The Day & Wrap Up I was surprised at how nervous I was the night before and the morning of the 5K. Part of my career (back when I had a career) was to take a series of very tough exams over the course of many years to achieve my certification. The night before the run, the feeling in my stomach was the same as the night before those exams. Too late to do any more preparation, wanting to have a bit more time to prepare and knowing that waking up in the morning, it was going to happen whether…

I made it to the final week of training runs, just two more until the BIG day (Saturday, April 22). It’s been an interesting journey filled with uncertainty, confidence, more uncertainty, more confidence, etc. Based on recent runs, it looks like it will take me around 40 minutes to complete the 5K (if I can jog the entire route). Given that, it felt like a final training run next Wednesday of 30 minutes might not be enough to make me feel like the whole 5K is doable. So, I upped my run yesterday from 25-30 minutes and will tackle another…

Less than two weeks to the 5K! Where did the time go? Of course, with the weather we’ve been having it feels like we’re still in February! Week 10 was a pretty good week. Got in 3 days of a 20 minute run. Some rain each day but I got myself out there anyway and it wasn’t too bad. Today’s run was actually 22 minutes because my timer did something weird and reset itself, so I had to start it over. Maybe I shouldn’t rely quite so much on technology. I have to admit, I bailed on the yoga on…

This week was a bit of a challenge (in more ways than one)! We were on vacation with family on the Oregon coast, so finding time to drive into town and run at the high school track was a bit difficult. Plus, if you’re familiar with the central Oregon coast, you know that rain is quite common. My first training day, 2-10 minute runs, was tough, but it was dry. My second training day, 2 -15 minute runs, was a beast. 15 minutes seemed unending, and it was raining, and it felt like we were having gale force winds. But,…

I conquered 2-8 minute run days and a 10-minute one this week. Part of me longs for the days of the 2 minute run (or even the 5 minute run). 10 minutes was not exactly easy and if it wasn’t for the timer (and the goal), I’m pretty sure I would have stopped. But I made it, and effectively jogged for 20 minutes (with a 3 minute break in-between). Still not sure about how I get from here to the 5K but I’m going to trust the process (sounds a little like The Bachelor, doesn’t it? You’ve got to trust…

I now have a bit of momentum and it feels pretty good. I was able to do the training all 3 days this past week and able to run 5 minutes without stopping and without knee pain. Amazing to me on both accounts. I must say, I did pat myself on the back, just a little bit (and treated myself to Girl Scout cookies)! The next hurdle, 8 minutes, still seems extremely daunting though. I know we should expect more cold and rain to come, it is only March after all. But, two days of training without a layer of…

I was able to get in two days of training this week. It felt pretty good. The sports doc worked my muscles a bit on Friday and wanted me to take it easy for 4 days. But, I’ll be back on the track on Tuesday. Fingers crossed that my knees and the forecast for some warmer weather both hold! We are at the halfway point. It feels like the easy half is behind me and the tough part is yet to come. But the sports doc assured me that I don’t have a serious injury and further training should be…

The sun was out this morning, the temperature was about 48 degrees, and my knees were no longer hurting, so I picked up where I left off and began to run once again. This time on gravel and grass in hopes that my knees wouldn’t object quite so much. It went well. A little bit of pain but nothing that isn’t manageable. Yes, I’m still going to the doc later this week, but it felt good to be at it once again. And, it gave me some hope that I can still do this. The good news, per Coach Steve…

Well, the hiccup from last week hasn’t gone away, so my training is on hold currently. I still have quite a bit of knee pain, which is disheartening, but I did discover Kinesiology Tape, which seems like a bit of a miracle. I’ll be making an appointment with a sports doc in hopes that they can figure out what I’m doing wrong. Coach Steve says that there is still time for me to get back in the game (but I know I’ll have to ramp up the schedule).  It’s definitely a reminder that I’m not as young as I used…

I made it through the first week of the running/walking training plan, but not without a hiccup. My advice? Don’t run on concrete! My knees are not particularly happy with me after running on the concrete path in my neighborhood park 2 out of the 3 days. I got a bit smarter and ran at the high school track for day 3. That was better. Thank goodness for Advil! I’m going to shift my training days a bit this coming week to give my old knees a bit more time to recover. Coach Steve says there is still plenty of…

Monday Update: I did it! I completed my first day of training that included running. I didn’t have the wardrobe right, not warm enough in the beginning, too warm at the end, but hopefully as the days get warmer, that won’t be an issue. The running part? Well, it wasn’t easy to complete 10 reps, 2 felt pretty good though. I guess I have to learn that breathing hard and wishing it was over, is just part of the whole experience! It’s finally here, my first “official” day of running. True, it’s only 1 minute at a time, and only…

With one week of “training” under my belt (or should I say my feet), I’ve made some discoveries. Since the active part of training this past week involved walking, which I already do, I focused on adding dynamic stretching and yoga to my routine. I have enjoyed my time on the mat with Adriene, although it’s brief (only 10 minutes at a time). So glad she suggested adding enough lift under my hips to allow comfortable cross-legged sitting, as it’s been way too long since I was able to sit that way. I’m thinking all the way back to when…

On the eve of training day 1, what am I thinking? I’m not too worried about the first two weeks of training as I’ve been a regular walker ever since I got my first Fitbit back in 2011. That being said, often my walks are more like a stroll. So, for those first two weeks, I think I’ll try to intersperse “fast” walking with my “let the dog sniff” walking and focus on doing some yoga and strength exercises on the off days, to get into that habit. Of course, at our house, which has been filled with 32 years…

What is motivating me to take this on? That’s a very good question and one I’ve asked myself a few times in the last several weeks. But, since the Couch to 5K Challenge was partially my idea, I feel like, if I’m not willing to give it a go, how can I expect others to? Plus, if my efforts will raise funds for MEOW, that’s highly motivating, And finally, Coach Steve (aka fellow Board member Steve Heaps) assures me that if I follow the training plan, I’ll be ready and it won’t be difficult. Of course, I’ve never forgotten the…