Prodigal

I know it's not the proper use of prodigal, but I'm using it anyway.

First of all, I want you all to know that my body HAS seen intentional physical activity since last time I wrote on here.  Not as much as we might hope, but still, more than this blog may suggest.  It is my intention to update here more often aka exercise more often and write about it.

I read an article yesterday about running in the cold, and seeing as yesterday was one of the most cold, rainy, and overall miserable days (weather-wise) we've had in Utah so far, I thought I'd go for a run.  Naturally.  It makes me feel more hard-core to run in the elements.  I even did a goofy victory dance afterwards.

My lungs burned.  I did half of the first week work-out for C25K before deciding to ditch the program and just throw in the running bits at my own pace.  Maybe when I start to like running again like I did before I will be more apt to follow the little beeps telling me when to push hard and when to take it easy.  But right now I am going to do whatever the heck I want to do just to get back in the habit.

Unfortunately, my diet is not yet the diet of a disciplined athlete.  I may or may not have eaten this at 10:00 last night:

BUT I do trust that as I start running more my ability to resist the temptations of fried high fructose deliciousness that are often consumed by my room mates who were blessed with younger metabolisms that I.  It's okay - we're just starting small.  Baby steps.

Day 23: My First Real Encounter with "Failure"

Today was the first day I have succumbed to the treadmill and let it win, but that's not to say that today was lacking its own victories.  First of all, week 6 day 1 is the first time I've attempted a workout that I haven't been able to finish.  The fact that I couldn't finish it means that I have learned to challenge myself beyond comfort, and that's an accomplishment.  Also, I ran further today than I ever have before.  I also went to the gym every day this week without a buddy.  And last but not least, I didn't feel up to going to the gym today, but I still did it, and I actually didn't do too bad even at that.


So the last three minutes of the third run, I bailed and walked the rest of it.  My mistake is that on the first five-minute run, I ran 5.0 mph, which is 0.5 mph above my usual pace of 4.5 mph.  Doesn't sound like much, but starting out your workout by exhausting yourself is NOT a good idea.  I've learned my lesson.  


Today has also taught me the importance of diet.  It is cramming week, and I am cramming.  I have been cramming information into my head, which has unfortunately been  accompanied by my cramming food into my mouth.  I ate nothing but pure crap today, and actually for the past two days, and I felt every gram of saturated fat and high fructose corn syrup on the treadmill this afternoon.  Maybe I'll...  diet.


I try to avoid four-letter words here, but it's nearly 11PM, and the kids should already be in bed.


On a happier note, in case you haven't been tracking the ticker, I am up to 45 miles!  Five more miles until my nifty new running shoes!  I think the next mile stone (if you will pardon my pun) should be 100 miles.  And then what shall I give myself?  My only restriction is that it should be not be food-related.  I eat good food all the time, and I refuse to use it only as a reward.  And by "not food related" I don't exclude cool gadgets used to MAKE good food.  :)  I'm taking your reader suggestions, so slip it in the box!


My workout was:
Week 6, Day 1
2.31 miles in 34 minutes, 2.0% incline
Average Mile Pace: 15:02