23 days until race 1.

I went for my run first thing this morning, before I could let anything get in my way. Today was my first time running to the 'Gate-way to 8K' Podrunner series. I ran week 1 which alternated 7 mins running with 1 min walking. I felt like the intensity was a higher than it was in the C25K series, and it was definitely faster than the playlists I made to run to, but that's probably a good thing!

The weather was quite cool this morning, but once I got running I felt fine. I think I'm getting back into my running grove :-)

Getting back on the wagon...

As I pledged last night, I went for a run after work tonight. All afternoon I actually looked forward to getting back out and running. I hadn't downloaded the Podrunner podcasts yet (I'm actually downloading as I write), so I just used the 30 min run playlist I made. To make it an interval run/walk I did my warm up, then ran for 2 songs, then walked for about 1 minute of the next song, then ran for 2 songs again. I think I managed the run quite well despite the break I've had.

I took a route I've never run before because I don't normally run near my work. I enjoyed running in a different environment, and even thought of some route variations I could try in the future. Now that winter is nearly here and the days are getting shorter I think I'll have to schedule my runs straight after work more often. It's good to know there are some enjoyable safe routes nearby.

I feel good knowing I have taken the first step to get back on track with my running.

Only 2 runs in the past 2 weeks.

I'm disappointed in myself. I have only run twice in the past 2 weeks.

I have not been prioritising my runs and I have allowed myself to make excuses. I've told myself I'm busy with uni work and that uni is more important than running. I've told myself it's too wet/cold/dark to run. I've told myself I will skip running today, and run tomorrow instead, then I repeated the same excuse the next day. The excuses stop today. RIGHT NOW!

I did not complete the C25K only to give up running a month later. I now enjoy running. I want to get back to my running schedule. I want to be a runner. So I WILL get back on track.

First step to getting back on track is addressing my excuses. If I am tempted to use the excuse that I am too busy with uni work to run, I will remind myself that a run takes less than an hour and it's good to take a break while studying. If I am tempted to use the excuse that it is too wet/cold/dark to run I will put on a rain coat and hat, or go to the gym and run on the treadmill. If I am tempted to use the excuse that I will skip today and run tomorrow, I will remind myself of my running goals, and change into my running gear.

Second step is reminding myself of my running goals and recommitting. Tonight I registered for my first official race, the Mother's Day Classic 4K. It is 26 days until the race on 10 May 2009. I am still committed to finishing the 4K in 25 mins or under, so I have to get back to training.

Third step is planning a new training program. I am missing the structure of the C25K program, so I have decided to download the Podrunner Intervals Gateway to 8K podcasts. Even though they are aimed at training for a longer distance, I think they will still be a good next step. I had planned on starting the one hour runner program, but I think intervals will be a good way to get back into a regular program of running. I commit to running the weekly Podrunner interval track twice a week, plus 1 long run per week (starting at 30 mins and building up 1 min per week). I will also continue with my weekly yoga class at the gym.

This week I will run intervals on Tuesday after work, and on Thursday morning before uni. I will do my longer run on Saturday. I will post here after each run so that I am accountable.

It feels good to have a plan. I am confident I can get back on track with my running. 26 days to go till my first race!

I am still running!!!

I kind of fell of the blogging wagon... but I am still running! I finished my 10th week this week!! Week 9 was hard work, the first 30 min runs were a challenge, but it's gotten easier by the end of week 10. The first 10 mins of running is hard work, and the last 5 mins I have to push myself, but I can feel it getting easier in the middle.

I am starting to get a bit bored about half way through my runs. To try to combat this I have made some playlists of my favourite up tempo songs to listen to on my iPod while I run. I've also been trying to keep it interesting by mixing up my running routes a bit so that I am not always running the same paths.

I plan to continue with 3x30 min runs per week until the end of March, then start on the one hour runner program. I think a couple of weeks of running for 30 mins will help build my fitness level before I start tackling the longer runs.

I have started going to a weekly yoga class at the gym. I am enjoying the class, and I think it really helps to stretch my muscles so I think I'll keep it up. I'm hoping to start strength training a couple of times a week at the start of next month.

I mentioned in a previous post that I would share my goals for continuing running after I finished week 9. Well, since I finished over a week ago I thought I would share now...

1. Run the Mother's Day Classic 4k on May 10 2009 in 25 mins or under.
2. Continue to run 3 times per week through the winter.
3. Run the Burnie Ten 10k on 18 October 2009. Aim to finish!

Week 7 DONE!

I'm only two weeks away from finishing the C25K! That's 6 runs!! I'm so proud of myself and I'm not even there yet :)

I ran W7D3 on Saturday morning and it felt great. I took it easy and just enjoyed the fact that it was my last run for the week. I took a slightly different route today which added about an extra half a km to my normal route. I didn't have to back track at all so the new route seems to be a better distance. I'm still not sure exactly how far I am running, but I decided a while ago not to focus on distance or speed, but concentrate only on the time period.

After C25K I plan to do the One Hour Runner program. I'm not sure if I'll start it straight away, or spend a couple of weeks just getting really comfortable with the 30 min run. I'll keep you posted...

Also, I've decided to reward myself with a 'technical' running outfit when I graduate C25K. I want some tights made of something other than cotton (butt sweat is not pretty or comfortable!!). I also saw a green tank top with a hidden sport bra in a sports store the other day. Green is my favourite colour, so I think I'll buy the tank and a pair of tights after I finish week 9 :)

I borrowed a couple of books on running from my local library to help keep me motivated and interested in running. I've really been enjoying reading "Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running" by Dagny Scott. It's got some good advice about starting out, some training programs for different levels, advice on keeping motivated and weight-loss. It's really easy to read too.

I've also been giving my running goals some thought now that I have almost reached my first goal - Graduating C25K. When I graduate, I'll post my 5 running goals for 2009 :)

W7D2

I conquered the 25 min run today! I feel this way because finally it felt good to run for the whole time. I passed myself well and just ran. I also resisted the temptation to check my iPod and see how long I had left to go. So over all I feel really good today :)

W7D1

I'm a bit late post about W7D1. As I mentioned, I started back at uni this week and things have been a little bit hectic! I actually started week 7 on Mon 23 Feb.

I spent Monday rushing around town organising things for uni, I spent a few hours waiting in lines, then in waiting rooms, then talking to advisers. I felt pretty exhausted by the time I got home at about 6pm, but I was determined to get my run done. I got changed and set out. I considered going back to week 6 and running the 2x10min interval podcast, but I decided against it. Instead, I gave myself permission to walk if I needed too during the 25min run. I'm pretty happy with how I ran overall, I took 2 very short walking breaks of about 30 seconds each at about 8mins and 15mins. These little rests made it possible for me to complete the workout, and after such a tiring day I felt happy that I had still made the time to run. I feel like I'm learning to listen to my body and push myself just hard enough.

The past few days at uni have been quite busy, but I'm looking forward to my run tomorrow. I plan to do it in the morning before other things get in the way, and before I get too tired.