SORE.......

Sore doesn't even start to describe how I feel since I made the transition outside. I was never truly sore when I first started running on the treadmill BUT, WOW- I'm crazy sore now. My first run outside was in RI (I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful place to run-right on the inlet to the ocean)I run for 2.5 miles in the wind. I started out strong and remembered to keep my pace steady but I found myself cramping in my thighs around 1.5 miles, so I stopped and stretched for 1 minute and kicked it into high speed and ran back home. On Monday, I hit the park by our house in NY (the weather was great....90 but no humidity) I ran 2 miles and tried to run through the pain/soreness in my hip area (hip bones/muscle in front and back- KILL). On Tuesday, it was HOT...... So I hit the gym only to find a "Gym Party" of my friends. It was great to see their smiling faces and catch them up on my progress (It really feels great to have some many friends & family supporting me and taking interest in my journey.....THANK YOU SO MUCH). Its this support that got my butt to the gym on Wednesday. I was so tired after a long, full day of work and I really wanted to give into the soreness my body was feeling but I knew I needed to go and once I completed the workout, the satisfaction I felt was the boast of energy I needed!! After, finishing 2 miles I was so excited and proud that I got myself there. Today Thursday morning....I'm resting.....My body is screaming for a day to recover. I might hit the gym for a light walk but no running today....

My overall experience of running outside is AWESOME!!! Time seems to speed by and I loved having things to look at and use landmarks to sprint too and keep me focused. Running outside is very intimate--its just me, my Iphone and nature....its great!!! For the first time I could really hear myself breath. In the gym, there is so many other noises not to mention, I have my music on. But outside, you can focus on the breathing pattern and hear when you get off beat. There is this trail that I'm dying to try right on the Hudson River- That's my goal and adventure this weekend, to get there. Everyone have a happy Thursday...It's almost Friday--Thanks again for reading.....Sign in and become a follower of my blog!!! Thanks :0)

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I ran 2.1 miles today.....STRAIGHT!!!! Not one break for walking or water. A huge personal victory and I couldn't be more proud. The T.V. on my treadmill was broke today so I had to rely on my Iphone music. I just kept focusing on the miles instead of the time for once, and before I knew it----2 miles had been accomplished and I had the strongest feelings of elation!!!!!!!! Even more so, because this week has been challenging with my energy levels. Monday= strong run, Tuesday= hardly any energy but managed to walk/run, Wednesday= no running, just walking due to no energy and a stomach ache (Wednesday is suppose to be rest day, but since Tuesday wasn't a great workout, I wanted to push myself) Thursday= strong run with the 12minute running intervals with 1 minute walking and FRIDAY= 2miles running!!!

What a way to start the weekend! Scott and I are headed to Rhode Island and I will be attempting my first run outside. I'm a little nervous and excited! A lot of my running friends & a few running articles, say that taking the run outside is a completely different type of stamina and really stress not getting frustrated with the early fatigue because you are using different muscles and there is more impact on your joints running outside......I will keep you posted on my outside running adventure!I have to make the transition outside at some point (Since the 5K is outside-after all!!!) Have an amazing weekend and take care-

Just Breathe......

It's sounds like such an easy thing to do.....And no one ever taught us how to, its just human instinct to do it. But, I really have to focus on breathing correctly and consistently while running. On Friday I hit the gym before meeting some friends for drinks. The run was great but I noticed that on the second interval, my breathing pattern was way off. I had to regroup and focus on long deep breaths in and long exhalations out. After, about 10 seconds of this focus I was able to get the pattern back and finish the run strong.

On Saturday, I hit my favorite class, step! We had a sub and this instructor is "NO" joke. She did a combination of step intervals and cardio kick boxing and my legs were extremely sore--but man, it was an amazing workout. After finishing the class I jumped on the spinning bike for 15 minutes to burn a few extra calories.

On Sunday before my head was even off the pillow, all I could feel was the pain in my legs from Step class the day before. I didn't let the soreness keep me from running and I hit the treadmill for 4 miles. Again, I found myself really needing to focus on the breathing. After reflecting, its so easy to forget to breathe.....but you must keep a nice steady pace of breathing and you do need to be claim while running. The body does and can go into a little panic if your not breathing properly. Another lesson that parallels with life....you must keep a balanced and healthy pattern to keep claim and focus on the important stuff and through out the ruff patches and down turns.....you must BREATHE!!!!!

Day 1 of Week 3!!!!!!

I did it!!!!!!! Yup I successful ran for 11 minutes and 1 minute of walking in between for 3.8 miles. I truly felt the progression of this journey today. As I finished the first running interval; I just couldn't believe that in 3 short weeks I'm so close to running multiple miles.....I didn't think it would happen this fast and I'm thrilled to be accomplishing something that I detested for so long. I'm continuing to jump on the spinning bike for at least 15 minutes after each running session. I also feel that giving myself a rest day before I add more running time, is helping (So to catch you up-Tuesday I ran in the morning & Wednesday was my rest day).


Today, while cooling down, I got to thinking.....Where did my hatred for running start?? Why does it feel so impossible and such a daunting task....And why do some many people HATE running.....The word alone makes people cringe??? I came to the conclusion that from a very early age, it become very clear that I "WASN'T" good at it! I "DIDN'T" win races on the playground, in P.E. I "COULDN'T" run the fastest mile and was always finishing "last" when it came to running. After, discovering that I wasn't good at, I never really committed to learning the art of mastering it. Of course, I played sports and would do it out of necessity but never giving it the time, respect and determination to truly control or have ownership over "my" ability to run. Maybe its the many years of this protest and hatred or my willingness and openness to learn how to run now- and it is so rewarding to be reconnecting and rebuilding my relationship with running.....Now, I'm replacing the negative words to positive words and maybe most importantly--I'm going to finish (whether first or last, I will cross that finish line)! It's time to make dinner and enjoy the evening- Happy Friday!!!!!!!

SOOOOO let me catch you on my last few workouts:

Friday: Morning workout was terrific!! I enjoy working out in the morning...its the getting up part that I hate!! But once I get myself there, I have so much energy and it feels good to carry that energy all day!!

Saturday: Scott and I had a gym date. My body was present but my energy was not! I felt tired and had a hard time gettin the motor running (LOL). I had to give myself a strong pep talk but I was able to finally get it going in the second 8 minute interval. Since I was feeling tired, I made the decision to kick the speed up for 2 minutes and it helped. I guess I needed to jumpstart my heart!!!

Sunday: Well, I started the morning sleeping in.....which was much needed & very unexpected. I didn't get up until 10:30....I haven't seen that time since college days--LOL!! At the gym I found myself putting the Iphone aside and run while watching tv. It was a nice change of pace for a Sunday workout.

TODAY: I totally had a case of the "Mondays". I made every excuse in the book NOT to go to the gym today.....but guess what----I went and kicked my butt!! I ran/walked for 4.5 miles and got on the spinning bike for an additional 20 minutes. I was soaked and it felt so good not to let the negative voice win! I believe the hardest thing about week 2 (and just life in general) is putting a lid on that voice. If you start feeding that voice it can become so destructive and damaging to your life. And I'm proud of myself for shutting it up today....I won!! I just made dinner and its time to relax & kick these running feet up! Take care :)

8 minutes of running!!!

Yesterday was my first rest day in my first week of running. I hit the treadmill today with so much energy and excitement......Yes.....you heard correctly.......I was actually looking forward to running!! And I couldn't believe the progress I had made in a week. Today I ran 8 minutes in a row with 2 minute walking breaks for 4 miles. I really couldn't believe it.......And I feel great!!! I'm planning on holding this pace for the next week. I was just running along and I glanced at the clock and couldn't believe I had been running for 6 minutes......My face lite up and I felt like screaming "look at me.....I'm running and not passing out".....I settled for a huge smile and a motivation cheering session. It truly feels outstanding to be pushing towards a healthy goal and I find myself looking forward to that time at the gym. It's "me" time. I don't think about anything else but running- its so weird. When I do step, zumba or spin, my mind is thinking about a million different things. But with running, I'm extremely focused and determined to finish strong. Last week I decided that when the distance on the treadmill is ready to change to 3 miles- I must be running as it changes.....I know it seems crazy but I'm focused on finishing that 3 miles running!

Tomorrow I will be running in the morning and I'm so happy its finally Friday!!!!!!!! After returning home- Scott and I decided to have a celebration "Summer Ale" beer and Louie went crazy over our Koozie- Check out the pictures. Enjoy!!!

Holy Hotness!!!

That's all I can say!!!! Today its 105 degrees without the heat index.....And I work outside.....So needless to say I've been a walking "hot mess" all day but I survived!!!!! With plenty of water and sneaking in any place with air condition, I made it and had energy for the gym!(Anyone that has seen me when I get HOT knows its not pretty so I celebrate the small victories.....like not killing anyone today & being as pleasant as possible when I can feel the sweat dripping down my back----SICK but its sooooooo true!!!!!) I would have layed on this ice in the middle of Time Square today, if I could have...but how cute is this puppy?!?! I was a little worried about what my energy levels would look like- I thought maybe the heat left nothing but I got on that treadmill and cranked out 3.5 miles. I have found my body is adjusting and I seem to be able to run longer in between the walking, which is extremely empowering & satisfying (considering I'm still on week 1). I've been surprised that my body isn't as sore as I thought it would be & my ankle isn't bothering me either(as long as I wear my brace). I was worried that yoga aggravated it yesterday but it feels great! A friend was nice enough to give me some new songs for my Iphone & I just love running to that beat!!!!!! I'm learning that with running its all about the little victories and embracing them and celebrating each one....for what they are....That goes for life as well! Have a wonderful evening.....Stay cool!!

Wing it workout!!!

Well, I headed to the gym on Monday morning July 5th and to my surprise the gym was PACKED!! I guess everyone had that day off also!! Not a machine to be had......anywhere. Sooooooo I wondered into a Yoga class. But with me nursing the sprain ankle it made it difficult to do over half the moves. So after class I just wasn't happy with the workout and hopped on the only open machine....the spinning bike. I pumped out a good 20 minute joy ride and felt more satisfaction with the time at the gym. Scott also joined the Monday gym fun and then we headed to the pool (to cool off). It's been CRAZY hot here the last few days. I can't imagine running outside on these 100+ degree days......Maybe one day I can......but not today!!!

4th of July & Day 3

Happy 4th everyone!!!! Today I started off with a nice puppy park walk and then headed to the gym. I ran/walked for 2 miles, lifted weights and biked for an additional mile. It was HOT today.....even in the gym--but I finished strong. I also had a gym partner today (Scott came & it was so nice to have him "sweatin it up" next to me!!) It was great just to feel his support and it seemed to push me more and I seemed to tact on a few extra minutes of running time in between the walking, which felt great! We are headed to the Hudson River for dinner and fireworks. There is just something so amazingly beautiful about fireworks to me.....There just American and I'm SOOOO PROUD to be American!!

Day 2!!

Day 2 is complete!!! I headed to the gym this morning and took a step class (which is my Fave class of all- 1 hour) and then got on the treadmill and ran/walked 2 miles. I have found music is key to keep my eyes off the clock and my energy up. I will be downloading some high engery songs ASAP!! My energy is still high and my body doesn't hurt too bad. I'm still nursing a sprained ankle (from last Saturday) but it hasn't held me back at all. I have been wearing a brace and it provides a lot of support! Now headed to the pool to kick off this awesome weekend!!!! Take care!!!

Today is The Day!!

Well, I've NEVER considered myself a runner.........NEVER!! I have always enjoyed working out through dance, step classes, spinning, zumba....anything but running. Last summer, with the help of a bottle of wine and a dear friend, I developed my "bucket List". Yesterday, I took the step to mark off #3---Completing a 5K. I have signed up, developed a running plan and completed Day 1. The 5K is on Sept. 26th (check out Tunnel to Towers run- to read the whole story). The story of this firefighters dedication & devotion to risk his life, not only as his profession but on Sept. 11, is one that brings tears to your eyes & a very worthy cause to start running!!

My running plan is a combination of walking for 4 minutes and running for 3 minutes alternating back and forth, for 1 week (yesterday I did this rotation for 5 miles). Every week after, I will add more minutes to running and less minutes to walking until I can consistently run the total 3.1 miles+. With day 1 out of the way, I must say it wasn't too bad. I found that I really need to develop an awesome Itunes play list. So to all my running friends, if you have any runners play list please send my way!!! I welcome any advise and words of encouragement also!! I'm really looking forward to this journey & self discovery to becoming a true runner. My hope is to make this a life long habit and change my mindset about running......So here goes nothing...Have a safe 4th of July weekend and thanks for coming along on this journey!!!!