On my Nightstand

I recently purchased the Complete Book of Women's Running on my iPhone, and I am really enjoying it.  It really takes you step by step, thought by thought, into the running world.  It is definitely motivating me!  This week of running has gone pretty well!  It's been an abnormal week for us, schedule wise, so I've had to rearrange some things.  The first session went really well (Monday, December 27).  When I first started (I ran at the gym - it's so cold!!!), I was afraid it would seem like FOREVER to get done, but it actually went by pretty fast and I felt great afterwards.  Tired, but like I accomplished something.  The second session also went well.  I am squeezing in my last session right before we leave for New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl!  Go Hogs!!

See ya in 2011!!!
P

My Half Marathon Goal - Holy Crap

I'm not gonna lie - I've only ran one 5k.  I've never honestly run that far in my life.  When I was in junior high and high school, I played basketball, ran track and was a cheerleader.  In basketball, running was considered a punishment.  You miss too many free throws - you run.  You don't hustle in practice - you run.  You lose a game you shouldn't - you run.  In track, I ran short distances - 100m hurdles, 4x100 relays, high jump...  No long distance.  When I was younger (and much shorter), I competed in gymnastics.  Again, we ran, but mostly short, fast distances.  So, I've always been active and I even consider myself a pretty good athlete.  But somehow, over the past few years, I've become much more sedentary - AND I HATE IT!  Between having a stressful, crazy busy job and trying to be a good wife (housework, cooking, grocery shopping, etc), I've let myself go.  I have successfully become that soft bodied person I swore to myself I wouldn't let happen.  But I have found an answer for my longing of competition - I am going to run a Half Marathon!  (urggghia - yes that was a dry heave...)  It is something I've thought long and hard about - it is a very difficult goal, however it's just the thing to motivate me.  So, naturally I've been searching for a training plan.  Most start off with running 2 or 3 miles each day for 4x/week.  Well, folks, I can't do that.  I just can't!  I feel like it honestly will burn me out starting off that aggressive.  So, I've found a 13 week program that is kind of like the "Couch to 5k" with intervals of walking and running that slowly increases your distance.  This sounds perfect!  The schedule also consists of only 3 training days - finding time shouldn't be an issue, right?!

So tomorrow - Monday, December 27 - I will officially start my training.  Here's the schedule:
Week #1/13
Session 1 - Run 1 Minute.  Walk 2 minutes.  Do this 12 times.
Session 2 - Run 1 Minute.  Walk 2 minutes.  Do this 9 times.
Session 3 - Run 1 minute.  Walk 2 minutes.  Do this 11 times.

When I first read this, I was like "this is too easy!"  But the book says not to skip ahead - the conditioning will increase your strength and endurance if you follow the schedule exactly.  Being the "rule follower" I am, I will do just that!  Wish me luck!!

Talk soon - P

P.S. - I will try to post pictures with most of my posts - probably most will be random :)

My lust for the moment....

I need to become a "runner" first though :)

This is also another "want".  I need to keep up with my mileage, right?!

Hello Out There!

I highly doubt anyone will be reading my little blog here, but just in case - Welcome!  My name is Paula and I am trying for a life change here.  I am a fairly athletic, nearly 30 year old woman looking to change my lifestyle.  I have been married to the most wonderful man for a little over 2 years and have an amazing job.  I have a problem though - I LOVE FOOD!  I really do.  I like cooking food, I like eating food, I like reading about food...  I know, it's a problem.  Over the past few years, I have slowly changed from a fairly svelte person to a pretty chunky person.  I am pretty tall (5'11''), so it didn't show immediately, however 30 or so pounds heavier, and I'm not happy!  

SO, this is why I'm here.  I want to get my life in check and do something about it.  I have aspirations of running a half marathon, so this is a little challenge for me.  I am starting a 12 week program this Monday, so I will keep a journal of my journey here.  Wish me luck - I definitely need all I can get!

Random pic of the day -- I can really appreciate Jessica Beil.  She works out, eats well, and isn't rail thin.  She is definitely a great role model for women of all ages.  Muscles are beautiful!!

Talk soon ---  P