Week 6

I haven't been running as much as I wanted to. Granted, the painful knee and later severe backtrouble didn't help at all. But, brave as I was, tried it again earlier this week, because I noticed how much I missed running.
Funny how it seemed such an effort in the beginning and I would never have guessed then, that I would actually be looking forward to my daily run.

As I still didn't have a clue how far I'm running, Miguel and I started doing laps around the Feria-market yesterday. We measured the distance by car first and it turns out to be 500 meters all the way round. I ran 4 laps! 2 km might not seem a lot now, but it's good to know how far I can run without being exhausted. The only problem with it was... It's so damn boring! Definitely prefer the beach or pineforest...

Talking of which...gotta run!

Week 5

News from the Marathon committee. It's not looking good. There is no half marathon in February. Why didn't I check this out before?
So I won't be running in February at all, because attempting a full marathon right now would be suicide.

But I do want to continue training for the full marathon in November next year. Long way to go, but plenty of time as well. As far as my running goes.. it's allright. I'm not doing any more or less than last week, mainly because I've had pain in both my knees, so I had to keep quiet for a few days. But at least I can run a good half hour without getting too exhausted, which is good.

The weather hasn't been exactly helping either, it's been extremely windy (go figure, living close to the beach) and I was forced to run on my tredmill, which I find extremely boring as I can not do anything but stare at how many minutes I've ran, how far I ran and how many calories I burnt.. 25 mins = 2.0 km = 105 cal.
It's cool to know that, but I love being outside. I think actually today I will cycle for a bit, as the weather is gorgeous and I need to break down my running routine, too minimize kneedamage.

Week 4

So no news from the Marathon committee yet. Which means either my question was really stupid (or poorly written) or the're just being Andalucians... which means either very slow or they don't have any answers themselves yet.

I didn't run every day last week, maybe 5 out of 7 days, which still isn't bad. I do have a nagging pain in both my knees, which I try to sooth with homeotherapy massageliquid and icepacks. But honestly, I can't complain. I run 30 mins. or more without feeling too tired.

The best thing about this running 'experiment' is that I literally see my body change. I am getting thinner! Miguel even commented how my behind is getting tighter! Yeay! I feel good!

Whatever happens, 1/2 marathon or not, I will continue because it's addicting. It's not easy at times and I do have moments of wanting to give up. Especially when I see Miguel jogging in front of me and I seem to keep shuffling behind further and further away. I get angry at my body because it doesn't keep up with Miguel.
And yesterday, when I ran alone because Miguel was sick (running and sweating + chilly wind = cold&coughing) I was fine. I kept my own pace, and didn't have to focuss on Miguel being faster than me. I know it's not a competition, but stil. :-)

So this week, it's all about running faster, speeding up a bit. I wish I knew how to avoid these painfull knees though...

Week 3

I decide to change from daily updates, to weekly updates.

On Sunday, I didn't run, I was exhausted thanks to having to work throughout the weekend. Resting for a day made me feel great and ran 16 mins. straight on Monday. Today (Tuesday) I ran alone, as it was Miguels turn to be exhausted. Am proud to say I ran 20 mins (in slo-mo).
Shock horror, I'm finding out there is no such thing as half a marathon in Sevilla in Februari. Very uncool to say the least, especially as I was hoping to run together with my friend Paige from NYC. But I contacted the Marathon-committee and hopefully I will have answers soon. Nevertheless, I feel like I should keep that goal in mind and continue to train for the NYC marathon.

Day 12

Running on the beach for the first time. And running non-stop for 10 minutes, which is the most until now.
It was great. The sand makes it more difficult to run, but the view was amazing (close to sunset). After the 10 minutes, I walked the rest of the track back home.

Day 11

No running today. Was swamped with work, so I skipped this day. Wasn't happy about it, but most running schedules give 1 day off, so I decided that would be today.

Day 10

I ran for 30 seconds, thanks to monthly pains... So I didn't run much. The first day is always the most painful.
So I walked stubbornly, ignoring the pain. I wanted to excercise no mather what. Walking did last for around an hour. I was angry at my body for standing in my way. And sincerly hoping this doesn't happen on the big running day.

Day 9

Success!! Even though I woke up this morning with sore calve muscles, I ran further than yesterday. The burning calves came again, but later during my run. Miguel went jogging ahead, while I caught my breath. Then decided to sprint for a bit. Great feeling! my body already feels so much more powerful. I generally feel better. I do think I should take up some kind of strength training, to generate stronger muscles and improve my indurance.

Day 8

Yeay! Today we ran far more than I could have imagined. I guess every time we do progress a little more. I'm catching my breath far quicker than ever before. I had to stop running, because my calves were tightening up. That was the weirdest sensation ever! I wasn't tired of running, but my legs just gave. Numb calves it is...

After walking for a bit, it went away again and we continued.
This is so cool!

Day 7

Sunday we ran a little less than I had expected. I blame it on not running yesterday, but Miguel insists it's good to let your muscles rest once in a while. It didn't help either that we saw friends after our warming up, which meant 15 minutes of just standing and talking...

Again, dissapointed with myself... but the main part is that I did do some running today, and tomorrow I will be able to run even more. It strikes me how Miguel doesn't seem to have any problems, or he's just not showing me.

Day 6

It's Saturday and I didn't run. Not intentionally, but it just didn't happen today. I did clean the house for a workout. Does that count?
Anyway... new day tomorrow...

Day 5

Today I'm even happier.

I have zero muscle pain AND ran 2 kilometers in 2 parts, only walking a little bit in between. The human body never seizes to amaze me, especially mine. How much can be accomplished in such little time. I notice how my breathing isn't so heavy anymore, how I recover faster after a run and generally feel fitter. Only after 5 days!
I'm starting to think, that maybe it isn't so impossible after all.

And that I must read this blog, day no. 5 when I feel like giving in.

Day 4

Yeay! I ran.

After yesterdays set-back, I felt totally renewed. Not having to asked anything from my legs for a day really made a difference.
I was worried I would have to start all over, but I found it easier to run, pushing myself even further. For experienced runners this might mean nothing, but I was kinda pleased with myself.
If I think about running for 5 hours straight... it's something I cannot imagine myself doing.

Maybe I shouldn't think so much...

Oh, and Miguels knee is much better, yeay for icepacks and a days rest! He really motivates me, and makes sure I keep going when I think I can't.

Day 3

Ups.. yeah.. so I kinda didn't run today.

I couldn't neither. My legs just aren't moving. Every attempt to movement involving legs is painfull and difficult.
I feel embarrassed, only to semi-quit after day 2, but I decided a days rest couldn't hurt that much, right?

Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully a better one.

Day 2

Ouch. My upper leg muscles are still sore from yesterday. And look at the amount of time I ran... Uff. This is not going to be easy.
I did run a quite a bit more than yesterday on the way, but I walked all the way back. My muscles are even more sore now.
I felt a little discouraged during my run, knowing this is going to be more difficult than I expected. But I've decided not to give up or go crazy. I'm going to continue and build up slowly. After all, an injury could set me back hugely. (the expert talking here...)

Oh, and I'm in need of a watch, so I can time my jogs better. Miguel hurt his knee slightly.

Day 1

I was actually a little nervous to start running today. Like it's the start of something big. I have no specific timetable or schedule set up. I'm hoping to develop one as I move forward and apart from pushing myself further everyday, I also hope to listen to my body.
Walking/jogging time was around 50 minutes. I walked more than I jogged, my stamina is a lot better when it comes to bicycle riding. I do enjoy the scenery while I exercise, but that shouldn't be my priority.

I'm glad Miguel is training with me, this will really motivate me.