Couch to 5k - Week 4

Haven't posted an update for awhile.  Just wanted to share some thoughts with you on this whole process.

1.  The correct shoes are important.
2.  Good friends to support you are even more important.
3.  Finding a good place to run is a big factor.
4.  I am much stronger mentally than thought I was.
5.  Running is a perfect hobby for a control freak.

Let me elaborate!  I have plantar fasciitis and my feet always hurt.  Finding a good running shoe that fit me well, gave me arch support and wearing orthotics are extremely important.  Walking around in flip flops for a day can undo all your progress!  I am a big fan of  Zappos.com for finding shoes.  Free shipping both ways, return anything that doesn't fit right.  No having to go to the mall!

I have always had a big hang up about exercising around other women, especially running.  I haven't ran in front of another girl since high school, and only then because I had to do it for gym class.  I've always HATED running, but had this cool fantasy about being a runner!  In my head, I look great.  In reality, I know better.  HAHA.  I finally got brave enough this week to run with a friend and I am so glad I did it.  She pushed me harder than I ever thought I could go.  I just had this thought in my head that I couldn't stop unless she did, and she didn't.  I am so lucky to have a friend that won't judge me and will support me.

Finding a great place to run is key.  There's a big difference between running on a treadmill and staring at the wall in front of you and a lumpy gravel road that had no shade and too many hills, or a nice shady sidewalk or winding path through town.  I am blessed to live in a town that has an amazing system of trails!  I have a about a mile or so stretch that is fairly flat (I'll get to hills eventually, but right now I am just focused on building up to running a whole 5k) and nice and shady so it really is cooler!  It's also very pretty just to look at, and oh so peaceful.

On my run the other day, I realized that when things got hard in the past, I gave in way too easily because in my heart, I knew I couldn't do it, that I wasn't good enough, whatever.  I was wrong.  I am much tougher and stronger than I ever thought.  Now that I have fully committed to doing this, stopped worrying about what people think of me and just said "I am doing this" I've found that on a run, just take each second.  You can do anything for one more second.

And lastly, I am a HUGE control freak.  Anyone that knows me just snickers.  I am having some issues in my life right now that are completely out of my control.  For a control freak that is the worst feeling ever.  Stressful.  Nightmares.  Blah.  Just awful.  But running helps me feel grounded.  Makes me feel like I've accomplished something.  Makes me feel very much in control.

No matter what you do or why you choose to run, walk or any activity, just get out there and do it!  I'm a little scared for week 5, because the couch to 5k program takes a big leap up this week, but I am going into it with a positive attitude and just going to take it one second at a time!  Praying my feet don't fail me like they have in the past.  *fingers crossed*

Couch to 5K Here We Go!!!!!

Download in the iTunes store!

Well, what have I done?  LOL!  I am NOT a runner.  I'd LOVE to be a runner, I just hate running, with a passion.  However, one of my best friends in the entire world lives, give or take, 1500 miles away.  I am in Minnesota, she's in Arizona.  She's been on a very amazing healthy journey the last few years, amazing me every step of the way.  Her determination and drive is VERY inspiring!  However, she's never done a 5k.  One challenge she's always wanted to do, but never done.

She told me if I train with her, online, via the Couch to 5K app we found, she will fly out here in October and we will do our very first 5k together.  How in the heck could I say no?  I always have tons of excuses NOT to exercise - finally I have a very good, very accountable reason.  Since bringing it up, my husband and daughter and several friends have said they will too!  I am so excited to know I am not doing this alone!

I went out today and walked for a mile and a half.  Not a lot, but it's a start!  Look out running, here I come!!!

On the Third day of P90X Tony Horton Gave to Me...

On the third day of P90X Tony Horton gave to me...

Arms made of jello...
Shoulders made with noodles...
Triceps made of rubber...
and abs that are, hmmm, well, just sore!

I figured I better write about day three right away because it's hard to type even now and it's going to be worse later. My arms are just limp. I am sure they will be sore tomorrow, so if you don't hear from me for a few days, it's just because I can't type with my nose very well.

In all seriousness, it was an amazing workout. Not too much, not too little, intense, hell yes!!! Again, they show many variations and ways to do everything.

One thing I also like abut each DVD (I can't remember if I already mentioned this, so if I already did, too bad :p) is that you have several options on how to watch it. Normal, with some music in the background and Tony talking. Normal with no music. Music with minimal talking. Music only or silent. Very cool. If you get sick of his voice, which I haven't yet, he's very funny and motivational, you could change it up. I like having options!

So, day three and I can't say I've lost weight yet, but I am feeling really great about this and about the fact that I am doing something to change my condition.

The opening episode of The Biggest Loser really helped get me motivated. If they can do it, so can I. I am already partial to teams pink and green, but we will see where the season goes!

I can't wait to get back below 200. (Yikes, did I mention I'd crept back up there?) Ya. Barf. 9 pounds to get back to Onderland, folks. I need a mini goal. Hmmmm, I think when I get back down there, I will go get my nails done! They are really bad so I hope it doesn't take long :)

Have a great day! Check my blog tomorrow for my review of P90X Yoga!!!

I Lived Through the Second P90X Workout!

They call it "Cardio-X" I think the X is latin for the 10th stage of hell. WOW! The workout is 43 minutes and 18 seconds long. According to my heart rate monitor, is took me about 50 minutes because I had to keep pausing to remember how to breathe, take water, and pray my heart didn't explode! Man, I am sooooooooooooo out of shape.

Al of that aside, I loved every second of it. I was sweating so bad I had to towel off several times. Tony Horton is AWESOME! He is so real. I know that sounds lame, but he is just so ordinary. He was doing a move, and lost his balance. He laughed and said something like "It happens to everyone, you don't need to look pretty, just keep moving". He does stress proper form, but he also "keeps it real" by not being perfect. I love that! Most fancy videos would totally take it out and redo it when the trainer fell over or screwed up, and this one doesn't, and I like that. It gives me hope that although I am not perfect I will get better.

I also like that along with Tony, there are three other people doing the workout. 3 different from yesterday's, so I am guessing each one has new people. That's good because I would get sick of looking at the same people every single day.

The four people, including Tony Horton, show different angles and modifications. He also says that maybe you won't even be able to do what those four are doing, but stresses to do the best you can, and keep moving.

I really am liking this system so far!!! I am learning to "bring it" in my own way...one day at a time!!!

Did first P90X Workout

Oh sweet Jesus. That I have the strength left to type is a miracle. I did the fit test earlier today, and you are actually supposed to do that a few days BEFORE you start. However, you get ONE rest day a week, and I want that to be Sunday. Since I didn't want to wait until next Monday to start, I said screw it and did the first work out today.

It was a doozy! It's an amazing 1 hour routine that includes a great warm up and cool down. What's in between the warm up and cool down however, is grueling. I can easily see how this program is going to kill me, er, I mean whip me into shape.

I am sweating like a pig! I really like how the workout goes though. It is short groups of many different exercises, and they show several modifications for your level. I was a little below the lowest level! LOL! But I trucked on and did the best I could.

According to my heart rate monitor, I burned 423 calories, which is of course much more than I normally burn sitting on my butt for an hour playing Bejeweled Blitz. LMAO!

A special thanks to my friend and weight loss partner, Mechelle, for always encouraging me and sharing my triumphs, lows, victories and everything in between. You are an inspiration to me, girlfriend!