I never struggled with body image in junior high or high school. I was the annoying girl who was eating Hostess cupcakes and drinking Mountain Dew while not gaining a single pound.
I took a cognitive therapy class at a counseling center in the winter of 1998 because I was struggling with some intense anxiety and depression. This was related to some transitions from the fall such as transferring colleges, breaking up with my boyfriend, and a family crisis. Anyway the other college girls in the therapy class constantly shared that their anxiety and depression was related to body image. One girl was terrified to sit in a hot tub with her friends and wear a bathing suit. Again, I could not relate. I knew I had put on a few pounds since high school. I was not self conscious about the way I looked.
Some people thought I took up running post college for the physical aspect. That was a bonus. I actually started running for the mental benefits. My first two years as a youth director were easier as a whole. I still felt the need to either get counseling or go on antidepressants. My third year was my toughest due to many different situations. This is when I took up running and I did not even consider antidepressants. I do not think that is a coincidence. Whenever I got lazy with my running routine, feelings of anxiety would often return. I believe some of the reason why my pregnancy with Derek and the postpartum period was much more difficult was because I was not exercising.
I started to feel really self conscious about my body when I was pregnant with Kara. Before I even announced I was pregnant someone said she mentioned to someone else that I looked like I had gained weight and looked a little pregnant. I remember coming to church when I was starting to show and someone said, "Yeah I heard you were a lot bigger than when you were pregnant with Derek." I know this is going to happen anywhere in any type of setting. The idea of people talking about my body made me feel self conscious. It was more refreshing going to MOPS where you are greeted with, "You look cute in that maternity outfit," or "How is your pregnany going?" versus, "You look huge." I really try to be sensitive around other pregnant women because not all (and I am sure the vast majority) do not like being told they are huge.
I don't know how much I weigh right now. All I know is I am bigger than after I had Hailey or Derek. I know that I cannot fit comfortly into my size eight jeans. I know that I do not like the way I look. I am not obese. I may not even qualify for "overweight." My OB was not all concerned about my weight at my six week appointment. I do not like looking at pictures of myself right now. I do not like trying on clothes. I do not have the greatest eating habits. I do eat a fair amount of junk and it is catching up to me.
So it is time for a change. I am going to try Weight Watchers. Never done it before, but many people told me it's not a diet. They teach you how to eat. People say, "Well you don't need WW to learn that." My response is "I do!" I never learned good eating habits because I never had to. My metabolism was always so good that I could eat whatever I wanted whenever I was hungry. Now I'm in my 30's and I have had three kids...yeah it's not going to work that way anymore.
So tonight when I go the gym, I am going to weigh myself. We don't own a scale and haven't owned one in 7-8 years. It's not because I don't want to weigh myself. It's because my weight has never been a concern. For many years it was always the same. After Hailey was born it went back to the same. After Derek was born, it was probably about 4-5 pounds more. Now it's up there. And I am a little afraid to find out what it is. If I don't know, I can't move forward. So here we go! Let's shed some pounds for the summer!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
March 29
I did not feel like getting up this morning because I smashed my finger in the door yesterday evening. My finger was throbbling all night long and waking me up. Even after taking Advil. I did not want to run during Rob's lunch because I did not feel like dealing with the rain today. So I went to the gym at 8:15 PM after the kids went to bed and Rob was home from his meeting. I do love to run at night, but I feel better overall when I am able to do it in the morning.
I ran two miles on the treadmill alternating between a 0 incline and 3.0 incline. I messed around with the speed but went from 5.5 - 5.8 on the incline and 6.0 - 6.4 on the zero incline. It took me about twenty minutes. I do like to run outside, but doing the treadmill is a nice break every now and then. Except for the fact I washed my headphones. So while I can see the TV, I have to try to read the captions because I can no longer hear it.
The gym is dead after 8 PM and I find I like the night crowd.
I ran two miles on the treadmill alternating between a 0 incline and 3.0 incline. I messed around with the speed but went from 5.5 - 5.8 on the incline and 6.0 - 6.4 on the zero incline. It took me about twenty minutes. I do like to run outside, but doing the treadmill is a nice break every now and then. Except for the fact I washed my headphones. So while I can see the TV, I have to try to read the captions because I can no longer hear it.
The gym is dead after 8 PM and I find I like the night crowd.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
March 27
I decided to change my route today. I ran Liberty to Cunningham and then Cunningham deads into this street...I think Cloudview (?). Ran up the Cloud Street which put me on Browning. The other side of Browning is so picturesque. I could not believe how beautiful it is especially with the mountains in the far off background. Then I ran Browning to Liberty and back home. It put me on some massive hills...both up and down. This was really good for me and I pushed my way through it. When I ran the 5/3 Riverbank run in 2003 and 2004, I did almost all my training in Fruitport, Ferrysburg, and Spring Lake on the bike paths which were very, very hills (being so close to the lakeshore and dunes). This put me at a huge advantage. While a lot of people were struggling on the hills, I was pretty used to them. They were still tough, but I could push my way up them without having to walk.
I felt really good while I was running. Really good. Like I haven't felt this good since the 5K I ran at the end of January. I was able to complete the three miles.
Rob and I had a long talk today on the way to Woodburn about marathons and races and raising money. I am thinking about doing Portland in October and raising money for the Athletes For a Cure program which is in conjunction with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Grandpa Mensink passed away from prostate cancer which also spread to his spine and brain. I would run in memory of him. There is no set amount you have to raise, no cost to register (except registration for the event) and I can do any race I want. The downside is I don't get a team to train with. If I went with the other charities I looked at, all the training runs are in Portland or Eugene. I am not going to drive 1 1/2 - 2 hours to run. If I didn't I have kids, maybe. Even so it's a lot of driving and time away. I figure I can do some of my long runs with Trena and maybe look into the Willamette Roadrunners. I am such a lone runner so I almost prefer to do most of my runs by myself.
I felt really good while I was running. Really good. Like I haven't felt this good since the 5K I ran at the end of January. I was able to complete the three miles.
Rob and I had a long talk today on the way to Woodburn about marathons and races and raising money. I am thinking about doing Portland in October and raising money for the Athletes For a Cure program which is in conjunction with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Grandpa Mensink passed away from prostate cancer which also spread to his spine and brain. I would run in memory of him. There is no set amount you have to raise, no cost to register (except registration for the event) and I can do any race I want. The downside is I don't get a team to train with. If I went with the other charities I looked at, all the training runs are in Portland or Eugene. I am not going to drive 1 1/2 - 2 hours to run. If I didn't I have kids, maybe. Even so it's a lot of driving and time away. I figure I can do some of my long runs with Trena and maybe look into the Willamette Roadrunners. I am such a lone runner so I almost prefer to do most of my runs by myself.
Friday, March 26, 2010
March 26
I went to 5 PM Group Power. Why do I dislike working out at 5 PM and why don't I like the 5 class as much? I really don't know. There are a lot of "gym people"--you know the buff, skinny, athletes. It's a totally different crowd. I don't like the instructor as much, but I don't think that is totally it.
Anyway I was in the very front on the very edge and I won't set up there again. Half the time I could not see and had to watch people around me to see what to do next. Which didn't work very well at all. I also felt "off" at first. My lower back was hurting on squats and I was wondering the whole time if I was messing up the form. I realized some of my problems with the chest track and biceps (and maybe squats too) is I am not holding the bar wide enough. I widened my grip on the bicep track and I felt like I could have easily done 7 1/2 weights instead of 5. This might have been my problem before. Lunges were really good today, but we did the dynamic lunges. I find those much easier. I also pushed myself really hard on the shoulder and triceps tracks. I was able to do triceps dips which I absolutely hate. I could complete the whole workout without a break for the first time. They are getting much easier. I don't dread them as much as I used to.
I think our schedule will work out next week than I go back to the 7 PM class. For some reason I feel like I fit into that crowd better. Hoping to run three miles tomorrow if all goes well.
Rob and I talked about the Portland Marathon. He is pretty supportive of me doing it! I am really considering it!! I need to look at training schedules. I might run for the American Cancer Society or some related charity. I hope it works out!!
Anyway I was in the very front on the very edge and I won't set up there again. Half the time I could not see and had to watch people around me to see what to do next. Which didn't work very well at all. I also felt "off" at first. My lower back was hurting on squats and I was wondering the whole time if I was messing up the form. I realized some of my problems with the chest track and biceps (and maybe squats too) is I am not holding the bar wide enough. I widened my grip on the bicep track and I felt like I could have easily done 7 1/2 weights instead of 5. This might have been my problem before. Lunges were really good today, but we did the dynamic lunges. I find those much easier. I also pushed myself really hard on the shoulder and triceps tracks. I was able to do triceps dips which I absolutely hate. I could complete the whole workout without a break for the first time. They are getting much easier. I don't dread them as much as I used to.
I think our schedule will work out next week than I go back to the 7 PM class. For some reason I feel like I fit into that crowd better. Hoping to run three miles tomorrow if all goes well.
Rob and I talked about the Portland Marathon. He is pretty supportive of me doing it! I am really considering it!! I need to look at training schedules. I might run for the American Cancer Society or some related charity. I hope it works out!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
March 25
I ran two miles today in the cold, pouring rain. Why did I not go to the gym? 1) I was on a tight schedule this afternoon and did not have the time to go over there. Rob took the afternoon off since he's working his day off, but he had some other things he had to get done at home. 2) I feel like I get a better workout running outside 3) Running in the rain is good preparation for races. I remember running the Irish Jig in 2004 in cold, wet, March rain and the huge downpour and thunderstorm in the Fifth Third Riverbank Run also in 2004. It's not always nice and sunny on race day.
I ran my regular two mile route but I went the opposite way so I could do more uphills. Need to build up that endurance. Aside from being drenched and cold with wet socks, it was a good workout. I have no injuries or muscle pain right now. I am going for three miles this weekend.
Trena wants me to do a 12K with her in May. We'll see. I'd have to add a mile every week to get up to seven by then, but I think it's doable. Unless unforseen events occur and we have another month like February. Hoping that is not the case.
I ran my regular two mile route but I went the opposite way so I could do more uphills. Need to build up that endurance. Aside from being drenched and cold with wet socks, it was a good workout. I have no injuries or muscle pain right now. I am going for three miles this weekend.
Trena wants me to do a 12K with her in May. We'll see. I'd have to add a mile every week to get up to seven by then, but I think it's doable. Unless unforseen events occur and we have another month like February. Hoping that is not the case.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
March 23
I did not run on Monday. It was really hard to get out of bed. I had run two miles Sunday afternoon so I was a little sore. This morning I had hoped to go running at 7 AM before Rob left for the office. It was too chaotic already...all three kids awake and ready to take on their day. I could not get away.
I ran about 1.5 miles during Rob's lunch. I ran Hrubetz to Jones to Idylwood to Liberty back to Hrubetz. It was a tough run for some reason. I felt winded and not as strong. I did complete it without walking.
Then I went to Group Power at night. It was a really good workout and I am getting so much stronger. I enjoy it more than ever before. The music was "on" tonight. We got to do dynamic lunges and squats which I love! I stuck with mostly the same weights as Friday. I did five pounds with biceps. I was still dying so I am glad I decreased it from Friday. I am getting the hang of the chest track and using the right muscle groups now. I think my form was off before. I wish I could go Thursday because he is repeating the same workout, but we have a youth ministry meeting that night. I will probably go to the 5:00 PM class on Friday, but I don't like that class as much. I don't feel as connected with the other people and I don't care for the instructor as much. Plus you have to get there at 4:30 or you don't get a spot. It's always packed. Such a pain.
After Power I decided to try lap swimming to get a feel for it. I have not swam laps since 2005. I really don't know what I am doing. I have had very little swimming instruction beyond basic swim lessons when I was in first grade. My goal was to swim for about fifteen minutes. I loved it! I did about three full laps, but I did breaks in between each length (half lap). I am so looking forward to doing this as my cross training. It's a great workout. I am hoping to take a private swim lesson after Easter when Rob is on vacation. That way I'll be able to work on form and improve on what I already know.
I ran about 1.5 miles during Rob's lunch. I ran Hrubetz to Jones to Idylwood to Liberty back to Hrubetz. It was a tough run for some reason. I felt winded and not as strong. I did complete it without walking.
Then I went to Group Power at night. It was a really good workout and I am getting so much stronger. I enjoy it more than ever before. The music was "on" tonight. We got to do dynamic lunges and squats which I love! I stuck with mostly the same weights as Friday. I did five pounds with biceps. I was still dying so I am glad I decreased it from Friday. I am getting the hang of the chest track and using the right muscle groups now. I think my form was off before. I wish I could go Thursday because he is repeating the same workout, but we have a youth ministry meeting that night. I will probably go to the 5:00 PM class on Friday, but I don't like that class as much. I don't feel as connected with the other people and I don't care for the instructor as much. Plus you have to get there at 4:30 or you don't get a spot. It's always packed. Such a pain.
After Power I decided to try lap swimming to get a feel for it. I have not swam laps since 2005. I really don't know what I am doing. I have had very little swimming instruction beyond basic swim lessons when I was in first grade. My goal was to swim for about fifteen minutes. I loved it! I did about three full laps, but I did breaks in between each length (half lap). I am so looking forward to doing this as my cross training. It's a great workout. I am hoping to take a private swim lesson after Easter when Rob is on vacation. That way I'll be able to work on form and improve on what I already know.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March 21
I did not run yesterday because I had some errands to run in the morning. Then Rob had the funeral all day and did not get home until 4:30 PM. We still had to get groceries for the week. It was such a gorgeous day that I would have loved to run. But the timing did not work out.
I ran this afternoon and completed my two miles! I did my regular two mile route--Hrubetz to Lone Oak to Browning to Liberty back to Hrubetz. Running the last stretch on Liberty is always the toughest because it is the last stretch. It is not as fun running on busy roads with traffic. Today there was a strong headwind. I almost was not sure I would be able to complete the run. I did not want to have to walk. But I made it and feel good. No injuries or knee pain.
I would like to go for three miles this weekend.
I ran this afternoon and completed my two miles! I did my regular two mile route--Hrubetz to Lone Oak to Browning to Liberty back to Hrubetz. Running the last stretch on Liberty is always the toughest because it is the last stretch. It is not as fun running on busy roads with traffic. Today there was a strong headwind. I almost was not sure I would be able to complete the run. I did not want to have to walk. But I made it and feel good. No injuries or knee pain.
I would like to go for three miles this weekend.
Friday, March 19, 2010
March 19
I went to Group Power today instead of on Saturday since it worked better with our schedule. I increased my warm up weight to 7 1/2 and back and legs to 10. No problem with either one. It was tougher, but not exhausting. Tried chest at 7 1/2...pretty challenging and could not complete everything. Did the catch and lifts, dead lifts at 10 and did fine. Did biceps at 7 1/2 and felt like I was dying! It was awful! I could not keep up at all. I did lunges at 5 and it was pretty easy. I probably could have and should have done 7 1/2, but lunges have scared me the last couple times. I had no knee pain today at all. The ab workout was great...I really felt it this time. I liked the ab track from this class better than what the evening class has been doing the last couple times.
I feel better about my body since I am getting back into shape. I still feel overweight and like I am carrying loose baby weight. I really hope I can stick with this workout schedule!
I feel better about my body since I am getting back into shape. I still feel overweight and like I am carrying loose baby weight. I really hope I can stick with this workout schedule!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March 18
I picked a very good week to continue my exercise regimen. This week has been crazy and I feel even CRAZIER! Rob is swamped with things to do plus a funeral on Saturday. Did I not mention he has FIVE weddings this summer...four before July 1st!? Derek has been crazy...nothing more than turning into a three year old. Oh and breaking our second TV in less than a year. Grrrr. Kara has been doing surprisingly well. She does keep me busy...especially with bottles and pumping three times a day. Not sure how much longer I can keep that up because my milk supply is going down.
I really excited about adding a day of cross training into my workouts. Eventually that will be swimming or biking/elliptical at the Courthouse. I might experiment with a different options. Possibly going to Group Ride or biking and doing the elliptical on my own. I hate the elliptical and I'm not a big fan of the bike either. I heard Group Ride is one of the most difficult classes. So I am leaning towards trying swimming first. I bought a swim suit and goggles. Next I have to book a private lesson.
For now, I am walking. I woke up with really sore muscles and the walk helped tremendously. I walked from Hrubetz to Liberty to Idylwood to Jones and back up Hrubetz which I think it about a mile. It was pretty chilly outside this morning. It was clear when the sun was coming up and I could see the mountains! Love it when I can see the mountains. We don't see them much in the winter.
This weekend I hope to my long run (2 miles) and Group Power on Saturday. Sunday I am going to take off and figure out a plan for next week.
I really excited about adding a day of cross training into my workouts. Eventually that will be swimming or biking/elliptical at the Courthouse. I might experiment with a different options. Possibly going to Group Ride or biking and doing the elliptical on my own. I hate the elliptical and I'm not a big fan of the bike either. I heard Group Ride is one of the most difficult classes. So I am leaning towards trying swimming first. I bought a swim suit and goggles. Next I have to book a private lesson.
For now, I am walking. I woke up with really sore muscles and the walk helped tremendously. I walked from Hrubetz to Liberty to Idylwood to Jones and back up Hrubetz which I think it about a mile. It was pretty chilly outside this morning. It was clear when the sun was coming up and I could see the mountains! Love it when I can see the mountains. We don't see them much in the winter.
This weekend I hope to my long run (2 miles) and Group Power on Saturday. Sunday I am going to take off and figure out a plan for next week.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March 17
Kara woke up to eat at 6:30 AM. I fed her, put her back down, and went running! Yay! My first morning run since Kara was born. She's not always on this schedule, but I LOVED the fact I got so much done before 8:30 AM.
I ran Hrubetz to Liberty to Boone to Nina back to Hrubetz which I am guessing is about 1.5 miles. The sun was just coming up and it was not too cold! I didn't even have to wear a jacket. I felt weak and tired for the first 2-3 minutes, but then felt strong once I got moving. I love to run in the morning. I think I can skip the 1.75 miles week and go right to 2 miles. I didn't run the whole month of February, but I am still strong enough to get to 3 miles within a few weeks if not before.
My left knee is acting up a little bit, but it's nothing serious. I always get this when I start running again.
I ran Hrubetz to Liberty to Boone to Nina back to Hrubetz which I am guessing is about 1.5 miles. The sun was just coming up and it was not too cold! I didn't even have to wear a jacket. I felt weak and tired for the first 2-3 minutes, but then felt strong once I got moving. I love to run in the morning. I think I can skip the 1.75 miles week and go right to 2 miles. I didn't run the whole month of February, but I am still strong enough to get to 3 miles within a few weeks if not before.
My left knee is acting up a little bit, but it's nothing serious. I always get this when I start running again.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
March 16
I went to evening Group Power tonight and could hardly find a parking space...what's up with that!? Is it because of the time change? I parked out in no-man's-land where it was not even paved.
I am at 5 pounds for warm up, triceps, biceps, and shoulder tracks. I am at 7 1/2 for all the leg tracks. I think I can add weight to arm muscle tracks because I felt pretty comfortable. I was fine with the leg tracks especially squats except I felt awful doing lunges. I could not complete the workout and had to take weight off halfway through. I could hardly do the bottom halves and I was waiting for it to be over. When I was doing Power before I got pregnant with Kara, I had no problem doing lunges. Now they are killing me. I actually get nervous before we get to the lunge track.
I am finally getting a feel for what weight to add and take off based on the different tracks. Since I have been going enough, some of the music and workouts are familar. I know what to anticipate i.e. when the bottom halves are coming or when push ups are over etc.
I am at 5 pounds for warm up, triceps, biceps, and shoulder tracks. I am at 7 1/2 for all the leg tracks. I think I can add weight to arm muscle tracks because I felt pretty comfortable. I was fine with the leg tracks especially squats except I felt awful doing lunges. I could not complete the workout and had to take weight off halfway through. I could hardly do the bottom halves and I was waiting for it to be over. When I was doing Power before I got pregnant with Kara, I had no problem doing lunges. Now they are killing me. I actually get nervous before we get to the lunge track.
I am finally getting a feel for what weight to add and take off based on the different tracks. Since I have been going enough, some of the music and workouts are familar. I know what to anticipate i.e. when the bottom halves are coming or when push ups are over etc.
Monday, March 15, 2010
March 15th
Ran 1.5 miles during Rob's lunch
Not sure if the distance was exact. I ran up Hrubetz to Lone Oak to Catholic School and back. Normally this is my 2 mile course, but I go past the school all the way to Browning.
I felt really good...like I could have gone longer. I thought about doing the full two miles, but I left Rob with crabby kids. He needed to be back in the office at 1. It was so nice to be able run outside in sunny weather wearing shorts! I love spring!!
The downside of running during his lunch is I don't take a shower until the afternoon and I'm in workout clothes all morning. I feel very grubby and I think it affects my mood. :(
Not sure if the distance was exact. I ran up Hrubetz to Lone Oak to Catholic School and back. Normally this is my 2 mile course, but I go past the school all the way to Browning.
I felt really good...like I could have gone longer. I thought about doing the full two miles, but I left Rob with crabby kids. He needed to be back in the office at 1. It was so nice to be able run outside in sunny weather wearing shorts! I love spring!!
The downside of running during his lunch is I don't take a shower until the afternoon and I'm in workout clothes all morning. I feel very grubby and I think it affects my mood. :(
Running recap
This is a recap of my running the past 18 months...
I ran in the Sublimity 5K in September of 2008 and did really well. I felt great. It was a small 5k and the people timing us were not getting the accurate time. We didn't even have numbers. So I think I intentionally forgot what my time was because I didn't think it was correct anyway. Plus Hailey was sick that morning and throwing up all over the car so we had to leave almost as soon as I crossed the finish line.
I lost motivation after that and hardly exercised until I joined the Courthouse in January of 2009. This began the first time I was truly exercising...working all areas of my body and loving it! I was amazed how better my running became because I was doing weights once or twice a week. I ran about three times a week, went to Group Power (weights) class once or twice a week, and then went to Centergy (pilates/yoga) once or twice a week. Most of this I did before 7 AM. I got up around 4:50 AM and got all my workouts done before the kids were awake. Aside from feeling tired by 9:45 PM, I had energy all day long and hardly needed to take a nap. I ran my best long run (about 9-10 miles) in Virginia Beach along the ocean on a beautiful paved path when I was visiting Jonathan and Megan.
Then in early March I found out I was pregnant with Kara. Because my body was in shape, I knew I could and should continue to work out. I dropped Group Power because it was way too much. I continued to go to Centergy for another month. I quit that in late April when first trimester morning sickness hit hard and the 4:50 AM wake up was too much. I could not switch to the evening class because it met at an inconvenient time. I did not like the instructor as well (and that does make a big difference!). Tried water exercise in the summer. I only went a handful of times and realized quickly it is not "me." It is a very social class. You think being an extrovert and loving to interact with many people, I would thrive on it. It was quite the opposite. I am a focused runner and found all the chatting distracting. It also met at an inconvenient time. Changing in my swimsuit, showering, and changing back into clothes made my visits to the gym longer.
I knew running was what I enjoy the most, and I should stick with it. I ran about two miles on the treadmill at 4.5 pace. I know many people speedwalk at this pace so I knew I was not overduing it. I kept this up until later in the summer. Then I switched to walking two miles. I kept this up twice a week until late October. Kara was born on November 5th. I went to the gym the first time when she was three weeks old. I walked on the treadmill and slowly started to add running. By the time she was five weeks old, I was running for the whole workout. I started following Hal Higdon's training guide for a 5K. I ran a 5K on January 23rd and my time was 30:04. It would have been shorter, but I missed a turn and got off course and lost a couple minutes. I miss the 5k's I used to run in Michigan that were a little bit better organized! I also went to evening Group Power or Saturday morning Group Power. I tried to go about twice a week. It helped that Trena and Rachel were going too.
Then Kara got sick and our whole routine and schedule got thrown out the window. I got very sleep deprived. I went to evening Centergy a couple times more to get out the house, refocus and to do something less stressful than Group Power . I think I ran once or twice in the month of February. I don't think I went to Group Power at all. Which I paid for last week when I returned to Group Power. Trena and Rachel are up to 10 pounds and I am back to 5! I know it's not a competition. You don't really gain anything if you don't go on a regular basis.
So last week I started up again with the same 5k training plan in hopes to run a 5K in May. Last week I went to Group Power Tuesday night, ran 1.5 miles during Rob's lunch on Wednesday, went to Group Power again on Thursday night, and then ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill at a 5.7 pace on the cross country track on Saturday. I wanted to run yesterday. The fact Kara finally took a long Sunday afternoon nap for the first time in weeks, I took advantage of it and slept.
My goal right now is to run three times a week, Group Power twice a week, and eventually add swimming once or twice a week. Rob bought me a private swimming lesson for my birthday. I don't have a swimming suit yet. :) I am not looking forward to going shopping for one, but I need to do it this week. Eventually I want to get back into the morning workout routine. Kara is sleeping great for a four month old, but she is not as predictable yet. So for now I am running during Rob's lunch, on his day off, or on Saturday or Sunday late afternoon. I have been going to either Tuesday or Thursday night Group Power and/or Saturday morning Group Power. Our schedule is different every week. Rob has a lot of Tuesday night meetings and he likes Thursday night karate. We're pretty intentional about taking turns so everyone gets to do what they want to do. If they don't they get more a priority the following week. So far it has worked and no one is complaining.
I realize reading a running blog is about as interesting as reading the phone book. But it helps me so much to keep a log of my running. I like the fact blogger archives it. I can search for certain workouts. So this blog is more for my reference if anything. Will I run a marathon in 2010!? Oh it would be so awesome!! At this point, I don't know. One step at a time.
I ran in the Sublimity 5K in September of 2008 and did really well. I felt great. It was a small 5k and the people timing us were not getting the accurate time. We didn't even have numbers. So I think I intentionally forgot what my time was because I didn't think it was correct anyway. Plus Hailey was sick that morning and throwing up all over the car so we had to leave almost as soon as I crossed the finish line.
I lost motivation after that and hardly exercised until I joined the Courthouse in January of 2009. This began the first time I was truly exercising...working all areas of my body and loving it! I was amazed how better my running became because I was doing weights once or twice a week. I ran about three times a week, went to Group Power (weights) class once or twice a week, and then went to Centergy (pilates/yoga) once or twice a week. Most of this I did before 7 AM. I got up around 4:50 AM and got all my workouts done before the kids were awake. Aside from feeling tired by 9:45 PM, I had energy all day long and hardly needed to take a nap. I ran my best long run (about 9-10 miles) in Virginia Beach along the ocean on a beautiful paved path when I was visiting Jonathan and Megan.
Then in early March I found out I was pregnant with Kara. Because my body was in shape, I knew I could and should continue to work out. I dropped Group Power because it was way too much. I continued to go to Centergy for another month. I quit that in late April when first trimester morning sickness hit hard and the 4:50 AM wake up was too much. I could not switch to the evening class because it met at an inconvenient time. I did not like the instructor as well (and that does make a big difference!). Tried water exercise in the summer. I only went a handful of times and realized quickly it is not "me." It is a very social class. You think being an extrovert and loving to interact with many people, I would thrive on it. It was quite the opposite. I am a focused runner and found all the chatting distracting. It also met at an inconvenient time. Changing in my swimsuit, showering, and changing back into clothes made my visits to the gym longer.
I knew running was what I enjoy the most, and I should stick with it. I ran about two miles on the treadmill at 4.5 pace. I know many people speedwalk at this pace so I knew I was not overduing it. I kept this up until later in the summer. Then I switched to walking two miles. I kept this up twice a week until late October. Kara was born on November 5th. I went to the gym the first time when she was three weeks old. I walked on the treadmill and slowly started to add running. By the time she was five weeks old, I was running for the whole workout. I started following Hal Higdon's training guide for a 5K. I ran a 5K on January 23rd and my time was 30:04. It would have been shorter, but I missed a turn and got off course and lost a couple minutes. I miss the 5k's I used to run in Michigan that were a little bit better organized! I also went to evening Group Power or Saturday morning Group Power. I tried to go about twice a week. It helped that Trena and Rachel were going too.
Then Kara got sick and our whole routine and schedule got thrown out the window. I got very sleep deprived. I went to evening Centergy a couple times more to get out the house, refocus and to do something less stressful than Group Power . I think I ran once or twice in the month of February. I don't think I went to Group Power at all. Which I paid for last week when I returned to Group Power. Trena and Rachel are up to 10 pounds and I am back to 5! I know it's not a competition. You don't really gain anything if you don't go on a regular basis.
So last week I started up again with the same 5k training plan in hopes to run a 5K in May. Last week I went to Group Power Tuesday night, ran 1.5 miles during Rob's lunch on Wednesday, went to Group Power again on Thursday night, and then ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill at a 5.7 pace on the cross country track on Saturday. I wanted to run yesterday. The fact Kara finally took a long Sunday afternoon nap for the first time in weeks, I took advantage of it and slept.
My goal right now is to run three times a week, Group Power twice a week, and eventually add swimming once or twice a week. Rob bought me a private swimming lesson for my birthday. I don't have a swimming suit yet. :) I am not looking forward to going shopping for one, but I need to do it this week. Eventually I want to get back into the morning workout routine. Kara is sleeping great for a four month old, but she is not as predictable yet. So for now I am running during Rob's lunch, on his day off, or on Saturday or Sunday late afternoon. I have been going to either Tuesday or Thursday night Group Power and/or Saturday morning Group Power. Our schedule is different every week. Rob has a lot of Tuesday night meetings and he likes Thursday night karate. We're pretty intentional about taking turns so everyone gets to do what they want to do. If they don't they get more a priority the following week. So far it has worked and no one is complaining.
I realize reading a running blog is about as interesting as reading the phone book. But it helps me so much to keep a log of my running. I like the fact blogger archives it. I can search for certain workouts. So this blog is more for my reference if anything. Will I run a marathon in 2010!? Oh it would be so awesome!! At this point, I don't know. One step at a time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)