to do to get over that hump.  I got some good advice from a friend who told me to slow down...slow and steady is still running (even if it is at a snail's pace). 

 

 

 

After following that one small (but huge) bit of advice, I am doing much better.  Do I still sweat like a whore in church (oops, was that my outside voice?), you bet I do.  And my butt is worn the heck out, but I am recovering more quickly and not TOTALLY dreading the next workout.  Huge progress in my book.  Oh, and I forgot to mention....there is an APP for that!    The app has made it so much easier to progress through my workout without having to keep track of my intervals.  A peppy little lady on the app tells me when to walk and when to run, all the while my favorite playlist is jammin' in the background.  It sounds crazy, but it is making all the difference!  I am also wearing a heart rate monitor to keep track that I am not pushing myself over the edge.  This time I AM GOING TO MAKE IT.....NO EXCUSES.....NO GIVING UP!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend and be on the lookout Sunday for Week 4 of Sunday Snaps!