Day 2: C25K

Well today was a pretty good day, considering it was Monday. Nothing exciting happened, just went to work. Did have sushi with some friends and the boyfriend for dinner.

I did get in a run before dinner. I got home from work and the boyfriend was playing his video games; therefore, I made a point to go for a quick run. Since I knew we had dinner plans, I knew that I was definitely not going to want to run afterwards.

At the front of my neighborhood there is a "random" side walk between some large bushes and a "lake." Yesterday I walked on this path when I took Cubbie with me, and decided I wanted to take it again, so I wasn't running on the same sidewalk as when I come back, weird I know. Well that idea back fired because I have to go through some grass/leaves to get out of the neighborhood this path leads to. As I've said I am not a runner, let alone a cross country runner. I didn't realize it was going to be so difficult. The time I spend on that terrain is about a minute, while running, and it absolutely ruined me, AT THE BEGINNING. I was in fact trying to complete Day 1 of the C25K app, again - since I didn't yesterday, and of course I was instructed to run as soon as I got to the grass. I guess from now on I'll go the extra few feet and run on the sidewalk along the road, rather than the one behind the bushes.

I didn't complete Day 1 again today, but I did make it farther this time. Let me note that the program wants me to run for 30 minutes, but I could only run on the route I have set up because I had to get back home for dinner. I will say I am glad that it doesn't take me the entire 30 minutes to run a mile, I really thought I was in that bad of shape.

In addition to all of the other apps I have, I input some information on WebMD and got some advise about what to do to lose some weight. I think the only difference WebMD has to the other apps is it tells you what a healthy goal weight range is, for example, mine is 108-145 lbs, and I was able to input that I want to lose 2 pounds a week and my goal weight is 135. It doesn't give you a time frame necessarily unless you figured I want to lose 38 pounds and 2 pounds per week = 19 weeks or about 5 months. It does give you a goal for the amount of calories you need each day, figured out by the about of calories you intake and use each day.

So again, for whatever you have set a goal for, keeping a log and researching different ways to get there is my advise to you. I'm only using bits and pieces from each app/website I've found, but I'm still using most of them. Good night and Good luck.

Couch to 5k

Finally got off the couch to start running today. Let me first advise you that I absolutely hate working out because I have never seen results and while I dont want to pay for a gym membership, in reality, I can't afford to pay one right now. My neighborhood does have a community gym but I dont know how to use the equipment and hate running in place.

Gone are the excuses. I have downloaded a number of different apps that are meant to help motivate and coach. As I said I have finally gotten off the couch and did day 1 of the couch to 5k coaching app. Sadly, I wasn't able to successfully complete the "task" of the day but I will try again tomorrow. I have also recruited my sister to come push me as she is much more athletic than I.

I was hoping my loving pup, Cubbie, would also be a running companion but she does not like running with me; she would rather run ahead and pull. If you are familiar with the app you know it tries to pace and challenge and has you walk and run off and on. While Cubbie started off well with the walking, the running part is the challenge and can get really frustrating.

As I digress, I want to wish you luck on your efforts to better yourself in whatever way you have chosen.

Oh on a crafty note, have you ever wanted to keep a key with you and no where to put it? I tried putting it in my shoe but that bothered me. Therefore, I tied it to my hair tie!!!

The Catholic tradition of Lent

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and what better day to start a resolution than Lent. The 40 days and 40 nights before Easter and to sacrifice something. It is standard practice to fast but most people just sacrifice something. I have never been one to follow through with making a sacrifice or fasting for lent, but I was once told that it also means to do something different to better yourself. Whether you believe this or not, I have chosen to better myself by giving up poor eating and lack of an exercise routine. Wish me luck, because having good eating habits and a regular work out routine are things I've never been successful with. I have downloaded countless apps that help track exercise including a pedometer, track food intake, and provide exercise routines. I will also be blogging my daily meals and activities. This is a very large undertaking for me as some people give up candy or soda or drinking or smoking or even using an elevator. Wish me luck and I wish you luck if you have decided to give up something for Lent. Hopefully, like me, this decision will better yourself as well.