New Goal!

Okay, so I've totally been slacking lately. My lack of energy due to the massive amount of time I've been putting in at work is really bringing me down. I HAVE to get back on track. So, tonight, I'm making the goal to get my lazy butt out of bed in the morning at 5am and go to the gym. It's going to be tough. I'm NOT a morning person. Never have been, never will be. This is definitely something I need to do, for myself, for my sanity, for my students. ;) Wish me luck!

~Happy running!

As I was running on the treadmill today, I started thinking about when I first started running. It was about a year ago. I had been going through a really rough time. Was sick for almost a month. Everything finally started clearing up and I was feeling better. When I looked in the mirror for the first time in a month, I realized how gross I looked. I'm sure others didn't think the same thing, but I sure felt it. So, I headed back to the gym. All I used to do was get on the elliptical, lift a little, and then get back on the elliptical. That night, for some reason, I decided to get on the treadmill. That night, I was able to run my first 1/4 mile. I started small and worked my way up. Before long, I was able to run 3 miles without stopping. I wasn't fast, and I'm still not, but the rush of being able to do it is something I will never forget. I challenge all my friends to just try it. I was never a runner, and now it's one of my favorite things to do. I'm so glad I'm able to run. It's something that releases me from all the stress in my life for just a little bit and I can't live without it. :)

~Happy Running!

Mission 10 Miles A Week

At the beginning of the year, I made a goal to run 10 miles a week for the entire year. After almost not completing my goal the very first week of the year, I decided some sort of milage is better than no milage. Last week, I ran 8.5 miles and biked 2. This put me over the 10 mile mark. I feel like I accomplished my first goal because since January 1, I've already run 14 miles.

After biking 2 miles directly after running 2 miles, I really felt the workout in my legs. I'm going to add to my workout routine biking at least 2 nights a week, as well as running. This works a different muscle group and I think it will improve my speed. I'd love to be able to run a half marathon this year, and at the rate I'm going, it will take me 3 hours to finish the 13 miles. LOL!

Rested last night, but headed back to the gym tonight! Sure can't wait until the warmer temperatures get here, so I can run outside again. Not a fan of the treadmill.

~Happy running!

Some days a good run just isn't in the cards

After getting into somewhat of an argument with my ex earlier today and having to deal with him acting like a small child, I was super ticked. I decided to go channel my anger at the gym. Didn't go quite as I had planned. I warmed up on the elliptical first. Not a great idea. I should have just warmed up running on the tread. After a 10 minute warm-up, I moved to the treadmill. Starting running...almost immediate ankle pain. Not sure what that was all about. Paused at the half-mile mark to stretch it out and changed to an interval run. I was sucking air BIG TIME! I was able to get to the 1.25 mile mark before I stopped. A friend once told me, "Anything over a mile is good." I took his advice and stopped for the day. I am refusing to let this run get me down. I'm feeling a little dehydrated, so I'm refueling tonight and gearing up for my run tomorrow.

2010: New Year, New Goals

A year ago, my cop buddy challenged me to run 5 miles with him. He's insane. He runs all the time and practically lives at the gym. I told him there was no way, but I could probably do 3. I've never been a runner in my life. I tried running track when I was in junior high...that lasted all of two meets before I decided that running wasn't for me. I never could understand how someone would find it fun to run. I mean, come on. How could it be any fun to go out and run 3 miles? It takes forever and would be really boring. How wrong I was. On July 18, 2009, I ran my first 5K and finished. My sister in law ran with me and we ran the whole way. And you know what? It felt great!

As 2009 came to a close, I decided that I wanted to see what I was really made of. I'm a teacher and very determined. When I get something in my head, it takes a near hurricane to keep me from it. I don't like failing, so this has made me a very determined person. I've decided my goal for 2010 isn't going to just be 3 miles; I'm going to be able to run a half-marathon by the end of the year. This is going to take a lot of work and a lot determination. As a teacher, I know my schedule is going to be packed through spring. I am determined to not let this keep me from going to the gym and getting a run in. 10 miles a week is my goal. If I run 10 miles a week, that will put me at over 500 miles for the year. WOW!

My first run of the year was tonight. I went to the gym, got on the treadmill, and just ran. 2.25 miles in 27:09. It felt great! I hate running on the treadmill, but with tons of snow on the ground, that's the way it's going to have to be for now. I'm heading into the new year with a positive outlook, a new running goal, and the determination to make it happen. Wish me luck!