day 143 (day 3 / week 21)

I'm so proud of myself. Today I went for a walk/jog, but I went on my 3.18 mile route (according to sparkpeople's fitness map tracker), that I usually power walk with the Monkey Boy. I was able to complete the entire thing in under 50 minutes (48 to be exact) taking 12 minutes off of my normal time...but I didn't have a monkey boy or a stroller this time and I jogged some of it (although very slowly).

I am definitely able to jog for longer periods now. Today I didn't focus on running for a given amount of time, but I would make visual goals--run to the bus stop, run to the tree around the bend, etc. I am taking it really slow, being careful not to go fast, but to mind my form, and make sure that my feet are landing properly, that I'm not slouching, my pelvis is slightly tilted forward, that my stomach is tight and I am engaging my muscles. This all sounds a lot easier than it is, coming from the girl that trips over air when chewing gum. Man! mental coordination mixed with physical, is hard for me! lol.

I don't have a picture from my bowl from last night, but I think I will have it in a few weeks--it needs to be fired and all of that good stuff.

Hope you all have a relaxed weekend!

Oh! One more thing that I have been meaning to share. When I started trying to jog about a week ago, I became aware of something that I am constantly reminded of, and it gives me HUGE strength, confidence and faith that I can do this. I took a picture of it:


His word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). God is the strength under my feet, He guides my way and supports every step I take. I just thought that was so awesome, and IS so awesome that I am continually reminded of that, because of the cross on the sole of each of my shoes. :) :) :).

On a different note, (not taking anything away from what I just said), but aren't my new running shoes cute? lol

Make today count! It's so worth it!

I can do this. I am a star.

UPDATE: I just got finished mowing a REALLY long lawn (unfortunately ours) with a push mower! 45 minutes burning roughly 385 calories (according to sparkpeople). :) :)

day 139 (day 6 / week 20)

I am so proud of myself! I woke up at 6am and had eaten some yogurt, drank some water, gotten dressed and was ready to go jogging by 6:30, so that I could make sure that I was home before my hubby left for work at 7:15.

I stretched outside a little bit and left my driveway at 6:46am. I jogged for 1 minute, and walked for 1 minute, keeping my heart rate between 150-160 (walking) and 160-170 (jogging). I stepped foot back into my driveway at 7:16am, so I did 2-15 minute miles!

I tried to be mindful of my form, although I still haven't been able to get my grubby hands on a ChiRunning video yet. I've just seen some snip-its from youtube, but it's hard I think without someone helping me. I'll get it down soon enough. When I felt like I wasn't pain free, I would stop and just walk--luckily enough, I felt good today! There weren't any barking ants following me this time either, or the last time I jogged, but lemme tell ya, they were everywhere the first day though...(lol).

When I got home I stretched really well. I put on my 15 minute stretching video, Slim & Limber (Slim in 6) and it felt GREAT. After I stretched I grabbed my hand weights and did 2 sets of 2o arm curls, 2 set of 20 over head press, and 2 set of 20 one-arm dumbbell rows (back/shoulder and bicep day) with my 5# hand weights.

It feels like a real sense of accomplishment to try to do this. Knowing that someday in the next few months, I will be able to run this whole thing, really motivates me! Heck, 5 months ago I couldn't do a jumping jack or jog in place. Today I jogged for at least 15 minutes--outside, in public, no less!

My MIL really blessed me by buying me these shoes for mother's day also. They have really helped me to step up to the next fitness level. They are actual Nike Running shoes (Nike Run) so they are made for what I'm doing (I would love to go get fitted for some running shoes someday, but we just can't afford it right now), AND they cute on top of it--black and silver with a pink logo :).

Anyway enough of that. Gotta go jump in the shower and start the day!

Hope you all have a great one! Make it count!

I can do this. I am a star!

day 138 (day 5 / week 20)

I can't believe it's Monday again. My weekends usually go by pretty slowly because I procrastinate with exercise with my hubby around. I went jogging first thing in the morning, so the day's just flew by.

I love this new found strength that I have found with getting outside and making a big effort to jog (although I do power-walk a big portion of the time). I decided today, though, to take it easy, and give my body a rest, to see if it has anything to say about this new high impact exercise (compared to what I have been doing). I did Slim in 6's Slim & 6pack and Slim & Limber, and will probably go for a long walk with Logan today, to see where this road goes to that I have been turning off of for the past 2 days.

Yesterday Ellie mentioned a few things for me to check out in regards to running again, and I am so excited about one in particular--ChiRunning. It's a philosophy that my previous running partner used to talk about a lot, but I never knew the name of. Reading about it yesterday brought a flood of memories back.

ChiRunning.com explains more to give you an idea of what ChiRunning is:

ChiRunning combines the inner focus and flow of T'ai Chi with the power and energy of running to create a revolutionary running form and philosophy that takes the pounding, pain, and potential damage out of the sport of running. The ChiRunning program increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns running into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well-being.

I went to youtube and watched a few videos from people that swear by this technique and philosophy and I am excited! I am going to take it one day at a time and not push too hard to avoid injuries. Once I get the form/technique down, and have it down, I will start running really slow, to practice and practice that. Then I will focus on some of the training aspects for a new runner that Ellie also mentioned from CoolRunning.com, and apply ChiRunning to that. There is a whole section just for new runners, including the couch-to-5k running plan.

I feel so blessed that you guys are out there cheering for me and helping me with this goal! I have learned so much through you guys and I wish I could just give you all a hug! I'm just so excited with all of the potential I see, and it's because of you guys and your support (and of course our Saviour!).

I will update my labels to reflect the other exercises I do today. Yesterday I did some general swimming for about 20 minutes, so I am just going to add that to today's labels (it's easier for me).

Hope you all have a great day! Make it count!

I can do this. I am a star!