C25K - Run 4

Today's run marked the beginning of Week 2, which brought increased walking, increased jogging, and a new interval mix!

Week 2 starts with a brisk 5-minute warmup walk, then alternating 90 seconds of jogging and 2 minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

I started the run later than I typically do. The colors of the sunset were spectacular as they reflected off the fall colors of the turning leaves on all the trees along my route. It was unspeakably beautiful. And the smells were so wonderful.

Other than the unfortunate circumstance of starting my girly crap just before heading out - and the cramps associated with that crap kicking in just about halfway through the run - tonight went really well. The stitch in my side showed up at about the 20 minute mark, but disappeared very quickly. Also, I ran further again! It was another 10th of a mile extra. I'm sure it's because I'm running longer but I'm still pretty excited about it.

The end result was 2.27 miles in 25 minutes.

C25K - Run 3

I'm not sure why but today's run was accompanied with labored breathing. I mean, really - really - labored. I don't think it ever returned to normal and it felt like I was breathing really cold air even though it was 75 degrees out. Weird.

Some great news though!

I woke up this morning and almost all the soreness in my muscles was gone! 

Today's run was the last of the brisk 5-minute warmup walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of brisk walking - for a total of 20 minutes.

The stitch in my side didn't show up until the 20 minute mark (another 5 minute improvement)

The end result was again 2.25 miles in 25 minutes. Even as tired and out of breath as I was, I had a huge smile on my face when I realized I was passing my typical "finish" place and still had a minute to go on the timer! 

I'm still improving so I feel good about the results. Today was the last of Week One. Thursday I will start with Week Two, which is longer runs and longer walks. Just when my body was getting used to this one. Keep on pushin' on!

C25K - Run 2

I was really not sure how today's run would feel. My body has been experiencing post-Insanity workout type pain yesterday, and even worse today. It hurt to do anything. My shoulders, back, sides, abs, butt, thighs, legs and foot. Yup, literally my entire body!

Today's run would either loosen up my muscles or feel like torture for 25 minutes.

Today's run was the same: a brisk 5-minute warmup walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of brisk walking - for a total of 20 minutes.

So, how did the "run" feel? My muscles loosened and felt great before the warmup was done. I didn't get the stitch in my side until about 15 minutes in (a 5 minute improvement from the first time). My lungs never felt like they were on fire and I never felt like I was going to throw up. Improvements!

The end result was again 2 miles in 25 minutes. I did my post-run cool-down stretches and quickly realized the pain in my body was still very present. I think I need to borrow a friend's foam roller and just deal with the pain of working those out.

All-in-all I felt good about today. I got out there and ran even though I was still hurting. I also improved in many areas. Monday is my last of this routine.