Running again

Some say that it you make a commitment public that you are more likely to keep it. So, here I state that I have started running again, after a several month hiatus. Today was my third morning successfully completing an early morning outing, so I think it is respectable enough now to really say I've started running again.

My goal is three mornings a week at a minimum. Please feel free to check with me and ask me how the running is going. Knowing people are expecting me to be able to answer that question helps. Funny how we can play games with our minds.

I've been running with my iPod, but this time with my own music instead of the "Couch to 5k" podcast I was using last time. But I find I really prefer the high energy, strong beat songs, like Pump It by the Black Eyed Peas. Unfortunately, though, that's the only song of that genre I have on my nearly empty iPod. I listened to it 4 times in a row this morning. Really! So clearly I'm looking for more good running songs, with that same kind of energy. Any suggestions?

As an aside, I've got to say that I have mixed feelings about my iPod. I love the idea of it, and I love the ease of use, the whole system. But I confess it feels like just one more thing to manage and keep up to date. I already try to keep up with blogging, keep up with my favorite couple of shows on Tivo (So you think you can dance and Battlestar Galactica!), keep up with the kids, keep up with my photo albums, keep up with work, keep up with thank you notes, birthday gifts, doctor's appointments, book club reading, and the list goes on and on. There is so much! I wish I could just magically have the darn iPod filled with great music that I didn't have to take the trouble to find. I just don't know music and it seems intimidating to try to find music I like. I know that sounds silly. When I hear music I know if I like it or not, but I can't for the life of me ever remember the name of the song or the artist, so once the song it gone, it's gone... little chance it'll find it's way to my iPod. So, anyway, iPod management suggestions are also welcome!

Have a nice weekend!

Running progress report

I have been following the Couch to 5k program found on Coolrunning.com, as I've mentioned previously. Aided by the wonderful podcasts by Robert Ullrey, and by Nike+, I've been more motivated and more consistent than ever before. It took me 2 weeks to finish Week 4, due to the holidays, but I think I'm ready to move on now, and have just returned from my first run of Week 5. This week seems to be a big turning point, as we go from 3 five minute runs (with short walks between) in day one, to 2 eight minute runs on day two, to a full 20 minutes of nonstop running by day three of week 5. I'm a bit intimidated, but determined. So far so good on day one.

Successful completion of Week 3: Couch to 5k

This morning (at a dark and chilly 6:15am) I completed my last run of Week 3. (I'm doing the 9 week Couch to 5k program, described previously here.) Only one day behind schedule. Not bad, considering. If I do my 3 runs of Week 4 by Sunday, I will be back on track. So far I've really been enjoying the runs, which have been pretty easy. I feel tempted to push it more than the program calls for, but have been resisting the urge. I'm trying to focus on building the habit of running 3 mornings a week, and trusting the program to train me to run slowly and gradually. So far so good.

Running!

Couch potato. That's what I've been lately. I truly think I've been more sedentary the past few months than any other time in my life. Perhaps not surprisingly, my weight is at a lifetime high (except while pregnant, obviously.) So, as the holidays approach and temptation abounds, I'm going to get out there and start running.

To keep me motivated, I've got quite a plan. First, I am following the Couch to 5k program as described on coolrunning.com.

Second, I am downloading the companion podcasts on iTunes (Called Podcasts for Running by Robert Ullrey.) This Robert fellow devised a podcast for each week of the program whereby you listen on your iPod while he "walks" you through the whole program so that you don't have to keep track of anything. (Ex: With running music in the background, he'll pipe in and say things like "okay, now it's time to pick up your speed for the next running segment, which will last 60 seconds. Go!")

Third, I've purchased the Nike+ system, which involves a little do dad in your shoe that talks to your iPod, which records all of your run data (time, speed, distance) and automatically uploads it to the Nike+ website when you synch your ipod. The website charts your runs so you can see your progress.

At the end of the day it still comes down to my motivation, but at least I'm arming myself with all of the new technology, tips and tricks they have to keep at it. Today I completed my 3rd run and week one of the program. Wish me luck!