Prevea 5K GRB: Run the Runway [completed]

Soooo, I ran the Prevea 5K yesterday. As mentioned above, it was called "Run the Runway", as quite simply, we ran a 5K on. . .a runway. :) I wasn't really planning on doing this run, as I registered rather last minute, and figured it'd I'd just make it a fun run.

The run was at Austin-Straubel Int. Airport, and we ran on the real-live-honest-to-goodness-runway. It was (obviously) really flat and really "straight", but yeah. It was fun. The race day excitement and anticipation always gets you pumped up. I will admit that I started out too fast; I should have worked up to my fast(er) pace, rather than starting at it right out of the gate. (even though it was only 3.1 miles)

I ran at a 7 minute/a mile pace, and finished in 22.14 minutes. MAN! I should've been in the mid 6 min pace. :( But anyway, below are the stats)

In the end, I finished:

 52nd out of 1,676 runners,
 1st in my age bracket [age 15-19]
 10th out of 1,027 women

I won an award, for being first in my age bracket, but I didn't stick around for the post-run party, so I didn't attend le award "ceremony". ;)



It was a great experience!

July - Fitness Journal (weeks 1 - 4)

Yikes. It's been a while since I last posted my weekly workouts - but, never fear! I have been faithfully completing them despite my lack of posting them.

I started P90X3 at the beginning of July, and I absolutely l.o.v.e. it! There's a variety of workouts (cardio, "mmx", yoga, stretching, arms, abs, and legs etc) and they're so much fun! The workouts are also 30 minutes long - which are really handy if  you have a super busy schedule (as we've had this summer) - so it's easy to fit working out into your day!

Throughout July, I did some running speedwork, and reached my goal of a 6 minute/a mile pace! After those weeks, I haven't done a lot of "hard core running", but starting next Monday, I'm going to (hopefully) start my 10K training schedule again - but just for fun. :)

July - Week 1

Monday - The "Accelerator" Workout (30 minutes) and a 2 mile run.
Tuesday  - the "Warrior" Workout (30 minutes) This workout has cardio, core and lots of pushups for arm work. :)
Wednesday - "Yoga X3" (30 minutes) and a 2 mile run.
Thursday - "CVX" workout (30 minutes). CVX is a cardio workout with weights and a great workout!
Sunday - 2.5 mile walk

July - Week 2
*This week, aside from the usual P90X3 schedule, I introduced some speedwork into my running.

Monday - "Total Synergistics" Workout (30 minutes) and a 3 mile run.
Tuesday - "Agility X" workout (30 minutes) and 2 mile run at a 6 minute/a mile pace. (12 minutes)
Wednesday - Yoga X3 (30 minutes) and a 2 mile run at a 6 minute/a mile pace. (12 minutes)
Thursday - "CVX" workout (30 minutes) and a 2 mile run in 11 minutes.
Friday - "Isometrix" workout (30 minutes) and a 2 mile run at a 6 minute/ a mile pace.

July - Week 3

Monday - "Accelerator" workout (30 minutes) and 2 mile run (12 minutes).
Tuesday - "Warrior" workout (30 minutes) and 2 mile run (12 minutes).
Wednesday - X3 Yoga
Thursday - 4 mile run at a 6 minute/a mile pace (24 minutes)
Friday - "CVX" workout (30 minutes)

July - Week 4
*week 4 in p90x3 is a "transition" week, so the workouts featured lighter things like pilates/yoga/stretching etc.

Monday - "Dynamix" workout (30 minute) and 2.8 mile walk
Tuesday - "Accelerator" workout (30 minutes)
Wednesday - "Pilates X" (30 minutes)
Thursday - "Agility X" workout (30 minutes)

July - Week 5

Monday - "Triometrics" workout (30 minutes)
Tuesday - "the Warrior" workout (30 minutes)
Wednesday - Yoga X3 and a 2 mile run.
Thursday - "MMX" workout (30 minutes) I L.O.V.E.D. this workout!
Friday - "CVX" workout (30 minutes)


 

Running Tips: 6 Best Post-Running Stretches

Everyone - runners, as well as non-runners - knows that stretching is an essential part of running. While stretching pre-run is sometimes advised, (always, always do a 5 - 10 minute run pre-stretch, as you could tear muscle if you don't) the most necessary time to stretch is after your runs; a good 10 - 15 cool down and stretch are incredibly important in keeping your body healthy and pain free.

When I first started running (back in April) I was, you might call "ignorant" of the simple, well-kown fact that in order to enhance my performance and to remain pain/injury free while running, I needed to stretch. (a lot more than I was doing at the time!) Stretching and running are two paired for one critical reason:

Here are 6 great, effective stretches that are great to perform post-run that I really enjoy:

1.Wide Feet Forward Bend
Straddling your mat, make sure your feet are wide, with your feet parallel to each other. (about 3 - 4 feet apart) Standing tall, exhale and slowly bend toward the floor, with a straight back: keeping your eyes and head up until your hands touch the floor. Place your hands on your ankles and slowly rock back and forth between your legs: stretching out your hamstrings. Hold for 5 deep breaths. Repeat if desired.

2. Standing Calf Stretch
Stand facing a wall, about 12 inches away from it. Extend your arms in front of your shoulders to place your hands flat on the wall, keeping the elbows bent. Keeping both feet flat, step or slide your left foot back, lengthening your left leg and straightening your arms. You should feel the stretch in the calf of the back (straight) leg. The more your lower your heel to the floor, and the farther you slide your straight leg behind you, the deeper you will feel this stretch. Breathe deeply and hold for 10-30 seconds. Switch sides.

3. "Runner's" Stretch
Start in plank position. Bring your right knee to your chest, and bend your torso towards the ground: holding the "lunge" Release and slowly straighten the right leg; pointing your toe to the sky, and pushing your left foot to the floor. Repeat a few times on that side, and then switch sides.

4. Single Leg Hamstring Stretch (seated)
Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Bring your right foot in/up so that your legs form the number "4". Slowly lean over your extended leg, and grasp either your shin, ankle or bottom of your foot. Hold for 5 deep breaths and then release. Switch sides.

5. Standing Quad Stretch
Stand tall, holding onto a chair or wall for balance if necessary ). Keep your feet hip-width apart, your back straight and your feet parallel. Reach back and grab your left foot in your left hand, keeping your thighs lined up next to each other and left leg in line with the hip (not pulled back behind you).Breathe deeply and hold for 10-30 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.

6. Hip Flexor Stretch
Sitting on the floor, pull both of your feet in towards your groin: so that you're looking at your feet like a "book". Try to keep your knees/legs on the floor, and slowly lean over your "book feet", breathing as you do. Repeat as often as you feel necessary.


Now it's your turn: what are some of your favorite ways to cool down and stretch?

 

Personal Fitness Goal [completed] - Running: 6 Minute Mile Pace

Hey peeps!

This evening marks the accomplishment of one of my "aspirations" in my running/fitness world. :) When I first began running, obviously, I needed to build endurance; and that's what I mainly focused on. After I gained that, I moved onto speed training. While I've always run at a 7 - 8 minute/a mile pace, I've always thought it'd be amazing to be able to do a run (that was more than one mile) in under 7 minutes.

*drumroll*

Tonight I went on a two miler run and completed in 12 minutes. Running at a 6 minute/a mile pace: which I've always wanted to do.

I'm super excited to have completed one of my fitness goals and, as always: [[keep running, keep working, keep aspiring]]

(In addition to my daily runs, I've added P90X3 Workouts! I love them; 30 minutes + an intense work out = the best way to spend a half hour!)
 

the Bellin Run: completed

Saturday marked the date that I ran in my first official 10K race. :) I ran the Bellin Run in Green Bay, which is a 10K race sponsored by Bellin Health. And I. had. a . blast!

I was admittedly a little bit nervous going into the race, because a. I was running by myself, b. I didn't want to start out too slow or too fast. . .etc. But despite those two "uncertainties", once I started running "it was all good". I didn't finish in the time that I wanted to, but I ran at an 8 minute/ a mile pace, and my official time was: 51.31.

I had so much fun training for and participating in the Bellin Run - and if possible, I definitely plan on running the Bellin next year, as well.

after the run

after the run: walking back to Astor Park

with my "runner's goody-bag"

June Fitness Journal - Week 1

total mileage: 24.6 miles
ran: 17.6 miles
walked/biked:7 miles

6-3-14 Tuesday
Whew! We got back in from Colorado at 11:30 PM last night (and that's why my running log didn't start on Monday, as it usually does) but I still got my 3 mile run in, today. I ran at a 7.3 minute/a mile pace, and finished in good time. I definitely noticed a difference in my running with being tired etc from the weekend. But, the miles are in, so . . .it's all good!

6-4-14 Wednesday
Good morning peeps! I ran 6.2 miles, this morning. I wasn't happy with myself after this run (combination of dehydration, exhaustion and. . . yeah) and wished I would've made better time and done better in general. My run was about 50 minutes - slower than I usually run. :( I definitely wasn't real happy with the "finished result".

6-5-14 Thursday
Went for a 2 mile walk today, for my off day.

6-6-14 Friday
Went for a 5.4 mile run. :) I ran at an 8.3 minute/a mile pace, and actually felt great during my run. This week I've been trying to recuperate from the two out of state trips in the past two weeks, and. . .my runs, though I've gotten them in, have been a lot harder than usual. Today went very well - and I really enjoyed the run. I also went for a 3 mile bike ride, and in the evening, a 2 mile walk.

6-7-14 Saturday
Bonjour! The end of another running week. ;) I ran 3 miles this morning at a 7 minute/a mile pace, and finished in good time. :) The Bellin is next Saturday and I'm getting super excited! (Since I first started running, in April, I am almost to the 150 mile marker!) 

May Fitness Journal - Week 4

5-26-14 Monday
Hullo, there! We're finally back home, in Wisconsin, and I'm back in my running routine. :) I wasn't happy with last week's mileage, so I'm excited to get back at'er. I ran 3.6 miles, at a 7.5 minute/a mile pace, and was pleased with the overall run. Happy Memorial Day!

5-27-14 Tuesday
Since we got back from AZ, my body has been "recuperating" from the previous week's trip (when I went to take a nap at 4 PM yesterday, I slept 14 hours, if that tells you anything. . .). Today, I kept it pretty light, doing:

a 2 mile walk
40 push-ups
325 reps of Ab Exercises

5-28-14 Wednesday
Today was my "long run day", and I was happy with the results. ;) I ran 6.2 miles (that's a 10K, peeps!) which took 49 minutes. My pace was 7.9 minutes/a mile (because seven point nine sounds better than eight. . .) and I was happy with the time, especially since last week my running schedule was really light. Anyway. I still would like to get a bit faster (like 7 minutes a mile?) so I'll continue working on my pace/speed.

5-29-14 Thursday

Hey peeps! Today I ran 5 miles, so tomorrow would be "an off day". (Dad and I are flying out to Colorado for the weekend!) I didn't worry about the time, and was just going to enjoy the evening but. . . dehydration got the best of me. While I did finish the 5 mile run, I wasn't pleased with the run/how I felt during the run. (We were at an amusement park most of the day, then I mowed lawn, then I went for a  run. . .and I didn't drink enough water during those events) But. anyway. Tomorrow (or Saturday, that is!) is a new day!

May Fitness Journal - Week 3

total mileage: 9 miles :((

As I mentioned in the last paragraph in my previous fitness journal post: we were in Arizona all of this week. I had a bit of difficulty "adjusting" my running to the climate/terrain and weather. I was able to run 3 miles, every other day, which is okay, but not what I wanted to accomplish. Thankfully, we're home now, and I'm back in my running routine!

Fitness Journal May - Week 2

total (running) mileage:17.5 miles

4-12-14 Monday
Hey-ya! It's Monday again, and that means that it's time to get back at "running" (after an off day, yesterday)! This morning I got a 3.1 mile run in, at a 7.5 minute/a mile pace. The weather has been warming up and so it's been a time of "transition" from running in cool(er) weather, to running in warm/muggy weather. (We had a thunderstorm last night, so that explains the "really muggy" weather, today. :)) It's almost a month until the Bellin Run (two more days, to be exact. . .) so I'm getting really excited!

4-13-14 Tuesday

Today is usually an off day, but tomorrow we're going to on an impromptu shopping trip in the a.m., then I'm playing piano at the CHS Auditorium at noon, then. . . in the afternoon, my sister and I are heading over to an elderly friend's house to do some yard work. So. That being said and planned: I went for my 6 mile run, this evening. :) I ran at a 8 minute/a mile pace, and completed the run in 48 minutes.

4-14-14 Wednesday

Off day! You already know the reasons from reading the paragraph above ^. Since we were running "hither and thither", I wasn't able to even get a walk in. . .but I'll count the 2. 45 minutes we spent raking/hauling plants etc. as my exercise for the day.

4-15-14 Thursday

I got a 5.4 mile run in this morning. :) I took a new route today, and really enjoyed the "country-er" feel.  Today is also going to be a busy day (packing for a trip, cooking, cleaning, errands. . .) so I got up early to be sure I got my run in. I ran at my usual "long run" pace, which was 8 minutes/a mile.

4-17-14 Saturday
We were in Arizona (got in last night) and I (barely managed...) got a 3 mile run in. Jumpin' java beans! Running in Arizona is wayyy different than running in Wisconsin, let me tell you! Where we were staying it was, what you might call "mountainous", and we were up at a pretty high altitude. Anyway. I got my run in, but I wasn't really worried about the time/my pace, as it was the first day running in a different climate/terrain/altitude.

Fitness Journal May - Week 1

total mileage: 21.4 miles
ran: 17.4 miles
walked: 4 miles

5-5-14 Monday
The forecast was calling for rain (and unenjoyable weather in general. . .) today, so I wanted to get my run in earlier(ish) to beat that weather. I got a 3 mile run in, at a 7 min/a mile pace, and obviously, the whole run had a duration of 21 minutes. :)

looks "happy" out, doesn't it?

5-6-14 Tuesday
I had a senior photo session today, which took the majority of the day, but thankfully I still managed to get a 2 mile walk in. (And, if it's considered "work", we also played some volleyball. . . cardio, right?)

5-7-14 Wednesday
Today was my "long" run; I ran 6 miles, early this morning. The running/weather conditions were less than enjoyable: it. was. pouring. rain. While I do acknowledge the fact that most people/runners do not run in a flat-out downpour, I. . .did. (We'll just say I was a bit soggy when I was done with my run.) Anyhoo. It took me 48 minutes for the whole run, again. . . I really need to do some speed work. :(

5-8-14 Thursday
I ran 5.3 miles today, and I ran at an averaged pace of 8.5 minutes/ a mile. It felt good to "stretch my legs", if you'd call it that, after my long(er) run, yesterday. It was rainy again, but thank heavens, it wasn't like yesterday's weather. . .

5-9-14

Today was a running "off day", and in honor of the glorious weather, I went for a 2 mile walk. :)

5-10-14

I got up early this morning and got a 3.1 mile run in this morning. :) It was gorgeous outside, despite the "stout breeze", and the whole run took 22 minutes. I ran at a 7 minute/a mile pace, which I'm pretty happy about. :)

Fitness Journal - April Week 5

total mileage: 19.8 miles
ran: 17.6 miles
walked:2.2 miles

4-28-14 Monday
Rain. A gloomy sky. Wind. Those three things were my "running pals" today. (well, it wasn't actually raining while I was running. . .but it started to when I got home. :) Anyhoo. I got up early to beat the  worst of the rain, and got a 2.8 mile run in. :))) I ran at a 7 minute/a mile pace, and got done like: "snip-snap, done! we're movin' on".

4-29-14 Tuesday
I did a 35 minute stretch "routine" today. It was nice to stretch out, and enjoy the warmth of the house. . .it's wet, rainy and dreary today. ;) I also did 20 pushups (in one "set":) and 250 Ab Exercise reps.

4-30-14 Wednesday
I was up early and got in a 5.6 mile run this morning! (I beat the rain!) I intended to run 6 miles, but due to forgetting which road to take that will go to ___ street, (the street that was a calculated  3 miles away I didn't have the other route mapped out/calculated. . .yeah. So. I got a 5.6 mile run in, in 49 minutes. I tried a new route, as I was mentioning before, and I really like it: it's more in the country-ish, and. . .really nice. :)

5-1-14 Thursday
I ran 6 miles, this afternoon! :) I'm super excited to "lay claims" to that accomplishment. ;) The whole run took 48 minutes. It wasn't "all ease", as it got a bit challenging towards the end of my run: but I did finish and. . .without stopping. :)

5-2-14 Friday 
Today was an off day - and I was very thankful for it, as: after running 11 miles in two days. . .I was definitely "feeling" it. :) Anyhoo: I walked about 2.2 miles, and played some volleyball. :)

5-3-14 Saturday
We were helping with a rummage sale today, and had to be at the sale by eight o' clock in the morning, I got up early (6:15 am) and went for my run. It. was. beautiful. The sun was shining, the birds were singing. . .ah. I got a 3.2 mile run in.

Fitness Journal April - Week 4

total mileage: 18.2 miles
ran: 14 miles
walked: 4.2 miles

-----------------------------

4-21-14 Monday

I ran 2.6 miles, this morning. We had a busy weekend - it being Easter and all, so it was nice to have a nice, relaxed run today. Even though it was only mid-morning, it felt really humid as well as warm. . . and it still looks rather dreary and rainy outside. Anyway. Back to statistics: I ran the first mile of my run in 6 minutes. Then I finished up the last 1.6 miles at a 7ish minute/a mile.

4-22-14 Tuesday

Off day from running. Instead I: did 60 minutes of stretching (using P90X's X Stretch program) and took a 2.2 mile walk (to the post office with the little sister:)

4-23-14 Wednesday 
I ran 3.2 miles this morning! I really enjoy the "feel" of  early morning runs, (plus: there's not so many people out and about, who faint (read: gawk) at the sight of a girl running IN A SKIRT)  so I try to schedule my daily quotidien courir accordingly. I ran 2 of the 3.2 miles at a 6 minute/a mile pace, and the final 1.2 at a slightly slower pace.

4-24-14 Thursday
Despite the weather (it was raining. . .just a *ahem* little) I got out this morning and ran 3 miles. I ran all three miles at a 6.5 minute/a mile pace. (Maybe because it was wet, rainy and a bit chilly. . . haha) But anyway: I felt great during the run, and even though I was running at a faster pace than I usually do, didn't feel exhausted.

4-25-14 Friday
It was an off day from running today - and even though I am excited to "break in" my new running shoes, I was actually glad I didn't have to be running; the weather was frightful. (howling winds don't make running easy) So, I decided to engage in the following:

2.0 mile walk (yes, in the frightful, howling wind :)
300 reps of Ab Exercises
30 "real" pushups
stretching



4-26-14 Saturday
Finally: back to running. :) The off day made it seem like an eternity since I last ran. . .Anyhoo. I got up early this morning and went for a 5.2 mile run, which I completed in 42 minutes. I wasn't trying to go super fast, in fact: I probably did this run a little slower than my normal runs. I ran today's 5.2 miler at a 8 minute/a mile pace, rather than the 7 minute/a mile pace that I usually run at. It felt great to get out, and go for a longer run. :) Today's run was only one mile shy of my race-day goal: 6.2 miles. :)

 I  l.o.v.e. early morning runs! The birds are singing. . .the sky is blue. . .there's no one about. . . ;)

Excelsior and, as always: keep running!

Fitness Journal - April Week 3

ran: 12.3 miles
walked/other: 6.6 miles
total mileage:18.9 miles

4-14-14 Monday

I ran a 2.6 miler today. :) I got up early this morning so I could get my run in, but it had snowed, and the wind was whipping rather profusely...so, I decided to wait a little bit before venturing out. (Aka: the driveway needed to be shoveled first. :) Have you ever tried running in 2 inches of snow? Yep, that's what I did. . .Anyway I got my run in before lunch, and averaged a mile/7.5 minutes. I ran the first mile in 7 minutes, then finished the last 1.6 mile(s) a bit slower (7.5 and 5 mins)

I do realize we are in the month of April. . .however, Wisconsin's weather isn't cooperating. ;)

4-15-14 Tuesday

An off day from running, I decided to do:

- 2 mile walk
- 20 pushups
- 60 minutes of stretching (P90X's X Stretch)

. . .for my exercise regime. :)

4-16-14 Wednesday

This girl + an early morning run = 3.1 miles under my belt. It was cold and snowy/rainy today, and despite the desire I felt to stay indoors, I get out early and got my run in. :) Rather than doing my usual 2.6 mile run today, I decided to try a 3 miler - which turned in to a 3.1 mile run. (Sounds more impressive, no?) I ran the first mile at a pace of a mile/7 minutes, and the last 2.1 miles at a mile/7.5 minute pace.

4-17-14 Thursday

Today was my running off day, but as the sun is (finally!) shining and it's a semi-decent temperature, I decided to run a nice, relaxed 2.6 mile run. I didn't worry about the time, but kept a steady/conversational pace. :)

4-18-14 Friday

It was beautiful outside, today! :) Although I didn't do any running, I was outside the majority of the day and went for a 2.6 mile walk and in the evening I took the kids on a 2 mile bikeride. I'm really enjoying this warm(er) weather!

4-19-14 Saturday

Got up early today (to "beat the heat" haha - we have a high of 58 degrees!) and went for my run at 7:30. I ran 4 miles today at a pace of a mile/7.5 minutes. I ran the first mile in seven minutes then slowed down half a minute for the last three. :) Upping my miles, little by little!

after the 4 miler! 

Fitness Journal April - Week 2

April, Week 1 -

total mileage:17 miles
ran: 11.8 miles
walked:5.2 miles


4-6-14 Sunday
Today being an off day (and a Sunday, at that!),I just walked 2 miles, in this beautiful, 60 degree weather. :) Tomorrow I get back at it!

4-7-14 Monday

I ran 2.6 miles, today at 1 mile/6 minutes. :) It was beautiful outside - the perfect running weather - sunny, 60 degrees and a blue sky. I tried to go a little bit slower today, because I talked to a retired track/high school sports coach, and he said I was doing my miles a bit too fast, and didn't give my body a chance to "warm up". So. I did a 15 minute warm-up (walked 5 minutes, jogged 5 minutes, 5 minutes of stretching) before my run - the latter of which I tried to do at a 9 minute mile pace, but...that didn't work, as I was three minutes faster than the necessary time. Hm. But, got the miles in - in a pretty good time: 21 minutes.

4-8-14 Tuesday
Off day. We were busy (spring cleaning!) and I had a heavier school day today, so I was only able to get a 1.2 mile walk in. :(

4-9-14 Wednesday
I ran 2.6 miles again, today. :) Taking the high school coach's advice, I started out "slowly" and rather than start out going my "fasted speed", I accelerated my speed/pace a little bit at a time. Doing so really made a difference in my overall run! As I said, I ran 2.6 miles, but this time I didn't have to stop and take a 20 second breather at the 1.3 mile marker. :) I ran the 2.6 miles and the total run took 20 minutes. :)))....so I'm super excited!



'cuz all you have to do is . . .^

4-10-14 Thursday
Off/cross train day. :) I stretched for 60 minutes, using P90X's X Stretch program. It was really nice to "stretch out". I also got in a 2 mile walk in this evening, too.

4-11-14 Friday
Ran 2.6 miles, today. I decided to get my run in earlier, so did it in the morning, rather than the afternoon. : ) It was really nice to get my run in when the temperature was cooler and there weren't as many people out. haha (Introvert, anyone?)

4-12-14 Saturday
Guess who completed a 4 mile run, today? Yep, that's correct - this girl! As I did yesterday, I got up earlier and got my run in. :) The scheduled run was a slow(er) 4 mile run, so going slowly I got my 4 miles in at a mile/7.5 minutes, and completed the total run in 30 minutes. I'm really excited, because I haven't ever run 4 miles in one "time". . .I've ran/walked a four miler, but never "ran all of it". However, today I changed that record. . .Anyway, it was overcast, and there were a few raindrops during my run, but it takes more than a little rain to ruin a run, no? :)



Happy Weekend - keep working out!
 

Registered: the Bellin Run

. . .and I've registered for the Bellin Run!

I'm really excited - especially now, as I've officially registered, and it feels more. . .official? :) Nothing more exciting than opening your email inbox and seeing:

Anyway.

I've officially registered for the Bellin Run, which is a 10K (6.2 miles) race in June. I started training in March (the second to last week) and it's been going very well. So far my fastest mile has been 1 mile/6 minutes, but I've been trying to start out a little slower, before gradually increasing my speed; so that I don't burn out before the run is over.

As the weather and temperatures have increased, here in Wisconsin, I've really been enjoying my runs. :) (Some of the March runs were pretty chilly.)

This week, I've been following the following schedule:

Monday - 2.6 mile run (6 minutes a mile)
Tuesday- Off day
Wednesday - 2.6 mile run (8 minutes a mile or faster)
Thursday - Off day: Stretching
Friday - 2.6 mile run (8 minutes a mile or faster)
Saturday - 4 mile run/walk
Sunday - 2.6 mile run (don't worry about the time)





 

Fitness Journal - April Week 1

April, Week 1 -

total mileage:13.9 miles
ran:10.3 miles
walked:3.6 miles

3-31-14 Monday

I ran 1.4 miles today and afterwards, walked 1.2 miles. (After one of my longer/faster runs this weekend, I had a bout of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (haha, forget the fancy name: also known as: the dreaded  s h i n   s p l i n t) and I wanted to make sure I had it back under control before doing any "serious running". So I took it a bit easier today so just ran 1 mile/8 minutes.

It was good to 'get back at it' after taking the weekend off of running. Excelsior!

4-1-14 Tuesday

Ran 2.5 miles today. :) It was really windy (gusts were averaging 23 mph!) rather chilly, and it wasn't the most ideal/enjoyable running weather. It was a bit more difficult doing my run today, maybe because I was running into a 23 mph wind...but anyway, I got the miles in, so...that's all that matters at the end of the day.

today's sky looks just a leetle bit different than yesterday's, no?

4-2-2014 Wednesday

Today was my off-day from running. (Sadly, the weather today was much more running friendly than yesterday, so I think that my schedule should have been worked a bit differently... :) Since it was an off-day, for my workout regime I:

Walked 2.2 miles
50 Push Ups
30 Chair dips
200 reps of Ab Exercises

Even though I was just walking, I was thankfully that my shin-splint didn't flair up again - they're definitely not fun, I can tell you that...But, even after this week's running, le Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome was a-ok. :)

4-3-14 Thursday

Ran 2.6 miles today ("one up-d" the scheduled 2.5 miles, haha)! It was a little nicer weather...not as nice as yesterday, but still runnable. ;) I ran a mile/8 minutes, so I'm going a bit faster than is required but, that's obviously, ok.

 

After my run I did 60 minutes of stretching. I used P90X's X Stretch "workout" video for my routine, today. It felt so good after a longer-ish run. :)

 

 

4-4-14 Friday

Off day from running, today. We were pretty busy, so I didn't have time to get a long walk in, but I did get in some "at home" reps.

 

200 reps of Ab exercises

50 pushups

Stretching

 

4-5-14 Saturday

 

Ran/walked 4 miles, today. :)) Le schedule called for a long(er), slow run, of 3.5 miles - 4 miles. It was beautiful outside today, so that made my run more...enjoyable. :) I ran the first 2 miles, then ran/walked the last 2 miles home. However, I think I did my "slow run" a little too fast...hm. When I checked my "stop watch" I did a mile/6 minutes. But, I am really excited to be "up-ing" my miles, and had a lot of fun today!

 

 

 

after the 4 mile run

Happy April - keep on running!

Running is Back!

Fitness Journal 3/21/14

I started running this week and, man, has it been nice to get back at it! So far I've averaged about 2 miles per day, and I've ran four days {in a row!}. :) Eight Miles is more than I've ever run, I'll tell you that, albeit in four days. But hey!  you have to start somewhere, no?

a blustery day for a run...

The first three days of running, I ran a mile in about 10-ish minutes. But today... *drum roll* I ran a mile in 7 minutes, my fastest time yet! Needless to say, my legs feel s - o - r - e. :)

Perseverance was also included in my workout today. I was tired, and after the first block I didn't feel like going any farther. That's when the whole {focus on your breathing} came in handy. I did complete my whole run, and I was proud of myself when I finished...anyone can run, but when you don't feel like running, that's when it really counts. In all actuality, our bodies can go much farther and reach higher aspirations than our mind wants to permits...you just have to get your mind right to succeed.

running motivation

X Stretch

Ah, yes. Just finished today's workout: a P90X program called "X Stretch". It felt amazing...you definitely need a good hour of stretching after a week of hard workouts.

I felt an immense amount of satisfaction to be able to perform the following :::

In the past I was able to put my knee on my head and grab my heel when doing the single leg stretch, but never when doing both legs. Today, after an hour of X Stretch I finally reached my goal. :) I was super excited.

Workout Wear:

Black workout skirt - Old Navy
 Sweatshirt - American Eagle
Hair: messy bun
 

Month One: Exercise Challenge Completed!

January was the first month of my "exercise/fitness challenge". I wanted to do a workout-routine that would, in a sense, "get my body used to working out".  I found a handy-dandy site called "Be Fit Go" which offers a (free!) schedule and x long workout each day.

While the workouts weren't too difficult, they did condition my body, and help prepare me for my next (!!!) fitness challenge for February.

*drum-roll*

This month of February I'll be doing the P90X Program. I know, I'm excited. :)

P90X is a series of  intense, rather strenuous programs which I've attempted in the past, but due to a lack of perseverance, and uh...motivation, I didn't finish. So. I'll try 'er again! (I did the Legs and  Back + Ab Ripper X program today and feel amazing!)


Wish me luck!

{{Excelsior}}