I’m back!  I am now in week 9 of my RUN FOR YOUR HEART training.  Next week is it!  Week 10 and the RUN FOR YOUR HEART on Saturday, September 11.  The past two weeks have been more routine than anything.  I increased my mileage by a quarter of a mile a week. Before this past Monday my high mileage was 2.25 miles in one day.

And then Monday came.  I knew it was coming.  The day I had a dry run of the race. A 3.2 mile day.  AND it was 94+ degrees.  I was present and accounted for at MCVI at 2 p.m. Monday and off we went.  The first 1.5 miles, great.  I was focused.  We hit the halfway point, and made the turn.  Fine.  And then came the 2.5 miles and my legs felt like cement and I struggled.  It was more physical than mental.  Mentally, I was running the race.  Physically, the heat and humidity were taking its toll.  And my legs were plodding.  I stopped and walked a few yards and then ran again.  And stopped. And then ran again.  And continued running.   So I was proud, but spent. 

The good news is a morning run will not be humid.  And with any luck it could be a 50-60 degree day.  And I am creating a 45 minute mix on my iPod that will keep me motivated.

My training does not take a vacation. On Monday, with just 3 1/2 hours sleep, I ran 2 miles. AND there was a hill.  I was DYING.   Wednesday, went to Center Courts and ran 2 miles.  FELT GREAT!   Ran 1.25 miles this Morning, FELT GREAT!  I am concluding I run better before 12 Noon, than after.  

I am finally getting excited for the RUN FOR YOUR HEART 5K.  On my run Monday, Matt, my trainer, asked what my goal is...and I answered, to finish the race running, not walking.   Today I realized...the race is in the Morning, my two morning runs felt great...I know I can do it.  NOT i THINK i can do it, but I know I can do it.  

I don't care about speed.  I can run a normal pace.  I ran a normal pace these past two days, and I must say, I did not want to stop.  Apparently, there are more of YOU walking the race.  There is a running group, but the walkers are outpacing us at WALKINGWORKS.COM.  I have some compatriots in COMMUNITY (thank you) so we are gaining.  It's a nice program if you want to track your mileage.  Designed more for walkers than runners.  It's walkingworks.com.  Check it out. 

WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE I STARTED TRAINING FOR RUN FOR YOUR HEART:

#1  - FAST FOOD DOESN'T TASTE THE SAME.  And my body knows when I haven't eaten right.  I had a fast food weekend, nothing too heavy, but Sunday I was sluggish and when it was time for my Monday run, my body reminded me I had not eaten well over the weekend.  I only eat two big meals a day and snack a lot.  But I have included more fruits and salads in my diet for those inbetween times when I normally eat a candy bar.    I will still enjoy a taco, or my Yummi Japan.  But do not overload on the greasy fried foods.

#2 - I LOOK FORWARD TO THE EXERCISE - I asked if I could throw in an extra run during the week.  Or maybe run two days in a row rest one day and run two more days.  My coach said "sure", but I also have to run at a faster pace on some of those runs.  I'm willing if the legs are.

#3 - PEOPLE NOTICE - At work someone asked if I lost weight.  I don't think I have, but I do carry myself differentlly.  Less slouching.  And I do not get the 1:00 yawns anymore. More energy.   

Have to run 1.25 miles today.  It's 92 degrees.  Inside?  or Outside?

I'm making progress.  Yesterday, I ran 1.5 miles and my breathing improved.  I focused on my breathing the last four days because I did not want to be behind.  Once you focus on the breathing, you do not become as tired during the run.

I also signed on to walkingworks.com. This is so simple.  You created a password and log your daily runs or walks.  You see progress every time you log in.  Gives you physical proof that you are making progress.  And you can measure yourself against other teams. Right now, I am the only "community" member signed up.  The other groups are teams.  Because there is more of them and only one of me, I feel small.  But, I am still proud of my progress.  Sign up, even if you are NOT in the training program.  Who knows, I may see you on September 11. 

If there was an "L" on my forehead it would stand for LAZY, not Loser.   I enjoy a laid back lifestyle, but honestly, it is not good for your health. 

I am entering week three of my RUN FOR YOUR HEART training program and the first thing I notice everyday is I have more energy.  Even on an "off" day, I'm not as tired when I get home from work.   And despite oppressive heat (the heavy air makes my allergies flair up, and my breathing is affected) I was still able to complete my runs.

Monday, I ran 1.25 miles.  A quarter mile farther than my previous runs.  And I did it (okay, maybe a tenth of a mile before the finish I stopped to walk), but afterwards, at home, I felt good.  

This week, along with my training schedule, I am signing up for the WalkingWorks Challenge.  This program allows you to log in your exercise days and You might qualify to win a pair of Brooks training shoes.  By joining WalkingWorks online you also receive a $2.00 discount on the Run for Your Heart community races (including Walk).  As soon as I set it up, I will let you know how it works.

Eating right is still a challenge.  But I am eating more salads and I drink a lot more water.  Not only because I have to, but my body is beginning to crave water.  A soda just doesn't cut it after a run.  I drink about 3 bottles of water a day.  That's two more bottles than I did before my training.