Get your kicks!

On Route 66.. or at your local specialty running store :-)

I took a special trip out to the Lynbrook Runner's Stop in Long Island, NY to pick up some new running kicks. I really liked their website because they showed some example of how they fit runners to their shoes, which is exactly what I was looking for. There was an awesome woman at the shop when I walked in. The store is only staffed with runners and on this night, the woman on staff was a marathon runner. She asked me to take off my shoes and socks so she could evaluate my feet. Then I walked back and forth, back and forth so she could determine how I place my feet. It was an enlightening experience.

It turns out that I place my left foot neutral and my right foot supinates a bit. She had me try on a few pairs based on my needs and I ended up with these from Mizuno:
The best part of the experience had to be with the woman told me that I had very strong legs. Get that! An experienced marathon runner telling me I had strong legs- hehe. I was proud, to say the least.

I broke it my new shoes with a great run on Friday. I have officially begun the last week (week #9) of the C25K.

Weigh In

Scale says I'm down a pound this week after last week's gain. Yesterday morning it had me down 2 lbs, but I guess with the extra Easter calories I waived goodbye to 2lbs.

I'll be moving on to Week 5 of the C25K, each week brings anticipation for the new running schedule:
Can I do it?
Will I wimp out?
I can't believe I'm going to run continuously for that long!

Exercise has definitely kept my enagaged lately, but I wish my eating would pick up the slack.

C25K Week 3

I started Week 3 this week. It was much more challenging than Week's 1 or 2, but still doable. There are no moments that I feel like quitting, but I am certainly not running as much as I am jogging. Right now, it isn't about my pace; it is about completing the program.

I am by no means someone that takes to running naturally, and that is why I would recommend this program to anyone, but there are certainly some things that can make the experience more enjoyable.

My very first day of running I got runner's toe (a build up of fluid or blood under the toenail, which can cause the nail to fall off). The toe is healing, but it sure looks ugly. Here are a few things I should have done to avoid this injury:
-Get fitted for running shoes
-Wear socks that aren't too thick or thin
-Make sure your toenails are neatly trimmed

Some other lessons that I learned by doing:
-Map your run ahead of time at http://www.mapmyrun.com/
-Download a nifty podcast for the C25K program for every week at http://www.c25k.com/
-Buy yourself some running clothes- they don't have to be expensive (I bought mine at Walmart and Sport's Authority). Running pants/shorts will prevent your pants from falling down as you run (a big problem for me). I specifically like the spandex kind with the drawstring for extra staying power.
-Don't be so self conscious! I probably can't convince you of this without you actually trying for yourself, but you aren't running for other people- you are running for yourself, so forget about everyone else and do your thing!

Happy trails!

Weigh In and a C25K Buddy

This week posted a 2lb loss: wahoooo! Finally a legit loss. I earned it by committing to changing my exercise routine and it feels good.

Speaking of exercise, my fiance joined me on my run last night. He was doing okay in the beginning, but had to call it quits half-way through because his legs couldn't handle it. He said, "I give you a lot credit. This is really hard!" It felt really good to hear that, especially because my fiance has 6% body fat and a 29inch waist- bastard!

C25K Day 1

I kept my word: I bought the necessary tools, plotted my running route, downloading a nifty podcast of techno beats with cues for the switch from running to walking (Thanks Julia!), and I ran.

It was comical! My pants were falling down during every running interval so I'd spend the walking intervals rolling them up. I can say something positive though: I did it!

My first impression of the program's first and second weeks is that they are challenging, not discouraging.

Run Forrest Run!

For the past three weeks I have been in the range of 2lbs: 188-190. How fun!

I don't think I am in self-sabotage mode, but something just isn't clicking. I've talked about upping my exercise routine, but so far I've only been able to incorporate pilates 4 times a week. While it's good for the tiny muscles and the core, it sure isn't burning calories.

It's time for some good old cardio, but I have to confess I am scared. I plan to give the Couch to 5K program a whirl because the farthest distance I have ever run is 2 miles, 1 mile short of a 5K.

I hate running. I'm not good at it, it hurts my chest (even with two bras on), I get as red as the koolaid man, I gasp for air. Even when I was an athlete in high school I hated running, so I think that it will be the most effective way to get the last 25 lbs off. Even writing about running is making me tense with anxiety. With the beginning of daylight savings, there is plenty of light to run outside and the weather is warming up. I'm going out to buy a new pair of running shoes tomorrow and a new sports bra, which will eliminate the last few excuses I have to keep myself from running. I'm gonna need everyone's support to get through this fear and keep motivated.