Week 8

Started week 8 an Easy Recovery week. I ran 10 mins, walked 1 min, 4x. I usually run in the mornings, but this morning was busy, so I decided to run this evening. I left the house about 6:45, thinking I could return before it got too dark. It was great when I started out, the sun was low in the sky and it wasn't overly warm. But I didn't enjoy the numerous small flying insects just hovering about in various locations. I killed one that landed on me, I ate another one that must have flown into my mouth during my exhalation, and upon returning home I found another one stuck to my forehead.
I forgot to leave my mom a note that I was out running, so I decided to run the direction that I know she would be returning home. She found me just after I passed the halfway mark. We waved and she drove on and then stopped. When I finally caught up with her, she decided to "drive" me the rest of the way. Since we were out on the country roads, she rolled down her window and talked to me as I kept running. Kind of odd, I know, but it was really nice to have some company. I have a mini radio, but it doesn't receive out here in the boondocks, so I'm left with my thoughts to keep my company as I run. That's not a bad thing, it's just not what I prefer. Anyhow, it turns out that it's a really good thing that she "drove" me home because dusk set in and the dark very shortly afterwards. I wasn't dressed for night running, particularly in the country, so I was extremely thankful to have my own vehicle escort.

Another week gone

Finished week 7 today, over half way. It was overcast and cool today, had to wear my pants and long-sleeved shirt. I ran 5 mins, walked 1 min, 8x. I felt lean and strong, like I can go the distance. I've lost another 2 pounds, totalling 11 since I've been back in the states.
I had to contend with a few dogs today. Since I ran further I passed more houses, so therefore more dogs. I stopped and tried to make friends with the new dog, but he was too scared. I decided to continue running keeping an eye over my shoulder and it kept coming after me, so I squared up to it and hollered at it to go home. It went inside it's yard and stayed, but I just hate dealing with dogs.

Still running

It was hard to be motivated today as I'm feeling very tired. Lots of stress in my life right now, but that just means I need to run even more to release it. Ran 3 mins, walked 1 min, 10x.
Today was a beautiful day, the sun shining and it was cool. Fall is in the air.

Challenging, but loving it

So, today started week 7. I ran 10 mins, walked 1 min, 5x. That's 55 minutes, which is a long time. It was challenging because I had only run 5 minutes at a time previously. It was a serious mental challenge, but I was prepared and ready for it. I really felt it in my legs, but it feels good to be sore because then I know I'm working the muscles.
It was overcast this morning, which was nice. My heel is feeling extremely sore, so I hope I haven't bruised it too badly. I'm thinking about doing a 5k Race for the Cure run with my friend on Oct 7th. I won't have finished the program by then, but I think that I would be prepared enough.

Still running

It was hard to be motivated today as I'm feeling very tired. Lots of stress in my life right now, but that just means I need to run even more to release it. Ran 3 mins, walked 1 min, 10x.
Today was a beautiful day, the sun shining and it was cool. Fall is in the air.

Week 6

So, I'm starting Week 6, almost half-way through. Today was the first day to really start to test my endurance. It's only a small test, but I was preparing myself for it mentally. Today's session was run 5 min, walk 1, 8x. I know it may not seem like a big deal, and it isn't, but it was something I needed to mentally prepare for. Up until now, I've only run 3 mins at a time and to almost double that is a noticeable difference. I felt good though and I felt strong today.
Speaking of those "Off" day exercises, here are some examples of the pelvic tilt that I'm doing. It really works those lower abs.

Starting position


Tilt position

Even easier

Now that I'm looking back on it, this week really was an easy week. Today's schedule was run 2 min, walk 3, 7x. I mean really. Can it get any easier than that? I'm looking forward to next week of really getting comfortable with running 3 mins at a time before bumping that up to 5 mins the following week. I really enjoy running, but it gets boring very quickly. There are only so many different roads/paths you can take and seeing the same scenery over and over gets to be monotonous. The only thing exciting is encountering dogs. I always try to make friends with a dog, at first, and thankfully, it has worked so far.