SwampBillies
New member
You are doing a great job! Keep up the good work! 
Wayne's "Couch to 5K" Journey
- Thread starter dwwise83
- Start date
dwwise83
New member
W2D2 - Check!
I made it this morning and everything went great. I even made it up some mild inclines (which is really killing my calves now
). I was so proud that I woke up early and made it that it put me in a good mode for the rest of the day.
Yay.
One more day of week two - wow, this is going by so fast. I have determined that the middle workout is the hardest. On the first one everything is new and that makes you happy. On the last one you have a since of accomplishment and you also feel happy. The middle one... not so much fun!
But I did it, and that's all that matters
I made it this morning and everything went great. I even made it up some mild inclines (which is really killing my calves now
). I was so proud that I woke up early and made it that it put me in a good mode for the rest of the day.Yay.
One more day of week two - wow, this is going by so fast. I have determined that the middle workout is the hardest. On the first one everything is new and that makes you happy. On the last one you have a since of accomplishment and you also feel happy. The middle one... not so much fun!
But I did it, and that's all that matters
dwwise83
New member
I am back in town (from a trip to visit the family) and happy to report that I have finished week 2 of the program! YAY... and it really wasn't that bad! I am suppose to start week 3 tomorrow but I'm still working on the timing as I have to watch my daughter in the morning. So I'm thinking a late evening run? I haven't tried that yet so it should be interesting... oh, and HOT!
Food has been going VERY well... no complaints! My wife still hasn't let me have the scale, but weigh-in day is getting closer! I can't weight to see my new number!
Cheers!
How is everyone else doing these day!?!?!
Food has been going VERY well... no complaints! My wife still hasn't let me have the scale, but weigh-in day is getting closer! I can't weight to see my new number!
Cheers!
How is everyone else doing these day!?!?!
dwwise83
New member
It really is a good program Jeff. While it does start you out good and slow, it keeps increasing those intervals week after week. For me, the program pushes me harder than I would typically push myself - which is nice. A lot of times I don't realize that I can go further than I thought... which will hopefully be the case this evening. I have to run two 3 minute intervals and two 90 second intervals - hopefully I won't DIE!
dwwise83
New member
W3d1
I finished D1 of week 3 last night around 7:30pm. The weather was very nice and not too hot/humid (especially for NC in August!)
The run was hard. 90 seconds running, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes running, 3 minutes walking - Repeat.
While it was challenging I felt so wonderful that I could run for 3 minutes at a time! WOW! Two weeks ago I was struggling to run for 60 seconds! I feel so proud of myself and I am really enjoying this program. One of the main challenges I face is finding a flat surface to run on. Since I run outdoors it can be really hard to find a 2 mile stretch with no inclines.
Eventually I will be able to run up hills like a champ, but for now I need something flat... so I may need to find somewhere new to run (especially for those 3 minute intervals!)
I kinda did a no-no yesterday. As I have written before, my wife hid the scale and is allowing me to weigh-in every 2 weeks (completely my idea, b/c I'm a scale addict). My weigh-in is coming up this Sunday... but, I was dog sitting for a co-worker and found the scale in her home. I couldn't resist!
I managed to wait until after my run/shower. When I weighed in last Sunday (9 days ago) I was sitting at 231. I was really hoping to see 227 today but I knew it was a long shot. I stepped on the scale, exhaled, and looked down. 222.5! You could have knocked me down with a feather. That is 20 pounds down in 5-6 weeks. YAY.
I set my next mini goal on fitday.com for 212 pounds (30 pounds total) for September 19, 2008. That is 1.99 pounds/week. I CAN DO IT. I have an outfit that I should be able to fit into at that point (size 36 pants, whoohooo) and I plan to wear it to work that day.
I finished D1 of week 3 last night around 7:30pm. The weather was very nice and not too hot/humid (especially for NC in August!)
The run was hard. 90 seconds running, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes running, 3 minutes walking - Repeat.
While it was challenging I felt so wonderful that I could run for 3 minutes at a time! WOW! Two weeks ago I was struggling to run for 60 seconds! I feel so proud of myself and I am really enjoying this program. One of the main challenges I face is finding a flat surface to run on. Since I run outdoors it can be really hard to find a 2 mile stretch with no inclines.
Eventually I will be able to run up hills like a champ, but for now I need something flat... so I may need to find somewhere new to run (especially for those 3 minute intervals!)
I kinda did a no-no yesterday. As I have written before, my wife hid the scale and is allowing me to weigh-in every 2 weeks (completely my idea, b/c I'm a scale addict). My weigh-in is coming up this Sunday... but, I was dog sitting for a co-worker and found the scale in her home. I couldn't resist!
I managed to wait until after my run/shower. When I weighed in last Sunday (9 days ago) I was sitting at 231. I was really hoping to see 227 today but I knew it was a long shot. I stepped on the scale, exhaled, and looked down. 222.5! You could have knocked me down with a feather. That is 20 pounds down in 5-6 weeks. YAY.
I set my next mini goal on fitday.com for 212 pounds (30 pounds total) for September 19, 2008. That is 1.99 pounds/week. I CAN DO IT. I have an outfit that I should be able to fit into at that point (size 36 pants, whoohooo) and I plan to wear it to work that day.
Last edited:
dwwise83
New member
W3d2
I made it through another run
Does anybody else have this problem:
I was running today and about halfway through my calves cramped up really bad! I continued with the workout, drove home, and when I got out of the car I could harldy walk. It was like my leg muscles contracted, but never stopped. They were really hard and it literally hurt to walk.
I'm thinking that this is due to the inclines that I run on, but they are definitely not steep... so I don't know.
hmmmmmm
I made it through another run
Does anybody else have this problem:
I was running today and about halfway through my calves cramped up really bad! I continued with the workout, drove home, and when I got out of the car I could harldy walk. It was like my leg muscles contracted, but never stopped. They were really hard and it literally hurt to walk.
I'm thinking that this is due to the inclines that I run on, but they are definitely not steep... so I don't know.
hmmmmmm
dwwise83
New member
W3 d3
I'm done with week 3, YIPPEEE
I just got back from my run and my calves hurt worse than they EVER have before. I am going to do a little research and find some good runner-stretches for the calves. I have 2 days until my next run and I am going to try to get myself back to normal before then, or I don't know if I could handle the 5 minute runs!!!
Anyone have any good stretches??? I have GOT to find something!
Tomorrow is weigh in day! I can't wait I have this fantasy that I will be at 219.8 (which is 2 pounds since Wednesday morning). Like I said... it's just a fantasy
I'm done with week 3, YIPPEEE
I just got back from my run and my calves hurt worse than they EVER have before. I am going to do a little research and find some good runner-stretches for the calves. I have 2 days until my next run and I am going to try to get myself back to normal before then, or I don't know if I could handle the 5 minute runs!!!
Anyone have any good stretches??? I have GOT to find something!
Tomorrow is weigh in day! I can't wait
I have this fantasy that I will be at 219.8 (which is 2 pounds since Wednesday morning). Like I said... it's just a fantasy
dwwise83
New member
Weigh-in Day
I was so excited this morning when I woke up. I knew the scale was going to be good to me, I've worked SO hard... ate so well!
I come downstairs, my wife gets the scale, I hop on with my fingers crossed... then I look down
225.4 (down 6 pounds from two weeks ago, but up 3 pounds from Wednesday morning).
How could this be? I was instantly in an awful mood (just ask my wife ) After boiling in the living room for a while, I walked back into the kitchen and placed the scale in the trash. It's gone!
You know what? I don't need it! For the last two weeks I have felt wonderful about myself. I'm eating healthy, I'm fitting into new clothes, I look smaller... why do I need a number to justify this? I DON'T! As soon as I step on a scale it stops being about the hard work and the happy milestones and instantly turns into a luck-of-the-draw numbers game. I mean, at any point I could be carrying 5 pounds of water-weight. Who's to say my 'real' weight will show up every-other Sunday?
It's gone, and I feel great. Now, it's about when those size 36 pants will fit me, when people at work start to notice, and most importantly - how I feel about myself - NO JUSTIFICATION FROM THE SCALE REQUIRED!
I wish I could have burned it get the matches!
I was so excited this morning when I woke up. I knew the scale was going to be good to me, I've worked SO hard... ate so well!
I come downstairs, my wife gets the scale, I hop on with my fingers crossed... then I look down
225.4 (down 6 pounds from two weeks ago, but up 3 pounds from Wednesday morning).
How could this be? I was instantly in an awful mood (just ask my wife
) After boiling in the living room for a while, I walked back into the kitchen and placed the scale in the trash. It's gone! You know what? I don't need it! For the last two weeks I have felt wonderful about myself. I'm eating healthy, I'm fitting into new clothes, I look smaller... why do I need a number to justify this? I DON'T! As soon as I step on a scale it stops being about the hard work and the happy milestones and instantly turns into a luck-of-the-draw numbers game. I mean, at any point I could be carrying 5 pounds of water-weight. Who's to say my 'real' weight will show up every-other Sunday?
It's gone, and I feel great. Now, it's about when those size 36 pants will fit me, when people at work start to notice, and most importantly - how I feel about myself - NO JUSTIFICATION FROM THE SCALE REQUIRED!
I wish I could have burned it
get the matches!
minus86
New member
Hey there!
Congrats on starting your journey to health! I want to run a 5k, and have also set the date for my first run in November. WE CAN DO THIS!!!
LOL about the scale... I also worry myself sick over the scale, so I have decided to weigh in once a week. I would highly recommend getting a tape measure and recording your measurements. I keep putting this off, but I am going to get around to this sometime this week. However, everyone that has done this has seen better results than the numbers on the scale. Just look around at some of the other diaries...
I had looked into the couch to 5k program, but I haven't started it because I have found that competing with my previous days mileage is working out great for me. I want to be up to 3 miles in 30 minutes by the end of September, then maintain that distance/speed and start street running and adding hill programs when I am on the treadmill.
As far as your leg cramps go... not too sure. I know it has something to do with the oxygen being pumped into your muscles... but don't know enough about it to give you any real advice. I have heard that if you eat a banana before you run that it helps with the cramps. Also, make sure you are drinking enough water, not just during your runs but throughout your entire day.
Well, good luck. Can't wait to hear more about your runs. What day in November is your 5k? Mine is Sunday, Nov 2nd...
HERE WE GO!!!
Congrats on starting your journey to health! I want to run a 5k, and have also set the date for my first run in November. WE CAN DO THIS!!!
LOL about the scale... I also worry myself sick over the scale, so I have decided to weigh in once a week. I would highly recommend getting a tape measure and recording your measurements. I keep putting this off, but I am going to get around to this sometime this week. However, everyone that has done this has seen better results than the numbers on the scale. Just look around at some of the other diaries...
I had looked into the couch to 5k program, but I haven't started it because I have found that competing with my previous days mileage is working out great for me. I want to be up to 3 miles in 30 minutes by the end of September, then maintain that distance/speed and start street running and adding hill programs when I am on the treadmill.
As far as your leg cramps go... not too sure. I know it has something to do with the oxygen being pumped into your muscles... but don't know enough about it to give you any real advice. I have heard that if you eat a banana before you run that it helps with the cramps. Also, make sure you are drinking enough water, not just during your runs but throughout your entire day.
Well, good luck. Can't wait to hear more about your runs. What day in November is your 5k? Mine is Sunday, Nov 2nd...
HERE WE GO!!!
dwwise83
New member
Thank you so much Minus86! I want to do the measurement thing also, but like you I've just been putting off buying a tape measure!
My 5K isn't until Nov 22. I am going to complete the c25k program sometime in september, and then work on my time and endurance (the course has some hills in it). I'm really excited about it - I absolutely believe that we CAN do this
Seems we are at about the same weight and at the same place in our training - very cool.
My 5K isn't until Nov 22. I am going to complete the c25k program sometime in september, and then work on my time and endurance (the course has some hills in it). I'm really excited about it - I absolutely believe that we CAN do this
Seems we are at about the same weight and at the same place in our training - very cool.
minus86
New member
Yes, we can definitely keep eachother motivated. This forum has been great! However, since you are "a guy"... lol... I'm sure you will lose the weight faster than I do. Just not fair...
JK.. I really do wish you all the best! I can't wait for both of us to be able to brag about completing our 5K's!!!!
dwwise83
New member
A survey!
I found this survey on someone else's post, so I thought I would still it
What is your current height and weight?
5'8 and 222 lbs
If you were at an ideal weight now, what would that weight be?
Between 160 - 170 pounds
At what weight would you like to be at four months from now?
Let's see, that would put me around the middle of December... so, 2 pounds per week... 188 pounds! COME ON DECEMBER!
Why do you want to lose weight?
Many many reasons. To feel great in my own skin, to be healthy, to wear nice clothes and look good in them, to be active and have an active lifestyle, etc...
Do you want to lose weight for a specific life event such as wedding or reunion? If so, when is that event?
I'm kind of setting a goal date for January 26, 2009 - my wife's due date!
What obstacles could get between you and your weight loss goals?
Travelling for work (very hard to eat healthy on the road), giving up
Why do you think that you now have a weight problem?
I honestly love food. LOVE IT! I hate everything healthy I'm trying to change that now, but it's not easy. Also, as I gain weight, my activity level goes way down
What lifestyle changes do you think would help you lose weight?
Diet first, then exercise as a close second
Have you lost weight in the past? If so, what has worked in the past to help you lose weight?
Yes, I lost 50 pounds 2 years ago - gained it back plus 10. I was a gym junkie and ate VERY well... but for some reason it didn't stick.
Why do you believe that you did not lose weight or you gained the weight back?
When I reached my goal I felt like I didn't need to work at it anymore... and slowly but surely all the pounds came back.
What, if anything, has not worked for you in the past in helping you to lose weight? Why do you think it did not work?
I over-obsess a lot! Dieting too strickly is always a death sentence for me. I starve, then give up. Or I crave something, then give up.
Would you try writing down all food and drink consumed for a given period of time?
I do! fitday.com for the last 2 1/2 weeks
Do you cook at home often? If so, what do you cook?
Cook at home about 6 days of the week. We have lots of chicken and hamburger meat (93/7).
How often do you go out to eat? Where do you go?
Before or after? hehehe. I love Chili's!!! I don't know why, but I do... I am also a sucker for Mexican (which I usually have on my cheat days). When I travel I can spend $125 / day on food... so I get fancy steaks which are very bad for you.
What are your three favorite foods?
Mexican... Japanese.... and italian
What are your three favorite restaurants?
Los Archos (mexican), Chilis (everything!), and ... hmmmm...
What are three things you can do differently when it comes to food?
I've been eating smaller portions and trying to have healthy calories!
If you woke up tomorrow and your body was exactly the way you want it, what would be different?
I would be naked. Everywhere. Walmart. Work.
Do you eat when you are not hungry?
Use to!
Do you binge eat (large amounts at a time)?
Not so much, but I would have way more than I needed.
Do you hide your food or eat in secret?
No
Do you eat when you are sad, nervous, or depressed?
I ate badly when I was stressed!
Do you eat as a reward?
Use to
Do you eat while watching TV or using the computer?
Yep
What do you normally eat for a meal?
Now, it's probably a chicken breast with some side items
What type of snacks do you eat?
Fruit and string cheese
In terms of exercise, what, if anything, are you currently doing?
RUNNING
Where do you go for exercise? A local public gym? School/work gym? Home?
I hit the road
What, if anything, are your three favorite types of exercise?
I like jogging...
What is your daily/weekly/monthly/yearly motivation to move towards your goals?
In the end it comes down to health/fitness and personal confidence
Do you have rewards for certain goals?
clothes that I use to wear...
I found this survey on someone else's post, so I thought I would still it
What is your current height and weight?
5'8 and 222 lbs
If you were at an ideal weight now, what would that weight be?
Between 160 - 170 pounds
At what weight would you like to be at four months from now?
Let's see, that would put me around the middle of December... so, 2 pounds per week... 188 pounds! COME ON DECEMBER!
Why do you want to lose weight?
Many many reasons. To feel great in my own skin, to be healthy, to wear nice clothes and look good in them, to be active and have an active lifestyle, etc...
Do you want to lose weight for a specific life event such as wedding or reunion? If so, when is that event?
I'm kind of setting a goal date for January 26, 2009 - my wife's due date!
What obstacles could get between you and your weight loss goals?
Travelling for work (very hard to eat healthy on the road), giving up
Why do you think that you now have a weight problem?
I honestly love food. LOVE IT! I hate everything healthy
I'm trying to change that now, but it's not easy. Also, as I gain weight, my activity level goes way downWhat lifestyle changes do you think would help you lose weight?
Diet first, then exercise as a close second
Have you lost weight in the past? If so, what has worked in the past to help you lose weight?
Yes, I lost 50 pounds 2 years ago - gained it back plus 10. I was a gym junkie and ate VERY well... but for some reason it didn't stick.
Why do you believe that you did not lose weight or you gained the weight back?
When I reached my goal I felt like I didn't need to work at it anymore... and slowly but surely all the pounds came back.
What, if anything, has not worked for you in the past in helping you to lose weight? Why do you think it did not work?
I over-obsess a lot! Dieting too strickly is always a death sentence for me. I starve, then give up. Or I crave something, then give up.
Would you try writing down all food and drink consumed for a given period of time?
I do! fitday.com for the last 2 1/2 weeks
Do you cook at home often? If so, what do you cook?
Cook at home about 6 days of the week. We have lots of chicken and hamburger meat (93/7).
How often do you go out to eat? Where do you go?
Before or after? hehehe. I love Chili's!!! I don't know why, but I do... I am also a sucker for Mexican (which I usually have on my cheat days). When I travel I can spend $125 / day on food... so I get fancy steaks which are very bad for you.
What are your three favorite foods?
Mexican... Japanese.... and italian
What are your three favorite restaurants?
Los Archos (mexican), Chilis (everything!), and ... hmmmm...
What are three things you can do differently when it comes to food?
I've been eating smaller portions and trying to have healthy calories!
If you woke up tomorrow and your body was exactly the way you want it, what would be different?
I would be naked. Everywhere. Walmart. Work.
Do you eat when you are not hungry?
Use to!
Do you binge eat (large amounts at a time)?
Not so much, but I would have way more than I needed.
Do you hide your food or eat in secret?
No
Do you eat when you are sad, nervous, or depressed?
I ate badly when I was stressed!
Do you eat as a reward?
Use to
Do you eat while watching TV or using the computer?
Yep
What do you normally eat for a meal?
Now, it's probably a chicken breast with some side items
What type of snacks do you eat?
Fruit and string cheese
In terms of exercise, what, if anything, are you currently doing?
RUNNING
Where do you go for exercise? A local public gym? School/work gym? Home?
I hit the road
What, if anything, are your three favorite types of exercise?
I like jogging...
What is your daily/weekly/monthly/yearly motivation to move towards your goals?
In the end it comes down to health/fitness and personal confidence
Do you have rewards for certain goals?
clothes that I use to wear...
jeffisbig
New member
Good plan on tossing the scale. I'm thinking of only using the one at my Doctor's office (next visit in october and I'm excited to see my Dr's reaction to my weight loss.) I don't know if I have the self control to not step on my own scale though. I definitely wouldn't throw it out cause I know I'd probably end up going out and buying another one.
I get cramps in my calf but hasn't happened while jogging. It happened once while I was tubing and I wouldve drowned if I wasn't near about 20 floatation devices (well to be honest, I'm pretty bouyant myself.) The pain was too bad to do anything with it. Since then it comes every so often when I move wrong, but never as bad as then (happened early today when I got home, the muscle bulges and looks weird when it happens)
I get cramps in my calf but hasn't happened while jogging. It happened once while I was tubing and I wouldve drowned if I wasn't near about 20 floatation devices (well to be honest, I'm pretty bouyant myself.) The pain was too bad to do anything with it. Since then it comes every so often when I move wrong, but never as bad as then (happened early today when I got home, the muscle bulges and looks weird when it happens)
minus86
New member
Hey there,
Well I don't know if this is the kind of pain you have been having but today I experienced shin splints in my right leg and thought I was LITERALLY going to die.
I read up on this and found out that calcium & protein help to prevent these, as well as good stretching, and running heel to toe to help absorb the shock.
Well, I hope to be able to get past this cuz I was BUMMED out today that I didn't have a good run. Let me know if anything works for you.
Well I don't know if this is the kind of pain you have been having but today I experienced shin splints in my right leg and thought I was LITERALLY going to die.
I read up on this and found out that calcium & protein help to prevent these, as well as good stretching, and running heel to toe to help absorb the shock.
Well, I hope to be able to get past this cuz I was BUMMED out today that I didn't have a good run. Let me know if anything works for you.
dwwise83
New member
I have absolutely no self control when it comes to the scale. NONE. That is why, for me, it had to go. It's not even that I never want to weigh again, b/c I do... I would love to get on someday and see 199 etc...
That sucks about the calf cramps! Mine aren't really sudden... they gradually develop while I am jogging - but the muscles do bulge and it looks very weird. Yesterday I ran on a mostly flat surface and it wasn't as bad... so, I guess only time will tell!
dwwise83
New member
Someone at work told me about shin splints and they don't sound fun at all! I'm sorry that you had a bad run... that is something that always bums me out too! I'm sure your next run will be much better, especially now that you have read and research how to prevent/help shin splints.
I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is shin splints... it's more like lower leg eruption
My pain is always in the calf area, not the shin area... sigh... but I am still going to try your recommendations about the calcium, protein, and stretching
dwwise83
New member
W4 d1
My run yesterday evening absolutely rocked!
Was it hard? You bet.
Did I want to stop? Absolutely.
But I didn't. I kept pushing through, and pushing through. I ended the last minute of my last jogging interval by sprinting up a hill and it was awesome! After my run I felt so accomplished... even though it is only a small milestone I felt as though I made a break through. For the first time since I started this program, I actually felt like a runner
Instead of my normal route, I am going to the high school tomorrow morning to run on their track. I think this will help me keep better track of my distance and remove the hills for the time being.
How is everyone else doing today?!
My run yesterday evening absolutely rocked!
Was it hard? You bet.
Did I want to stop? Absolutely.
But I didn't. I kept pushing through, and pushing through. I ended the last minute of my last jogging interval by sprinting up a hill and it was awesome! After my run I felt so accomplished... even though it is only a small milestone I felt as though I made a break through. For the first time since I started this program, I actually felt like a runner
Instead of my normal route, I am going to the high school tomorrow morning to run on their track. I think this will help me keep better track of my distance and remove the hills for the time being.
How is everyone else doing today?!
dwwise83
New member
The worst run EVER
Only one word can describe my run this morning: HORRIBLE!
Due to a huge list of complaints and excuses I did not enjoy my morning exercise. Beware: rant ahead
I decided that I was going to go to the local high school and run on the track. In my mind this would eliminate the hills and make for a slightly easier run... AND I could easily measure my distance/pace.
I woke up at 6:00am to go running. I wasn't in a good mood from the start. I have this reoccurring infection (about 1 per year) that I get on my foot. I've had it about 6 times now and it is awful. I usually end up in the emergency room (after the family doc wasn't able to stop it) with an IV and several antibiotics. The infection starts around my pinky toe, then swells and swells and moves up my ankle. It is EXTREMELY painful... like walking on a water balloon of acid! Well, I noticed last night that my foot was a little swollen and painful. This morning it was worse, and that just made me upset b/c I got to thinking about all of the crap I'm about to go through. Several doctors appointments, medication, sick time from work... and most importantly, I won't be able to run!
Second, the weather was really gross this morning... huge ugly clouds.. ick.
So, I go to the track and all of my theories are proved WRONG! My calves started hurting immediately, and then my knees started to hurt. I had no endurance and I wanted to stop. Everytime I passed the gate I wanted to walk through it and go back to my car. EVERY TIME. I hated each step. I was so frustrated with my mood that tears started running down my face.
It sucked. Worst run ever.
END RANT
On the positive side - I kept going. I finished each interval, much to the dismay of my body. I still don't know how I did it.
I found out that I can run exactly 1 lap in 3 minutes... so my pace is currently at a 12 minute mile... pretty good!
I came home after my run, took a shower, and went to put on my clothes. I found a shirt that I haven't been able to wear in a year and pulled it over my shoulders. I tried this shirt on 2 weeks ago and each button was stretched to its max... definitely could not wear it to work.
When I put it on this morning it fit like a glove. I couldn't believe it... and it almost made the run worth the struggle.
Here's hoping for a better run on Saturday!
Only one word can describe my run this morning: HORRIBLE!
Due to a huge list of complaints and excuses I did not enjoy my morning exercise. Beware: rant ahead
I decided that I was going to go to the local high school and run on the track. In my mind this would eliminate the hills and make for a slightly easier run... AND I could easily measure my distance/pace.
I woke up at 6:00am to go running. I wasn't in a good mood from the start. I have this reoccurring infection (about 1 per year) that I get on my foot. I've had it about 6 times now and it is awful. I usually end up in the emergency room (after the family doc wasn't able to stop it) with an IV and several antibiotics. The infection starts around my pinky toe, then swells and swells and moves up my ankle. It is EXTREMELY painful... like walking on a water balloon of acid! Well, I noticed last night that my foot was a little swollen and painful. This morning it was worse, and that just made me upset b/c I got to thinking about all of the crap I'm about to go through. Several doctors appointments, medication, sick time from work... and most importantly, I won't be able to run!
Second, the weather was really gross this morning... huge ugly clouds.. ick.
So, I go to the track and all of my theories are proved WRONG! My calves started hurting immediately, and then my knees started to hurt. I had no endurance and I wanted to stop. Everytime I passed the gate I wanted to walk through it and go back to my car. EVERY TIME. I hated each step. I was so frustrated with my mood that tears started running down my face.
It sucked. Worst run ever.
END RANT
On the positive side - I kept going. I finished each interval, much to the dismay of my body. I still don't know how I did it.
I found out that I can run exactly 1 lap in 3 minutes... so my pace is currently at a 12 minute mile... pretty good!
I came home after my run, took a shower, and went to put on my clothes. I found a shirt that I haven't been able to wear in a year and pulled it over my shoulders. I tried this shirt on 2 weeks ago and each button was stretched to its max... definitely could not wear it to work.
When I put it on this morning it fit like a glove. I couldn't believe it... and it almost made the run worth the struggle.
Here's hoping for a better run on Saturday!