Running Days

Yesterday was Thursday. Last Thursday I ran almost 5km in intervals. Yesterday I ran again, along the river pathways of downtown W2D2 of the C25Km program. The scenery is really relaxing once you pass the concrete jungle. I enjoy the freedom of running. The feeling that you are doing it on your own, no help from anything or anyone. Just your own power. That is a humbling and empowering feeling. Even jogging city blocks, stoplight to stoplight, can be quite fun. Passing strangers walking on their lunch breaks, thinking I used to see joggers from that perspective, and think "I wish I could do that". Now I can.

Even being overweight, I can still do this. I've been told that I will lose weight in the long run, running. (No pun intended) But I am starting to realize that it's not about losing weight. It's about feeling good. I don't think I've ever gotten the mysterious "runners high" yet, but then again, I am currently only running/jogging in intervals in 20-30 minute stints, covering about 3.5km each time. Eating well helps in this process. I am doing my best, lost in this big confusing world of food, and trying to nail down my own groove. I will get it.

This morning I had a workout with my personal trainer and she worked out my arms, shoulders and back for an hour. I'm typing this now since by tomorrow morning I will be surprised if I can lift my arms, never mind typing on a keyboard. After our workout, I walked passed the 8 week challenge before/after photos publicly displayed on the wall of our gym. The latest set of participants seem to have done really well. I'd like to join the next 8 week challenge if I can manage to find out about it ahead of time. Tanya said she would let me know if she hears anything. It would be really interesting to see how far I could go, training 3 times a week with Tanya for 8 weeks. Here's hoping they hold the next one July/August so I can sign up.

I made my way over to the treadmill, and turned on W2D3 C25Km program on my iPhone, started up the iPod and walked for 5 minutes, then ran intervals of 90 seconds with 2 minutes of walking in between. I walked at 5.5-6km/h and jogged the intervals at 10-11km/h. A bit slower than I would have liked but I will work up to speed. Currently I am trying to focus on distance. The next C25Km week is W3D1 and is 90 sec run, 90 sec walk, 3 min run, 3 min walk. I am considering doing this one on the treadmill as it is much easier than running outdoors, with the terrain changes, wind, traffic and other outdoor factors. I'll let you know how that one goes for me.

Bikini Bootcamp with Terese(the trainer) begins this Tuesday night at 7pm. I'm a bit fearful of what she is going to throw at me and also of the other 11 women in the class. I always picture the others as elite athletes. Much better, faster, stronger than me. I guess it's a fear of being last, holding others back. That was how my first Bikini Bootcamp class went in 2007. I was heavier then, and I have done another class since then, but the fear is still there. It's scary and intimidating, but I will go and prove to myself that I can do it. I will miss my best bud Amanda being by my side this time for support and laughs.

"Dead Last Finish is greater than Did Not Finish, which trumps Did Not Start." ~Anonymous