Well, technically I have completed week seven, FINALLY!!! I just got back from my third successful 25 minute run. I mean, I had to pause once at an alley to let a car go by, and another time when I dropped my mp3 player (during the last song -- I was taking it out to see how much longer I had!). But such is running on the streets when the park is beneath 12 inches of snow and thus unrunnable.
We're no East Coast/Midatlantic/whatever, but we got 12 inches the other day and it was our biggest storm of the season. My sister suggested I put my feet in Ziploc freezer bags before placing them in my shoes, but I did not and I made out okay. People tend to actually shovel when you get a foot of snow -- it's that three or four inches that they disdainfully sneer at and leave me to fall and die in. So there wasn't too much to run through, except for those slushy messes that gather at crosswalks.
Speaking of the snow, I stayed home yesterday but had to dig out my car in the morning. I woke up today thinking WHAT THE FUCK DID I DO TO MY BACK LAST NIGHT?! Then I realized this terrible, horrible, neverending ache in my upper back and shoulders is due to shoveling. And right now, I am sitting here with achy post-run legs. I kind of feel like a bus ran me over.
The run itself was fine except for that mp3 thing. I wore the ninja mask because it's 22 degrees out, which isn't sooooooo cold, but I was just feeling cold even before I left the house. It looks like I covered just over 2.32 miles, which isn't amazing, but I suppose I have to factor in the snow, and also just deal with the fact that if my pace needs to be a bit slower than I'd like so that I can actually make 25 minutes, so be it.
My plan is to do one more 25 minute run on Sunday, and then begin week 8 next week! I hope I can do it!
Showing posts with label ninja mask. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ninja mask. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
A REAL 25 minute run with just one break
Okay, I'm really proud of myself today. I had to stay home and take a nap because I have a pretty bad cold -- sore throat, very stuffy nose, etc. I'm having trouble breathing as it is and running seemed so very undoable. I skipped it last night, in fact, due to exhaustion because of this cold , which only got worse today(and also because yesterday was the most frigid day this week). But I did not want to get off schedule when I am already struggling to complete week 7, so after a nap and some soup, I got out there.
It's still pretty cold -- around 15 degrees F. I wore my ninja mask, which I kept on for more than half the run! I think it was actually helping me breathe with this cold. Finally the ninja mask works its magic. Also, I took a tip from someone on Facebook who had commented on another friend's running-in-the-cold-related status and popped in a mentholated cough drop before going out. I feel like this helped my breathing and my general mucusness so much.
I ran to the updated Running Into Shape podcast, which is actually 25 minutes. I was feeling pretty good and then my nose was stuffing up and I decided to take a break to blow my nose, take off the mask, and catch my breath. So just over halfway through the run, I did that. I walked for about two minutes and then resumed the run. I then got a slight cramp just below my ribs on my right side, which I tried to good-breathe away, but pretty much stayed with me the rest of the run. But it was only a minor cramp.
I think I am pacing myself well in terms of the C25K goals! Even with a 2-minute walking break, I made it around the track over four times in the 25 minutes. I believe the track is 5/8 of a mile, so that means I ran just over 2.5 miles, which is the goal for 25 minutes. I have decided I definitely prefer the track because for whatever reason, the pace I set on it seems easier to maintain and I don't get out of breath as easily.
Okay, so my plan is to try and do a full 25 minutes on Sunday if I'm feeling a bit better. I think I'm going to repeat week 7 one more time -- I want to do the 25 minute run at least twice before moving on. But I should still complete the program by the end of February! (Hopefully.)
It's still pretty cold -- around 15 degrees F. I wore my ninja mask, which I kept on for more than half the run! I think it was actually helping me breathe with this cold. Finally the ninja mask works its magic. Also, I took a tip from someone on Facebook who had commented on another friend's running-in-the-cold-related status and popped in a mentholated cough drop before going out. I feel like this helped my breathing and my general mucusness so much.
I ran to the updated Running Into Shape podcast, which is actually 25 minutes. I was feeling pretty good and then my nose was stuffing up and I decided to take a break to blow my nose, take off the mask, and catch my breath. So just over halfway through the run, I did that. I walked for about two minutes and then resumed the run. I then got a slight cramp just below my ribs on my right side, which I tried to good-breathe away, but pretty much stayed with me the rest of the run. But it was only a minor cramp.
I think I am pacing myself well in terms of the C25K goals! Even with a 2-minute walking break, I made it around the track over four times in the 25 minutes. I believe the track is 5/8 of a mile, so that means I ran just over 2.5 miles, which is the goal for 25 minutes. I have decided I definitely prefer the track because for whatever reason, the pace I set on it seems easier to maintain and I don't get out of breath as easily.
Okay, so my plan is to try and do a full 25 minutes on Sunday if I'm feeling a bit better. I think I'm going to repeat week 7 one more time -- I want to do the 25 minute run at least twice before moving on. But I should still complete the program by the end of February! (Hopefully.)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
25 minutes with just one break... but....
Well, shit. I just finished my first day of repeating week 7, and I was all proud that I only took one break, about 10 minutes in. Then I was looking at the podcast on the way home and wondering why the hell it is only 33 minutes long, when a 25 minute run + two 5-minute walks should = 35 minutes. And I SWEAR TO GOD I had downloaded the up to date Running Into Shape week 7 podcast. I swear!!
No, I didn't. I got home and looked at the site and re-downloaded, and she added another song to make up for the 3 missing minutes :( So, I can run for just over 22 minutes (I added about 30 seconds on at the end to "make up for" my 2 minute-ish walk in the middle) with just one break. Damnit! Foiled again!
Well, anyway. I still feel like I'm improving. Who's to say I wouldn't have made it another 3 minutes? Haha. Kind of doubtful, but it's in part the fault of the weather. It got cold again -- weather.com said it was about 20 F when I left and felt like 7. And it is WINDY. Luckily, I wore leg warmers, an undershirt and my trusty ninja mask, which was annoying in terms of fogging up my glasses, but really helpful because it was freaking freezing out there. I kept it on for about 5 minutes and then stumbled around trying to continue running while my headphones fell off and I tripped over them (NO BIG FALL, just a stumble, don't worry) and tried to collect them.
Anyway, the reason I might not have made it another 3 minutes is that my nose was getting really runny and stuffy due to the wind and cold, but I was holding my ninja mask and, by this time, my gloves. So it was getting hard to blow my nose. This is one thing I will not miss about summer (though I'll have to get one of those armbands to keep my mp3 player in place!).
I was able to run in the park again and I think this was helpful. For some reason -- maybe because I feel more conspicuous on streets -- I think I'm able to better set my pace on the running track. I think I try to run away from people on the streets and then run too fast. What can I say, I'm a misanthropic runner.
So the reason I returned to the podcast, btw, was that I find the little "You've completed five minutes" type reminders helpful. I downloaded the new one and might do that Thursday, or maybe I'll switch back to my own playlist. We'll see!
No, I didn't. I got home and looked at the site and re-downloaded, and she added another song to make up for the 3 missing minutes :( So, I can run for just over 22 minutes (I added about 30 seconds on at the end to "make up for" my 2 minute-ish walk in the middle) with just one break. Damnit! Foiled again!
Well, anyway. I still feel like I'm improving. Who's to say I wouldn't have made it another 3 minutes? Haha. Kind of doubtful, but it's in part the fault of the weather. It got cold again -- weather.com said it was about 20 F when I left and felt like 7. And it is WINDY. Luckily, I wore leg warmers, an undershirt and my trusty ninja mask, which was annoying in terms of fogging up my glasses, but really helpful because it was freaking freezing out there. I kept it on for about 5 minutes and then stumbled around trying to continue running while my headphones fell off and I tripped over them (NO BIG FALL, just a stumble, don't worry) and tried to collect them.
Anyway, the reason I might not have made it another 3 minutes is that my nose was getting really runny and stuffy due to the wind and cold, but I was holding my ninja mask and, by this time, my gloves. So it was getting hard to blow my nose. This is one thing I will not miss about summer (though I'll have to get one of those armbands to keep my mp3 player in place!).
I was able to run in the park again and I think this was helpful. For some reason -- maybe because I feel more conspicuous on streets -- I think I'm able to better set my pace on the running track. I think I try to run away from people on the streets and then run too fast. What can I say, I'm a misanthropic runner.
So the reason I returned to the podcast, btw, was that I find the little "You've completed five minutes" type reminders helpful. I downloaded the new one and might do that Thursday, or maybe I'll switch back to my own playlist. We'll see!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Completing Week Five
Yes, I said completing. I CAN RUN FOR 20 MINUTES STRAIGHT!!! I apologize for the repetitive nature of these celebratory posts, but seriously I think this is the first time in my 29 years of existence that I have run for 20 minutes, including back before I smoked. Honestly this is enough of an accomplishment for me, but I suppose I'll keep going.
It's like 17 degrees here; I wore 2 pairs of socks, the ninja mask (I wore it for about half the run, which is a first. I still think it messes up my breathing, though, so I had it down over my nose and mouth for most of the time), legwarmers, an undershirt, gloves... I've been chilly lately. The thought of running in the cold made me dilly-dally quite a bit before finally getting to the run.
The snow is still around and it's slushy in places but more sidewalks were clear (the park is still a no-go) so running today was a bit easier. One thing that is a problem is my stuffy nose; blowing one's nose while running is kind of a pain in the ass. Also, I'm still running around spitting everywhere. I'm gross.
I had several moments of "dear god, I cannot do this anymore." A couple because I was out of breath, a few about 10 minutes in when my ankles/lower calves were hurting pretty badly, and a few more when my heartbeat seemed to be warning of cardiac arrest. But in the end, the second 10 minutes (she tells you when you're halfway done, thank god) went much more quickly. I thought I would be judging time based the cues for the other days, but I somehow missed notification of the last 5 minute run. I was just thinking, "Oh my god, she hasn't announced that yet, I have at least four more minutes?!?!" when Carli announced that I was done. I was so surprised, I grunted. Not that I usually grunt in surprise, but I didn't have the energy or breath to say "What? Really?!"
Overall it was a good run, on to week 6!
It's like 17 degrees here; I wore 2 pairs of socks, the ninja mask (I wore it for about half the run, which is a first. I still think it messes up my breathing, though, so I had it down over my nose and mouth for most of the time), legwarmers, an undershirt, gloves... I've been chilly lately. The thought of running in the cold made me dilly-dally quite a bit before finally getting to the run.
The snow is still around and it's slushy in places but more sidewalks were clear (the park is still a no-go) so running today was a bit easier. One thing that is a problem is my stuffy nose; blowing one's nose while running is kind of a pain in the ass. Also, I'm still running around spitting everywhere. I'm gross.
I had several moments of "dear god, I cannot do this anymore." A couple because I was out of breath, a few about 10 minutes in when my ankles/lower calves were hurting pretty badly, and a few more when my heartbeat seemed to be warning of cardiac arrest. But in the end, the second 10 minutes (she tells you when you're halfway done, thank god) went much more quickly. I thought I would be judging time based the cues for the other days, but I somehow missed notification of the last 5 minute run. I was just thinking, "Oh my god, she hasn't announced that yet, I have at least four more minutes?!?!" when Carli announced that I was done. I was so surprised, I grunted. Not that I usually grunt in surprise, but I didn't have the energy or breath to say "What? Really?!"
Overall it was a good run, on to week 6!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
I Can Run For Eight Minutes!!!!
This is an amazing discovery. I can do it, TWICE. In the snow.
I have no idea who is reading this -- you may or may not know that I live in Chicago. And we had a snowstorm today. I think there's probably like 5 inches or something out there; we're supposed to get 10 total. It's that fine, fluffy snow that is really hard to move in, so running was not an appealing idea (plus it's still in the teens, it's not that 32 degrees and snowing weather). But jumping from 5 minute runs to 8 minute runs meant there was no choice -- I really couldn't take a day off.
By the way, I did the math during one of the walking sections, and this was the first day that the running section was longer than walking. Tuesday, I ran a total of 15 minutes and walked a total of 16. Today, opposite -- ran 16, walked 15. Excellent!
Anyway. I wore two pairs of socks, leg warmers, my Yak Trax and my ninja mask (the mask until about halfway into run 1). The park was blanketed in snow so, yet again, I chose to run on the sidewalks. Some of which were not shoveled; walking and running on that was like running through sand. Thus, my legs are aching a bit again. My form suffers in the snow :( But it's not too bad. Also, both Tuesday and today, when I got home, I smelled weird things. It smelled like a hospital/disinfectant. I mentioned this to my sister (who has run marathons) and she said she used to smell weird things after running. This made me feel like a runner.
So, now... 20 minutes. 20 minutes! But I really thought maybe I couldn't do 8, and I did. And I only kind of felt like vomiting after. And I said "thank you" to the shovelers who stood to the side to let me pass, and this wonderful old man said something like, "make it a good one!" or some similar supportive thing in response, and I'll do 20 minutes just for him! Because I look like a total weirdo running in the snow but I love it, as do kind old men.
I'll report back on Saturday or Sunday!
I have no idea who is reading this -- you may or may not know that I live in Chicago. And we had a snowstorm today. I think there's probably like 5 inches or something out there; we're supposed to get 10 total. It's that fine, fluffy snow that is really hard to move in, so running was not an appealing idea (plus it's still in the teens, it's not that 32 degrees and snowing weather). But jumping from 5 minute runs to 8 minute runs meant there was no choice -- I really couldn't take a day off.
By the way, I did the math during one of the walking sections, and this was the first day that the running section was longer than walking. Tuesday, I ran a total of 15 minutes and walked a total of 16. Today, opposite -- ran 16, walked 15. Excellent!
Anyway. I wore two pairs of socks, leg warmers, my Yak Trax and my ninja mask (the mask until about halfway into run 1). The park was blanketed in snow so, yet again, I chose to run on the sidewalks. Some of which were not shoveled; walking and running on that was like running through sand. Thus, my legs are aching a bit again. My form suffers in the snow :( But it's not too bad. Also, both Tuesday and today, when I got home, I smelled weird things. It smelled like a hospital/disinfectant. I mentioned this to my sister (who has run marathons) and she said she used to smell weird things after running. This made me feel like a runner.
So, now... 20 minutes. 20 minutes! But I really thought maybe I couldn't do 8, and I did. And I only kind of felt like vomiting after. And I said "thank you" to the shovelers who stood to the side to let me pass, and this wonderful old man said something like, "make it a good one!" or some similar supportive thing in response, and I'll do 20 minutes just for him! Because I look like a total weirdo running in the snow but I love it, as do kind old men.
I'll report back on Saturday or Sunday!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Starting Week Five, the Scariest of Weeks (thus far)
Week Five, Day One! Three sets of 5-minute runs, with 3-minute walks between them. I did it, I can officially kick ass by running for five minutes straight, three times in a row. Woo hoo! Now... on to Thursday's 8 minute runs, and then Sunday's 20 minute runs. Does that not seem insanely accelerated to you? I mean, seriously, I think like 3 weeks ago I was lucky to run for 90 seconds without dying? So... now I'm gonna up it by 15 minutes in 5 days. Who the hell created this crazy routine?
Today I was crabby and cold and sleepy when I got home from babysitting my friend's 16 month old. I was like, I want a sippy cup and a nap now, please, but I needed to run. I should have immediately eaten some soup and gone for the run like 30 minutes later, but I dilly-dallied at the computer and it got colder and I got crabbier. My sister got home and wanted to watch a crime drama with me and I was like, "LOOK I HAVE TO RUN. I'D RATHER DIE THAN RUN IN THE COLD, BUT THERE YOU GO." It was a really impressive display of being a bitter baby on my part.
So I got my butt in gear with her encouragement. It was like 19 degrees when I left the house, and I was all, oh I know this temperature. Ninja mask, you have no hold on me any longer, you are staying home.
Wtf? It was SO cold on my face and neck. Like, way colder than last week when it was around 20 degrees about every time I ran. It took at least a run and a half before I felt like I wasn't going to die of hypothermia. So I guess I'm taking the old mask next time.
I had to do the techno run, and it was okay. I prefer the pop music of Running Into Shape, but the techno does have those points that make you want to run whilst pumping your fist, which is okay to do if you are not in New Jersey because you are less likely to be mistaken for The Situation. Overall it was a good run, my lungs felt much much better than they did on Sunday, and I was so much less crabby when I got home. See you Thursday!
Today I was crabby and cold and sleepy when I got home from babysitting my friend's 16 month old. I was like, I want a sippy cup and a nap now, please, but I needed to run. I should have immediately eaten some soup and gone for the run like 30 minutes later, but I dilly-dallied at the computer and it got colder and I got crabbier. My sister got home and wanted to watch a crime drama with me and I was like, "LOOK I HAVE TO RUN. I'D RATHER DIE THAN RUN IN THE COLD, BUT THERE YOU GO." It was a really impressive display of being a bitter baby on my part.
So I got my butt in gear with her encouragement. It was like 19 degrees when I left the house, and I was all, oh I know this temperature. Ninja mask, you have no hold on me any longer, you are staying home.
Wtf? It was SO cold on my face and neck. Like, way colder than last week when it was around 20 degrees about every time I ran. It took at least a run and a half before I felt like I wasn't going to die of hypothermia. So I guess I'm taking the old mask next time.
I had to do the techno run, and it was okay. I prefer the pop music of Running Into Shape, but the techno does have those points that make you want to run whilst pumping your fist, which is okay to do if you are not in New Jersey because you are less likely to be mistaken for The Situation. Overall it was a good run, my lungs felt much much better than they did on Sunday, and I was so much less crabby when I got home. See you Thursday!
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