I'm Back - and lighter than before

So, although I've neglected this blog since May, I am happy to report that I have NOT neglected myself - I have remained on WW, taking a a break now and then, and have continued with the RYBO program, advancing to Stage 9 of the program.  This means that during my "training runs,"  I now walk for 1 minute, run for 9 minutes, repeating this sequence two more times, ending with three minutes of walking for a total workout time of 33 minutes, 27 of which is running.  In this time, I am covering between 2.7 and 3 miles, depending on how I'm feeling that day and/or the route I take. 

I spent the summer diligently running, and in July I attempted another 5K.  This was a race that I had run before, so I was not unfamiliar with the terrain.  I knew about the hills/steady inclines, and I anticipated that, per ususal, it would be HOT out there - and it was.  Throughout the race I perservered, and really "went the distance," (cliche I know, but it fits).  I took only one walking break, in response to a nagging stitch in my side that just wouldn't quit.  After mile 2 on the course, I was proud of myself for the first time in a long time - and I felt strong.  I didn't break any records that day - not even my own.  I finished in 36:39, and ran at an 11:50 pace, but the point was that I finished, and ran longer and farther than I had in a long time.  At that point, I had only advanced to Stage 7 in the RYBO program.  I was really challenging myself, and in doing so, I boosted my confidence, and my strengthened my desire to continue with the RYBO training program.

The summer came and went, and I kept running.  On October 1st, I signed-up for another 5K - a 5K Fitness Challenge.  The course included paved and dirt roads, and treacherous wooded trails, complete with tree roots, rocks, and wet, slippery leaves.  This was different than anything I had ever done before - even in my "hey-day" when I was in top physical shape.  What a workout it was.  Trail running is a totally different experience than being out on the streets.  Beautiful scenery, fresh air, but hazardous to your health if you don't watch where you're going.  During my training runs, I always remain focused on an object in the distance - this, for me, really helps me maintain good running posture.  This strategy is NOT an option on a trail run, unless you're feeling very lucky.  I found myself staring down at my feet, watching for little obstacles in my way, and dodging them as neatly and quickly as I could.  Only once did I stumble over some immovable object that was camoflaged by a blanket of fall leaves.  I recovered quickly though, and went on to "sprint" through mud, and scale the steepest hill I had ever encountered on a race course.  When I crossed the finish line, I was covered in mud and elated to learn that I had complete the course in 33:23 - in spite of the additional obstacles that I encoutered, I maintained a 10:46 pace - and I ran the entire time.

Unfortunately, as luck would have it, for the past several weeks I've been out of commission.  I sustained some form of an injury to my right ankle (possibly the result of my stumble on the trail run).  Sprain or stress fracture, I don't know...but I used an immobilization boot for a week, since walking without pain was not possible.  In addition, I had a surgical procedure (not related to my ankle injury) which has further extended the length of my hiatus.  Following doctor's orders, I will not be running until the third week of November.  This means I'll be taking a total of seven weeks off from the sport with which I have fallen so in love.  I feel like I'm going through a break up.  But I'm not drowning my sorrows in ice cream or chocolate.  As I count down the days, I am doing all I can to maintain a healthy diet until I can start running again.  As it so happens, I had registered for a 5K being held in November, before I knew that I would be taking such an extended time off from training.  It so happens that the race is being held on the first weekend I can officially start running again.  So, I'm going to get out there and give it a go, taking it VERY easy - it will be my way of celebrating my return to the sport.  I don't plan on running for time though - just to feel the street beneath my feet.  I already paid the entry fee, so why not?

Finally, I'll mention that since starting this whole process of reinventing myself, I have lost 10.2 lbs.  But that's nothing compared with the amount of confidence I've gained.  Til' next time - happy trails.

Week 2 and WW - May, 2011

So, finally, I've taken the leap and gone on to the "Week 2 Workout" in RYBO.  This has consisted of walking for four minutes/jogging (no faster than your walking pace) for one minute.  So far, so good.  I was having horrible shin splints when I first started out, but after seeking advice from seasoned runners, I have learned that all I needed to do was change my running route (and "ice, ice baby!").  Typically, I hit the streets in my neighborhood, but as I reside in a notoriously "hilly" section of my city,  I had to find an alternative.  Fortunately, there is a beautful "rail trail" in a neighboring community not too far from where I live.  This trail is TOTALLY flat, not to mentioned tree-lined and traffic-free.  Shin splint problem = solved. 

As far as dieting, well, I'm down nearly 4lbs.  I can't remember the last time that I had success with a weight loss effort.  I have joined and been using the Weight Watchers Points Plus Program in addition to following the RYBO exercise program.  The weight loss has been gratifying - but even more so, is how I feel after a walk/run.   I really think that I'm Finally hitting my stride.

This is a post that I completed in May 2011 that I neglected to post.  Since I'm back to blog a little more, I thought I'd post this and move on from here.