I/O Geek

After C25K - have not ran a mile

2008-10-13T14:34:00.002+02:00

I have not been doing any running after graduating. No running at all!

I have been fighting a bad cold for two weeks now and I've been terribly busy at work and in the rest of my personal life. And for the next few weeks to come, it doesn't look like I can squeeze it in at all. Plus it's starting to get chilly up here. I am absolutely broke for the next few months, so no money to spend on decent running clothes.

So it looks like I'm going to have restart C25K all over again when it is all over. I'm not happy with how it has been going, but I keep telling myself I at least graduated it once and that there is hope for me for the future.

I wish I could have written that everything rocks and I'm going strong. But hey I need to prioritize and right now getting my life in order is higher up on the list than losing a few pounds.

New me - additional thought

2008-10-06T15:55:00.002+02:00

Could it just be that this weight is my body's happy weight? I have always been padded (I'm not even considered chubby) and have never been lighter than this after puberty.

New me

2008-10-06T10:43:00.002+02:00

So today I was thinking about the differences between the old and the new me.

Even though I went from no exercise to running three times a week and staying on the healthy diet I've had for years now, I have not lost a single pound. I even gained three pounds.

It's something I'm not really happy about, since I started the running experiment to lose those last few pounds around the thighes and ass. I'm not overweight, my BMI is considered 'normal', though in the higher range, but I really want to get rid of the 'jiggly' bits.

So far no good.

I still mostly look the same, my posture is slightly better and I swear my tummy is slightly flatter. But my legs. Some big sighs of frustration there. They're the same, they just look a little bigger even because I've developed muscles underneath the jiggly stuff.

It makes me miserable to not see any progress there (even though I've probably made some).

Other than that, I physically feel better. I feel better about myself and about my body. Hey at least now I have the excuse of "well I DO run 15 km a week!" I radiate more confidence. I feel sexier.

But it is still frustrating that I have only gotten heavier.

W9D3 - I graduated

2008-09-27T20:14:00.002+02:00

I was so happy yesterday, I stuck it out, I finally completed a program I started. I have been jogging for almost three months, I can't believe how time flies!

The run went okay, I was really tired and almost couldn't keep it up, but I kept chanting "Come on, you can do it, it's graduation day, come on, you gotta blog about this later'. That kept me going, I even kept going for a minute after the BEEP.

I had some other things eating up my time yesterday, so sorry I didn't let you all know right away. Big thanks to everyone who gave me encouragement and support, you can find links to their blogs in my fellow runner's section on the right (I'm coming down with a bad bad cold and am a lazy blogwriter for not linking inline I know I know). Thanks Richard, Gary, Melly, Batman (wow, that sure sounds funny in there), CMB and anyone I may have missed. Couldn't have done it without you.

Plans for now is a one week break. Mostly because I'll be really really busy at work and this cold is becoming quite the nuisance.

After that I'm going to do two interval days a week and one "long run". I love doing the intervals. I haven't exactly thought how to divide them yet, I might make them 'natural' and do what my body feels like doing. The first three weeks I'm holding on to my regular route for timing and distance purposes, after that I'm going to try to increase my mileage.

Thanks again everyone -toasts cheap wine to celebrate-

W9D2 - I tried to be a morning runner

2008-09-24T12:23:00.003+02:00

Well wishfully I had set my alarm to 5am this morning to try and do my run in the morning. I got up grumbling after two snoozes, had a quick cup of tea and a banana. Changed into my running clothes and got out of the door by 5.25am. Enough time for warmup, 30 minute run, cooldown, stretching and a hot shower.

It was hard! I had a lot of trouble keeping my pace steady and ended up running two intervals one of 12 minutes and one of 15 minutes. I was exhausted when I got home. I cooked up some breakfast right away because I was starving. Had some oatmeal and an apple, only after that did I feel energetic enough to hop into the shower.

Being a morning-before-breakfast runner really isn't for me, my energy levels are way off in the morning, I need a good breakfast and I need my food to settle before I run.

Nice attempt to rearrange my schedule, though it failed.

W9D1 - Yay!

2008-09-21T10:15:00.002+02:00

I'm a 30 minute runner now!

I figured with the week break that I'd have trouble today, but I didn't. With the help of music and lovely though cold weather I was fine. It's actually easier to run when it's only 45F out than I thought. I was worried I'd get cold, but no where near that.

The main advantage was that I didn't need to stop running because I got too hot. I had that problem a few runs when it was around 80F, I just had to stop running because my body was just overheating.

One down, two more to go!

Life's looking up

2008-09-19T10:19:00.003+02:00

After a good long talk with my parents and my brother they've decided to loan me and Steve the money for plane ticket. I'm gonna see him at Christmas and New Years, I'm going to Florida for two weeks!

I can't express in words how incredibly happy and grateful I am to my family. They are awesome, my life would probably be at rock bottom without their love and support. My parents and brother don't know about this blog, but if they happen to run across this, thank you, for everything!

My abcess is calming down nicely and is no longer painful, so I'm gonna try to do a run on Saturday. Just a repeat of W8, unless I can of course keep it up two minutes extra. I'll keep you posted.

And thank you all too for the support in running, the comments always cheer me on and keep up my spirits

Leave of abce(ss)nce

2008-09-17T13:24:00.002+02:00

I've had problems with chronic abcesses in my loins since I was in my teens. Some periods it's absolutely gone and sometimes a huge abcess appears and gets infected.

Yay me!

Just walking and driving hurts right now and agitates the abcess further, so I'm gonna have to lay low till it's healing. I ignored pains and problems with a few in the past and they've taught me that it will only take longer to heal and will scar. A lot.

And just in the last week of the program too.

W8D3 - Running of frustration

2008-09-16T08:07:00.002+02:00

I wasn't planning on running last night. But I was upset about missing my boyfriend, and missing my friends that I just got into my running clothes at 9pm and headed out the door. I ran out in the streets, because I really don't want to be in the park alone when it's dark. The streets make me feel safer, and my phone actually has a signal most of the time.

The run went okay, it relieved me off some stress and anger. It's a really good way of venting, blowing off steam.

This weekend was the yearly get-together of my old friends from the Everquest days. Nowadays we play World of Warcraft together occasionaly. But I've known most of the years for 6+ years. They are the reason I first visited the US. They are the reason I met the love of my life. This was the first time I wasn't able to make it.

I was heartbroken that I couldn't be with my best friends, the silly group of people that miraculously have so much in common and somehow met completely at random. I miss them, I love them!

As it says in my profile, I'm a dutch girl in love with an american man. We only see each other twice a year, if we are lucky. We've been together for over two years. It's hard. Most of the time I'm okay, we talk on Skype daily. But some days I get so aggravated and frustrated that we just can't be together physically.

I want to move to him, but US immigration -sighs- Yeah. Basically we have to get married and we both don't want to do that until we are absolutely ready for it. Or I'd have to find a job, which is not happening either because I lack experience and no one will even interview me (I apply a lot). Work visas are rare and nowadays pretty hard to get for even big companies.

I'm sorry for writing all this in my running/health blog, but then this is my journal and my mental health is a very important part to getting fit. For me I'd even say it's one of the most important parts, since it's one of my biggest burdens.

W8D2 - Not That Bad Actually

2008-09-13T21:21:00.001+02:00

Had a great run today, felt so energetic and full of life during, but mostly after the run. And it rained! I went out and finally ran in the rain.

So incredible, to run in nature and the rain was just part of the thrill. Now I know not to shy away from rain anymore.

On another note, I really should not watch scary shows before bedtime, I'm staying up until I watched something totally non-scary!

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W8D1 - Back on track

2008-09-11T18:01:00.002+02:00

I just got back and all I can say is I DID IT!

28 full minutes!

Now I really want a shower, it was warm out and I'm tired, but feeling content as well. Music back in the pocket, which seemed my biggest problem in week 7, running without music. With my iPod on I don't listen to myself breathe.

Reading - "No need for speed"

2008-09-10T08:42:00.008+02:00

I've been intrigued with John 'The Pinguin' Bingham's philosophy on live and running ever since I ran across his column in Runner's World. So last week I decided to order his book "No need for speed", all about beginning to run.

Last night I read through the entire first part, even though I was planning on just reading the intro since it was the commercial break in a movie I was watching.

This man is so inspiring and fascinating. He makes sense to the average person who wants to start getting fit. He tells pieces of his life story and they may very well have been mine.

"Three weeks. That's as long as my inspiration lasted. Three weeks. It didn't matter what I decided to do or be, I couldn't get past the first 3 weeks of any quest."

He dedicates a large part of the book to the mentality behind becoming a runner, dividing the book up in sections called Inspiration, Perspiration, Dedication and Celebration

"You may be uncomfortable hearing that no one can tell you what your fitness goals should be. No one can tell you how much activity is right for you, what eating strategy will work best, or how long it will take to achieve your early fitness goals. It's true that there's no shortage of people who will try. Friends, spouses, and even authors of books are certain that they know what's best for you. They don't."

After each section he adds a chapter with practical information, like a guide on buying shoes, clothing and easy to use training schedules.

"Running is a relatively inexpensive hobby. It's not like you need a $15,000 bass boat or even a $1,000 set of clubs. But for the shop-till-you-drop fanatics among us, you can spend a lot of money on running clothes. In fact, you should plan to invest a little in your early running wardrobe. In the long run [pun intended], it will be money well spent."

A very practical and inspiring book that is helping me over one of the biggest hurdles in my quest to becoming fit, simply losing interest and sneakingly just give up. John Bingham is giving advice without looking down on you and without 'golden fits-everyone rules', most importantly he teaches you to listen to your own body and do what you feel you can accomplish.

I've already decided to pick up another book by him.

W7D3 - Bad run

2008-09-09T16:34:00.003+02:00

Or hardly any running at all. I was able to run for ten minutes total, divided in two intervals. I found out I can't do it without my music. I just can't do it without it seems. I'll think too much about my breathing and about how tired I feel.

Of course it is also the first day of my period, and I've read on a lot of runner's forums that most women won't even try on that day. So it's not that surprising.

But I did walk out my entire route, so I was still out and about doing a brisk walk when I wasn't running.

Should I go on to week 8 and hope it goes better or should I repeat week 7? I'll figure it out. This whole week has been very hard.

W7D2 - Much better

2008-09-07T08:59:00.003+02:00

I did W7D2 yesterday and it went a lot better again. My legs didn't feel like lead and my breathing was a ton better. I did my usual run and it seems to be around 25 minutes every time I do it, so when I go do W7D3 I'm not going to use a podcast or a watch and just run the run.

I'm not doing it for speed, but for endurance.

Yesterday I went shopping with my parents and even though the scale says I haven't lost any weight, I noticed the changes in my body so much. I tried on this fabulous coat that I would have never fit in because of the shape of my body, fit me perfectly yesterday. It was so gorgeous and it actually fit wel on my hips without being too wide for the rest of me. I'm really 'shaping' up.

I also don't have a full-length mirror at home, actually I just have one tiny mirror, so when I was trying on a cute top I saw myself in the big fitting-room mirrors I used to dread. And I looked at myself, and I was happy! I did not turn away in disgust as I've done in the past. I saw my noticeably flatter tummy and slimmer legs and I was happy.

I'm not where I want to be yet with my body, but I feel a ton better and I've gained so much confidence already. My body image is also getting much better and more realistic.

W7D1 - Blah

2008-09-04T18:18:00.001+02:00

Just a short note, I just did W7D1 and it did not go well at all.

But then I have a bad cold and breathing is already the hardest thing about the whole running thing for me.

Oh well, I did 21 minutes and I feel good!

Singing in the rain

2008-09-03T14:38:00.003+02:00

... Well.... not really.

It's been pouring most of yesterday and today. I am already a little bit sniffly, so I really didn't want to risk getting sick by running in the cold rain. I mean, just walking from my car to my front door drenched me from head to toe. And I really don't have any 'special' running clothes yet, I actually wear a cotton shirt, which is supposedly horrible when it gets wet. Next month I'm investing in some Dutch-weather-proof running clothes.

I'm hoping it stays dry to do W7D1 after work, but it's looking grim.

And I feel guilty.

I actually feel guilty about not having exercised for two days now, maybe going on three. For some reason I'm afraid that taking a three or maybe four day break will completely eradicate my progress so far and that I'll have to start in week 3 again or so.

I know it's silly! But it's still nagging on my brain.

So tonight if it is raining, I'm gonna do an hour of WiiFit, so I'll still have done something! I really hope the weather clears up some, I want to go running again!

What's after Couch to 5K?

2008-09-01T13:35:00.002+02:00

Since I'm heading in to week 7 already and the end is coming near, I started wondering about the course of action to take after the program is done. I've decided to start yoga classes after I finish the program, so that will become a new habit along side of the running. It's so strange to find myself longing for more ways to get some physical activity in!

I've been doing some research and some browsing and found some training schedules. Because that is what I do know, I need to hang on to a schedule!

I'm looking for something:

that will built me to run four days a week
that will offer me diversity, so different types of runs
that will help me run greater distances (10K)
that will help me improve my times
it has be something I can do with a simple (stop)watch.
that will be a real challenge!

I've been looking at training schedules from Asics, Cool Running and from Runner's World. Just mainly looking around.

Anyone have any solid ideas so far or a schedule ready to go when you are done with this?

W6D3 - A 25-minute runner!

2008-08-31T15:16:00.003+02:00

What a rush!

The weather was actually nice for a change, who knows, in this country it might very well be the last day of summer. So it had to be enjoyed of course.

I went out for the run at 9 am this morning to beat the heat and went to my usual trail. I had a hunch it was going to be far to short, but I'd hook a small loop into it.

The first ten minutes went really well. The next eight or so minutes were really rough to get too. I had to cheer myself on, I had to keep going! The last bit five minutes seemed easiest. I was on auto-pilot, breathing and keeping my pace without thinking a single thought. It was so intense, yet so relaxing for the spirit.

I made one big mistake at the end. I stood on the scale at home. Bah, still haven't lost a single pound, still my weight is up from where it was when I started running. My head knows it shouldn't pay attention to the scale, rather to the mirror, but it's still somewhat of a bummer. I guess it's because really I only have about 10-15 pounds to lose and that would be lighter than I've ever been since fully grown up. Maybe my body is at it's 'natural' weight.

I do see big improvements. Did the WiiFit body test and just stood there to be measured. My balance has shifted much more to the middle. I was already in the center, but my posture seemed to hold my weight to the back. Now it's nicely in the middle.

So my posture has improved.
My tummy does seem a little flatter and my thighs and arms just a little less flabby.
My body is starting to crave 'good' food, which is really weird, sitting on the couch having a glass of wine and craving an apple to eat.
My skin and my nails look healthier. My hair is still a mess, but that's mostly cause I haven't had my hair cut in about 5 months and it's long overdue. Maybe when I am less broke.

On to week seven, the continuous runs! I know I can do it, and I know you all can do it too!

Now to find my watch so I won't have to haul the iPod with me!

Very Good Taste's Omnivore 100

2008-08-29T13:29:00.002+02:00

My love of food made me fill it out and pure curiosity!

“The site Very Good Taste posted a list of 100 things that they felt every good omnivore should try at least once in his or her life.”

Copy this list into your blog, including these instructions.

Bold all items you’ve eaten.
Cross out any items that you would never consider eating. In my case they are the red text, because I'm too lazy to go around my blog editor and edit all HTML to make it strike-through.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile - at my favorite restaurant Specktakel, they often have the most awesome exotic dishes
6. Black pudding - it just sounds too disgusting, unless you're a vampire I guess
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht - Looking forward to trying this sometime
10. Baba ghanoush - I've had a variation to it, but not real Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari - Hmmm one of my favorite tapas
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich - Nomnomnom, just half an hour ago actually
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses - Hmmm cheeeeese, I haven't found a cheese I don't like yet
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries - I picked some blackberries last week actually
23. Foie gras - I love food, but I won't eat of something that I -know- has suffered greatly during it's life
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese - It just sounds and looks very unappetizing
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper - Will save that for a drunken night challenge
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava - One of the best sweet snacks/desserts in the world
30. Bagna cauda -I'd love to try this
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl - I love fish and seafood, but this just sounds so wrong
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut - Icky, glad my mom can't make me eat it anymore
35. Root beer float - I had a taste, I don't like rootbeer, it was too sweet
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O - Sounds like another weekend adventure
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects - -shudders-
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu - As a sushi-enjoyer I'd love to try this one day
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel - Several kinds of eel even
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut - Will try next time when I'm in the USA
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer - Looks yummy, will try to find sometime
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini - Had it to try it, never again and that goes to all Martini's
58. Beer above 8% ABV - Not that uncommon here :)
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads - It doesn't sound right, though depending on the smell and texture I might try
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis - I can't even begin to explain
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette - I just don't like organ meat I guess...
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe - no comment ;)
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail - Might try it
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict - Steve promised me he'd make me some when he found out I didn't even know what it was
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant. - If I could ever afford it yes!
85. Kobe beef - Same too expensive
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate - chocolate.......
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa - My sister makes wonderful dishes with this stuff
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano - Fresh and homemade is the best and is very healthy
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

W6D2 - Tired but good

2008-08-29T10:58:00.002+02:00

Yesterday's run went really well, even though the weather wasn't all that cooperative.

The first interval was pretty easy, I even did a faster pace than before once I got into the rhythm. The second interval kicked my ass! I did finish it, but at a slower pace.

I think the three minute brisk walk break did me in. It was too short to really catch my breath and it took me off the nice rhythm I was having. It makes me look forward to Saturday, doing 25 minutes without any intervals.

But I did finish it.

My usual running trail is getting too short for the runs now, I was back at my car when I still had to do the 5 minute cooldown. It's a really nice trail through the dune forest of about 4km (around 2.5 mile) and I'm not sure how to extend it yet without getting lost. There's another trail at another entrance to the park, but that's 6km (3.7 mile) and much more hilly terrain, so I don't think it's an option.

I might have to resort to finding another quiet park or if I really have to, go out on the street. I love the quietness of nature, the lack of people and the fresh air the forest gives me. I'm still very self-conscious and shy and I really don't like the thought of running where a lot of people can see me. I'll get over it one day! I know I've gotten off my ass to run, which was the first step!

Yoga

2008-08-27T13:03:00.003+02:00

I've thought about taking yoga lessons for years, but never got around to it, money-or timewise. But the new me got in action and found a yoga school close by. I should be taking my first "test" lesson next week.

Sometimes it scares me how much I'm turning into a 'sporty' person! I would have never considered myself one, but right now I don't even consider missing a run in the week anymore and am actually thinking of more activities, like yoga.

W6D1 - Deerly distracted

2008-08-27T09:55:00.003+02:00

The run went okay yesterday, weather was so-so, but it was really quiet in the park. The first two intervals were great, I had lots of energy and ran at a higher pace again.

Around halfway through the last interval a deer suddenly jumped on the path and ran a little ahead of me and then to the right into the woods again. I stopped and looked, we don't see a lot of deer 'in the wild' anymore nowadays. The deer stopped and looked at me and what I was doing. It was a really nice moment.

I couldn't get back into it after that so I just walked the rest of the trail. Only did about half the last interval. It wasn't just the deer, I was overall very distracted over the course of the day, I couldn't focus on anything. Energy-wise I could have kept going, I was tired, I just didn't -feel- like it anymore.

Better run tomorrow!

W5D3 - What a rush!

2008-08-23T15:16:00.002+02:00

I did it!

I did the infamous W5D3!

It was really really hard and in the end I was actually telling myself out loud to keep going, cheering myself on. It was mostly a mental threshold, because physically, yes I was tired, but not exhausted.

The entire twenty minutes I really focused on my breathing. A good steady rhythm in my breath that translated itself to a steady pace of my legs. I started off a little too fast, but after a minute or two I paced myself down. My legs seemed to move on their own, it was mostly the breathing (not getting out of breath) I needed to to control.

After the 20 minutes were up and I slowed down to a walk I felt so exhilarated it was crazy. I didn't feel tired till a good hour after getting home. Between the end of the run and getting tired I cleaned my house, cooked lunch, I was just bursting of energy, it was amazing.

On to week 6!

W5D2 - OMFG!

2008-08-22T16:43:00.002+02:00

I was again amazed with myself and the progress I've made. I honestly didn't think I could do the eight minute intervals, but I could, and I DID!

Made it through just fine yesterday and now I get to wonder about tomorrow's W5D3, the one we all dread. As long as I remember pacing myself I -think- I can do it!

Kind of short on time, so leaving it at this.

W5D1 - Muddy shoes

2008-08-20T11:18:00.002+02:00

The weather was kind of weird yesterday, sunny one moment, pooring rain the next. But I decided not to let the chance for rain stop me. I went on the first run of week five.

It went really well, kind of uneventful.

Some things I'm starting to notice about myself:

My mind is actually clear when I run, no pondering!
Time is going by faster, run was over before I knew it
I feel much more positive about myself and my life
I spend much less time on useless activities, I'm relearning my priorities

All in all I feel good.

Now back to getting nervous for W5D3 ;)