Couch to 5k

This week was my first week of training to run a 5k. As I wrote about before, I'm hoping to be ready to run a 5k by the beginning of May, possibly making the Klompen Klassic in Pella, IA my first race (this depends on my class schedule; I might have to choose another race to run).

Two observations after my first week back:

First, I downloaded these podcasts to listen to while I run. They were put together by a guy who did the C25k training a few years ago. Essentially he lined up a bunch of techno music and interjects when it's time to walk or run or cool down. Last time I did the C25k I was using this kitchen timer to clock my running because I was too cheap to buy a sports watch. I had to run while clutching this ridiculous Formula 409 promotional fridge magnet timer in my hand. I would constantly be glancing at my timer to see if it was run time, walk time, etc.

Now I just space out, running or walking and listening to music (which is decidedly "Night at the Roxbury" clubbing-style, but that's okay for running) and not really thinking about the time. It makes the run go much faster.

Second, I think my thyroid issues were affecting my running from the very beginning last time. I just got the results of my postpartum blood test back, and my thyroid is within normal limits. I can tell. I no longer feel like I'm going to suffer cardiac arrest just from climbing a flight of stairs. I don't have constantly aching muscles. I can fall asleep and stay asleep (that's unrelated to my running but still nice).

Now that I'm not actively plagued by my pesky thyroid, I feel like my only encumberance to my running is my general lack of fitness. But that's what I'm running to amend, right?

Running!

I started Couch-to-5k this week, and will post more on it Saturday, after I've finished the first week's run.

Is it a bad sign that I'm so sore after the very first run that I can't walk normally? I'm lurching around the house like Frankenstein, here.

First Week Back

So I've been doing this DVD for about a week now (again, not every day; I have done the first workout five times now) and I'm pleased with two things: 1) I can tell a difference in my endurance already, and I might be crazy but I think my abs look more toned; and 2) I'm still winded and feeling "pushed" during the workout, and feel pretty sore after, although not as sore as the first couple of days. The reason I want both these things is that I hate a workout that I quickly outgrow, that no longer seems to be doing any work. If I'm going to stick with this DVD I want to feel pushed every time. That's why I'm glad there are several workout levels, too. When level one finally stops giving me that feeling, I can move on to the level two. Incidentally, I don't anticipate that happening anytime soon, as I am a wimp.

Shredded!

Yesterday was Sam's one-month birthday. Also, coincidentally, it was the day my daughter caught me getting dressed and said "Look at your funny big tummy, mama!" Oh, yes, so funny. So funny I cried. Perhaps it's time to Get in Shape, Girl!

Oh, man...remember Get in Shape, Girl? I had the ribbon-on-a-stick one. Ah, memories.

So that seemed like an auspicious sign that it was time for me to start working out. I'm not quite ready to start my C25k training yet because 1) that's a little too high-impact for a month post-partum, isn't it? and 2) it's dang cold outside and I'm a wuss about running in inclement temps.


It seemed the thing to do then was start off with this exercise DVD I got: Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred. Apparently this lady is somehow connected with the TV show "The Biggest Loser," which I have not seen (and which I also got confused with that game show "The Weakest Link," which I found briefly perplexing). She's supposed to be really hard-core and tough. The video is arranged into three different workouts in increasingly difficult intensities; each level is about 20 minutes long. That's about all the time I care to devote to exercise, anyway, so that was initially what appealed to me. I also liked that the workouts combine cardio and strength, with a special focus on abs to help my funny big tummy.


Today I did the workout (level 1) for the first time. And let me tell you, if I wanted a wake-up call, this was it. Ouch. I mean, I've been feeling pretty good about my physical state post-partum, but I was panting and swearing (quietly) not one-third of the way through the workout, and I was doing the modified, lower-intensity version of the lowest level. Yikes.


The good thing is that the workout is over quickly--at only 20 minutes, you hardly have time to think "screw this, I quit." Also, you're never stuck doing any one thing for too long; Jillian switches every minute or two between activities that work different areas of the body, which helps any fatigue you might be feeling. Might? I mean, any fatigue you are definitely feeling. At least if you're me.


It was easy for me to fit this into my morning, too. Jeff and the kids were upstairs while I did the DVD downstairs. It was over before Charlotte even wondered what I was up to.


Despite the name of the DVD, one isn't actually intended to do this workout daily. I think 4x a week is about the max. I'm going to shoot for 3x a week and add an extra viewing if I have the time. I don't mind if it takes me longer than 30 days to get "shredded." And right now my plan is to do this for a month, and then start my 5k training in addition to continuing this DVD.


Oh, and I feel shredded, by the way. I am very sore, especially my shoulders and legs. We'll see how I feel tomorrow.

I'm Back!

As the title indicates, I'm bringing TigBlob out of hibernation. However, I'm not quite sure how I'll proceed with this site. I know I want to resume (start over, actually) the Couch-to-5k program, so I'm sure I'll use this site to chronicle my weekly progress. In addition, I'd like to add a workout video, something that will offer strength training/cardio to the mix, into my weekly regimen. Any suggestions?

I'm only two weeks post-delivery, so don't plan on seeing any big entries here soon. I think I'll probably wait until February to start running just to give my body more time to recoup. I think I also will start posting pictures of myself to chart my progress...perhaps monthly. I'll start with this one:

Consider this the "before!"

Until some time after January 11, 2009, this site will be on hiatus...due to...well, due to me being due. You know, pregnant.

Jeff and I have decided to start running together. We're both feeling a little pudgy and parental, so it made sense. Plus, one of the things I've started to resent about running is that it had become even more time away from my family. So running as a family seems like a good solution.

We started this morning, and started at the beginning of the C25K. I have mixed feelings about starting completely over. On one hand, I hate to think I've lost so much ground. But on the other, I know the best way for me to accomplish my goals of actually running a 5k is to start with a manageable plan, and this is certainly manageable.

It felt great to be out on a crisp, clear, sunny spring morning with my husband and baby, and it felt good to be running. I hope that good feeling continues.