So...very...tired...

So I started a job finally, this past Monday. Yippee for a soon to be paid mortgage! However, I have to get up at 5am every day now......where as I'm used to getting up at around 8:30ish every morning. So...this week has been a little rough. I did do a walk/run with my nice gentleman friend last night...and I'm going to try and go tomorrow as well. So, I'm sorry I've not kept up with this! I should be used to this schedule soon, and be back at it!

I hope everyone is well!

So it would appear, by this study, that it would be more cost effective to stay slim and healthy most of your life, rather than trying to drop it all at once.

"For every 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) gained since age 18, women's odds of surviving past 70 dropped 5 percent, researchers found. Women who were already overweight at age 18 and then gained more than 10 kilograms (22 kilograms) later in life only had about a 20 percent chance of surviving to age 70 in good health. The most commonly reported diseases were cancer, heart disease, and diabetes."

And, given that I'm predisposed to developing all three of these, thanks to my family history, this running is even more important to me. Yes, I've dropped maybe five pounds in the past month and a half...which is pretty good...but I want a nice, steady, healthy weight.

And then there is this study, which states that vegetarians (which, I've been before) are less likely to develop cancer.

"A study conducted in part by scientists at Oxford University’s Cancer Epidemiology Unit indicates that vegetarians develop some cancers, including bladder and stomach cancers and leukemia, up to 45% less than persons who eat red meat, that’s nearly half the risk!"

Yes, I love me a big slab of steak, with a baked sweet potato and a huge salad and some bread and a huge pint of beer. YUM! However, I think, for my long term happiness and health, I really need to start delving into a complete lifestyle change. Yes, I'm running and yes that is a good, positive change. But to be frank with you lovely people, I still eat like crap. Seriously. It's amazing though, how much better I feel when I do eat more veggies & fruits and whole grains...but as anyone priced that stuff lately? It's so expensive to eat healthy. But, I live near a Trader Joe's, which is pretty decently priced. But, spend the money now on good, quality food, or spend it later on health treatments, more prescriptions and higher health care costs??

Interesting...

I think I need to stop doubting myself. In yesterday's episode, I thought I would just be DYING of pain from run/stumble/walk/jog through a not so happy nature trail. Well, today, I'm a little tired, but not sore at all. Perhaps I'm actually getting used to this...building up a tolerance almost to running. My shins haven't hurt since the first week. I can run a bit longer than before.... And, (oh, dare I say it??) I believe my metabolism is getting better!!!

So, here is to looking forward to tomorrow's run. Not sure if I'm going to start Week 3, or perhaps repeat a day or two of Week 2.

Stay tuned...

I don't even know... w2d3??

So, I was supposed to do w2d3 on Thursday, then I had a migraine, so I thought I would do it on Friday...well, stupid migraine had other ideas for me...Then, this weekend, I was cramping and just not feeling well. So today, I got my running gear on, texted my friend, asking if he would go with me. He said come to his house and we would do this trail.

Holy crap. If I'm able to move tomorrow, I'll be surprised. It was a beautiful late afternoon for a walk/jog/run/pant/stumble...The terrain was a bit more rugged then what I was used to, and, well, at the end of it, I realized I had just done three miles of the walk/jog/run/pant/stumbling. I did properly stretch...before and afterwards. I think I will however redo week 2, just to make sure I'm good to start week 3, which should be this Wednesday, the 30th.

So...I'm going to go take some advil and stretch the shins some more. I hope everyone is doing well!

Interesting turn of events

So on Thursday, Sept 24th, I was SUPPOSED to do W2D3...but, when waking to a migraine, one can barely move to take a fistfull of drugs, let alone think about running. So, after knocking myself out twice and waking to no pain (but that horrible migraine hangover like state), I'm feeling much better and I PLEDGE to myself and to all you good people that I'm going tomorrow morning!! I hope the rain stays away just long enough for me to get this in...heck, as long as it isn't a down pour I'm going to go!

On a side note, the twisted ankle is fine. Didn't bust it up too badly... however, me thinks that I need new running shoes. I've been seeing good things about Asics, but I'm completely dumb and new at this so when I can actually AFFORD them, I'll just hit the local running store.

So...I'm off to sleep yet again today. I hope everyone is well and happy!

Ciao!

Ramblings of the Brandy mind..

So today I woke up feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders....stress, money issues, family, health....blah blah blah blah... Today is a rest day for me, but I'm THIS close to strapping on my shoes and hitting the pavement hard and furious. The best way for me to release tension and stress is to sweat it out...

Wait a second...I think Mother Nature just heard me. The weather has just turned into something unsuitable for running. Ah well. Perhaps this is her way of telling me to just clean the house rather than run.

On a side note, I found an interesting article in regards to healthy eating for Fall. I'm sure I'm not the only one whose mother has a KILLER stuffing recipe, who can whip out a peach cobbler like no one's business and who finds comfort in anything carb, especially in the Fall when it feels so nice to snuggle up with someone and roast marshmellows near the fire.

One last thing then I suppose I'll do some job searching....does anyone else experience shoulder pain after a run? It has gotten better, so I think my theory of not relaxing my shoulders was true...but my right one still feels "tight" after a run.

Have a WONDERFUL, blessed, groovy, awesome and just a simply lovely day!

W2D2

Ok...so..yeah...

I did this today, and I don't know what my problem was. I was totally out of breath...and it just felt like my body did NOT want to do this today, but, I pushed it and got it in. I was actually supposed to do this Sunday, but my nice gentleman friend came over with a work out DVD that he wanted to do, so I did that instead. I did twist my weak ankle last night at my parents' house, so I was really concentrating on how I was stepping down.

I may have to repeat week 2. Not sure just yet...not that I want to, but, I think it will be for the best. We'll see!!!

I am still proud of myself for doing this. To me, it's a huge accomplishment to actually want to do this. I find my energy is up a bit...my mood has improved...I'm starting to sleep a tad better...all positives! I'm so looking forward to where I'll end up in all this running mess, but I'm also enjoying the journey as well.

Until next time....

Well, today turned out different

So today was supposed to be W2D2, but, my nice gentleman friend brought over this nice work out DVD that he really wanted to do. It's from The Biggest Loser, and he's trying to get healthier as well, so I decided to do that 20 minute workout, then go for a run.

Oh....my....god... I did the 5 minute warm up, 20 minute work out then the 5 minute cool down and was totally out of breath, exhausted, sweating horribly. So...no running for me today. I will, however, be going tomorrow because I SO want to do this 5k in December in 30 minutes. It's a lofty goal, I know... but I can do it if I put my mind, and legs, to it.

I'm off to take a nap!

Blah....

So, today I'm super busy, well, let me rephrase that. I'm not going to be until called upon. I'm helping with a very good friend's surprise birthday party, and when he actually leaves the house, I have to RACE over to his house and help his fiance, who is my best friend, set up for the party. Not a problem, however...that means I really can't plan anything, so W2D2 may just have to wait until tomorrow. Bums me out, and knowing that it bums me out lets me know that I'm not going to slip up and not do this tomorrow.

Also, found this groovy article about how a runner should eat. I love active.com. :D

So anyway...I'll have fun at the party and go run everything off tomorrow.

Cheers!

Shin pain is very lame

So, found this article to overcome shin pain.

Enjoy!!!

I love Alanis!

So, I just ran across this, and I think it is outstanding. Alanis Morissette is not only a very talented singer/song writer, but she is a runner! She will be running in the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon (www.coastaltrailruns.com/bizz_johnson) in Susanville, California on October 11, 2009 to raise money for the National Eating Disorders Association (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org). Per First Giving, "In 2008, Alanis embarked on a new health regime by shifting not only her diet, but her lifestyle as well. The plan she adopted focused mostly on nutrient awareness, finding other forms of comfort outside of food, and disease prevention: all of which collectively resulted in being healthier. While training for the marathon, Alanis decided she wanted to share her experience and, in partnering with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA),raise awareness around peoples’ often fraught relationship with food, exercise and their bodies. All proceeds raised will go to NEDA, who equip people with the information, support and tools necessary to help combat the dangers of eating disorders."

You know, I suppose we all start running for various reasons, but to be honest, I've not given much thought to my nutritional needs, or even changing my lifestyle. Something to think about that's for sure. And, who doesn't use some sort of food/alcohol for comfort or coping mechanism? Who doesn't think of going for the Oreos or the ice cream or a cold beer when they've had a bad day. That really isn't help. Perhaps by replacing that with something more constructive, (running, reading, blogging, knitting, whatever!) and teaching our kids that and not using food as a reward, this problem would perhaps start dwindling down? 

W2D1

So today I started the second week. I was SO stoked about it last night. But this morning, I got an email, saying that I didn't get a job I was SO hoping I was going to get. I had spent the night with a friend, to help prepare for a surprise party. She left for work and told me I could use her treadmill. I jumped on that thing and BUSTED IT OUT! I did about a mile and a half, in about 22 minutes of walking and RUNNING MY ASS OFF. I did stretch..but I'm pretty sure I did over do it and I'll pay for it later. But hey, that's ok. It felt good. Other than doing this for my health, to lessen the severity of symptoms of a medical condition I have, running is so good to burn off frustrations and I think it helps me think a bit. I really don't like watching television or listening to music when I run, although, I would love a new iPod. I have one, but it's one of the first models and it only holds about 150 or so songs. Also, I believe keeping up with this blog and now a 5k which my lovely wonderful big brother is going race with me in, is helping me to not get so down about my LACK of employment. But at least that is giving me time to get healthy and in shape.

Wow. I can so ramble, huh? So...who knows if I'll get a wild hair to go running again today. I know that wouldn't be smart, but we'll see.

Stay tuned for another exciting episode of "As the Crazy-Insane-Chaotic World of Brandy Turns".

A nice surprise...

So, I thought that my legs would be just, done today, given how sore I was last night. But no..they are a little tired, but I'm walking around the house doing my normal day just fine. My shins really aren't sore, but tired as well. Oh don't get me wrong, I'm stoked that I'm not in agony, but I just really thought I was going to be in for it today. Perhaps seeing my nice gentleman friend last night and whining about my legs and him massaging my shins and calves did some good! Nice.

So stoked about starting week 2 tomorrow!! I know I'm totally going to rock it out.

W1D3

Well, I got thru the first week alive! Yay me!! Double yay for my health!!! And, I must say, I'm very proud of myself! I wasn't able though, to go the full time, because silly me didn't stretch the shins good enough. Ah well, I still impressed myself with how it was slightly easier to do more intervals today, rather than longer walking intervals!

I am finding though, that I'm really digging doing this program on walking/nature trails versus pavement. It gives a bit more so it's easier on my pitiful ankles. So I'm going to try my best to stick to that. Also, I'm pretty sure that I'll be running by myself most of the time, which is fine, but I found out Sunday that if I have a partner, I just keep going and going and going...is that a good thing? It felt good, to feel that burn, you know?

But regardless, I'm so sticking to this. I feel so good about myself! I can't believe how proud of myself I am, or how good I feel about myself! I'm also hoping to start posting inspirational tid bits...news stories...little factoids. There is a 5k here in Charlotte that I really want to go for in December, and I know that if I stick to this program and with the help all of you lovely people here and on Facebook, and **gasp** now Twitter, I know that I'll have the motivation and the support to do so! I'm so glad that I took this back up and it feels so good to do this!

So, on that note, I'm freaking exhausted. I'm looking forward to a day of rest and chillin' at my friend's house tomorrow evening, then back to running Thursday! The start of week two!! Oh the joy!!!

Run Tellman Run!

Ok, I just had to post about this guy, Tellman Knudson. He is running across the country, barefoot, to raise money to help homeless teenagers! He is surely and inspiration, and, if you watch his video updates on youtube, you will be inspired and get a good laugh in.

Just goes to show what a little motivation and a worthy cause can do for someone, huh?

Yikes...looks like it's gonna rain soon. I best get my run on!!

Ciao!

Oh, the sweet agony..

So, tomorrow I do W1D3. I'm really looking forward to it. My shins don't hurt quite as bad, and, I'm not sure if I would even call it pain...but that sweet agony of soreness, knowing you did something good for your body. Maybe I'll go to the nearby park and have at it, or maybe I'll just take off down the street here. Who knows. But, I'm looking forward to it!!

W1D2

So, today was a success, in that I got outside and did this, at a beautiful nearby park. However, my shins were KILLING me. But I wasn't going to let that stop me. I took my nice gentleman friend with me, and we did the initial brisk 5 minute warm up walk, then busted out in the 60 second jog. Good lord, I couldn't do it again... my shins were enraged. so, we briskly walked the course three more times, to make it a four mile walk.

I stretched them out really well before, and afterwards. I plan on stretching them out as well tomorrow and then hopefully by Tuesday, I can do the whole W1D3 fully and completely.

I'm also really diggin' the support and enthusiasm of the Fan Page on Facebook for the Couch to 5k. I've found a lot of inspiration from these folks!!

W1D1

Ok...so, I did it. And, despite it all, I'm proud of myself!

So on day one, of week one, of this Couch to 5k thing, one is supposed to walk briskly for five minutes, as a warm up, which I did. Then do intervals of 60 seconds of jogging then 90 seconds of brisk walking for a total of 20 minutes, which I did.

I had no idea I was this bad out of shape!! I'm totally out of breath. My leg muscles are rebelling. I'm stretching them now. And, I also realized that when I do run/jog, I plant my foot straight down, instead of heal-to-toe. Maybe I need new shoes? Egh, that will have to wait until I get a new job.

But, despite it all, I worked up a good sweat, got the heart pumping, and I'm damn proud of myself! :D So...I can't wait until Sunday now!! W1D2, here I come!!!

Geez! it's been awhile!

So I found that I had started a running blog a LONG time ago...and never followed thru with it. But now, I will!

I found this amazing program called, "The Couch-to-5k Running Plan". It's a beginner's guide to getting off your lazy rear, like mine, and eases you into running a 5k.

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this. If I had attempted to do this on my own, with what I thought I could do, I would be laid up for days, begging for mercy from the pain gods.

So, I'm going to start this today...really listen to my body...I'm sure I'll be worn out from it. But, it should be groovy!

Stay tuned...