Same Thing, Right?

So in my quest to learn as much as I can about the best way to train as a runner, I read several places that Chocolate Milk was a great post workout beverage. Something about the right ratio of protein and carbs.

I ran thirty minutes on the treadmill this evening and foam rolled for another 15 and figured that if try out this whole post workout chocolate milk thing. But then I drove past the fast food place and thought- Chocolate Milk Shake!?! Pretty much the same as chocolate milk, right?

Right. 

The chocolate shake almost made up for the pain of the foam rolling. Foam rolling is great but it hurts like a mother when you are doing it the right way. 

I just keep thinking that after the Princess 1/2 I'll be able to pit a posture of myself in a Tiara on my desk at work and it will be perfectly acceptable!

Finished the 1st 1/2 Marathon

Yes,1st. Because I am already registered for a 2nd and considering a 3rd! 

Not only am I proud I finished a 1/2 marathon but I'm congratulating myself on reaching my goal without giving up. In the past I would have quit four times by now. But I kept going. Step after step after step.

I've learned a ton about willpower. I actually have some! And I like working out. I crave the days my body can sweat out all of the stress and aggravation. I can thrown all the negative energy and things that are unfair in the world into my workout and physically feel it dripping out of my body. 

My goal was to complete a 1/2 marathon. I did. I did it in under 4 hours. I was still upright at the end. I was in pain and I walked funny for 2 days but I was upright across the finish line. I didn't run all of it. I hit my wall between mile 8 and mile 9. And that was okay. I ran farther then I ever imagined I could. I beat all the people who didn't have the courage to start. I did it once, I can do it even better the next time.

The next time will be in Walt Disney World at the 2015 Princess 1/2 Marathon. I will run through the castle with my best friend and sister-in-law. My goal will be to finish and enjoy such a fun race. (And to collect as much princess swag as possible. Other runDisney runners don't judge tutus and tiaras!)

The focus for July and 1/2 of August is strength training for weight loss. Then in late August and September I will switch gears and focus on training for the Ditka Dash 5K in September and the Hot Chocolate 15K in November. 

I've made peace with the treadmill. I have conquered the fear if the gym. I am ready, ready to run.

5K

Did my first 5K race of the season. Ran it in under 48 minutes and at a 13:47 pace.  It was in honor of my grandma. As I started the 3rd mile, the sun started to come out and there was a sign that said, "U got this." I certainly did. 

First Run Outside

Distance: .81 miles

Time: 12:21

Temp: 19F Feels Like 6F

So we decided to head to a movie this morning which did not leave me time to go to the track and run my 4 miles like I had planned on my Training Schedule. Instead I decided to head outside. Yesterday was such a nice day I ran around with just a fleece.

Should have checked the weather before I headed out the door. I knew it was chilly but did not realize how chilly. So I put on running tights, shorts, wicking shirt, wicking pull over, and a zip jacket. As I was lacing up my running shoes my 7 year old said, "Mom, you look like a runner."

Well good. That was the look I was going for. I stepped outside and instantly regretted my decision to head outside. But, I need to run so I ran. I purposefully took a longer route because I knew I would chicken out. Had I had gloves and ear warmers I think I would have been fine. 

I can see why people love running outside. Much more to look at. I forget how much I used to love to be outside. My weight has hindered that over the years and I'm looking forward to spending the coming months enjoying green grass and chirping birds. (Well maybe. We've had a very cold, long, snowy winter here in Chicago. Despite the first day of spring being this week we are still wearing hats and gloves everywhere.

March

Down 11 pounds. Running at least 1 1/4 miles in 25 minutes. Able to hold a plank for 60+ seconds.

I've been working with the trainer at least once a week. He has the right mix of motivation and he doesn't yell. He was fairly optimistic about my abilities this week. We have been working on balance and leg strength in order to prevent running injuries.

Last week we introduced the Bosu ball into my work out. I loath the Bosu. It works everything. Basically it's 1/2 an exercise ball on a flat board. Last week we played catch. Today I did leg lifts and worked a medicine ball. 

Then we worked on triceps. I am not going to be able to wash my hair for days because I can't lift my arms. And forget getting out of a chair. 

It is all "good" pain. Mr. Trainer gently corrected my use of the word pain, trading it in for soreness. Whatever dude. At the end of my session he asked me if I had any concerns, questions, or comments. I quipped, "None that are nice." He told me to keep them to myself.

I'm glad it hurts. It reminds me I'm working hard. And I feel stronger every day. 13.1 miles is no joke. I have to train. My muscles have to learn. I feel great knowing that I'm sticking to my goal. 

New Kicks

All of the running blogs, articles, pins I've read have talked about getting properly fitted for running shoes. Turns out we have a running store right around the corner. I went in and spent an hour being video taped, measured and trying on shoes. I ended up with Saucony Guide 7 shoe. Love them! So much so that I got up early two days this week to get my runs in before work. Add that a session with my trainer, Zumba, and a solo cross training session and you get 5 consecutive days in a row. 

I felt guilty for resting today but I know my body needs a day to recover.Tomorrow is my first long run. 3 miles no matter how long it takes. It's still not nice enough to go outside so I'm heading to the track. 

I love how strong I feel. I love the definition I'm seeing in my muscles. I was at places with steep stairs in the last two weeks and when I got to the top I cheered. No huffing and puffing. No feeling fat. A small victory but a worthy one.

Be Prepared

I grew up in a scouting family. The motto was "Always be prepared". The rest of the motto was of course "even if its at the last minute" because my family are notorious procrastinators. Drives me nuts and I'm always striving to break those old habits! 

Part of being prepared is becoming knowledgable. I figure I can learn how to do almost anything in 6 months. But I do have to learn. I've begun trolling Pinterest and websites for information on beginning a running program. I'm soaking up motivational quotes and tips like a sponge. I'm getting excited about this goal I set for myself.

I have to do these things or I'll chicken out. I set a pretty big goal. It's going to take lots of preparation. That's a lot of time, energy an learning to be done. As a working mother to four kids I don't have time for re-dos. I have to be efficient ar using my time. 

I met with a trainer yesterday and signed up for personal training sessions. I actually belong to two gyms. The one at the park district that I pay for and the one in my office that my employer pays for. I will need to utilize both to train in the Winter. He asked me about my goals.

My goal: To finish the race.

He asked if I had any particular fitness goals. Just to be healthy. Throwing a number on that hasn't worked in the past. Losing 50+ lbs intimidates me. Discourages me and I don't want to be discouraged. I want to be encouraged. He agreed and told me he always tries to steer clients away from weight goals and go for fitness goals. 10 push ups, complete a race, new personal best. He also recommended buying training sessions in small packages such as three at a time. I like this guy already!

So I'm set to start with him once a week Wednesday. I skipped the gym this morning in favor of organizing "stuff" at home which included multiple trips up the stairs, lifting boxes, and lots of bending. Now it's time to hit the showers!