Tuesday was running day. I had the same route as last time, 2.5 miles, no intended breaks. Around the 1.25 mile mark I HAD to walk for a quarter mile. My right hip was killing me again. I have gained some experience in this running adventure. When it hurts, stop running. And this HURT! Like limping hurt. Like thinking about hitch hiking hurt. I walked it off for a quarter mile and then began my jog again. I walked another little bit toward the end, but finished strong, or weak, however you want to call it. My time ended up being 40 minutes and 17 seconds, which was over 3 minutes faster than last time! My first mile was only 14:50, which is also my fastest to date.
It was a weird day on Tuesday because that wasn't the only exercise I got. Between the quarter mile walk taking the twins to Kindergarten, the quarter mile to walk home, the quarter mile to pick them up and the quarter mile to take them home, I walked an additional mile that afternoon. Then as soon as the kids were home we headed directly to the California State Fair. Now there was quite a bit of walking but also quite a bit of standing totaling a 4 hour adventure. Let's just say 2 days later, I think my legs have almost recovered.
Wednesday morning I walked the twins to school and had to limp nearly the whole way. My knees were killing me and I couldn't figure out why. MOTRIN! I had forgotten to take my early morning dose of 800mg motrin. I take this sucker 3 times a day to reduce inflammation in my lungs. It had the added bonus to mostly numb general aches and pains as well. Apparently all this running is killing my legs, but as long as I can ignore it with my motrin, I'll keep on running!
Last but not least, Paul and I signed up for the Sacramento CowTown Marathon last night! We will be running the 5K portion on Sunday, October 4. He won't be running with me but I'm sure we'll start together and then he'll have time to knit a sweater when he's done, waiting for me to cross the finish line in about double his time. I'm aiming for under 1 hour here folks. I think I can do it. The course record is 15 minutes. Definitely sure I won't be breaking that one!
Since the knees and hips hurt I've decided to take a short hiatus from running. I'll be taking the week off, picking it back up for my final 2.5 mile run, and then final 3 days of training next week. See you al then! in the mean time, happy exercising!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Running Day 19 of 24
Yesterday (Saturday) was rough. I was supposed to increase my route by .25 miles, totaling 2.5 miles. This number, TWO AND A HALF MILES seemed daunting to me and I don't know why. But alas I strapped on my oxygen tank and my running shoes and hit the pavement Saturday morning.
The first mile went ok, in about 15:10, I can't fully remember the time now. My body felt good, but I felt really slow. I was on a new route so it was hard for me to tell exactly where I was. I like to know how far I've gone and how much further I have to go to hit my milestones like 1 mile, 2 miles etc. Since the route was new, I knew where the 1 mile mark was, but nothing in between.
The next half mile was murder. It felt like three miles. I wasn't sore or anything I just wanted nothing more than to be done with my run.
Then I got to the 1.5 mile mark and my right hip joint started hurting again. I ran some more for another minute or so and it still hurt so I listened to my body, a new thing I'm trying out, and stopped running. I started walking until it didn't hurt anymore and continued this pattern of running/walking for the rest of the 1 mile home. My total run/walk time was about 41 minutes. I'll have to check my stopwatch later today and edit this post.
It sucked because I was so disappointed after having run a great run 3 days earlier, a whole 2.25 miles, and now I couldn't repeat it. My hip doesn't hurt today, so that's a good sign. When I ran through it last Sunday it hurt for a few days! So I'm glad I listened to my body and hopefully I'll be ready for my next 2.5 mile run on Monday or Tuesday.
The first mile went ok, in about 15:10, I can't fully remember the time now. My body felt good, but I felt really slow. I was on a new route so it was hard for me to tell exactly where I was. I like to know how far I've gone and how much further I have to go to hit my milestones like 1 mile, 2 miles etc. Since the route was new, I knew where the 1 mile mark was, but nothing in between.
The next half mile was murder. It felt like three miles. I wasn't sore or anything I just wanted nothing more than to be done with my run.
Then I got to the 1.5 mile mark and my right hip joint started hurting again. I ran some more for another minute or so and it still hurt so I listened to my body, a new thing I'm trying out, and stopped running. I started walking until it didn't hurt anymore and continued this pattern of running/walking for the rest of the 1 mile home. My total run/walk time was about 41 minutes. I'll have to check my stopwatch later today and edit this post.
It sucked because I was so disappointed after having run a great run 3 days earlier, a whole 2.25 miles, and now I couldn't repeat it. My hip doesn't hurt today, so that's a good sign. When I ran through it last Sunday it hurt for a few days! So I'm glad I listened to my body and hopefully I'll be ready for my next 2.5 mile run on Monday or Tuesday.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Running Day 18 of 24
I can't believe I only have 6 more days of running to complete my training course!
I was dreading today because there was no walking period built into the program. If it was going to be every bit as hard as it was on Sunday, I thought for sure I was going to struggle.
But guess what? It was relatively easy! I ran 2.25 miles straight without stopping in 36 minutes and 21 seconds! I'm not particularly proud of the time, but I'm going for endurance here, not speed. On Sunday I had some right hip joint pain, but not so much today, only the last tenth of a mile or so did I even start to feel it. Whereas on Sunday I felt it for the last mile!
I think this might mean I'm a runner now. Watch out Cowtown Marathon. Here I come! Ok, I'm only training for the 5K that day, but I think I might actually have the balls to sign up now.
I was dreading today because there was no walking period built into the program. If it was going to be every bit as hard as it was on Sunday, I thought for sure I was going to struggle.
But guess what? It was relatively easy! I ran 2.25 miles straight without stopping in 36 minutes and 21 seconds! I'm not particularly proud of the time, but I'm going for endurance here, not speed. On Sunday I had some right hip joint pain, but not so much today, only the last tenth of a mile or so did I even start to feel it. Whereas on Sunday I felt it for the last mile!
I think this might mean I'm a runner now. Watch out Cowtown Marathon. Here I come! Ok, I'm only training for the 5K that day, but I think I might actually have the balls to sign up now.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Running Day 17 of 24
I wasn't looking forward to today because the runs are getting harder and harder. On my plate today was a 1 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk and another 1 mile jog to finish off the 2.25 mile route.
The first mile went really good! 15 minutes and 30 seconds later I was ready to walk! I walked really slow to regain some strength because I'd never run a second mile in the same day. Everything went pretty well until the last quarter mile or so. I started overheating again and I felt a little dizzy. I checked my pulse ox and it was great at 93%. My HR had settled around 170-174 for most of the run, but at this point when I was feeling a little dizzy it was 181. I did my best to slow my jog down, but really how much slower can you get than 4 mph?
I ended up making it the whole way in 37 minutes and 10 seconds. (15:30 for the first mile, 5:30 for the quarter mile walk and 16:10 for the last mile) Considering it was my first shot at running 2 miles in one stretch, I think it's pretty good! I'd really love to cut my time down. Maybe that will come in the next few weeks.
The first mile went really good! 15 minutes and 30 seconds later I was ready to walk! I walked really slow to regain some strength because I'd never run a second mile in the same day. Everything went pretty well until the last quarter mile or so. I started overheating again and I felt a little dizzy. I checked my pulse ox and it was great at 93%. My HR had settled around 170-174 for most of the run, but at this point when I was feeling a little dizzy it was 181. I did my best to slow my jog down, but really how much slower can you get than 4 mph?
I ended up making it the whole way in 37 minutes and 10 seconds. (15:30 for the first mile, 5:30 for the quarter mile walk and 16:10 for the last mile) Considering it was my first shot at running 2 miles in one stretch, I think it's pretty good! I'd really love to cut my time down. Maybe that will come in the next few weeks.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Running Day 16 of 24
Today was a bit rushed. I got up early, 7AM, got my treatments done, ate breakfast, put on my running gear and... waited. The twins were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to wake them. Well they finally stirred around 9AM after I'd been ready for a good half hour! So I got them fed and dressed and out the door we went.
I was meant to jog/walk 2.25 miles today, but instead I followed the minutes guide, instead of the mileage guide because I didn't have that much time. I was supposed to cover 2.25 miles in 24 minutes, but instead I covered 1.60 miles in 24 minutes.
Today was the beginning of week 6. I jogged for 5 minutes, walked for 3, jogged for 8, walked for 3, jogged for 5. And then I was done! I would have needed to add about 15 more minutes to cover the extra ground and since the twin slept in so late I just didn't have the extra time. I had to get going to get my teeth cleaned at the dentist. Even more fun than running!
I was meant to jog/walk 2.25 miles today, but instead I followed the minutes guide, instead of the mileage guide because I didn't have that much time. I was supposed to cover 2.25 miles in 24 minutes, but instead I covered 1.60 miles in 24 minutes.
Today was the beginning of week 6. I jogged for 5 minutes, walked for 3, jogged for 8, walked for 3, jogged for 5. And then I was done! I would have needed to add about 15 more minutes to cover the extra ground and since the twin slept in so late I just didn't have the extra time. I had to get going to get my teeth cleaned at the dentist. Even more fun than running!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Rewind... Day 15 of 24
Today I set out to complete my 2 mile run. I bought a running backpack at REI yesterday. You should have seen me. Seriously, I was in the store with my o2 tank, stuffing it into random backpacks, strapping them on in the middle of the aisles and jumping up and down to see how they felt. I didn't find anything I liked for a long time. I was about to give up when I found an REI brand on a different aisle that didn't come with a hydration bladder. Perfect! Only $40 too! It's really nice and padded, it has a buckle on the top of my chest over my boobs and a buckle around my waist.
When I put the pack on today I could tell it was going to be great because my shoulders didn't really bare any of the weight. It was all at the bottom of the pack sitting on my waist. It was wonderful! Whoever invented this thing should get a raise.
I ended up running... get this.... an ENTIRE FREAKING MILE! Yes! I did it! I ran a WHOLE mile in 15 minutes. Then I turned around to set home and started walking. I walked for 3 minutes and began to jog again. Then I ended up walking for 3 more minutes sometime between the half mile mark and home. But all in all, I got my 2 miles done in 31:30 and 25:30 of that was running! The longest period of time I've run EVER!
The hard part was the time of day I ran. I didn't get ready until just after 9AM and it's supposed to be 100 degrees today so it was a bit hot, in the 70's. I started getting this piercing headache after about 1/2 mile into the run. And then the chills started about the time I got to the 1 mile mark. My head felt so hot I thought it was going to explode. Hopefully my body will just get used to this level of exercise and I won't have this problem next time.
I got home and downed a huge glass of water, took a cold shower and then pretty much passed out in bed for an hour. I just couldn't move. I'm still pretty drained but after having some lunch I'm feeling a little better. And my headache is gone.
When I put the pack on today I could tell it was going to be great because my shoulders didn't really bare any of the weight. It was all at the bottom of the pack sitting on my waist. It was wonderful! Whoever invented this thing should get a raise.
I ended up running... get this.... an ENTIRE FREAKING MILE! Yes! I did it! I ran a WHOLE mile in 15 minutes. Then I turned around to set home and started walking. I walked for 3 minutes and began to jog again. Then I ended up walking for 3 more minutes sometime between the half mile mark and home. But all in all, I got my 2 miles done in 31:30 and 25:30 of that was running! The longest period of time I've run EVER!
The hard part was the time of day I ran. I didn't get ready until just after 9AM and it's supposed to be 100 degrees today so it was a bit hot, in the 70's. I started getting this piercing headache after about 1/2 mile into the run. And then the chills started about the time I got to the 1 mile mark. My head felt so hot I thought it was going to explode. Hopefully my body will just get used to this level of exercise and I won't have this problem next time.
I got home and downed a huge glass of water, took a cold shower and then pretty much passed out in bed for an hour. I just couldn't move. I'm still pretty drained but after having some lunch I'm feeling a little better. And my headache is gone.
Running Day 15 of 24
Friday I set out to jog 2 miles straight. I brought my tiniest oxygen tank with me, in some random backpack I had lying around in the closet. Well, about a half mile into the job my neck started getting tired of the weight. It wasn't even my heavy tank! The small one is about 3 pounds, the bigger tank is about 5 to 6 pounds.
I ended up getting 3/4 of a mile down the road in 11 minutes 30 seconds and then I had to stop and walk. I huffed and puffed my way to the end of the block, which is exactly 1 mile from my house. Then I ran into a guy from Pakistan, no joke. He wanted information on the library. Unfortunately he didn't understand what I was saying when I was trying to tell him the library was closed. I think I said it 3 times. He went on and on about who I was, (married with kids) and the fact that I don't work and how great that is that I get to stay home with the kids. Yeah, but I'm trying to work out here!
After minute 20 my tank ran out of o2. So I guess that means the teeny tiny tank is no good for my runs since it only lasts 20 minutes. I'll have to pull out the bigger one, which, in my estimation, may last me 3 times as long.
I ended up back at the house around minute 35. I walked the rest of the way home and decided I would try to complete my 2 miles next time.
I ended up getting 3/4 of a mile down the road in 11 minutes 30 seconds and then I had to stop and walk. I huffed and puffed my way to the end of the block, which is exactly 1 mile from my house. Then I ran into a guy from Pakistan, no joke. He wanted information on the library. Unfortunately he didn't understand what I was saying when I was trying to tell him the library was closed. I think I said it 3 times. He went on and on about who I was, (married with kids) and the fact that I don't work and how great that is that I get to stay home with the kids. Yeah, but I'm trying to work out here!
After minute 20 my tank ran out of o2. So I guess that means the teeny tiny tank is no good for my runs since it only lasts 20 minutes. I'll have to pull out the bigger one, which, in my estimation, may last me 3 times as long.
I ended up back at the house around minute 35. I walked the rest of the way home and decided I would try to complete my 2 miles next time.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Oxygen Tanks
Today my DME (durable medical equipment) sent a guy over here with a small 5 pound portable oxygen tank. I put it in a backpack, turned it on, and started running. The rep from the DME didn't want to stay that long and just wanted me to walk around the house at first. I told him that was no good. I wanted to run to see if this thing works for me. Then he said I can walk up and down the street. I'm like, "no, I want to go for a jog. Just like I would on a real workout day." So I strapped the kids in their bike helmets, they hopped on their bikes and we went for a short half mile jog.
Surprisingly, pulse flow 2 liters per minute was nowhere near enough oxygen while I was jogging. I jogged the whole way, since we weren't going that far. By the time I got back to the house my sats had plateaued at 85%. I started noticing half way through the run that it was getting harder and harder to breathe. I thought maybe it was just because I hadn't run since Friday. But as soon as I looked at the pulse ox I knew I had good reason to feel so crappy. I may as well have not been wearing o2! The good news is, he "approved me" so I can get my own tanks and play with the settings soon. I hope I get the tanks today or tomorrow, so I can increase the flow and go for a real workout soon.
Surprisingly, pulse flow 2 liters per minute was nowhere near enough oxygen while I was jogging. I jogged the whole way, since we weren't going that far. By the time I got back to the house my sats had plateaued at 85%. I started noticing half way through the run that it was getting harder and harder to breathe. I thought maybe it was just because I hadn't run since Friday. But as soon as I looked at the pulse ox I knew I had good reason to feel so crappy. I may as well have not been wearing o2! The good news is, he "approved me" so I can get my own tanks and play with the settings soon. I hope I get the tanks today or tomorrow, so I can increase the flow and go for a real workout soon.
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