4.28.2008
I ran my first 5K this weekend! It was snowing and effing chilly, so I didn't feel bad about doing it in 32:something instead of 30:00, which was my original goal. I really enjoyed myself, so I'm thinking there are more to come...!
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I'm not lazy
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13 comments:
That's awesome! Way to go Rock! I can't wait to get running!
Congratulations :)
It's impressive that you're able to run such long distances and it seems like an ability I would like to have. How do you find time? By 32:00 does that mean you ran 5k in 32 minutes? I feel like it would take me hours. And how do you keep your legs and knees from hurting?
Thanks :D
It only take a 30-45 minutes to get in a run during weekdays, so it's not a big investment once you make it a priority. On the weekend I'll take a little longer run if the time allows.
I started out doing it every day after work, but then it cut into my happy hour/socializing time :), so recently I've been getting up in the morning and doing it before work. I am NOT a morning person, so to get myself to wake up that early I had to bribe myself with a bunch of stuff. For example, I bought *really* yummy and rewarding shampoo and conditioner that I keep in the locker room at the gym...so I *have* to show up in the morning in order to shower before work.
I ran the 5K in 32 minutes, which is about 10 minute miles. It's pretty average, but you gotta start somewhere!!
Your joints get stronger as you run, so you'll just get sore in the beginning. Start totally slow and as short distances as you need. And stretch!
I also got a heart rate monitor to keep track of how hard I'm working. I *really* recommend it. Even though I'm going pretty average speed, my heart is at about 180, which is really pretty high and means I'm close to my peak long distance speed. That makes me happy 'cause it means that I'm working really hard. Eventually my heart rate will slow down as I get more fit. Lisa, have you been using a heart rate monitor???
Awesome, Rock! Question - do you primarily run just in the gym or do you run a lot outside too? And when you run in the gym, do they have a big ol' track or do you usually use a treadmill or something similar?
Also, which do you prefer and why?
I want to get into a good workout routine but I'm unsure about committing to a gym because most of the memberships are for a year, and I don't think I'd go much at all in the summer (or whenever it was nice outside) because I love rollerblading so much. But, on the other hand, we have so much crappy weather and such a long winter in MN and not belonging to a gym means little real exercise.
Running is amazing. I heard somewhere that you have to do something 13 times in order for it to become a habit and once it's a habit you are more likely to continue with it (duh). Don't you feel smarter?! Just trying to encourage you to get out and do something - anything for that matter :)
My running time is my 'me' time every day - usually a hour or so after supper I go in the basement or venture outside. Our elliptical came with a wireless heart monitor and I'm at about 150 when I'm paced and I push 160 when I'm really gunning it. Last week I got in about 20 miles and I do the same - 30-45 minutes every day during the week and usually 2-3 hours either Saturday or Sunday. Tonight I did 3.5 miles in 45 minutes which isn't bad. I also know I was totally pushing it and doubt I could keep that up for a continuous 13 or 26 miles!
Do you have any sweet gadgety type stuff for when you run, Rock? I want to look into getting a watch with all the fun stuff on it, but not sure if it'll be worth it or not. Next week Rogans is having the buy 1 get 1 half off sale so I'm going to go and get a nice pair of running shoes.
I'm so addicted to running - there has to be some science behind that because I really feel like this crazy rush when I get into it and I crave that feeling during the day. Let me tell you working out every day has given me much more energy for a lot of other things that had become a chore :) Even just every day stuff I'm not so fatigued and yucky feeling - you would think it would be opposite.
Is this the one that you were doing with Jilly?
Also: I hate running. I get all hot and sweaty, and my hair and clothes stick to my skin. Gross. Plus, it makes my feet hurt and my lungs hurt. I don't understand why anyone enjoys this.
Good for you all of you for learning how to enjoy it, but I never will. Never.
I run both outside and inside, and only run on the treadmill if there isn't a track because there's lower resistance on a treadmill (which makes it a great place to start out). I prefer outside over the track, just because it's more interesting and there's more change in landscape and there's higher resistance (so it's more similar to the races I'm preparing for). On the other hand, running on the track is great because of weather limitations and predictability of the floor surface. I find that my heart rate is 7-9 beats/min faster when I run outside. I think it's because of the change in resistance, but I'm not sure.
Right now during the week I go to the gym and on the weekend I've been going to Lake Calhoun, which is about a 5K all the way around. You should come with me some time! I rest one day a week, which you're supposed to do. The Walking Room in Uptown has a free running club twice a week if you're interested!
I got a membership at the YMCA, where you don't have to sign up for a yearly contract. And you can get membership for cheap since you're a student because they have low income programs. I'm sure the YWCA does, too!
This summer I'm thinking the gym will also be helpful when it gets really hot and I don't want to run outside...
Lisa, the science behind it is in that book I read that's on my GoodReads list: "Spark" by John Ratey. Some of the studies are RIDICULOUS. For example, if you go from a sedentary lifestyle to exercising 30 minutes a day your brain GROWS by 20% in a couple years! That's the reason why human brains shrank once we invented agriculture. Because we weren't hunting and gathering any more, and so weren't getting as much exercise (not because agriculture is soooo easy). Our bodies and our minds evolved intertwined and depend on each other. Not to even mention all the emotional and psychological benefits. They find that exercise like running is JUST as effective as anti-depressant prescription medications, and close to as effective as ADHD medications. Pharmaceutical companies study runners to capture the effects of running in their pills!
Get the book. Sig, you don't even have to run. Just anything that gets your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes but 45 minutes is better.
And get a heart rate monitor, Lise! It's one of the most important things you can do because you can track how hard you're pushing yourself and how hard you should be pushing yourself. There are specific heart rates that you should be training in to build endurance, strengthen, increase your pace, lose weight, etc.
I also use my iPod because I LOVE talk radio and will listen to a show while I run, and I have to turn off the iPod when I stop running, so I run for longer :) Yet another way I bribe myself.
I was thinking about getting the Nike Sport Kit, but I'm holding off because you can track your road runs online via google map services like this one: http://www.walkjogrun.net/
Whew. damn. That was a lot.
Rock - good suggestions. I checked into the Y and it's only $47/month. Not bad! Seems like there are a lot of YMCA locations that the membership is valid at too, which is convenient. And a lot of free classes.. hmmm... have you done any yoga classes at the Y you frequent? If so, were they quality? That would be a definite draw.
I was out walking this week and I noticed a community center that's a 15 minute walk from where I live. On their website they claim to have a nice workout facility, and they seem super cheap, although no free fitness classes.
In the meantime, I need to get that book and read it.
I will definitely get the book, too.
I've only made it outside a few times and have mostly stuck to the elliptical until I get in shape enough to go longer and farther outside.
I have a wireless heart monitor that came with the elliptical but I definitely need to get a regular one. I'm excited I actually can go looking for sweet gadgets of my own - Jacob is usually the gadget guy and none of my hobbies really involved gadgetty type stuff.
I'm totally feeling the burn now. Wednesdays are my free days during the week and I really enjoy those, but I always feel sluggish. I usually try to do some walking with the kids or something else.
Sig - the whole sweaty thing sucks at first, but this is totally sick - i really find it rewarding. Like bruises and scraped from softball - the sweatier the better! Like Rock, I bought some fun/smelly good stuff for showering afterwards as a motivator.
My big motivator is all of you and my family :) I told everyone I know about the marathon and I told them to check in and see how things are going. I know it's backwards - I should be doing this for myself, but I have that underlying fear of letting people down. Lots of people have little confidence in this goal of mine so it's also proving a point for me.
If you don't do the marathon we'll totally make fun of you! MUAHAHAHA!
That's totally what I need so don't let me down :)
I hear ya, Lise! When I tell other people that I'm doing something I'm more likely to follow through :)
Lauren, I haven't tried out the YMCA yoga classes, but my boss goes and really likes them...
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