Week 15: Just my luck

So while I haven't been posting weekly blog updates, I have been keeping track of my of my mileage on my Running Log. I definitely need to crank out some more runs of four miles or more to get anywhere close to where I need to be, but overall, I'm pretty satisfied with my progress.

Last week I ran at work for the first time since starting my 'new' role downtown in April 2013. Our building has a gym in the basement, so I went down last week with a colleague and ran a 5k with him. I started a few minutes after he did (girls take longer to get ready, you know) and made it my goal to beat him to 3.1 miles. He won, but not by much. I ended up with my fastest 5k to date, 28:31! I'm still pumped about it! I vowed to run with him at least one day a week. Competition does a body good.

Unfortunately, I didn't keep my progress up the rest of the week. With this polar vortex, I am unable to take the dog out for a quick stroll let alone a two mile run. Plus, I have this little thing called a toddler and there's no way I'm putting him in the running stroller until it's at least 45 degrees out! I know, I know... excuses. But seriously, this month has been a nightmare (in more ways than one).

Saturday I really screwed myself up. For those of you who know me well, you know I have a tendency to hurt myself in strange ways. Saturday, I lived up to my reputation when I took a dive down our basement steps and landed on my back (several times) before curling up in a ball at the bottom -- hot chai everywhere, including my legs, the wall and the carpet. I have to hand it to myself, I really did a number on my back. I went from pain so intense that I nearly to passed out on Saturday night to an overall feeling of stiffness on Sunday (imagine the hunchback of Notre Dame). Today, thanks to Aleve and a heating pad, I'm more mobile and only feel discomfort when I turn or twist my back.

I'm hoping to feel better this week so I can try to get some long runs in and try to make up for the past few weeks.

Solution for cabin fever

I ran across this workout on Pinterest over the weekend and I'm glad I saved it! After not leaving the house for over 48 hours because of this "Polar Vortex," I'm thankful I had a workout plan that was fun to do and involved my toddler son (he mainly danced). Here it is...

Cred: Back on Pointe

My son loved the jumping jacks (jumping), high knees (marching), burpees (hopping like a frog) and squats (bending knees). I did the workout three times over without stopping and feel confident I could have done at least another round. Bonus? The kiddo is passed out right now after two days of not taking a nap! 

What workouts have you found that are perfect for snow days?

Week 12: Happy New Year

I ran 7.5 miles this week!

437.67 miles to go.

So I finally bit the bullet and ran on a treadmill this week. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would (based upon past experiences). I went into the gym with a completely different mindset this time. Here's what I did:

• 5 minute warm up at jogging pace
• Every 5 minutes go 0.5 mph faster until you reach your "sprint" mode
• Sprint for as long as you can, aiming for 10-20 minutes
• Every 5 minutes go 0.5 mph slower until you are back at your jogging pace
• 5 minutes jogging cool down 

My goal is to spend a longer and longer amount of time at the sprint stage of my run. Also, I recommend at least a 1.5 or 2.0 incline. I'd hate to spend time running flat inside only to get outside for my races this spring and die because there actually are hills in Indiana.

Today, it's -10 degrees outside. Yeah, I won't be running outside or at the gym for a day or two! In the meantime, however, I've found a good work out to supplement (but not totally replace running) called the Home Boot Camp. 

Stay warm!!!

Running for something

Even though I've set this lofty goal of running 500 miles, I still need something to motivate me to actually get out and get moving. Last week, I registered for the Carmel Marathon (mini) in April and the first-ever Noblesville Mini Marathon in May.

I'm excited to run two new races, two completely new courses, this year. I had thought about doing the 500 Festival Mini or Geist Mini again but after hearing about the new Noblesville race, I knew it was time to do something different.

If you don't think you could ever run a 5K, 10K or further the best thing you can do is register for one. Pay for your bib and mark the calendar. Trust me, you'll surprise yourself. You can do it, you just need to make it official and sign up for a race. It gives you better motivation than any weight loss goal or New Year's resolution.

Here's a goal for you: Don't be a statistic. Don't be one of the hundred of thousands (if not millions) of people who join a gym this month and then give up before April. Register for an early spring race and get outside and run. Don't let the cold weather stop you... just be smart. Wear reflective clothing, dress warmly, use a runner's light when needed, and don't run in a blizzard on a country road. Be smart.

Here's a great article from Runner's World on what to wear when it's cold out whether you live in Indiana or California.