Monday the 29th

3.1 in 41:56. 13:31 min avg. I was so sluggish this morning & we ran quite slow. I didn't feel like even being out, but I did it. My mid to upper back has been hurting me each evening & today I wore an old bra, so it got my backache off to an early start. I think I need to gain more back & chest muscle to help hold my load.

Friday the 26th

4.01 miles in 51:05. Average pace was 12:44 minute mile, which is improving! If we wouldn't have walked at the end, we would have been really close to 12 minute miles. Jana and I were able to be really consistent on our pace the whole time. It was a nice run and my shins didn't hurt at all. Yea!!

By the way, Tiff, these are my shoes. I'm actually glad to see that I got a better price than what the link has! I didn't even pay that much with tax. Runner's Corner didn't have a treadmill for me to run on. They just had me to run outside to test the shoes out. And, funny thing, they were so busy when we got there that a K-Swiss rep actually fitted & sold me the shoes...he did everything but take my money. Kinda funny. He watched me walk barefoot to see if I had the pronation. I could tell the difference when I wore one shoe with the plate & one without. Anyway, that's my story. :)

Wednesday the 24th

2.52 miles in 33:something. Average pace was 13:13 minute mile. Just a tad slower than Monday, but not much.

I got new running shoes last night & they felt good today. I found out that my ankle/foot pronates, so the news shoes that I got have a plate in them to prevent it. Hopefully it will help my running. By the way, I almost wonder if my pronation is why my ankle hurts when I walk a lot in my flip flops.

I also got some advice on shin splints from the guys at the running store. I need to strech a lot more & do some painful rubbing & icing. One of my calfs really hurts since yesterday's walk, so I'm also trying to nurse that back. My run today was actually quite painful with my shins & calves hurting. Am I saying calf & calves right? Are my body parts really spelled the same as cattle terms?

Monday the 22nd

3.04 miles in 39:35. Average 13.0 minute mile. When we were actually jogging, we were doing between 11 and 12 minute miles. We're going to cut out a bit more of the warm-up walking from now on. It was tough to get going, but in the end, it felt great. Now I'm starving!

Oh, and I'm down 1/2 a pound. Not much, but it finally puts me into the 130's! And let's just say that having extra family around and their, not one, but two requests for me to make them cookies this past week didn't help. But I was sure glad to have them around!

Friday the 19th

4 miles in 57:26. (14:21/mile average) It was a slow jog & we were sure to take a few walking breaks, but I sure felt like I could have kept going! I guess that's good. I know I need to speed up to run with Tiff, but I don't think that will be a problem. I iced my shins again after the run. I'm hoping to get new running shoes next week, which should help. I also received my Garmin on Wednesday & today was my first day to use it. I love it! One of the reasons that I enjoy running on the treadmill is being able to track my speed, time, etc, and the Garmin covers that. Thanks again, Tiff!!!

Monday morning

3 miles in 40 minutes. I can't wait to get the Garmin that Tiff's sending me so I can better track my time and mileage. Who knows how exact either are up to this point. It was really hard to get up this morning, but I knew Janell was expecting me. Yea for having someone to go with!

I've also officially lost 10 1/2 pounds! Joining Radene's health challenge has really helped me. Now I need to find a way to keep at it when the challenge ends next week. I really like the concept of allowing myself 3 cheats. (Although I hate calling it cheating. I just can't think of a better word for it, but having dessert or skipping exercise on occasion aren't really cheating, just real life. Oh, and an occasional free day isn't bad, either.) Anyway, HOORAY! I love feeling my clothes get looser and looser and seeing a difference in the way I look!

Friday the 12th

Jogged/walked 3.5 in 45 minutes with Janell. So glad she came with me!!

Admission

Okay, I have to admit it. I've been looking over the training schedule for both the 10k and half marathon. And I'm freaked out. Looking at maps of where I will have to run to get my miles in, and just thinking about the time it will take (not that I don't have plenty) is scaring me. Lots. I've never run more than 5 miles. Whew. I can do this, right?!

First 10k training run

2 miles in 23 minutes. I was actually shocked that I did it this fast...especially since I walked probably 3/4 of a mile. The distance seemed pretty short, too, but I'll be increasing to 3.5 miles on Friday. Wish me well!!

Health Challenge after 2 weeks

2 weeks ago, I started the health challenge at 145. Today I was 142...after being on vacation for 3 days! I ended up using my free day this weekend. It's really difficult to eat right at my in-laws, and having Mexican food didn't help. But it sure was good! Anyway, I'm headed down the right path. The health challenge is really helping me with a few of the things I struggle with: getting enough fruits & veggies, being sure to exercise, and limiting my sweets. So, all is well.