5K Training: Weeks 3 and 4

Hi, all! Forgot to post my training from last week (=P), so I decided to combine last week's and this week's training on to one post.

Last Week (Week 3):

Training runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I found Saturday's to be tough for whatever reason, but I did finish what I started! I also did three days of strength training in the gym (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

This Week (Week 4):

Monday ended up being an active rest day (just a 20 minute walk). Yesterday, I repeated week 3, day 1 of the C25K. Tough run both mentally and physically! However, I finished what I started once again, and in the end, that's all I wanted to do. The rest of the week is a toss-up. I definitely plan on doing two more training runs this week, but the rest is up in the air between how much time I spend in the gym, and how much I workout at home. I'll figure it out and update this post later.

That's all for now! Have a great day!

Tracy

5K Training: Week 2

Hi, all! Happy First Day of Spring! =)

I forgot to post over the weekend with last week's training, so here was how it went:

• Monday-Week 2, Day 1 of C25K. Tough, but I finished.
• Tuesday-Biggest Loser Last Chance. Another 25 minute workout that makes me feel like I spent an hour in the gym.
• Wednesday-Morning run (C25K Week 2, Day 2) that felt great! Also did an afternoon lifting session at the gym with 15 minutes of light running on the elliptical.
• Thursday-Active rest day. Yeah, my plan for one day of total rest didn't work too well. Ended up walking for 45 minutes (broken up into 15 minute intervals).
• Friday-31 minute run (C25K week 2, day 3) on the treadmill due to icky weather plus a 30 minute lifting session.
• Saturday-35 minutes of cardio. After 15 minutes on the elliptical, I felt good and strong. Ended up for another 5 minutes on there, then went for 15 on the summit trainer.
• Sunday-Normal 30 minutes of cardio, plus 30 minutes of lifting.

Today, I'm moving on to week 3 of 5K training. Hope this week isn't as bad as the app makes it look.

Have a great day, everyone!

Tracy

5K Training: Week 1

Hi, all! I started my 5K training this week (10 weeks before the race). It started off a little slow, but by my third training day, I felt great!

I'm incorporating strength training as normal (3 times a week), and my regular cardio (elliptical/summit trainer) as much as possible, since I don't want to be burned out before the race starts. I'm also forcing myself to take one full rest day a week. For those who know me, I usually take one active rest day. That will not be the case while I'm training for the race.

Here's how the week went:

• Monday-First 5K training run. It was rough, but I finished it. My only thought was "Glad I started training now. It's going to be a long 10 weeks." 
• Tuesday-Level 1 of Biggest Loser Boot Camp. I ended the 20 minute workout feeling like I spent an hour in the gym.
• Wednesday-30 minute training run. This one went better than Monday's. Much better.
• Thursday-Regular gym workout. 30 minutes of upper body strength and 30 minutes of cardio.
• Friday-Rest day
• Saturday-Training run on the treadmill. This actually went well, considering that I hate treadmills. I got an idea of my time (about 14 minutes/mile, not terrible, considering I've never really run before). I probably won't do this too often, since I want to keep the running to the outdoors. I also did a regular strength training workout. 
• Sunday-Regular 30 minutes of cardio. 

I'll be starting week 2 of the C25K tomorrow. I find that my body is adapting to regular running pretty fast. I could totally become addicted to this. Actually, I already am.

That's all for now! Have a great day, everyone!

Tracy

5K Training: Pre-Training

Hi, all! As I posted a week or two ago, I decided to run my first ever 5K on May 19. I didn't want to start training too early, but decided that I (mentally) can't wait anymore! I'm starting this week! I'm actually excited about this. I can say that I haven't had this excited feeling about anything in a long time.

I will be using the Zen Labs C25K Trainer Free app on my iPod touch. Everything is programmed within the app, it lets the user play music of his or her choice, and is the only app that works accurately when my iPod is locked (which I do often to save battery). However, it does not integrate distance into it, so I'm looking into buying a heart rate monitor that does. If I do, that's awesome. If not, I can always use the Nike + iPod app on my iPod.


My program is only an 8 week program. I'm just under 11 weeks to the race, but I did this intentionally. With starting this early, I can allow myself time to stay on a level for additional time if I need it (which I have a feeling I will, especially the first week or two).


On that note, week 1's training is three 30 minute workouts alternating walking and running. I plan on doing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I'll see how it goes, and if I feel comfortable, I'll move on next week. If not, I'll stay on this level for another week.


Gotta run (literally and figuratively)! =)


Tracy