So I’ve been training for the 5K for a week now. And by training, I mean going to the Y, getting on the treadmill, starting it up and hanging on for dear life.
I asked Michael and Amy if they’d like to do the run with me and they thought the idea sounded like a great challenge. They’ve been coming to the Y as well. Youth is on their side; they crank up that treadmill and run – literally run – for 30 solid minutes. If we were on a track they’d lap me several times. But they’re great encouragers. Just last Friday Amy saw me fading fast and said, “Come on, Mom, you can do this. Just walk a little faster.” I love that girl. Well, I didn’t right then, but I refrained from biting her head off which, I believe, shows great personal growth.
One problem I’ve been having is shin splints. Each time I start a walking program I get them, which reminds me why I don’t keep up a walking program: because shin splints hurt! In an attempt to give my shins a rest I rode the bike on Monday; by the time I’d finished 20 minutes my butt was asleep which made walking to the door difficult. But believe you me, I got out that door and just sat in my car with the seat heater on high. (Note to Sean: I love the seat heater in my car! We should send whoever invented it a big ol’ bouquet.)
Two different friends directed me to The Couch to 5K running plan. Unlike my first training program which began with a two mile run (on the first day!!), this one starts with a, “brisk five-minute warm-up walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.” Now that is a plan I can handle. It works you through nine weeks, leading up to a 30 minute, three mile jog. After reading that plan I have more hope that I’ll be able to finish. Big thanks to Elizabeth and Mary for passing it my way.So one week down, nine to go. I’m already thinking about the moment I cross the finish line when I’ll be able to say, “Mission accomplished. I don’t need to do that again. Ever.” That’s probably not the best attitude but it’s the one that’s keeping me going for now.
You are much braver than I -- go, Christy! And I, too, love whoever (whomever?) invented the heated seats. Not that we have 'em in our vehicle, but my FIL does and it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, "Way to go." You can do it.
ReplyDeleteTina - whomever vs. whoever gets me, too. I should look that up... I'll get back to you!
ReplyDeleteSean - I got a visitor's pass for the Y good any day this week. Wanna come with us?!
Whooooo hooo! Go Mrs. Duffy!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the shin splints. I've gotten those before when I've jogged consistently and they hurt!
Anyways, keep it up! :)
Stephanie - thanks for the support! I've been asking everyone for advice on the shin splints; do you have any fixes for them?
ReplyDeleteMy advice on shin splints- make sure you have really good running shoes that a running shoe specialist fit for you (go to Playmakers). Stretch your shins well before and after you workout. You can also heat and ice them in the evenings when they're still sore! Keep it up, they will get better! And lets all give Stefan a big thanks for her crazy idea! :)
ReplyDelete:) I love you, Mrs. Duffy! Haha... I've been at too many Annie rehearsals this week, although (unlike the sarcasm the orphans belt out) I really do mean that, you're awesome! Proud of you, we're in this together! :-D
ReplyDeleteThe cruddy thing about shin splints (at least in my experience) is that they don't get better until you rest them. :\ But yeah, good running shoes are a lifesaver! I love Playmakers' huge sale (I think they have one in the spring) where you can get shoes on sale from like $150 to $40. It's lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny, never again huh? Well, shin splints seriously suck.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you. You're making me want to be more active, too.
ReplyDeleteHang in there.
And keep up the good work!!