Day 28

Scheduled: 30-45 min

2 min warmup
5 min run (5.0)
? min run (5.2)
I had to take a bathroom break and when I got back it was not still on pause
5 min run (5.2)
5 min run (5.4)
5.5 min run (5.2)
6.5 min run (5.0)

Totals: I have no idea what my totals were because of the bathroom break. I was at mile 2 at 22.20 mins so I guess that can give a rough estimate. I did get a chance to also do some triceps because when I was running and looked in the mirror, I was not pleased with how my arms looked. I did not have time to do anything else but I really need to focus on working the weights. I might have to start going to the gym twice a day!

Day 27

Scheduled: XT 45-60 min

Dance Jam for 60 mins.

I just cannot continue to tell you how much I love this class. I was pretty tired yesterday but I still love it. I am able to just let loose and not care what anyone thinks. There are a few times when I still feel kind of strange but I am definitely getting more into it. (you would have to come to understand what I am talking about)

Day 26

Scheduled: 45-60 mins

2 min warmup
3 min walk (4.4)
3 min jog (4.6)
3 min job (4.8)
4 min run (5.0)
5 min run (5.2)
5 min run (5.4)
5 min run (5.6)
5 min run (5.4)
5 min run (5.2)
5 min run (5.0)
3 min walk (4.3)

Totals 4.09 miles (11.74 min/mile)

I like this starting out slow, moving up and then coming back down. I need to work on going all the way up to 6.0 or more and then working down again. On Friday when I got my assessment done, I was told that my cardiovascular was not very good and the only way to improve it was to work more in zone 3. I am not sure what my zones are but I think that I was working more in the 4 and 5 zones. I want to focus the next couple weeks on getting my runs in but also working on the cardiovascular. This is also why I am trying these slower speeds. I am finding that I am most comfortable in 5.2 or 5.4 which is not as fast as I would like but the goal is to finish not be the fastest marathon runner! My run felt really good today.

Day 25

Scheduled: 30-45 mins

2 min walk warmup
5 min run (5.0)
5 min run (5.2)
5 min run (5.4)
5 min run (5.6)
5 min run (5.4)
5 min run (5.2)
5 min run (5.0)
cool down

Totals: 3.19 miles (11.60 min/mile)

I decided to try something new for my run. I wanted to start at a slower pace and just move up in speed. I am trying to find a more comfortable place for myself so that I am not so tired by the end of my long runs and so I am able to keep going.

Day 24

Scheduled: 5 miles

2 min warmup
24 min run
2 min walk
12 min run
2 min walk
13 min run
walk for a short time

Totals: 5 miles at 56.13 (11.226 min/mile)

I wish I could have run outside today but it was cold and raining and since it was just 5 miles, I thought that the gym would be okay. I do not like running on the treadmill that long. It is hot and I struggle. I think part of it though is because I work myself too hard. It is good that I push myself but I get so tired. During my last run, I slowed my pace for a little while and that really helped me be able to end. I was really starting to struggle.

I lifted weights today also. I did lower and upper body and it felt great. I need to really try to find the time to fit in weights at least twice a week. Ideally, I would like it to be 3 times but that might just be pushing it. I need to do more weights to help me though and get leaner.

Day 23

Scheduled: Stretch

I did pilates today. It felt good to do pilates and have an off day. I just do my DVD but she goes so slow that it really kills me.

I had an assessment at the gym tonight that was pretty depressing. Pretty much I was told that I am just average and that I have a lot of work to do. I did learn though that I weigh where I should weigh but I need to get leaner. I apparently have too much fat in me. I was told I have terrible cardiovascular and should not be running a marathon. Anyway, maybe now was not a good time to get my test. It is good to know that I have a lot of work to do and hopefully I can start taking the steps to getting that done.

Day 22

Scheduled: 30-45 mins

2 min walk
22 min run (I was at mile 2 at 22 mins - YEAH for me)
3 min walk (4.5 with a 3 incline)
3 min walk (4.0 with a 5.5 incline)
cool down

Total: I don't remember my end total. After the cool down, I was at 2.72.

I wore my new shoes for the first time tonight. My right toes went numb which is what happened last time I got new shoes. I am also having a problem with the bottom of my left foot. This has nothing to do with the shoes but it is really sore which made it hard to run. It is my off week so I thought that it would be a good time to practice walking on an incline at a faster pace. I struggled with that on my long run the other day. It was also a rough emotional day for me which did not help my running. It felt good to run and relieve some of that stress.

Day 21

Scheduled: XT 30-45 mins

Dance Jam for 65 mins

I LOVE DANCE JAM! I have not been able to take this class since before Christmas. The routine is different and I was having a hard time at first getting the new moves but it was fun. We did some belly dancing, hip hop, etc. The music was fun, the energy was amazing and I felt great when I was done. I wish I had a friend to some to this class with me.

Day 20

Scheduled: 30-45 mins

I did not do anything today. I have the flu and was not able to really eat and I have no energy. I was thinking about trying to go walking for at least a little bit but my stomach is definitely not up to it. I am glad that it is my off week and that I only have to run 5 miles on Saturday.

Day 19

Scheduled: 30-45 mins

2 min warmup
31 min run (I was at 3 miles at 33 mins)
1 min walk
cool down

This run felt really good. I was happy to get to 3 miles at the 33 min mark. I also went to the gym later in the day and lifted weights and that felt fabulous. I love lifting weights.

Day 18

Scheduled: 11-12 miles

I did not run on the treadmill so I cannot give as much detail.

It took me 2 hours 13 minutes to run 11.09 miles. Total 11.99 min/mile

This was my first run outside and it felt great. It was cold and I did not dress warm enough so when I got done, I was shacking because I was soooo cold. The air here right now is terrible too but I just could not run that long on the treadmill. I ran more than I thought that I would. I walked a little at the beginning for a warm-up and then only other time I walked was on the hills. I did run the last hill though. I was hurting a little bit when I got done and my left knee is still causing me some problems but for the most part, I was doing really well. My legs hurt until the end of the day but it is all good now. I am actually amazed how my short runs are actually helping me with my long runs. I was not sure how they would work out since I ran more days and longer week day runs then I am with this schedule. It has been very beneficial though that I do not over due it during the week.

I did not eat much for breakfast. I ate a small piece of banana bread before the run and I started feeling hungry at mile 9.5. I did not replenish my system very well later in the day either. It apparently is taking too much effort me to get enough food in my system.

Day 17

Scheduled: XT 30-45 mins

Turbo Jam for 43 mins.

I got up at 5:00 this morning to be able to have time to get my work out in since I have to work tonight. It felt good to do something that I have not done in a while. I miss my videos on occassion. I am glad that I have the gym membership and it gives my other options but once I am done training, I cannot wait to mix it all up and add more variety.

I have lost 6 pounds. Normally when training you are not supposed to lose weight but that is okay by me. I would love to lose another 9 but I am going to be grateful for what I have lost. I am feeling really good right now and I feel like that I am losing inches and I have more energy, etc. I am sure this is in part to running but I am assuming that it has to be the eating also. I am going to look swimsuit ready when the time comes!

Day 16

Scheduled: 30-45 minutes

2 min warm-up
33 min run (5.5) - finished at 3.15
2 min walk
cool down

Totals: 3.30 miles (11.21 mins/mile)

Todays run was pretty hard on me. My legs were hurting pretty bad and I was ready to stop much earlier than I did. I kept pushing myself to run a little more. I took out my music again and just talked myself into continue moving. I am glad that I was able to run as long as I did. I had a goal to run atleast 35 but 33 was not too bad. It felt good again to at least run as much as I did. Need to eat better still. I ran later than I had planned and had eaten a lot earlier.

Day 15

Scheduled: 45-60 minutes

2 min walk (warmup)
42 min run (5.5, 5.8 3 mins, 6.0 2 mins, 5.5 2 mins) - finished 4 miles in this time
2 min cool down

Totals 4.15 miles (11.08 mins/mile)

Today felt awesome! I ran early this morning (5:10am) and it was my longest consistent run since I started training. I struggled here and there and kept just telling myself to keep moving. For the last 7 minutes, I turned my music off and just talked to myself about motivating myself to keep going. I really wanted to be able to run 4 miles in an 11 minute mile and I did it. I was pretty tired but I was able to keep going. My left knee (the back part) hurts pretty bad when I am done. I am not sure what to do about that because I think that it is going to get worse as I train.

Again, I just want to say how good this morning felt. I still have a lot of work but it is nice to have some up days here and there to keep me going.

Day 14

Scheduled: XT 45-60 minutes (It was actually running but I switched it up)

Fitness Yoga

Holy Cow! I have never really done yoga before and I am not very good at it. Part of the problem is I have no idea what any of the names of the moves are so I spent a lot of time trying to see what I was supposed to be doing. It was a great workout though and I am glad that I got up bright and early this morning and headed to the gym to participate. I have a lot of work to do before I am going to be any good at it but it was a great experience. With my marathon training, I am not sure how many more times I am going to be able to go but I would like to make it more of a regular class. If you think you are strong, you should go to this class and realize that maybe you are not quite that strong. Thanks Cassie for inviting me to come to the class and I am glad that you were there for support. I am feeling nice and relaxed right now though so hopefully I can continue that through the rest of the day.

Day 13

Scheduled: 30 -45 mins

2 min walk (warmup)
35 min run (5.5, 5.8)
2 min walk (4.5)
cool down

Totals 3.5 miles (11.14 min/mile)

Today was my longest non-stop run. It was difficult for me at the beginning but I was able to keep going. I was motivating myself and I just kept pushing and pushing. It felt really good when I was done. I kept the towel over the time and distance for most of it and I think that helped me because I really had no idea how long I had been on there. I probably could have kept going and that was a great feeling. I think that I am getting better. My legs are hurting though. When I first start running, my calves are killing me but eventually it is not as bad. I have hard time thinking that my body is just going to continue to hurt for 10 more weeks.

Day 12

Scheduled: 9 - 10 miles

2 min walk (warmup)
25 min run (5.5, 5.8)
3 min walk (4.4.)
25 min run (5.5)
5 min walk (4.4)
15 min run (5.5, 5.0)
10 min walk
5 min run (5.5)
10 min walk
5 min run
8 min walk

Totals: 113 mins/9.5 miles (11.89 min/mile)

This was a really hard run for me. I hated almost every single mintue of it. I started out doing really well and I thought that I was going to be able to keep a better pace during the last part but I just could not keep going. I walked far more than I had planned and I thought for sure that I was not going to be able to keep it under 12 minutes a mile but I did. I guess I cannot be too dissapointed. However, I wish that I did always feel like I was going to die. I hated the treadmill so after I got done, went to the dentist, I stopped at Target and bought some outdoor running clothes. I am going to give my long runs a try outside. It might be cold but I am going to give it a try. I like my new clothes and I look pretty hot in them!

Day 11

Scheduled: XT 45-60 mins

Turbo Jam 20 mins
Weights 15 mins

I got up at 4:50 this morning to work out. I won't have time later today but I still wanted to get something in. I did not get as long of a work out as I wanted but I was so tired that I decided something was better than nothing. The workout felt really good though and it was nice to get up this morning and get my day started off on the right note. I might even try to get some of my runs in at the gym in the morning during the week. The rest of my life might have to calm down a little before that happens but I have a pretty energy this morning.

Day 10

Scheduled: 30-45 mins

2 min walk (warm up)
15 min run (5.5)
5 min walk (4.4)
13 min run (5.5)
1 min walk (4.4)

Totals: 3.12 miles/37 mins (11.85min/mile)

My body is so tired! My legs were hurting while I was running. I realized that I need to stop pushing myself in other areas so I can keep my body strong for running. Today was not the best day mentally. However, I am starting to feel better sick wise and I felt good when I got done.

Day 9

Scheduled: XT 45-60 mins

Rode bike for 7 miles
Stretches

I was not able to take my class at the gym because I took my sister and her husband to the airport. I also got no sleep the night before and when I got home I was not in the mood to do much. I was also having a rough day. I probably would have felt better if I had done something more intense but really I was lucky to get anything in at all. I cannot seem to get over this head cold either which has been frustrating. The whole thing it just getting frustrating. I am not sure how I am going to get through my run this Saturday.

Day 8

Scheduled: 45-60 minutes

2 min walk (warm up)
20.5 min run (5.5)
2.5 min walk (4.5)
20 min run (5.5)
1 min walk (4.4)
cool down

Totals: 46 mins 4.1 miles (11.219 min/mile)

I also walked 1.7 miles to and from the police station in the snow during lunch yesterday so I decided that can count for some of my time! My run was not as good as it was on Monday. I am not sure why but I did not eat as well and I think that might have been part of it. I am still not feeling well either. I cannot seem to shake this head cold. I was planning on running right after work so I had an apple around 3 to help out but I ended up meeting with my friend at Starbucks and was not able to even start running until after 6:30 so I was feeling pretty hungy by the time I got home. My body was a little sore afterwards and my legs are pretty tired but for the most part, I am feeling pretty good. I did not stretch very well but every time I bend over even just a little bit, etc, my head begins to pound and it hurts so bad.

Day 7

Scheduled: 30 - 45 minutes

2 min walk (warm up)
30 min run (5.4-20 mins, 5.8-41/2 mins, 6.0-2 mins, 5.4-31/2 mins)
2 min walk (4.4 cool down)

Totals: 34 mins - 3 miles (11.3 mins a mile)

I ate really well today and I think that it made a big difference in me being able to run the whole 30 minutes. I am still sick so I was surprised that I was able to run the whole time. I got pretty tired but I wanted to push myself. I am not sure that is the best plan but it felt really good to run the whole time today rather than taking the breaks in between.

I really need to work on my stretches. I pretty much never really stretch and I know that I am going to start to feel it. I don't know the best stretches to do so I just don't do them.

Day 6

Scheduled: 8 miles

2 min walk
30 min run (5.4, 6.0 for 1 mile, 5.5)
3 min walk
10 min run
2 min walk
10 min run
3 min walk
10 min run
7 min walk
3 min run
5 min walk
3 min run
2 min run
5 min walk including cool down

Totals: at 8 miles 93.43 (11.678) and total 8.07 at 95 mins.

Today was really tough for me. I have not run this far since August (half marathon). I was pretty disappointed with myself. As you can see I started out well but ended terrible. I lost all energy, etc. I pushed myself a little too hard at the beginning and just could not keep it up at the end. During my 10 minutes run, I started not being able to breathe very well and was feeling like I might not make it much longer. I was obviously not ready for this push. I needed to manage my run/walk better to keep my energy up. I guess I was disappointed because I was hoping to do better. I have to keep it all in perspective though. It is only the first week of training and I have been sick. I also need to remember the whole part of training is to work up to being able to do better and not get it all in the first couple weeks. I still achieved my goal so I guess that has to make it feel a little bit better.

Day 5

Scheduled: XT

20 minutes stair stepper
weights - upper body and a few abs

I was not sure that I should do the stairs because I thought that they would make my legs hurt for my next day run. Cassie is trying to help push me though. Thanks, Cassie. I love to lift weights. It is extra great when Cassie is there too because she pushes me a lot to lift more, etc. It was a good workout.

Day 4 - Jan 1

Scheduled: 30-45 minutes

2 min walk (4.4)
8 min run (5.4)
2 min walk (4.4)
8 min run (5.4)
2 min walk (4.4)
8 min run (5.4 - 5.7)
6 min walk (4.4 with an incline of 2)
cool down

Totals: 3.12/38 minutes (12.17 including cool down)

I had just eaten lunch and am still not breathing well. I also wanted to see how long it would take me to get to 3 miles when I run less. I got to 3 miles at 36 minutes. I want to plan on running more that that obviously so I should be able to reach my goal of run/walk average of 12 minutes per mile. I am having a hard time getting a true indication of where I am though since I cannot seem to shake this cold. I wanted to run more today but really I decided that just finishing was better than nothing.

Considering it was a holiday, I ate pretty well. I actually went out for lunch and dinner but I left both not feeling stuffed. I tried better to balance my intake. I felt pretty good about that. I am glad that the holidays are over though. No more sweet surprises on the doorstep, etc. Now the fridge won't be too full either and I can get some good things for the body!

Day 3 - Dec 31

Scheduled: XT

I rode the bike for 33 minutes. I still do not feel well and I did not have a lot of time.