Week 2, Check

Well, I've survived Week 2 of my 10k training. Its been a pretty good week, actually.

I ran 4 miles yesterday in 56 minutes. The big accomplishment for me was not cheating. I stayed on my timed run/walk schedule and finished off feeling great!

Proof that I was smiling/happy and not crying.

I am really seeing improvement in my stamina/endurance and its really exciting! However....

I am not seeing the improvement in my body and on the scale that I would like. In the last 2 weeks I have only missed one workout and I feel like I am killing myself....I know that its not going to happen overnight, but is a measly pound or two too much to ask? However.... I am not going to get discouraged! The difference in how I feel has been proof enough for me that I am doing something good for my body. There are improvements to be made in the kitchen, for sure!

The next two weeks are going to be a challenge for sure...Chris and I are going out of town for our Anniversary/Rachel's (BFF) wedding. I have mapped out our trip and when I'm going to workout each day to make sure I continue to make progress....now all I have to do is actually follow through. I don't usually exercise on vacation, but there is a first time for everything!

10K

Oh hey. Its been over 2 months. Boo. If there's anyone out there, still reading, thanks for sticking with me.
If you read over at Walk With Me, you may know that I signed up for a 10K last week. I have one more day of my first week of training. Here's how it has gone so far...

Thursday July 26: Decided I needed something to push me to get to the gym/workout...my good friend and workout buddy Trista suggests the 10K in Pocatello on September 1st. Coming off a pretty good workout, feeling good (and slightly overconfident in my abilities). I sign up as soon as I get home.

Friday July 27: My wonderful mother sends me a training schedule, and a wonderful email of encouragement. I get some supplies.

Monday July 30: I start training by going on my first timed (25 min) run outside. It sucked. It was hard. I am bawling 20 minutes into it. I'm not sure why I took a picture....I just wanted to document my misery, I guess.

Not cute. Not happy.

Tuesday July 31: I take the day off out of discouragement.
Wednesday August 1: I get back on the horse and go for another timed (25 min) run. This one is better. I finish out my run with no tears, just a red and splotchy face.
Thursday August 2: Strength training. Feeling pretty good.
Friday August 3: First mileaged based run....3 miles. My stomach is in knots, I say a prayer, take a workout supplement and hit the road. I finish exhausted, but smiling (and still red/splotchy faced).

I guess what I am trying to say, in too many words, is that everybody has strengths and weaknesses. My weakness is definitely running and I started from square one this week. But, it feels so good to do something that is so hard for me and to see improvement. I don't want to be on the elliptical my whole life, I want to accomplish things! I never understood why people would put their bodies through such hell to complete a marathon or iron man....but I think I'm beginning to.

I can do hard things!

Namaste

Today I went to a yoga class offered by my school- such a great resource! I actually went one time last semester and didn't really enjoy myself- you see, coming from Westminster I am sort of a yoga snob. The instructors they have at Westmini are amazing and the atmosphere they create during their classes is perfect; a mix of being relaxed, but also challenging yourself. Anyway, my first experience with BYU-I yoga was a little disappointing- the instructor played upbeat hip-hop type music and didn't give us time to really settle into the poses. Well, today was much different. The lights were dim, the music was soothing, and the instructor was fabulous (for you Rexburgians- her name is Erin).
The point is, I consider my first workout since starting SA is a success. Check. One day, I hope I am healthy and fit enough to do something like this:

And look that good doing it! The beach scene is a nice perk as well. :)

Namaste