Amy's "BUT I'M NOT A RUNNER" Journal

[Papa Deuce]

Amy, I hope your cold is gone! Mine still is not. But I still forced myeself to run that 300 feet today! And I have lots of good running / training material to read!

9:20 for a mile? Wow. I'm at like 20 minutes!

 

[kimwim8]

Hey Amy!

You are doing soooo awesome! That 1/2 marathon is gonna be a piece of cake!! I admire your perseverance & drive throughout being sick (well, throughout your whole journey so far).

You go girl!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Wednesday, March 22

I've had quite a few days of exercise . Feeling better every day and LOVING the results of all this fitness! I feel so strong!

Monday: I did 60 minutes of kickboxing. I took it down a notch due to my still feeling a bit under the weather. But completed the class and managed to get a solid workout!

Tuesday: I had a 30 minute run scheduled today. I did my 5 minute walk/warm-up. Then I started out for my run. I felt VERY good. The weather was perfect for running...about 40 degrees, sunny and only a light breeze for a change! I hit mile 1 quickly and headed into mile 2. Typically I start to feel REALLY winded heading up my long hill but today I felt great! I got to mile 2 marker at 19:20. That was a pace of 9:30 mpm. By far a personal best for me . I took a 60 second walk break at this point to get my HR stabilized. I finished my run at 30 minutes but wasn't sure exactly how far I had gone as I was timing it instead of distance running and ran past my 2.7 mile marker. So I jumped in my car to check the mileage and turns out I ran 2.9 miles in the 30 minutes. SOOOOO close to my goal of 3 miles in 30 minutes LOL! Overall I was so happy with the run. Everything felt good...breathing, pace, calf muscles, cough! Another one of those small successes that I need to celebrate .

Wednesday: I was planning on heading out to KBX today. My DD6 had other plans...she was sleepy and couldn't get out of bed for me . I just couldn't bring myself to force her out the door so I grabbed a 2nd cup of coffee and thought about my options. I could walk (nah), I could jump on the ski machine (not inspired by that idea). So I checked out the options on my cable. I found a Power Yoga class that was 45 minutes long! Sounded like a good solution. So I ended up doing 45 minutes of yoga after sleepy-head went off to school. It was GREAT! I feel so stretched and it really worked the core muscles and arm muscles. Afterwards I wanted to do some more abs so I did my Firm Parts tape and called it a day!

 

[kimwim8]

Great job with the workouts, and I'm so glad you're feeling better!

Do you have Comcast on Demand? There are so many great workout shows on there!

Congrats on the running! I actually went on the marathon website & printed out the course map. Maybe someday....

You're gonna do great! Keep on going!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Friday, March 24

TGIF

My DH has been away on business off and on for the better part of March. This was a long week and I'm so glad he's coming home .

I'd like to journal a bit about the nutritional changes I've made in March. I really wanted to get to my optimal, healthy weight. For me that meant losing somewhere around 5-7 pounds. So I challenged myself with the following:

1. NO SNACKING after dinner. Period. Only a cup of herbal tea or water and that is all!

2. Double my current water intake...which at the time was seriously lacking! I was getting headaches from dehydration...exercising without adequate fluid intake! Since I've increased my daily water intake the headaches are gone!

3. Eat a light and healthy b'fast one hour before workouts! Graze on small, healthy mini-meals throughout the day, eat a normal dinner.

I did all those things consistently, plus added fish to my diet 2 to 3 times per week. I'm happy to report that I've lost 4 pounds and I feel great.

Yesterday I ran for 30 minutes. I have to be honest and say that it was both uninspired and difficult. I find with running that you can have days when it feels like you could run forever and days when you wonder how you'll manage to run for the next 100 feet. But each difficulty is a learning experience and I learned yesterday that following the "rules" is important.

The first rule that I broke was that I ate 30 minutes before running! I ended up with a terrible side stitch for about a mile!!! OUCH! The second rule that I broke was that I only warmed up for 2 minutes before I began running...this was necessary due to time constraints...but my legs felt really tight for the beginning of the run and my breathing was just plain out of sync! Finally...and this seems silly...but I used a different playlist on my Ipod. I swear it totally messed up my rhythm! Next time it's back to one of my standby playlists that I've been using for the past two months! In the end I ran about 2.8 miles in 30 minutes which isn't terrible by any stretch. But it was more discouraging how I felt during the run. Here's hoping that my Sunday 3.5 miler is more fun!

Today I went to KBX class. Fortunately it was more of a toning class and less cardio....I think the slower pace was a blessing! I'm still recovering a bit from last week's illness and the fact that we weren't huffing and puffing for an hour was a VERY good thing! Tomorrow is my official rest day . I'll report back on Sunday!

 

[kimwim8]

Congrats on the loss, Amy. The nutritional changes you made were GREAT ones, especially the water. It is sooo important, but even more so when you exercise as much as YOU do!

Have a GREAT weekend, and welcome home to your DH!

 

[ScoJo15]

Great job and good info on the diet changes this month. I'm sure they can benefit all of us in some way.

I agree that some days are much better than others as far as how "easy" the runs or workouts are. It gives a great feeling of accomplishment to get through one of those tough workouts though.

Care to share what is on your preferred playlist? I'm always looking for good uptempo songs to run and workout to. I'm finalizing mine tonight and will be happy to share it with you when it's done if you like.

Keep up the good work! that 30 min 5k is right around the corner!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks guys

Scott....my favorite playlist has a few different artists. I start out with some warm-up music (slow), then I have Fall Out Boy songs (GREAT beats that keep me running a decent pace), The Killers and finally My Chemical Romance (my favorite of this group being the song "I'm Not Okay" b/c usually I'm not feeling okay when it comes on LOL ).

My other playlist is actually just Green Day (mostly American Idiot).

I'm thinking of doing a Jimmy Buffett playlist b/c he makes me happy and I always think of summer when I listen to Jimmy!

I could really use some new playlists so PLEASE share what you put together . I love ALL kinds of music!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Sunday, March 26

Yesterday was my "rest" day! However I ended up going to the High School to paint sets for the musical . My two DDs auditioned for and happily got parts in The Music Man. My older DD is featured as Amaryllis and even has lines and songs!!! We're all on about the play which debuts in two weeks!!! Anyway...so I didn't actually rest...but it was fun!

Today I was scheduled for my 3.5 mile run. I was worried because Thursday's run was just so hard and not really fun. I woke up sore all over from Friday's KBX class! I wasn't inspired to run but the weather was half decent and I KNEW this was not an option. So I geared up and headed out. I did a long 7 minute warm-up walk then set out on the course I mapped for myself. Surprisingly the run felt great from the beginning. I was planning to do 10:1 intervals but ran past 10 minutes and never stopped.

Mile 1 was run in 9:18 mpm split! Mile 2 was 10 mpm split! BUT THEN I headed into mile 3 which was completely up-hill...the entire mile. I wanted to put this course into my training because my 5K features a .5 mile up-hill at the end of the race. If I can run 1 mile up hill, then maybe the 5K won't feel so hard!! That's the plan anyway. So I kept my head down for that long mile....I decided I wouldn't look up and psyche myself out...I actually just ran on the white line and did the whole thing without stopping to walk!

I finished the 3.5 miles at a 10:34 mpm average which isn't bad at all. Clearly I slowed down a BUNCH during that mile 3 portion but at least I kept going. I'm very happy with my run and plan on going down to stretch and do abs now!

Happy Sunday!!!

 

[kimwim8]

AWESOME run, Amy!!

And congrats to both of your DD's!! What a great experience that will be for them!!

 

[ScoJo15]

9:18....you are a beast!! They are going to need to put a restrictor plate on you soon (sorry....poor NASCAR reference joke)! I think that you are going to smoke the 30 minute goal you've set for your 5k. My prediction: 28:47. You didn't even stop on the hill! Way to go Amy.

Congrats to your DD's...they have to be pretty excited!

I didn't get to work on the playlist like I wanted to this weekend but here are some songs that I know will be on there....(I think we have similar musical interests):
Janes Addiction - "Just Because"
Nine Inch Nails - "The Hand That Feeds"
Green Day - "Holiday"
Linkin Park - "Faint"
Nine Inch Nails - "Sunspots"
Eminem - "Lose Yourself"
Sister Machine Gun - "Burn"
Nickelback - "Animals"
Alter Bridge - "Metalingus"
Linkin Park - "Papercut"
Linkin Park - "Runaway"
Cooldown: Linkin Park - "Numb"

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks Scott .

BTW.....LOVE your playlist. I have all those CDs in my collection (well, Nickelback, Linkin Park and Eminem are DH's). I'll have to add them to my Ipod and create a new playlist. I think they are all good energy songs! That is what I must run to. Tried to run to Aimee Mann....BAD idea LOL! I love her....but her music is way to melancholy and slow.

You should check out Fall Out Boy....I know they are a bit EMO but truly GREAT running beats and the lyrics are hilarious to their songs! My Chemical Romance is one of those bands people either love or hate....I've grown to love them but it took me a LONG time! Another good band is Thrice....some great running songs! Just starting to get into Armour for Sleep....I like some of their songs as well! I've thought about creating a hip-hop playlist, might make for interesting running! I've also got some great CDs from Ska bands...thinking those beats might help with my pace and attitude as well! If I find anything that really works I'll let ya' know!

I see you have Holiday on there from Green Day....St. Jimmy is another good song to run to!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Wednesday, March 29

I'm having a great work-out week!

Monday I hit KBX class (about 70 minutes) and although the class was HARD HARD HARD...I managed to get through it . We did a lot of speed kicking and punching on the bags. At the end of class our instructor told us to keep the gloves on AND....do three sets of 40 push ups. Yeaaaahhh right! I did manage two sets. I also managed to be in incredible pain in the arm and chest region for the past two days.

Tuesday: I went out for my 30 minute run. Did my typical course....several hills and it's about 3 miles long. I finished 3 miles in 29:58. YES YES YES...finally achieved my goal of finishing 3 miles in under 30 minutes. I had to push it out....basically sprint LOL.....to get to the 3 mile marker in under 30. BUT...I did it. I was exhausted . Now I'll need to increase my speed a bit to finish the 5K in under 30. But I'm getting closer!
After running I did abs and a 30 minute "Yoga for Runners" routine. It was awesome...I love Power Yoga as it really works out the muscles. This one was designed by an elite distance runner and his wife. Both are yoga instructors now. The video isn't slick or funky like most workout and yoga tapes but it was a solid workout with lots of great instruction! I highly recommend it for the runners out there. I think I'll try to use it after each run . I

Wednesday: Today was KBX class. We did a traditional high-impact cardio class plus abs with the medicine ball. It was a great class. I seemed to have lots of energy today despite my run yesterday. That was a surprise....a good surprise . We'll see how tomorrow goes! Thursday is typically my worst run of the week...I'm hoping to change that tomorrow!

I'm doing fairly well with my eating habits...I just have to remember to drink LOTS of water throughout the day. I'm finding myself VERY hungry at night despite nibbling on veggies and things throughout the day?! I guess I've kicked up my workouts a notch and maybe need to add some more light snacks throughout the day.

 

[ScoJo15]

I'm having a great work-out week!
Tuesday: I went out for my 30 minute run. Did my typical course....several hills and it's about 3 miles long. I finished 3 miles in 29:58. YES YES YES...finally achieved my goal of finishing 3 miles in under 30 minutes. I had to push it out....basically sprint LOL.....to get to the 3 mile marker in under 30. BUT...I did it. I was exhausted . Now I'll need to increase my speed a bit to finish the 5K in under 30. But I'm getting closer!

Hooray for the sub-30 5k!!! Way to go Amy!! With three weeks left before your first race, you'll have no problems increasing your speed and shaving off a minute or two

Nice job on the kickboxing and all of the other excercising that you are doing I love reading how you can always get some sort of workout in even when you have some obstacles to overcome (when DD was home and you ruled out two things before finding a workout on the tv to do!)

You are so determined and supportive...It's great to have someone like you on these boards!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Saturday, April 1st

Your dream must be bigger than your fear

Wow I LOVE that fortune. I have this habit of saving all my fortune cookie fortunes and taping them to my marathon training manuals. For some reason since I started this journey every fortune I get seems relavent to me. Yes, I am a big goof ball . And I am about to get mushy...you've been warned. But this fortune is one of my favorites because when you embark on something big...whether it be a weight loss goal, a new job, to quit smoking or drinking, to change your attitude....you really have to start with a DREAM and you have to deal with your FEARS. All of us journaling here have some dream that keeps us going, marching toward our future. Some days are good and some days are bad. I know that the idea of running 26.2 miles is terrifying. Absolutely frightening. I also know that I was scared to tell my family and friends because that leads to accountability. I'm afraid that my body won't hold up under all the stress. I have lots of fears....too many to mention. YET....that dream is on the horizon. For me it's the dream of completing the Marathon and feeling a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence I haven't felt in many many years. It's the dream of showing my kids what it means to set a goal, follow-through, sacrifice and work hard. You all have dreams and I wish you so much success on your own personal journey!

I had a great first half of the week with my workouts. However on Wednesday afternoon I began to feel under the weather again . Started with a bad sore throat and my head felt stuffy. I was so frustrated because I was making great progress this week. But we have to go with the cards we are dealt so I made the executive decision to take Thursday as my rest day. I can't believe how difficult it is to force myself to NOT exercise. I miss the endorphins after a great work-out....I miss the sense of accomplishment....my exercise routine anchors my day. Oh well, we have to listen to our bodies, that is part of the learning process.

Yesterday I was still feeling a bit under the weather. I had begun to cough again...but I don't have that bronchitis feeling. So I am wondering if maybe I'm suffering from Spring allergies. The warm temps have brought little buds on the trees and who knows....maybe that is the problem . So I decided to try to run. I did 30 minutes and managed to bust out 2.8 miles. Not my personal best, but a decent showing, I think I averaged 10:42 if my math is correct. I actually felt great during and after the run so I think it was the right decision to get out there. I did two BIG hills on this run...so I feel like I put out serious effort, continued to run through all the hills, and never felt overly winded. Something about the run felt, almost at times (and I hesitate to say this)....effortless?! I know that is weird...but running is starting to feel more natural to me. I think it takes a lot of time to get to that point and I've still got a LONG way to go. But that run was really enjoyable. I didn't check my pace until after I finished...I didn't worry about mile markers, and since it was a new course for me I had no idea about how far I went until AFTER I got back. Afterwards I did a quick abs workout and brief Yoga session to stretch out.

Today is my normal rest day in preparation for my Sunday run. But since I took Thursday off, I think I'll do an hour long yoga class...nothing too strenuous but still keep my muscles warmed up and stretched out. I'm scheduled to run 3.5 miles tomorrow and I think I found a new route to run that might bring a much needed change of scenery.

Between the girls' play debuting next week and our plans to head out to Arizona a week from Monday, I just know next week will be a test for me. But it's all good stuff and I can't wait to run in beautiful Sedona and Scottsdale Arizona. Talk about change of scenery LOL!

 

[kimwim8]

All of us journaling here have some dream that keeps us going, marching toward our future.

... scared to tell my family and friends because that leads to accountability.

Wow, Amy. Couldn't have said it better myself. I love these posts from you. They really get me thinking.

Yes, my dream of being a healthier, fitter, better looking, better feeling, more confident person is coming true. Every day I workout, every meal I eat sensibly gets me closer to that goal.

BUT

That accountability is a scary thing!! Now that people notice my weight loss, and now that I've hit my goal weight....I feel a tremendous pressure to keep this up, and keep on going. I feel like, even though I know I'm allowed to eat "bad" every once in a while since I am eating sensibly 99% of the time and working out....that someone is going to see me eating that meal and think...there she goes, she's not on plan anymore. I hate that feeling because I feel like I've come so far on this journey already and don't give a damn what people think of me...but I guess some of that is still in me.

I'm sorry to hijack your journal, but what you wrote really hit me and I felt like sharing with you. Thanks so much Amy, for all you're doing. Both for yourself and for us journal buddies! I honestly wish there was a way I could go to WDW to cheer you on in January. You won't NEED me there to do a great job, but I will certainly be there in spirit!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Sunday, April 2

Kim! Thanks so much for all your support. I honestly think having you guys here to encourage and support is really important! I know it is helping me immensely! And I KNOW you have made a lifestyle change...you're really an inspiration to all of us here! Thank you so much. I also know you'll be with me in spirit at WDW in January!!!

Today was my scheduled 3.5 mile run. Unfortunately I had a horrible night of sleep, didn't feel great this morning, and had a few glasses of wine last night. I know...NOT smart ...but my sis and bil were over and we were playing cards and talking. Oh well...lesson learned.

Anyway I decided that I would get out there despite feeling less than stellar. Surprisingly the run felt wonderful. I ran another new course and didn't know the mile markers...still no Garmin so I was just running in my comfort zone. Unfortunately my time was much slower than my typical pace...I think I ended at about 11:41 avg mpm...last few weeks I've been averaging around 10:30 or faster. I was really upset with my time but then realized that I enjoyed my run, the weather was beautiful and I felt better afterwards than I did before. So I have to stop worrying about my pace and really concentrate on the joy of running! I definitely have goals of running faster and farther. But some days are just not meant to be fast...but as long as they aren't painful they can be counted as a success. I put my steps in....built endurance...and learned that wine the night before running is not a good idea LOL!

 

[kimwim8]

Hey Amy. Thanks for the kind words.

Believe me, I know how easy the wine goes down!! That was me on Friday night, and the reason I pushed my run back til today!

You're doing great!! And I'm glad that you really enjoyed your run! Take the time to enjoy your progress and your runs!!

 

[ScoJo15]

I definitely have goals of running faster and farther. But some days are just not meant to be fast...but as long as they aren't painful they can be counted as a success. I put my steps in....built endurance...and learned that wine the night before running is not a good idea LOL!

Well said!!! This is very important for all of us to remember (not the wine part, but the getting steps in part).

Hope you are having a great week in Arizona....I want to see some pics when you get back!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Friday, April 7th

Hi guys! I'm back...didn't post much this week because unfortunately I didn't exercise much this week. I did my KBX class on Monday and it was wonderful....really tough workout but excellent cardio and leg work. Unfortunately, I was still sick on Tuesday and decided to postpone my scheduled 30 minute run to Wednesday. On Wednesday I felt worse and went to the Doctor. Turns out I have a sinus infection so I got on the meds again and now I feel sooooo much better. I wasn't able to run on Thursday but did get a therapeutic massage...she worked on my neck issues and my hips which become sore after running. With the kids play and other volunteer commitments this week I have had trouble squeazing workouts into my schedule.

Finally today I got out there. I skipped KBX instead for a nice run. I did 3 miles in 30:20....my intervals were mile one at 9:20 (fairly easy with one steep uphill but net downhill), mile two at 10:00 flat(relatively flat, some minor upgrades) and mile three at 11:00 flat (all uphill, tough run). I'd love to see negative splits but that just isn't happening. Overall pace of 10:07 isn't bad, but I feel like I've plateaued a bit with my pace. But now I really need to start concentrating on pushing out the distance anyway. I have a 4 mile run scheduled for Sunday morning.

After running today I did my Power Yoga for Runners DVD and some light ab work. Overall a very good day of exercise...it feels so great!

We leave on Monday for Arizona!!! Can't wait to try my running in a different state .