Ever had to run with a stroller? I don't recommend it for any newbies to the sport of running. Sure it may look easy, but it's one more element that needs to be focused on.
The most obvious hindrance is that one if not both of your arms are forced to stay in one position out infront of your body. For me this threw off my rythm. Something about my arms pumping back and forth seems to help keep my legs going at a steady beat. I tried running with one hand on the stroller but felt I was loosing control of the stroller.
The three wheel design of the stroller makes me question who the engineers really are. The wheels do not pivit, which I understand is a safety factor. Think about it, if you are going at a fast pace and the front wheel were to turn, the whole stoller could easily topple over. The problem with the stroller not piviting is that one must push down on the handle bars to turn the stroller no matter how slight the turn may be. Which made for a fun time while we were on a portion of my run route that has a curvy sidewalk that sways back and forth between the road and a field.
I also found that I needed to be very aware of the edge of the pavement when it came to the back wheels. A few times one of the wheels would fall off the pavement and the whole stroller pulled that direction. Nothing like having to slow down or even stop just to get the stroller back on track.
I felt the entire time my stride was shorter than normal. And my focus was on everything but my running. I forgot which minute I was on, if I should be walking or runnig, and if I was on my 5th or 6th jog section. I do not feel that I did the best I could have done today and am dissapointed in my overall work out.
If you are new to running and planning to take a stroller out with you, I would like to recommend that you find another solution. Leave the stroller pushing to those who are more experienced.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Just not feeling it.
My voice sounds like I'm a 14 year old boy and I feel like I'm straining just to talk. I'm attempting to rest my voice but that is a little difficult when Chris is out of the house for the morning/afternoon and I'm with a toddler who wants to test the waters. Oh terrible two's how I despise you.
At least it's nap time in our home, maybe a little rest is what I need before I hit the pavement.
At least it's nap time in our home, maybe a little rest is what I need before I hit the pavement.
Friday, July 23, 2010
It's an Off Day
The plan that I am following recommends that there be at least one day between runs, but recommends that one do some strength training to help build muscles. Today I choose to do a Balance Ball video that has been collecting dust for quite some time.
The video is 45 minutes long, and goes through various yoga moves that incorporate a balance ball. There is plenty of stretching and a section on strength and toning. It seem innocent and one may even question if they have done something at the end, but in the past I have really felt it a few hours afterwards. My whole body in that pleasant pain where you know you've done something great for your body.
On a happier note, I have broken through one of my walls. For the past few years I have been yo-yoing between roughly 10 pounds on the scale. I lose it, I gain it, I feel defeated. This morning I jumped on the scale to read that I have dropped 2 pounds below my normal low on the scale. Yay me! Now lets keep it going!
The video is 45 minutes long, and goes through various yoga moves that incorporate a balance ball. There is plenty of stretching and a section on strength and toning. It seem innocent and one may even question if they have done something at the end, but in the past I have really felt it a few hours afterwards. My whole body in that pleasant pain where you know you've done something great for your body.
On a happier note, I have broken through one of my walls. For the past few years I have been yo-yoing between roughly 10 pounds on the scale. I lose it, I gain it, I feel defeated. This morning I jumped on the scale to read that I have dropped 2 pounds below my normal low on the scale. Yay me! Now lets keep it going!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Week 1: 2nd Workout
Distance: Unknown
Time: 30 Minutes alternating 2 minutes run/3 minutes walk
I woke up miserable with a sore throat and slight cough. Since I have zero medical training, I decided to "unprofessionally" diagnose myself with a respiratory infection. I hopped on the web to decide on the proper treatment but became distracted when my sister sent me a message. While we were chit chatting I remembered my important task but was too lazy to continue research. My sister likes to run for her exercise and she has been doing it for many years. I quickly crowned my sister an expert in running (and the medical field) and asked her opinion on going for a run while one has a respiratory infection. I was hoping she would tell me some horror story about how 3 years ago she had a slight cough and went out for a jog, then the next day she had pneumonia that lasted for 4 months. I need to have some evidence to back up my desire to crawl back into bed, but my sister failed me. She went as far as telling me that the adrenaline helps. Without my sister's encouragement I probably would be typing up a blog about how sick I was. Thanks Nette!
It's a beautiful day in Monterey, perfect for going on a run. The first 2 minutes flew by while I was trying to take in how fresh the air was. At the 3 minute mark I realized that I was actually breathing. How wonderful it felt to be breathing after having this chest cold for a few days. The rest of my run went smoothly with me focusing on my stride and trying to get it right. My legs still feel like I'm carrying lead in my shoes but I know that's because my muscles haven't been worked in so long.
When I hit the 30 minute mark I was at the back alley to my home so I decided to take my couped up, neglected dog for a walk. He seemed to think we were going for a run and kept acting like a thoroughbred on the day of the Kentucky Derby. Maybe I should consider walking him as my warm up instead.
After working out and cooling down, I came inside to stretch and take a shower. My biggest mistake was not consuming something before my shower. Stepping out of the bathroom I felt light headed and knew that I had allowed my blood sugar to drop. Not good. I'm always focused on getting that glass of water slowly consumed after a work out, maybe I should throw in a few almonds as well.
Time: 30 Minutes alternating 2 minutes run/3 minutes walk
I woke up miserable with a sore throat and slight cough. Since I have zero medical training, I decided to "unprofessionally" diagnose myself with a respiratory infection. I hopped on the web to decide on the proper treatment but became distracted when my sister sent me a message. While we were chit chatting I remembered my important task but was too lazy to continue research. My sister likes to run for her exercise and she has been doing it for many years. I quickly crowned my sister an expert in running (and the medical field) and asked her opinion on going for a run while one has a respiratory infection. I was hoping she would tell me some horror story about how 3 years ago she had a slight cough and went out for a jog, then the next day she had pneumonia that lasted for 4 months. I need to have some evidence to back up my desire to crawl back into bed, but my sister failed me. She went as far as telling me that the adrenaline helps. Without my sister's encouragement I probably would be typing up a blog about how sick I was. Thanks Nette!
It's a beautiful day in Monterey, perfect for going on a run. The first 2 minutes flew by while I was trying to take in how fresh the air was. At the 3 minute mark I realized that I was actually breathing. How wonderful it felt to be breathing after having this chest cold for a few days. The rest of my run went smoothly with me focusing on my stride and trying to get it right. My legs still feel like I'm carrying lead in my shoes but I know that's because my muscles haven't been worked in so long.
When I hit the 30 minute mark I was at the back alley to my home so I decided to take my couped up, neglected dog for a walk. He seemed to think we were going for a run and kept acting like a thoroughbred on the day of the Kentucky Derby. Maybe I should consider walking him as my warm up instead.
After working out and cooling down, I came inside to stretch and take a shower. My biggest mistake was not consuming something before my shower. Stepping out of the bathroom I felt light headed and knew that I had allowed my blood sugar to drop. Not good. I'm always focused on getting that glass of water slowly consumed after a work out, maybe I should throw in a few almonds as well.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
First Run
Distance: Unknown
Time: 30 minutes altering 2 minutes run 3 minutes walk.
Today was my first run in over 11 months. Yes you read that right, 11 months of procrastinating with every excuse in the book. I sure can talk a good game but when it comes time to follow through there's always an excuse. Today alone I had found 5 different excuses, but came to my sense when I was working on a blog entry on lack of motivation.
So I put on my favorite sports bra, changed into some semi-decent run clothes, stole a pair of Chris favorite run socks, and laced up my run shoes. Threw some clothes into the wash proving the excuse that I have laundry to do to be inadequate in the excuse category. It was time to spend some quaility hate time with my thoughts and the pavement.
The following is a break down of the run.
Warm up: Max seemed to be confused as to what I was doing. He didn't know if he should be in my face or hiding. I can feel myself gain energy. Guess the excuss of being too tired won't work.
O minutes (Run): I started out strong, kept telling myself to slow down because this isn't about distance just about warming up some sleepy muscles.
30 seconds (Run): I started to wonder if I had laced my shoes too tight. Pin pricks were covering the tops of my feet. I kept going. Man every second passes like molasses.
2 minutes (Walk): I wanted to slow down but forced myself to attempt to keep up my heart rate. The next 3 minutes consisted of huffing and puffing and a few coughs while my heart felt like it wanted to beat out of my chest. Did I make the right decision to run today? I think I'm coming down with a cold; that's one of my 5 excuses as to why I can't run for the day.
5 minutes (Run): My legs felt like lead and it took everything just to get them to move. I felt like I was moving in one of those slow sequence runs. Man I'm out of shape.
7 minutes (Walk): I am ready to quit but know that' I can't. Now it's time to do the math. 2 minutes run, 3 minutes walk, for 30 minutes. That's like 12 minutes total of run time. I've already got 4 minutes down, I'm a 1/3 of the way there.
10 minutes (Run): I started to wonder about my stride. Was I wasteing energy with crossing my arms infront of my body? How were my feet hitting the ground? I could start to hear Chris in my head "You need to push off and stop crossing your feet." Ok focus...Crap, my hips are swaying too much. Damn them for getting wider.
12 minutes (Walk): I realize that I've been wondering aimlessly through out the neighborhood and it's time to decide which way to go. I decide to take the longest route back to the house so that I can ensure plenty of work out time without Max seeing me.
15 minutes (Run): I realize that my hips are hurting but not in a bad way. I start to think about my blog and how I almost gave up on it 10 minutes ago. Damn I'm fickled.
17 minutes (Walk): I realize that I'm no longer struggling to catch my breathe. Am I doing this right? When I use to work out with Chris, I struggled during my rest times. Then I remembered that the plan I am following said not to push yourself too hard in the begining or you will set yourself up for failure.
20 minutes (Run):I'm heading down hill and going against the wind. I'm so happy to live towards the bottom of the hill. I realize that I'm running towards Monterey Bay and start to relax a little and enjoy the view. I can actually see it even though there's an over cast today.
22 minutes (Walk): I feel like I can keep going with the running but I know I need to stick to the plan. I start to think about the full work out plan and wonder if I'll end up doubling any weeks. Who cares, right?
25 minutes (Run): I feel more confident. Maybe it's the slight decline that's I'm running down, or the fact that my muscles are waking up. I feel proud of myself for making it this far.
27 minutes (Walk): HOT DAMN! I have ran 12 minutes! That's better then I thought I would. I realize it's not at once but baby steps feel great too.
30 minutes (Cool Down): I feel proud of myself. I also start to notice that it's really cold in Monterey and wonder if I should have brought a jacket out with me. Too cold and too damp were two more excuses on why I couldn't take a run today.
Time: 30 minutes altering 2 minutes run 3 minutes walk.
Today was my first run in over 11 months. Yes you read that right, 11 months of procrastinating with every excuse in the book. I sure can talk a good game but when it comes time to follow through there's always an excuse. Today alone I had found 5 different excuses, but came to my sense when I was working on a blog entry on lack of motivation.
So I put on my favorite sports bra, changed into some semi-decent run clothes, stole a pair of Chris favorite run socks, and laced up my run shoes. Threw some clothes into the wash proving the excuse that I have laundry to do to be inadequate in the excuse category. It was time to spend some quaility hate time with my thoughts and the pavement.
The following is a break down of the run.
Warm up: Max seemed to be confused as to what I was doing. He didn't know if he should be in my face or hiding. I can feel myself gain energy. Guess the excuss of being too tired won't work.
O minutes (Run): I started out strong, kept telling myself to slow down because this isn't about distance just about warming up some sleepy muscles.
30 seconds (Run): I started to wonder if I had laced my shoes too tight. Pin pricks were covering the tops of my feet. I kept going. Man every second passes like molasses.
2 minutes (Walk): I wanted to slow down but forced myself to attempt to keep up my heart rate. The next 3 minutes consisted of huffing and puffing and a few coughs while my heart felt like it wanted to beat out of my chest. Did I make the right decision to run today? I think I'm coming down with a cold; that's one of my 5 excuses as to why I can't run for the day.
5 minutes (Run): My legs felt like lead and it took everything just to get them to move. I felt like I was moving in one of those slow sequence runs. Man I'm out of shape.
7 minutes (Walk): I am ready to quit but know that' I can't. Now it's time to do the math. 2 minutes run, 3 minutes walk, for 30 minutes. That's like 12 minutes total of run time. I've already got 4 minutes down, I'm a 1/3 of the way there.
10 minutes (Run): I started to wonder about my stride. Was I wasteing energy with crossing my arms infront of my body? How were my feet hitting the ground? I could start to hear Chris in my head "You need to push off and stop crossing your feet." Ok focus...Crap, my hips are swaying too much. Damn them for getting wider.
12 minutes (Walk): I realize that I've been wondering aimlessly through out the neighborhood and it's time to decide which way to go. I decide to take the longest route back to the house so that I can ensure plenty of work out time without Max seeing me.
15 minutes (Run): I realize that my hips are hurting but not in a bad way. I start to think about my blog and how I almost gave up on it 10 minutes ago. Damn I'm fickled.
17 minutes (Walk): I realize that I'm no longer struggling to catch my breathe. Am I doing this right? When I use to work out with Chris, I struggled during my rest times. Then I remembered that the plan I am following said not to push yourself too hard in the begining or you will set yourself up for failure.
20 minutes (Run):I'm heading down hill and going against the wind. I'm so happy to live towards the bottom of the hill. I realize that I'm running towards Monterey Bay and start to relax a little and enjoy the view. I can actually see it even though there's an over cast today.
22 minutes (Walk): I feel like I can keep going with the running but I know I need to stick to the plan. I start to think about the full work out plan and wonder if I'll end up doubling any weeks. Who cares, right?
25 minutes (Run): I feel more confident. Maybe it's the slight decline that's I'm running down, or the fact that my muscles are waking up. I feel proud of myself for making it this far.
27 minutes (Walk): HOT DAMN! I have ran 12 minutes! That's better then I thought I would. I realize it's not at once but baby steps feel great too.
30 minutes (Cool Down): I feel proud of myself. I also start to notice that it's really cold in Monterey and wonder if I should have brought a jacket out with me. Too cold and too damp were two more excuses on why I couldn't take a run today.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Choosen Plan
After weeks of research I have found a plan that looks possible for me. I looked at the couch to 5K plan along with several others, but Women's Health "How to Start Running Today" by Dimity McDowell, seemed to make the most sense to me.
Week 1: Run 2 minutes/Walk 3 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 2: Run 3 minutes/Walk 3 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 3: Run 5 minutes/Walk 2 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 4: Run 7 minutes/Walk 3 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 5: Run 8 minutes/Walk 2 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 6: Run 9 minutes/Walk 1 minute for 30 minutes
Week 7: Run 30 minutes
(Weeks consist of 3 work outs that are not consecutive days)
I will be starting out slow with no care as to my distance. My only focus will be that I am moving. If I don't feel that I am ready to move on to the next week, I will repeat a week. At the end of the 7th week, I will start to care about distance.
If you are interested in the article you can find it at http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How-to-Start-Running-Today.htm
Week 1: Run 2 minutes/Walk 3 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 2: Run 3 minutes/Walk 3 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 3: Run 5 minutes/Walk 2 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 4: Run 7 minutes/Walk 3 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 5: Run 8 minutes/Walk 2 minutes for 30 minutes
Week 6: Run 9 minutes/Walk 1 minute for 30 minutes
Week 7: Run 30 minutes
(Weeks consist of 3 work outs that are not consecutive days)
I will be starting out slow with no care as to my distance. My only focus will be that I am moving. If I don't feel that I am ready to move on to the next week, I will repeat a week. At the end of the 7th week, I will start to care about distance.
If you are interested in the article you can find it at http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How-to-Start-Running-Today.htm
Allow me to Introduce Myself
My name is Samantha, but you can call me Sam. I met and fell in love with my Marine, Chris, when I was 18. I'm a little older now.
We are currently at our third duty station and I've noticed that with every new city comes a new list of goals. However, one thing that stays on that list is to run my first 5K. It's about time that I check that off my list.
I don't always make the right decisions for my health, but I am attempting to make changes. The number one change in my life is that I have a plan and a support group. Now if only I could convince myself to get off the couch and start moving.
We are currently at our third duty station and I've noticed that with every new city comes a new list of goals. However, one thing that stays on that list is to run my first 5K. It's about time that I check that off my list.
I don't always make the right decisions for my health, but I am attempting to make changes. The number one change in my life is that I have a plan and a support group. Now if only I could convince myself to get off the couch and start moving.
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