Chest congestion or a convenient excuse?

I am still hacking up a lung and it's been over a month now. It's not continual like it was and overall I'm feeling better but when I exert myself I start coughing. Now I can't decide if I am using this as an excuse to quit and not keep pushing. Let's face it...I've lost my oomph to run. Even before I was sick I wasn't improving as quickly as I would have liked and I was told that I'm not cut out to be a runner. Rather than letting these things motivate me I've been letting them hold me back...and I still am. Natural athletes miss when they don't work out. They notice it in their body and they crave to be able to do it again. Not me. I didn't mind it one bit. It was great being lazy and not having to fit in my run and get sweaty. I loved not running. Now I have to figure out if I want to continue doing something I don't love and have been told (probably truthfully) that I'm not cut out for or if I want to be a quitter. See now why I have kept this a secret from people in my life? I've been running for 6-7 months. Didn't I start this in January? You'd think I'd be better by now. Sigh.
Today I ran 1 mile in 14.5 minutes (slooooow) and then gave up and walked the remainder of the time to get to 30 minutes. Maybe I just am a penguin. http://www.waddle-on.com/

Not completely 'healed'

I found out today that my lungs are not completely cough free. I tried running and I couldn't even do 2 minutes without hacking up a lung which in turn makes me dizzy and lightheaded. I ended up walking which I'm actually proud of. I wanted to quit but I didn't. I walked 1.63 miles in 30 minutes. It's better than nothing.

Good run/bad run

The run was great except I only went for 20 minutes. I was able to run 1 mile in 13 1/4 minutes which I think is the best I've done yet. But at about 18 minutes I started to get a bad cramp and at 20 minutes I had to stop b/c of the cramp and my chest congestion. I still have a bit of a cough and I didn't want to push things. I ran 1.5 miles total. Not bad for not having run in several weeks.
To be honest I was afraid I was going to 'lose the ability' to run in that time off. I'm glad it wasn't as bad as I expected. It was WAY too easy to not run though. That's a little scary for me. I had to remind myself that I have a goal so I have to keep working toward it!

Goal Number 16

Since it's been so long I want to do the best I can. I would like to run 3 times for 30 minutes and go as far as I can. If I can't do it, I'm not going to push. I'm going to ease myself back into things.

If you run...you are a runner

This was said to me yesterday by a friend of mine after I had commented that I was frustrated for not getting any better. It's the second time I have heard this. I think what I need to wrap my head around is that I don't need to be fast. I don't need to be able to go far. If I run, whether it be 1 mile or 10 miles, I am a runner. I have a lot counting against me, asthma, out of shape, bad knees, overweight. But you know what? I'm running. And I keep doing it. I think it's been almost 6 months now. That's pretty good and I'm pretty proud of myself. I'm going to keep doing it and keep pushing. If I can't ever do better than a 14 minute mile...so what? Maybe my body isn't meant to go faster than that. I'm going to try to stop worrying about it and just do the best I can and let my body adjust naturally.
That said...I'm still really sick from the cold my kids gave me (thanks guys). There is no way I can run today with the coughing and chest congestion. In fact, I started out trying to walk and I can't even do that. I get too dizzy when I start coughing and it's just not safe. So although this may sound like yet another excuse, it's not, and I'll be back as soon as I can!

Chest Congestion

Have a congested chest makes running difficult. I started out today to try to run and I just could not breathe. I ended up walking, better than nothing right?, and I walked 1.33 miles in 30 minutes. I'm really starting to feel like I'm going to lose my ability to run or something taking all this time off for being sick. I'm not improving as fast as I'd like which is also making me lose my motivation. Maybe I'm just not cut out to be a runner?

It's been a month

I'm not counting last week's pathetic workout so it's basically been a month since I have run...and I could tell. I was able to run 2.16 miles in 30 minutes but it was tough!

This week's goals are the same as last week's since I never used the goals last week!

Sick

So much for achieving my goal this week. I have been sick. Like if I stand too long I get dizzy and want to pass out sick. Not exactly conducive for running. I plan to pick back up next week.

I'm a quitter again

I ran 1.3 miles in 16.5 minutes. I was on a role and doing really well. It would have been my best run yet. But my chest started to hurt too badly (asthma) so I had to stop. :-(
I guess that means I'll be running 3 more times this week!

Goal Number 15

Run 30 minutes
run 3 times during the week

Two Second Stepping

This was definitely an interesting way to walk. I would take a step...let my leg slide back on the treadmill for a 2 count and then take another step. It really kept my thighs engaged and was difficult to do!

Faster Walk

Today I walked .92 miles in 30 minutes. I really can't figure out this treadmill!

Walkity Walk Walk Walk

I walked 1 mile in 30 minutes at full incline using long slow strides which maximize my muscle use.

Goal Number 14

Strength Training again! Goal for this week:
walk at full incline for 30 minutes
do this 3 times during the week

Running is hard work

It's extremely difficult on my asthma to run full force as fast as I can. I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to run faster! I ran 1 mile in 12.1 minutes today. I walked the additional time to total 30minutes and went a distance of 1.6 miles total.

Slow Runner

I guess I'm just a slow runner. I don't know if I'm not setting the treadmill fast enough but my heart feels like it's going to explode...and I'm not going that much faster than my regular jog. I ran 1 mile in 12.5 minutes today and walked 1.63 in 30 minutes. I guess I need to keep working on my strength training to get faster. Not sure how that will help my lungs though.

Not as good as I thought

I ran a 12 minute mile. Not too bad but also not that good considering when I am running my 'regular' pace I can do a mile in 14-15 minutes. (I think I average 14.5 minutes) There was definitely no way I could run 3 miles at that pace though. I continued walking for 30 minutes and totaled 1.63 miles.

Goal Number 13

I thought I'd change it up a little this week and try something new. I want to really push myself and see how fast I can run a mile. So the goal for this week:
run 1 mile as fast as I can
continue walking until I hit 30 minutes
do this at least 3 times

MIA for a few days

My grandfather passed away on Wednesday so I haven't had an opportunity to get a workout in. I really noticed that I didn't feel good today and I wonder if that contributed to it.
Today I ran 2.1 miles in 30 minutes. We'll see if I feel better today and tomorrow.

I'm a quitter

I ran 1.3 miles in 18 minutes and I just couldn't go any further. It was a combination of my blister, my chest being really tight and me not wanting to push! Ha! Every day when I get on the treadmill I ask myself why am I still doing this? I don't love it. I don't even like it. I feel like crap when I'm doing it but I keep doing it. Isn't that a stupid thing? I mean, why would you keep doing something you hate?
But, I am still going to do it. I will probably take tomorrow off and then try again on Thursday.

Slower than expected

I ran 2.03 miles in 30 minutes. I made my goal of 2 miles but I actually expected to have a further distance. I'm not sure if I didn't set the treadmill high enough or if my pace was slower. It's so difficult to tell. I felt pretty good. When I started my shins were sore which is pretty normal for me. It takes a good 5-10 minutes for them to feel warmed up and to stop aching. My chest also felt tight as usual due to my asthma. I wonder if this feeling will go away the more I keep running?

Goal Number 12

I'm afraid to increase my goal this week. For me I know that if I 'fail' I might lose motivation. But, I've been able to do 2 miles consistently so I think it's time. Goals for this week:
run 2 miles in 30 minutes
run 3 times this week
Wish me luck!

Sore thighs

My slow walk technique must be working because I had sore thighs today which is a good thing...it means they are getting stronger! I walked 1 mile in 30 minutes.

Slow Walk....take it easy

Recognize the tune of that heading? Today is a miserable, rainy day outside. It must have effected my walk since I only did .83 miles in 30 minutes. I thought I had the speed set the same as always but apparently not.
I wonder if I should consider getting a new treadmill? There is nothing wrong with the one that I have. It functions fine. It's just not very conducive to training. I might have to research prices today.

Another Mile

I walked at full incline 1 mile in 30.5 minutes.
I hope this strength training is working!

Strength Walking

I managed my 1 mile in 30 minutes at full incline with no problem. I like to take very long strides so that I can feel my muscles working. This can only be done at a slower speed or I'd fall flat on my face! LOL

Goal Number 11

I feel like the strength training weeks are a waste of time. I feel like if I'm not always running I'll lose the ability or something. BUT, they must be working because I have been improving in my speed. This week's goals:
Workout 3 times
Walk at full incline
Walk for a total of 30 minutes
Squats or some other sort of leg exercise

Love/Hate Running

I still don't like it. I can't quite call it hate but even though I've been doing it as long as I have, I don't think I'd have any problems dropping it. All the talk about it takes 21 days to make a habit, etc.....yeah, I'd drop it and not even miss it. In a heartbeat. And I've been doing it a lot longer than 21 days. In fact, if I hadn't set a goal for myself to be in shape enough to run the Susan G. Komen breast cancer 5k in September (I think that's when it is) I probably would have quit a long time ago. I think the key for me is going to be to have goals and races that I am training for otherwise I'll never keep it up.
That said, I ran through the pain of my blister today. I had another 14.5 minute mile. I ran a total of 2.1 miles in 30 minutes. I'm proud of myself because it was hard and there were many times during the run that I wanted to stop. But I pushed through and did the entire thing and am very proud of myself!

Running on blister = ouch

I cut my run short today because it HURT to run on my blister. I ran 1 mile in under 14.5 minutes. It would have been a great run total but I figured I should probably rest my foot a little. I'll try again tomorrow or the next day so that I get 3 full runs in this week.

Ouch a blister!

My foot has been bothering me for a day or so but I didn't really think anything of it. I figured it was maybe from wearing my flip flops or something. Well just now I crossed my legs and noticed something on my foot. Yup...it's a large blister on the ball of my right foot. I don't know what it's from. I don't 'think' it's my new tennis shoes since I've had those for several months now. I haven't worn any new shoes though so it's not from that. The only thing I can think of is that it's the friction from the running. Boo....it hurts!

Even better today!

Today I ran 2.07 miles in 30 minutes. I did a 14.5 minute mile for the first one and hit my 2 miles in 29 minutes. I am POOPED! My heart really started to ache after the first mile but I kept pushing. After 20 minutes I really wanted to stop. The last 10 minutes could not go fast enough. But I did it and I feel great and I am so proud of myself!

Best run yet!

I am so proud of myself! When the time hit 30 minutes I had run 1.94 miles so I decided to continue until I hit 2 miles. It only took me another minute. So in 31 minutes I ran 2 miles!! I am so proud and hope this trend continues. My heart started to hurt a little around 28 minutes but I pushed through and by the time I was done I felt great. I'm tired, hot and sweaty but feeling amazing!

Goal Number 10

3 workouts
30 minutes each
1.75 miles or more

And last week squats? Oops. Didn't do a single one.

Cruel Intentions/Wild Things

Those are the movies I watched while I walked .82 miles in 30 minutes. Definitely kept me entertained.

A new way to walk

I walked super slow today with very large strides at full incline which put extra strain on my muscles. I went .78 miles in 30 minutes.

What squats?

I walked 1.13 miles at full incline in 30 minutes.
Have I done any squats? Not so much...

Walking & Talking

I walked my 30 minutes at full incline today while talking on the phone with my sister. I was a little short of breath so it wasn't like I was slacking. I walked a distance of 1 mile.

Goal Number 9

Walk for 30 minutes at full incline
Walk 3 times this week
Do squat exercises (haven't figured out the details on this)

Same old Same old

1.75 miles in 30.5 minutes.
Can you tell I'm bored? I really thought I had a good groove going and that I was going faster than I was. Sigh...maybe after a week of strength I'll do better the next week.

Another day...another run

I ran 1.77 miles in 30 minutes. I have no patience so I feel like I should be doing better by now. But when I push too hard I have bad reactions. I guess I've just been feeling down lately and I know I should be feeling good about what I've accomplished and how far I've come but I want more progress!

Much better

Today's run went much better. I ran 1.75 miles in 31.5 minutes. I thought I had the gauge at the same place as before but it must have been a little lower since it took a little extra time to get the mileage in. Overall I am still pretty happy with the results.

On another note, I still don't love running. I was hoping after all this time I'd have started to enjoy it. I still feel like it's a chore and when I have days off don't miss it. What is the saying that it takes 21 days to form a habit? Well it's been more than 21 days and it still doesn't feel like a habit to me!

Pushed too hard

My husband and I have been working on a playroom for our twins. Yesterday we started hanging drywall which is really heavy when you have to carry it up the stairs.
I was a little sore today but I figured it was no big deal. I got on the treadmill and pushed up the speed a little further than the fastest I had gone before. (hard to tell with my stupid console)
Apparently I pushed it too far. After 6.5 minutes I had gone .5 miles and started to have an asthma attack. So, I got off the treadmill and will try again tomorrow (or later) at a slower pace. Oops.

Goal Number 8

Workout 3 times this week
Run for 30 minutes
Achieve a distance of 1.75 miles during each 30 minute run

Walking Walking Walking

I'm not sure if I have mentioned before that I have chronic headaches. I have had them for over 10 years. I had a procedure yesterday (nerve block) to try to alleviate them. I'm still in a lot of pain today but I wanted to get another walk in. I walked .68 miles in 30 minutes. A lot slower but I still did it. I also tried to keep my thighs engaged the entire time so that I was working them better.

Taking it too easy?

I've been walking since it is strength training week but maybe I went a little too slow today. I made it .72 miles in 30 minutes. I can feel my muscles working but I also feel like I could have pushed a little harder.

Sore Walking

Even though my ankle is still a bit sore I wanted to get a workout in today. I'm glad it was a 'walk' day rather than a run day. At full incline I walked .78 miles in 30 minutes. Not bad for a sore ankle.

Taking it easy...kind of

I fell down the stairs yesterday while holding one of my children. He was fine. I however, bruised my ankle pretty badly. I decided not to get an official workout in today. I just got back from taking them for a walk. I got an amazing upper body workout. It was so windy out that my shoulders are sore from trying to push the stroller against the wind!

Complicated Treadmill

I never thought treadmills were complicated until I actually tried to really use mine. Apparently I did not have mine on full incline like I thought. But I definitely did today. I walked .91 miles at full incline and it was hard! Hopefully I'll build up some strength from doing workouts this week!

Goal Number 7

This is a strength training week. Goals for this week:
workout at full incline
workout at least 3 times
workout for 30 minutes each time

1.76 miles

When I started my workout my legs (shins) and feet were really hurting. I've been bad and have not been stretching before and after my runs. They hurt badly enough that I was contemplating stopping after about 10 minutes. But, eventually the pain subsided and I ran my full 30 minutes and went a distance of 1.76 miles. The good news is today it didn't bother my asthma at all!