Happy holidays!

No running due to the holiday... Will resume next run in Virginia

Florida = humidity

Today was frustrating... I thought it would be easier... It's flat and warm, so now I just know I can't do as much as I want to... I know it will take time. But my patience is wearing thin... Not a good day

#17 A day late

Didn't get a chance to post after yesterday's run- such a busy day!!!

This was the hardest run to date. 22 degrees makes for sore muscles and it was hard to get enough air into my lungs. We walked more than ran today.., which isn't good, but we still went - even though it was colder than an Eskimo's nose out side!
Next week I'm going to have to run with no excuses, since cold won't be an issue- I'll be running in Florida - with temps forecasted in the 80's I'm sure my run will be good. Even if this next week will be a challenge because I will be running alone...

Until next time

#16 just singing.....

Beep beep beep *smack*
That's me, chastising the alarm clock for doing one of the two things it's made for... Telling time, and waking me up... But today- today I feel pretty good! I roll out of bed, grab my phone - swipe down for weather........ 55 degrees! Woohoo! I don't have to wear 4 layers to fight the cold! I get dressed, lace my shoes, and grab a granola bar ready to meet marlin for today's run....
Open the front door, and it's raining.... Perfect, just perfect...
It wasn't too bad at the beginning I the run, but 1/2 way through it just began to downpour..
My opinions have changed about runners over the past several weeks, I now respect the 60 year old lady who is running the trail at a minimal speed, fighting to put one foot in front of the other.. I know how hard that can be... But I still stand firm that only idiots run in the rain... Today was the harder run so far, and I feel like someone hooked up an IV and sucked all of my energy out of my body.
But I am determined to make more progress, to get better, and to keep running until I meet my goal.
It might take me 2 years instead of just one, but I'm determined to push until I get there...
So I end each blog with a certain phrase, but it isn't just to signify the end, it designed so that when I type it I acknowledge that I will run again, that I will keep pushing, that I will not give up... So next time you read it (in a few seconds) know that it doesn't mean the end, but stands for the next step I plan to make...


So.



Until next time..

#15 out of sorts....

Well, we have officially missed a run, but we are going to run Mon, Wed, and fri this week, so not too bad...
I have decided not to sweat missing the run, as long as we keep up the habit of going for a run, I am happy.

On a brighter note, we beat our previous distance record by .11 of a mile! All the way to 2 miles!
This might not seem like much, but to me it's a huge hurdle... We went 1/5 of our FINAL goal!
My main focus is to finish the runs, not worried about how fast, just that I "run" the whole time we are supposed to run... My run is very slow, but I'm working those muscles and feeling them get stronger!

Once we have the "running for 5 minutes" down then we can work on the speed and cover more distance with each run!

Our first real challenge is going to come next week... I will be traveling to visit family for Thanksgiving, so we will have to run independently of each other... this will, however, see how much Marlin is holding back while running with me... if he has a 4 minute mile, we will know who is the slow one on this team. HA!
while I think he will be faster, I don't think he will quite go at that fast of a pace....

Until next time...

#14 Easy Breathing

OH NO! Something terrible has happened!    We Skipped a run!
yes I woke up thursday morning and just couldn't face it due to feeling sick...
I let marlin know, and like a good motivator, he went back to sleep... :)
We did make up the run on Friday morning though... and it was amazing!
we ran without stopping even once! (by stopping I mean walking - instead of running) We BOTH made it through both of the 3 minute runs and the 5 minute runs with no problem!
Amazing! This was my best run to date, I felt great, kept up, and didn't get TOO out of breath... This is a big deal for me.  I have a real sense of accomplishment with this run.... It has really made me not fear the 20 MINUTE RUN NEXT WEEK!  WHAT?!?!?!    AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!
I now know the secret to running the 20 minutes though... just take it one step at a time!

Until next time....

#13 wait... What?! You have got to be kidding me!

Ok people, if you have been paying attention, I was proud of myself for breaking the 3 minute mark on the running app... Welcome to week 4.... Where the 3 minute long rung becomes the 3 minute (feels like hour) SHORT run... They must be insane! Well, I made it through the first 3 minute run. I was shocked! Last week I could barely make it 2:30 and now I ran the 3 right from the start! Wooooooooow! Then the bad news - the long runs are now 5 minutes!!!!!! Ugh. But ( dramatic rocky theme please) I made it 4 minutes(!!!!!!) before I had to slow down... Today is a great day, my legs may hurt, my body may ache, I may have broken a sweat in 34 degree weather before 6 am, but I have never been happier about my day...

Until next time

The dirty dozen

Well, they haven't all been great, some dirty, but I have a dozen runs under my belt... Tonight made up for sat mornings run. And I made it through all the runs with less pain than the previous 2 weeks.... It really has been a great day and I enjoyed this run more than any previous run... I feel great and just hope I can get to sleep tonight! Looking forward to a great week!
If you are reading this blog - vote in my poll or just leave a comment... Let me know you are reading - I would live to hear from you...

Until next time...

# 11. Breaking the 3 minute mark...

Today was a milestone for me...

Marlin and I decided we would push through all the runs and even if we had to slow way down we would work on running the whole time the program calls for...
well today we pushed through and finished, and only 2 turtles managed to pass me...

I feel great that I met that goal and now have to only try to beat it again on Sat...
It was bitterly cold this morning and I tried a scarf to make it so I wasn't breathing cold air... but that made the scarf suck into my mouth and almost choke me, which was bad

So I used the scarf on the cool down walking parts and ran with it pulled down, and let's just say I didn't stay as cold as I started out...

With this being the month of Thanksgiving, I would like to say that my running friend, Marlin, is just awesome. He never pushes more than I can take and is always sure to help me with encouragement and good humored joking, and he never makes me feel bad when I have to stop.

His patience and friendship are something I am very grateful for on a daily basis.

well, a short entry today, as I didn't have time to type it up after the run, and I am using my lunch break at work to type it up before it gets forgotten....

So until Next time...

#10 new shoes

So this morning marlin forgot to set an alarm, and I was not feeling good, so the run got skipped, but only until this evening.

I was exhausted all day and did not have the energy to run, but I didn't give up all together and went anyway...

I made it through the first run, then the second, although my body was fighting me the whole way! I got new shoes this past weekend for running... And they need a bit more breaking in... As my back and legs are killing me!

That's all for now, I'm flat out exhausted

Until next time...

#9 idiots and the people that love them

I pushed my idiocy to the limit today, running in 34 degree rain.... We really need a solution for winter running, and any sane solution would be welcome...

I overslept today, which is understandable considering I did not set an alarm - oops - since I had to leave on a trip to NoVa at 8 am, we ran at 530 am instead of our usual 7...

But I managed to catch Marlin before he went running without me, but just barely!

It was raining pretty hard, so I got to break in my new running jacket, that I discovered did not have a hood, so my head still got soaked, but it helped a lot with keeping me dry...

I managed to keep up on the first two runs fairly well, but that second three minute run still gets me, but instead of just quitting, every time I felt like giving up, I just pushed a little harder, ran a little faster, and didn't give up.... Until the 2 minute mark and I just ran out of air... And had to drop to a walk... It really hurt, but I was glad I pushed myself... I am pretty sure we are going to need to repeat this week until we can handle it a little better - I know if we go on to the more challenging run it will really discourage me to not be able to keep up. So i believe knowing my limits and what I can handle is just as important as not giving up...

And I just want to add that I'm glad I can submit this from my phone and not have to skip an entry while riding up the road... I enjoying sharing my runs via this blog as much as I enjoy finishing a run. So thanks for reading! I hope this blog encourages you to live a healthier lifestyle and let's someone who wants to workout more but thinks they can't do it understand that all it takes is a little motivation and it REALLY helps when you have someone to workout with on a regular basis. I would be lost without my friend - no seriously - I'm terrible with directions. Haha!

Anyway,

Until next time...

#8 feel the burn

Today was the hardest so far... First the negative... Let get that out that way...

Couldn't finish the 2nd 3 minute run, my leg hurt before we got started, but didn't manage to slow me down much.
My side started really hurting during the second big run and I had to stop and wait for the pain to die down a little


Now the good

We beat our pace for the mile! Fastest mile yet so far!
And I still went, even when I would have paid good money to stay in bed.
Now to move on past the run this morning and hit the ground running! (pun intended)

I'm tired after the run, but my day has barely begun!

Until next time

#7 pushing limits...

I woke up sick today... Just felt nauseated - told marlin I needed an extra ten minutes.. This was the first day I REALLY thought about not going running... And I am so proud of myself that I didn't give up. We ran for a challenging 3 minutes today, which I managed to run all the way through.... The first time... The second 3 minute run I pushed until I "hit the wall" and just couldn't keep even the slowest jogging pace. Had to fall back and walk the last minute of the run. I have to say I'm disappointed that I couldn't finish - but I know I can turn that disappointment into the biggest triumph of my life... When I make it to the finish line in the ten miler, it will be the end Of the hardest journey of my life.
A goal I would have said I couldn't conquer a year ago...
I have a mission, a goal, that motivates me everyday... I'm running to get away. I'm running from diabetes. I have changed my diet, my habits, and now my outlook... When I run the ten miler I have no doubt my sugar will not only be under control, but that I will no longer fight daily with pin pricks in my fingers, or with that crappy feeling that comes from my sugar being too high or too low - even when I eat right...
I'm also going to look into raising money with my run for a diabetes charity. I know so many people who fight with diabetes - from family to friends - from people I have known all my life - to people I really only know on Facebook. It's time to find a cure. I'm one of the lucky ones, I have type 2, and they say that with the right diet and exercise it can go away... And my goal is to win that fight, and hopefully motivate others to lead a healthier lifestyle...

Well, I rambled a bit today, but hey, it's my blog, I'll ramble if I want to...

So to finish up, I pushed today and didn't meet my goal, but I didn't fail... I will finish the run Thursday morning, and I will push myself farther than I have before and I will get faster, run farther, and feel better afterwards


DISCLAIMER:
I feel as if this blog may not be completely same this morning, but honestly, runners are crazy- and while I may not be a good runner, I'm getting there... And what do you expect at 7 am after running almost 2 miles?


So until next time...

#6.2 COOOOOLLLLLDDDDD

well, we made it!   Marlin has decided it's time to get serious about finding his gloves and some warmer clothes!
What amazed me most today were the other runners we saw while jogging today...   while wearing shorts! Crazy! These people are Crazy!!!! I was in sweat pants and my legs were cold.... Well, let me switch to a positive outlook - I feel good, although tired, after our run today, and look forward to a long day followed by some really good quality time with my pillow! 

until next time...

#6. I must be crazy!

Woke up today for our 7 am run and checker the temp outside. 36 degrees!!! We must be crazy! And marlin is going to be hurting double today as he struggles to find layers and he sent me an email at 330 since he was up checking on the smoker anyway! I may not be the only tired one after our run today.....

# 5 mobile blog

So today I'm trying the blogger app for iPhone for the first time... So excuse any missed letters...

Marlin and I ran 1.77 miles today which isn't bad, but I'm not 100% pleased with it because my shins hurt!

Had to walk the 2 nd to last run they hurt so bad.... But considering we were only .2 of a mile off from what we ran last time I am happy with how far we went....

I'll be honest, this is hard, but not as hard as I thought.... And I feel better ( even if I could go to sleep right now. I know I will be tired today but can't wait until sat! But our run ends at the community market downtown where we eat breakfast after out run is over......

So until next time....

#4 a new week begins

Well, Run #4

5:30 AM ! Still not really sure if that is the best time to run, but it nice to get it out of the way, and I am really awake when I get to work.... which is always good, as sleeping is frowned upon...
The runs were a little longer today, but really wasn't as hard as I thought and I managed to finish all the runs +/- 5 seconds. It was still hard but I look forward to the next run!

Dylan and I walked to GBC today to get the car that we had left there Sunday night, he had fun and it felt good to get the walking time without having to ruin the calm brisk walk with running! ha!

I can definitely feel a change in my attitude and I don't get as tired when I get home from work!

I feel great and I hope that this project will turn into a lifestyle change that continues for a long time!

It's great that we have apps to help us organize our runs and track distances, and even better that our friends and family cheer us on when we do a run. That really makes it easier to keep going!

Until next time....

#3 The relaxing run

Just want to take a minute and share an insight, if you have a great running partner, this is so much easier!
Marlin is patient with me when I run out of steam and motivates with a positive attitude!
We are getting ready for Run number 3 and I think this will be a lot easier than the last run... For one thing we have basically had 2 days off since we ran so early on Tuesday! The soreness in my legs actually had a chance to fade... so I guess today will bring that back :)  We are going to run on the downtown section of the BWCT and I know that is almost perfectly flat! today should be a breeze! (Well, relatively speaking, that is...) well, I think I will walk down to Marlin's and start my warmup a little early...
Until next time...

Run #2: A Bigger challenge

Well, went on Run #2 today at 5:30AM!
Skipped the unlit bike trail for the comfort of the street lights. That made it great for seeing the much steeper hills we were tackling on this session. I made it through (only walking on one run session) but it was tough... but the running times seemed easier than the first time even though the terrain was more difficult.
It was, however, a little strange to realize that we had run from the beginning of the bike trail to just past my parents house... I mean, I always thought that was a long way to go on foot... and it made me see one of my goals in the following year. I want to run the VA Ten miler and run past my parents house both ways! While this will be a difficult goal to achieve I know that if we continue this pace all throughout the year we will be able to meet this goal! I have a lot more soreness this time, and learned an important lesson, don't eat a banana and then run straight away!

A Man On The Run....

Welcome to my first Blog post EVER!
Today I started a program call couch to 5K with my friend Marlin, and decided I had so many thoughts about the start of this unusual chapter in my life, that I would find a way to share them.
I don't expect anyone to really read this (while thinking in the back of my mind that I will post this link to Facebook... so I'm sure I have some expectation that SOMEONE will read it...)so I'm just typing whatever comes to mind without really editing much of it after the fact... I am only going to correct spelling mistakes to remove the red line OF DEATH!


I always comment to my wife that I don't understand the runners who are constantly jogging up the streets in the town where we live.  First of all, runners are stupid, and people who run in the rain are idiots... wellllll, Today I not became stupid (by running) I became an idiot who runs in the rain, and I really enjoyed it!
I really am not an active person, getting off the couch to get Ice cream is all the exercise I needed... or so I thought... Here I am, 250 pounds, 5 foot 4 inches (according to the DMV), Type 2 Diabetic, and tired ALL the time. Something has got to change! I made the new years resolution in 2010 to run the VA Ten Miler, which runs right past the house I grew up in, but never seemed to get farther than wanting to do it... and honestly, that want wasn't very strong (remember, Runners are stupid) so it kind of just became a memory...
Until at a Garlic Festival with my friend Marlin and he mentioned he would like to run The Ten Miler next year (2012)   I was shocked, didn't picture Marlin as a runner, but thought "if he can do it, I can too!"

So we decided that, since neither of us were in "running shape", we would start with the Couch to 5 K program. My 8 year old son, Dylan, decided this would be a good time for him to be part of a "guys night out" and asked to come along. Now, D is NOT an active child when it comes to being outside. give him a book and some nice soft grass and he is in Heaven! unless of course a bug comes near, or God forbid a Grand daddy long legs. So when he said he wanted to go I explained that we would be running the whole time, and he could go, but would need to keep up. He said he would try, grabbed his iPod and was ready to go! Marlin picked us up, we drove over the hill to the bike/running trail near our house and we were off!
Dylan stayed true to form by having to go to the bathroom as soon as Marlin and I hit the "go" button on our apps... so Marlin and I did our warm up by pacing in front of the bathroom...
and when Dylan came out we continued down the path and to my amazement Dylan kept up with us the whole way! Actually he did better than me!

I was really struggling on the way back, everything I had hurt! But I managed to make it through and finished the first week! HOORAY!