White Orchid Melody Blog

It’s running journal entry #2!!!

…because I’d feel really bad if there were only one. No, really, I’ve done well this week. Let’s see. Christmas was my tumble. But then Brian and I went for a quick jog friday, about a mile. My knee was pretty stiff the whole way. But Sunday and yesterday I ran to Wilmore Park, around, and back, which is a three mile loop. Yay, me! I’m not as pitifully out of shape as I thought. Now, that isn’t saying I’m in shape. I am still, after all, terribly slow. But I made it the 3 miles without having to walk and without keeling over. In fact I think I could have gone further. It has been really nice weather, which helps. 40s and 50s are much better than 20s. Stress is also a great incentive to go exercise. In other words, I have plenty of incentive these days!

The movers have been here yesterday and today, getting our express shipment and our storage. It has been a very challenging time, getting organized. We have so much crap. It is really ridiculous. We just put all this stuff in storage, and it really makes me wonder if I’m even going to want to see it when we get back. Maybe it will be lost forever….

Really, though, trying to decide what to take, what to store, what will fit in the luggage on the plane, etc. is enough to drive a sane person mad. So, if you aren’t 100% sane to begin with, well, it isn’t looking good. I have a strong suspicion that we will get to Italy and realize we have sent entirely too much stuff. Then what do we do? They can’t even dispose of normal trash there. How do we get rid of 30% of our household goods? Maybe it won’t be so bad. I think we’ll probably continue to filter out the non-necessities as we go. We have another pile of items for craigslist. I’m sure we’ll add to that before it is all said and done.

In the meantime, it should stress me out enough to keep me going out for a jog everyday….

I’ve been reading a new book in hopes of getting motivated to run again. The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training is a very entertaining read. It is more of a motivational read than a detailed training schedule. The author, Dawn Dais, includes journal entries from when she was training for her marathon. The entries are very candid and quite hysterical. She is very honest about the hell that is distance running. I have already run a marathon, so I know what she writes is true.

Brian was wondering why I was reading this at all considering I’ve already done a marathon. He pointed out that I could probably write a book like that myself. That may be true, but the book is very inspirational nonetheless. I saw it in a store and read the first part of chapter 5: the limit. She writes about how some of us (like yours truly) glide through life without really challenging ourselves. We take the easy street (a sign of intelligence, I’d say). But sometimes when you are cruising down easy street a little voice in the back of your head peeps up and asks if you are really reaching your full potential.

The author suggests that training for a marathon is a way to push yourself to a limit you never dreamed possible. I’d agree. I used to be the kind of person who would only run if something vicious was chasing me. Then I figured out that running was a good way to burn belly fat, which I seem to have an abundance of when I don’t run. But run a marathon? Are you kidding me? So, I was invited to go on a long run with a group, 12 miles that run was. Obviously I was suffering from temporary insanity when I agreed to go, and then actually showed up. To my amazement, I survived 12 miles of running (albeit, very slow running). That was over twice as far as I’d ever run in my life. So I figured if I survived that I’d have to train for the 26.2 if I was going to really challenge myself. And I discovered that the body adapts (eventually) to whatever you throw at it. It voices lots of objections along the way, of course. But, you know, I really didn’t feel too bad when I finished that marathon. Don’t get me wrong. I was really, really glad when it was over. And I was hating life the next day when I couldn’t even squat on the toilet without screaming from the pain. And then there were the toenails that fell off. But I survived. And here’s the really sick part….

I want to do it again.

Color me crazy. I know. Shouldn’t I just check that box and let it be? I’m too slow to be one of those marathon junkies. But as Dais points out in her book, you get to eat whatever you want and not gain a pound! That is huge for me. See, eating small amounts of food just isn’t fun. The 3 bite rule from that Skinny French Women Book? Whatever.

So, yeah, I want to be a “Runner” so that I can eat whatever I want. It isn’t like I want to subsist on cheeseburgers and french fries. I do eat healthy foods. I just like to eat a lot of healthy food. And I’m moving to Italy, so there will be ample opportunity for eating copious amounts of healthy food, all drenched in olive oil. Yum. So, yeah, I need to be running.

Brian tries to tell me to go run. But I’m as stubborn as he is and seldom do as I’m told. So, the sly fox that he is, he got me an iPod Shuffle for Christmas. It was a surprise. I’d been complaining about my old nano not keeping its charge. And we just got a new nano, which was Brian’s Christmas present. It holds all of our music and is great for in the car. But Brian had an ulterior motive in buying me the Shuffle. “It’s for running” he says. Ah, that again.

But he’s right. And I’d already been reading that book, trying to boost my motivation. I was even thinking I could keep a running journal here on my blog, so as to laugh at myself and inspire others while I attempt to get back in shape. So, today, shuffle loaded and sneakers laced I headed out for a jog. It was 25 degrees out, which, in my opinion, is far to cold to be outside. But I bundled up in several layers and bounded down the sidewalk. I never used to run on sidewalks. I guess I’ve gotten stupider with age. Because about a third of a mile from home, I tripped on someone’s stupid broken sidewalk. I went flying through the air then landed on my knee, my hip, and my hands. I got up as fast as possible (embarrassment is like a springboard) and tried to jog some more. Yep, that hurt. So, I tried walking. But did I mention it was only 25 degrees out? So everything started to stiffen up. So, I started jogging again. But back towards home.

My first jog with my new shuffle and my new motivation was a bust. So, now I’m lying on the sofa with a big gauze bandage and an ice pack on my knee, feeling foolish. But I’m sure I’ll feel better soon. And this is my first official running journal entry. So, I’ll have to go out again, or I’ll feel even stupider for having a label on my blog entitled “running journal” with only one entry.

Being out of shape is the pits. But such is the price of motherhood. I’m working on it though. Of course, that is where the pain comes in! I will say that I’m not as out-of-shape as I was before I ever started jogging. I haven’t had to revert back to a jog/walk. I’m able to go out and just jog, but not as far or as fast as before. It is coming back to me though. I started out about 12 minute/mile and am down to 11 minute miles. This is only for two to three miles though. My marathon pace was 11.25/min miles. But the 10k I ran the winter after was about a 9min/mile pace, which for me is really fast. (yeah, I know, I’m slow) I was hoping to do a 1/2 marathon training group at the Y, but we haven’t had enough people sign up. So, if I’m going to do it, I’ll have to go it alone. I’m not a real motivated person, I have to say. I do much better with a group, particularly if I have other people to lead. I like motivating others and thus, myself, in the process.

I’ve been re-reading a book I have about Vegetarian diets for athletes. It had some interesting analysis of how the body burns different energy sources and how to really tap into the fat stores. It is the extended exercise that really burns fat. Those bursts of energy are carbs. So, she gave the example of biking, then running, then biking as a good way to tap into the fat, as well as other combinations such as running/strength training, or running/biking/swimming. So, my running to the Y, then strength training, then running home is a good way to tap into the fat stores. Now I need to add: run to the Y, swim, and run home….just gotta figure out how to do that with Alex in tow!

This photo is from the Lewis and Clark Marathon in ’06. I’d like to do their 1/2 marathon this September. I should really just go sign up and pay the entry fee…shelling out some cash might help to motivate me!

In addition to financial fitness for the new year, physical fitness will also be a goal. I will definitely have some baby weight to contend with, so getting back on a lower calorie meal plan and into an exercise routine will be tops on the to-do list.

I was using the weightwatchers.com “core” plan last summer and had lost excess weight and felt really good. Basically it is about eating whole foods: all the fruit, veggies, and beans you want and a limited amount of whole grains. No processed crap, easy on the sugar. There is wiggle room, of course. One can’t live life without chocolate! But moderation is key. In contrast, refined carbs have been my comfort food throughout this pregnancy. That is natural and normal as your body needs the extra fluid and calories. But my body won’t need all that after the baby is born. So, I plan to get back on a healthier track with my eating habits. Then, when the doctor gives his okay, start up strength training and jogging again. Now keep in mind I haven’t jogged since I got pregnant, so I’ll be starting from scratch!

http://whiteorchidmelody.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-start-jogging.html

Yeah, I’ll be doing that again. Walk, jog, walk some more. I figure it will take a few months just to get back in good enough shape to get in 15 to 20 miles a week in the form of 3 to 5 mile outings. Then I’ll start to increase my mileage and I’d like to train for another marathon. I had about 10 or 15 extra pounds on my frame when I trained for my first marathon. And we were rehabbing, so I was eating really crappy food like pizza and bean burritos all the time. I think if I can get down to a good base weight before I start the marathon training, I can improve my time. Marathon training is not a time to try to lose weight, as your body needs lots of calories to deal with the stress of those long runs. But losing the weight beforehand can really help once you start the training. I read in a magazine that one extra pound of body weight puts 4 pounds of pressure on your knees while walking and 25 pounds of pressure on your knees while jogging! That should be incentive to lose a few pounds! Anyway, I might consider doing the Lewis and Clark Marathon again. Really it is an awful course, but it is in September, which might be a good time frame. There is also the Chicago marathon in October, but the weather is so unpredictable…I could end up running in extreme heat or extreme cold, you just never know! Otherwise, there is a marathon in Huntsville, AL in December. I could stay with my family in Alabama and go to that one. I’m not sure how I feel about travelling to race though. Then again, I might just take it easy and do a half-marathon for Lewis and Clark and then train up for the St. Louis Marthon next April. Or maybe the baby will really hate going on jogs with me and I won’t be training for any races! Things are pretty unpredictable as far as that goes! But those are my goals none the less.

“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired.”
– George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

One of the biggest problems facing America today is obesity. Much of the problem can be contributed to our diets, but modern conveniences also play a part. We drive everywhere, take the elevator or escalator, sit at a desk all day. It is no wonder our bodies can’t process all the food we eat! Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. This could mean a gym membership; but in the quest for simple living, how about simple exercise? What is easier than putting on shoes and going outside? No fancy equipment necessary. Your outside enjoyment could come from walking the dog or kids around the neighborhood. But for those looking to get more of a cardio workout or even lose fat, jogging is a better option.

“I only run if someone is chasing me!”

That used to be my motto, and I’ve heard it from plenty of other people. Jogging or running can seem very painful and out of your range of possibility. But I’m here to tell you, it can be done! As with any other quest for personal development, it is best to take baby steps.

I’d always been intrigued by the idea of running, and after reaching my all time high weight back in 2004, I figured it was a good time to give it a shot! I found an article in Prevention Magazine that outlined how to go from a couch potato to a 5K in a few months. Basically, the system was this:

Level 1: 3x week, walk to warm up for 5 minutes, then walk 4 minutes, jog 1 minute, repeat 4 times, cool down for 5 minutes (total workout 30 minutes)

Level 2: 3x week, walk to warm up for 5 minutes, then walk 3 minutes, jog 2 minutes, repeat 4 times, cool down for 5 minutes (total workout 30 minutes)

Level 3: 3x week, walk to warm up for 5 minutes, then walk 2 minutes, jog 3 minutes, repeat 4 times, cool down for 5 minutes (total workout 30 minutes)

Level 4: 3x week, walk to warm up for 5 minutes, then walk 1 minute, jog 4 minutes, repeat 4 times, cool down for 5 minutes (total workout 30 minutes)

Level 5: 3x week, walk to warm up for 5 minutes, then walk 1 minute, jog 9 minutes, repeat 3 times, cool down for 5 minutes (total workout 40 minutes)

So the idea is that after acclimating to level 5, you could run a 5K, which is about 3 miles.

The amount of time you spend at each level is up to you. You have to listen to your body so as not to get hurt, but push yourself at the same time (see quote at top). I would say a couple weeks at each level should be sufficient. If you want to progress more gently, increase the number of days a week you do each run before progressing to the next level.
For example:
Week 1: Level 1, 3x week
Week 2: Level 1, 5x week
Week 3: Level 2, 3x week

….and so on. I found that I had to take it slower in the beginning, but once I got up to 1 minute of walking with 4 minutes of jogging, moving to 9 minutes of jogging wasn’t much of a leap. And then I progressed to being able to run around my local park without stopping (1.5 mi or 15 minutes). Then, one day, I felt energetic and did two laps for a total of 3 miles. Much of it was working through mental, not physical barriers. The body will acclimate to anything you throw at it, given time. I found this out last year when I decided to train for a marathon, but that’s a whole other can of worms. (Couch Potato to Marathon Training Plan, coming soon!) You have to be a bit masochistic to go there!

I challenge you to give jogging a try, and autumn is a great time for it. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. And you might even find that you enjoy it! A morning jog around the park is a great way for me to clear my mind. When I had a corporate job, it was an essential part of my day. Those days I didn’t jog in the mornings, I could tell a huge difference in my outlook and attitude. I was much more irritable.

If you find it difficult to get out the door, find a time in your day that you can commit to your exercise. I found the best time was morning. If I waited until later in the day, I’d be too busy, or too tired, or would have eaten something weird and just not feel like it…all sorts of excuses! But if I just got up a half hour early, the reward lasted all day. So, if morning is your time, set out your clothes and shoes the night before, so that everything is ready to go when the alarm goes off. Put the alarm across the room, and put the clothes next to it. That way, you get up, turn off the alarm, and get ready. No thinking required (and no opportunity for excuses). If you aren’t jogging everyday, get up early anyway, just to establish the habit.

If you are still lacking in motivation, find a buddy to jog with you. This is fairly easy if you are both new to jogging. Start the plan together, and enjoy the moral support! It is much easier to get up and get out of the house if you know someone is waiting on you. If you go it alone for the training plan and then want someone to jog with on a regular basis, check out local running clubs or running websites. They usually have buddy lists set up for people looking to partner up. The listings are based on speed (min/mi), so you can find someone close to your pace.

Speaking of pace, don’t even worry about how fast you are going when learning to jog. It doesn’t matter. You get the benefit of 3 miles no matter your pace, so just do it! I’m incredibly slow, but found out that I can go for a really long time at that pace. You only have yourself to compete with (unless you just want to race). If you get to a certain distance and don’t want to increase further, then you could work on picking up speed. It is good to keep challenging yourself. And if you are trying to lose weight, it is essential to change up the routine so as not to plateau. But remember, baby steps! Don’t try to run really fast and really far right from the start. It won’t be fun and you won’t get very far, literally.