So, I’m a big, fancy runner now! Well, not full runner, but I’m getting there. my trainer started me running this week but is easing me into it. I have to say, I was a bit reluctant when she first suggested it. After all, I have NEVER been a runner, never been athletic, and, frankly, the thought of my DD’s bouncing around was not very appealing. Luckily, I have really good sports bras. 🙂 I have always wanted to run but never thought I was athletic enough to do it. But, thanks to my trainer, I have surprised myself yet again!

Lauren started me walking on the treadmill for the first 5min at 3.3mph as a warm up. On the 6th minute, she cranked the speed up to 5mph and I am to run at that pace for 1 minute. When the minute is over she slows it back down to 3.3mph. This goes on for 40-45 minutes: 4 minutes walking, 1 minute running. I really feel good during that 1 minute of running and it helps with my endurance (or lack of) to have that 4 minutes to catch my breath. Over time she would like me to increase the running time and decrease the walking time. I blasting through calories like crazy! This running technique is perfect for me as it is challenging but not to the point where it’s too strenuous for me. If she had me start by just continuously running, I’m afraid it would be too much and I would lose interest. I’m surprised at myself because I’m really enjoying it, and it’s not as scary as I thought it would be. I’m a horrible klutz and my biggest fear was taking a digger in the middle of the gym. As of today (knock on wood) I haven’t had that happen.

I do have to admit, the first 2 days I did this run/walk I was incredibly sore. I mean reeaallllyyy sore! Legs, butt, ankles, even the muscles on the top of my feet were sore. I didn’t realize how many muscles we use when running. But I ran for the third time last night and am not nearly as sore as I was a few days ago. My trainer and I came up with a workout plan that incorporates the run/walk. Mon, Wed & Fridays will be my legs and butt for strength training and my lighter cardio (stationary bike, rowing machine, fast walk). Tues & Thurs will be arms and abs strength training and my run/walk days. I’m a pretty happy gal right now!

The only hurdle I’m having at the moment is tracking. But this has always been hard for me to do. I start the day writing everything down, but by the end of the day I get distracted by one thing or another. I know that tracking is one of my best tools to reach my goal by December. I’m getting better, but it’s still a bit of a struggle. Still, I’m not going to get distracted from my goal. If I really want to reach my goal weight by December, I need to be strict in my tracking, keep hitting the gym at least 4 times a week, and stay positive. So far, my goal is pretty attainable.

Liz

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