Day 7 - Shoes and end of week one

While I'm feeling like I'm a bit behind on sleep, I'm still trying to make sure that I keep with the schedule for the Couch to 5K. Today, since I had some time, I went to Playmakers to get some shoes. I was able to get some sale shoes - so that worked out well!

Today's stats:

2.5 miles

37:31 minutes

234 calories

4.0 miles/hr

So, in week one, I ended up walking/jogging 8.64 miles. I haven't had any pains other than the normal "I really am not used to any sort of exercise" effects on my body. I've been running a little bit during the week, but only in short spurts. And, somehow, I was able to stay in a decent amount of calories and not go over.

I know I'm going to have some challenges in week two, since my schedule might be a little difficult to follow. So, I just have to make sure that I make it a priority.

Days 5 & 6 - Oh boy...

Yesterday, I did a walk/jog for Day 5. I had a committee meeting and then had trivia later, so I ended up going to the Lansing City Market to catch the River Trail.

1.92 miles

26:43 minutes

179 calories

4.3 miles/hr

Today is Day 6. Between long hours at work, making sure I stick with the Couch to 5K and a lack of sleep, I am looking forward to having most of the weekend to catch up on sleep and clean the apartment a bit. My body is a bit exhausted, and I'm trying to get used to being a bit sore.

I'll finish week 1 of the Couch to 5K tomorrow with another 1.5 mile walk/jog and then start week 2 with a 30-60 minute walk. I'm hoping the weather is somewhat decent over the weekend.

Eventually, the food intake will have to be addressed, because I seem to be going through a junk food phase right now. But, that's for another time.

Day 4 - One thing at a time...

As I've been trying to get into the habit of walking/running with the Couch to 5K program, I also downloaded an app to my phone called MyFitnessPal. It's a way to keep track of what I'm eating and where my calories are coming from, and also a weight loss management tool. It tells you how you'd do in 5 weeks if every day were like today.

Well...while I'm doing well on the walking/running part so far, the food part is not coming together. I'm doing fine for a 2,000 calorie diet, but not so much for the target 1,600 they have me at.

But, I'm ok with that. I've decided I can only focus on creating one habit at a time.

Now, I just need to figure out how to get music on my phone...

Day 3 - Leaving the apartment complex

So, today was Day 3 of my Couch to 5K. Yesterday was a rest day.

Days 3, 5 and 7 call for 1.5 miles running. Unfortunately, I don't think I am quite ready for running that much yet, so I mostly walked and alternated some jogging (though minimal and more like "plodding"). I actually went 2.1 miles today and LEFT THE APARTMENT COMPLEX!

Today's stats:

2.11 miles

31:45 minutes

15:03 minutes/mile

197 calories

4.0 miles/hr

I noticed on the first workout I had, I logged it wrong, and the calories should have been lower. I'm testing a few different apps on my phone to keep track of stuff and hopefully will settle on one soon.

I have a feeling Thursday is going to be tough. I'm hoping to make my comeback to yoga tomorrow night (barring any issues). But after sitting down after tonight's workout, I could feel how tired I was. But, that's two days from now...

It's been awhile...

So, it's been almost a year since the last time I wrote on this blog. Lots of things have happened between then and now (like getting a job, getting a new to me car and other stuff). But I come back today because I'm starting a new adventure.

Today was the first day of my "Couch to 5K" effort.

This was the first week schedule I've been given:

Week 1 Dist /Time Training Effort
Day 1 20-50 min Walk Easy
Day 2 Rest or short walk Walk Easy
Day 3 1.5 miles / 2.4k Run Easy
Day 4 Rest or short walk Walk Easy
Day 5 1.5 miles / 2.4k Run Easy
Day 6 Rest None None
Day 7 1.5 miles / 2.4k Run Easy

I decided to start today because it works well with my schedule for the week. Things have been crazy at work and I've been working a lot of hours, and in addition, have lot of other stuff going on. I need to somehow remember to take time out for me.

I downloaded an app called Endomondo to my phone, and it keeps track of distance, time, calories, avg. pace and the like. So, for today's results from my walk:

2.10 miles

34:19 minutes

16:20 minutes/mile

258 calories

Stuck

This week has been similar to last week - feeling a bit stuck. However, there's been a bit of forward movement. My apartment looks a bit less cluttered and I got rid of a lot of stuff.

But as I get on the scale each morning, I'm noticing a trend - I'm hovering around 170, +/-1. Huh, that seems like it could be a political poll result. The interesting thing about this revelation is that so far, I'm ok with it. I know I need to get back to riding my bike and going to yoga, but other than that, I'm not freaking out that I'm not losing anything (I think I'm a bit happy I'm not gaining anything!).

So - the question I've been trying to answer is how to get motivated. I don't have the freaking out motivation to lose weight (by getting on the bike, etc.), but I want to start being active again...so says my brain.

I also need motivation to clean my apartment more (finally started again this week), submit even more job applications (I feel like it's never enough, especially lately) and I need to start being more productive with my time (instead of wasting away online doing NOTHING).

As I'm on my search for motivation - where do you find yours?

Things I've learned while unemployed...

It's funny - I thought about writing this blog post earlier today, but time didn't allow me too. Though, it seems quite appropriate to write after today's events.

Without further ado - things I've learned while unemployed:

- The mounds of stuff in my apartment doesn't decrease, no matter how much stuff I throw out!

- Somehow, no matter what, parents are always there for you.

- Sometimes, crappy stuff happens, but it could have been worse.

- It's not easy to be without your car.

- I need a routine!

- You have to trust the right thing is happening, regardless of how horrible it feels.

- Sometimes, the people you think will be there won't; sometimes help comes from unexpected places.

- I love my dog more than she can comprehend. She's a good listener.

- It's still my duty to help my community no matter what is going on with me.

It all may not be much, but it's something. There's a lot of things to learn from experiences in life, and I'm at least trying to make lemonade out of lemons.