Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Still moving

Thanks to the many of you that have offered words of encouragement as I begin this journey. Although my schedule (i.e. two toddlers + a full-time job) don't allow me to blog as much as I'd like, rest assured I'm moving...at least every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And I promise to check in at least twice a week.

This morning's workout went something like this...

5 minute warmup
(cue thought bubbles) I should have stayed in bed.

1 minute run
Who put lead in my shoes?

4 minute walk
Only eight more reps to go.

1 minute run
Feeling good. Glad I rolled out of bed.

4 minute walk
This is cake. I can do this! Bring on the half marathon!
(fast forward to last 1 minute run)
.
.
.
.
.
.
1 minute run
It's no wonder I can do this...I'm running at a snail's pace. Will work on speed later.

5 minute cool down

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Bring on Week 2

The toughest part of Week 1 was rolling out of bed. Hands down. But at the end of my workout, as soon as my feet left the treadmill and returned to stationery ground, I was glad I'd made it to the gym. If only I could bottle that feeling and take it the moment my alarm went off.

My goal was to make it to the gym 3 days (Mon-Wed-Fri) this past week. I made it Monday and Wednesday. Friday I took the day off to prepare for our garage/moving sale on Saturday, and to try and kick a nasty sinus infection. So, I didn't quite hit my goal but probably burned more calories Friday moving tables and sorting through mounds of JUNK than I did Monday and Wednesday combined.

Per my iPhone app, this week's workout entails -

5-minute warmup
run 1 minute/walk 4 minutes (repeat 9 times)

I'm excited for Week 2. Bring it on!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Day 1, Week 1

I'm proud to say I resisted the snooze button this morning and made it to the gym by 5 AM. Yes, you read correctly. That's 5 AM. With two toddlers, it's 5 AM, or no workout. My workout this week consists of the following -

5 minute warm-up/walk
run 30 seconds and walk 4:30 - repeat 7 times
5 minute cool down/walk

Thank goodness for the iPhone and couch 2 10K apps! I love being able to listen to music and have an automated trainer say "run. now." at precisely the right time. The iPhone must be one of man's greatest inventions. Truly.

Two thoughts went through my head during my first workout:

1) It stinks that after all of my hard work and dedication this spring, I'm essentially starting from square one. I was up to three miles in May. And now I'd be lucky to make it one mile. On a good day.

2) It feels good to finally be back in the saddle again. It's only day one with a long road ahead, but I'm eager to begin the journey.

Although the workout this week is not much of a challenge, dragging myself to the gym IS. This week my goal is simply to get to the gym three days and to complete the above workout three times. I'll check in this weekend to let you know I've made it and share what's in store for week 2.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Going Public

I am not a runner. Not even close. But I am determined to become an amateur runner by April 29, 2012. The date of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (I will be running the half marathon).

I started this blog for two reasons - 1) to record my progress, which I'm hopeful will in turn motivate me to keep going, and 2) accountability. You (I'm hoping there will be a you...) are hereby charged with checking in on me from time to time. And if you feel so inclined, please share your thoughts, personal goals, and successes.

Although I'm not completely new to sports or the gym, it's been a long time. A very long time. I married the love of my life over four and a half years ago and in those 4+ years have had two beautiful children. Henry and Sam. I've also gained a muffin top and pounds.

My family is my inspiration. I want to model a healthy lifestyle for my boys, as well as ensure I have all the energy needed to keep up with their busy bodies. My mom, who was recently diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer, is also my inspiration. I've been blessed with a healthy (albeit a bit overweight) body, and I've been convicted to become a better steward of this blessing.

Training starts tomorrow. Bright and early. I'll be sure to check in and let you know how I did.