Warning! You are about to read some complaining. Some major complaining.
Week 5 has come and gone. All I want is a pedicure. I haven't had one since before Christmas and It's killing me. I usually go every week or every two weeks. My feet look disgusting and are peeling and callused and just gross. Oh yeah, two of my toenails have fallen off completely and most of my other toenails have cracked. I wasn't expecting that this early in the game. Thank goodness it isn't sandal season.
I am very disappointed with my progress in the running department. I keep expecting my legs to catch up with me and carry me a little further each time, but it just isn't happening. I know I haven't been doing this long, but COME ON!! When will I be able to make some progress? It's getting a little annoying. AND I haven't lost a single pound. Not one. I haven't gained anything, but still I was hoping to drop at least 5-10 pounds the first month. Grrrr. Damn it.
As far as the whole running thing goes I am getting frustrated. My feet continue to bother me. I have had plantar faciitis for a long time. My right foot still bothers me regularly, but doesn't keep me from exercising like it use to. Now my feet have a new little trick they are trying out on me. They cramp up and even though my legs might be able to carry me for another 45 seconds (which is kinda of a lot for me), I have to lower the speed and walk it off for another 30 seconds or so, sometimes stopping all together and stretching each foot. I know this is a lot for my body to get use to, but I was really hoping to log my first continuous mile this week. I am disappointed.
As a result of the foot cramp issues, I have been spending as much time as I can stand on the treadmill then heading into the cycling studio and grinding away on one of the bikes for the remainder of the workout and concentrating on keeping my heart rate in the right zone. This is also keeping me from getting bored, which is good. I have set a new personal record for sticking with something. Usually I only make it about 3 weeks.
Personal Training: Going well. Getting stronger. Dead lifts are very heavy and push ups are very hard, even when those push ups are against a wall. Squats are like a nightmare. Planks are getting easier. We started doing box jumps this week. Yuck yuck and more yuck on those. There is a lot of lead in my butt. Even with all those negative statements, I actually really enjoy my sessions. I think I am enjoying this more because it has been easier to track my progress. I have lost 1 inch off my waist. I guess that is something to be happy about. Especially because I have only be ADDING inches to my waist over the years. :) 1 point for Hilaree!
I had a major moment of weakness last weekend. I was in Bethesda getting my hair done. Well, Dry Bar, my hair place, is right next door to Georgetown Cupcakes. If you ever have the opportunity to stop by one of these cupcake shops do not pass it up! The Vanilla Squared is to die for. I went in and was going to get just one. After all, I had survived my 80 minute workout that morning. Well, It happened to be 30 minutes before closing so all the cupcakes were half price. I bought four. Yes, four. I enjoyed ever last crumb of each of them. The guilt from that has carried through the rest of the week, but it was worth it.
Lessons learned:
1. I am starting to like my weight training workouts.
2. I miss drinking beer. I haven't had one since Christmas.
3. Vitamins that contain stimulants don't work for me. The racing heart rate and excessive sweating were kind of terrifying. No more GNC Be Hot vitapacks for me.
4. Running dreams have stopped recently. Kind of a bummer. I liked to see what Dream Runner Hilaree was up to.
5. I hate that there are full length mirrors all over the gym. It makes me self conscious.
Thanks for keeping up with me. I almost forgot: no one has confessed to sending me my care package. If you must stay silent I'm ok with that. Thanks again! Looking forward to your feedback. Have a great week.
I use to hate running. My thighs touched, feet hurt, I worried about what people thought of me as I ran by. Stop checking the scale, your totally losing weight if you're measuring your waist. But don't give up and enjoy yourself! Damn straight have a cupcake. You're doing an awesome job!! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Rach! I am glad someone can relate. I am constantly worrying about how I look while I am trudging along, constantly pulling at my top and wondering "are my bobs bouncing too much? does my put look huge? suck it in, hilaree SUCK IT IN!" ha ha haha. Thanks for following along.
DeleteI have a confession.
ReplyDeleteToday is the first day that I have read your blog. And I LOVE it!
A great blend of raw emotion, wittiness, and a dash of feistiness I like to call fire. :)
This fire I speak of, my dear Hilaree, is what WILL carry you through the process of realizing your 2 goals.
Now that I am all caught up from "It...a Resolution" to Week 5, I promise to be a loyal reader and supporter. My offer still stands to fly-in for race day to cheer you on. So the question I am dying to know the answer to is, what 1/2 in April are you signed up for?!? I am so excited for you that my stitches are on the verge of bursting! :)
On that note, when I initially heard you were starting this new challenge, I thought to myself "What do I wish I had while training for my first 1/2 marathon?" My conclusion: Body Glide and a superb hydration bottle.
Body Glide not only for chafing, (Your armpits, ta ta's, and inner thighs will thank you for this later.) but also used for blister prevention on your feet. You may feel a little silly while first applying it, it looks as if you are putting clear deodorant on, but I am telling you this stuff has magical powers. Let me say that again. Magical powers. I concentrate on the sides near my toes in addition to a sweep across the tops where the nail ends. The Body Glide should also take care of your peeling and calluses too. Blisters, in my opinion, are a runner's worst enemy. As debilitating as any injury. Therefore, Body Glide to the rescue!
The Nathan Quickdraw bottle is my favorite non-backpack hydration piece of gear to date. This little gem has a place for an id, credit card, $, etc and is essentially water proof. It even held up to my summer sweat sessions in Dubai; so I am sure it shall function just as well for you during the spring showers in Baltimore.
(*Tip* During the hot months, the night before a run, I fill the bottle up with H2O, drop in a nuun, and place it in the freezer. The quality of your run shoots up exponentially.)
One more note on feet/ toenail issues:
I am sure you have already read this, but I think it is worth reinforcing. Proper fitting footwear and short toenails are essential.
Each time I go in for a pedicure I ask to have my nails clipped. Inevitably they look at me like I have 5 heads, but [knock on wood] I have not had a toenail fall off yet. So if toenail length is not causing your problem, the next culprit I would look at is the shoes. Even the best pair of compatible Asics can be a hinderance [to more than just the feet] if they are not the correct size. :) Just something to think about..
And finally, KUDOS TO YOU! You have persevered through five weeks! Celebrate the small victories. Look at how far you have come. Not how far you have not. Remember your fire. And please__ do__ not__ feel_ guilty_ about_ the_ cupcakes.
Wow, Paula! Thanks so much for following along and thinking about realistic things I would need along the way! I have used them both every day since they arrived and I completely agree- Body Glide has magical powers! The race I am attempting is the Athleta IronGirl 1/2 Marathon in Columbia, MD. It's on April 28. Here is the website: http://www.tricolumbia.org/events/?eid=12. I must say, I was very excited to see my name on the roster!
DeleteHow are you doing with your recovery? Keep me posted!
You are sooooooooo welcome! I love surprises!
ReplyDeleteI checked out the website for your race, and I must say I am absolutely giddy with joy about your endeavor. The all female contender field for your 1st 1/2 marathon is an excellent choice. Even Joan Benoit-Samuelson said "When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers."
Thank you for inquiring about my recovery. I had a couple of setbacks last week, but remain optimistic I will come back physically and spiritually stronger than before the brain surgery. :) Yesterday, I was able to walk a few kilometers on the treadmill which is huge progress.
As I was walking, I thought of a concept I would like to share with you. Please let me preface by saying that you have probably received advice from everybody and their dog; in addition to doing your own homework [on the subject]. At this stage of the game, you might want to consider focusing on time rather than miles. Many coaches use this strategy with first time runners, and I have personally found success with this plan when training for past marathons. Get used to being on your feet for extended periods of time. Then everything else will follow. Guaranteed.
...can't wait to see Dream Runner Hilaree come alive! :)
I am so glad you are recovering! You are right, you will definitely be stronger for it. I have no doubt about that.
DeleteOne of the trainers at the gym who I had never really spoken with before noticed me struggling the other day and he stopped me and he suggested much the same thing regarding shooting for duration instead of distance. He also said to "get off the treadmill" and get moving outside which I am still a little to scared to do. The treadmill is kind of a security blanket for me. Another thing he suggested was to try to take shorten my intervals. I have been trying to jog for as long as possible, recover, then repeat. He suggested cutting it down to 2 minute jog, 45 second walks, and repeat to try to strengthen my feet while trying to avoid the cramping. Hopefully that will get me moving for a longer period of time overall and help with endurance. Who knows!!! This whole thing is like trial and error. The worst thing that could happen is that I reestablish some sort of an exercise routine. Based on how sedentary i have been over the last 5 years that is a huge accomplishment in itself!
Thanks for keeping up and hang in there!! Can't wait to hear about your next race. You'll be there before you know it!