Day 59

Couch to 5K: Week Four, Workout Three, 2.10 miles completed. I'm still feeling like this week's workout is a big challenge for me, so we'll see how it goes when I progress to Week Five on Tuesday.

day 59

couch to 5k, week eight workout three, 2.75 miles completed.

I'm tired.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 58

For the second time this year, I took advantage of a heat wave (32 degrees and a clear, sunny sky) and walked outside. It was chilly but oh so good to take a walk in the fresh, crisp air! Thanks for keeping me company too...I always love talking with you!

day 58

Mixin' it up a bit today with a walk downtown on the Riverwalk extension. I love this part of the Riverwalk. It is a lot more peaceful than the restaurant, shop filled, touristy section. Lots of walkers out with their dogs makes it very family friendly. This pictures cracks me up. I didn't notice it until right now but you can see our dog, Tortilla, squished between us. We forgot her leash so once again I spent my walk carrying a chihuahua. I'm sensing a theme here.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 57

To quote a dear friend of mine, "Oh blessed, blessed walk day. How I love thee so!"
I couldn't have said it better myself!!! :)
Happy Friday!

day 57

Oh blessed, blessed walk day. How I love thee so!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 56

Couch to 5k: Week Four, Workout Two, 2.08 miles completed. The 5 minute runs are kicking my butt and I'm always so glad for a walk break. I have a long way to go to actually run a whole 5k and I'm only a few weeks away from the one I registered for. I'm scared!

day 56

Couch to 5k, week eight, workout two, 2.77 miles completed.

I felt the urge to run early in the day. This surprised me. The urge to run never seems to come naturally to me. But I knew I needed to go with it. So I found a Netflix for the kids to watch and whipped out my mileage. I don't normally let the kids in the room while I'm on the treadmill. I'm always paranoid about them getting hurt on it. But they did a great job staying put (thank you netflix). Maybe having one eye on the kids the whole time helped me go a bit faster? Who knows. Pushing my pace today was just the thing I needed.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 55

I completed a very leisurely walk on the treadmill during naptime. When the little neighborhood girl scout came to the door with my cookies this evening, though, I was wishing I had worked out a little harder. ;)

day 55

Oh man, I am exhausted. It hit me around the kiddos nap time. I really didn't want to get on the treadmill, but alas, I can't quit on day 55! ;) Fortunately walking gave me enough endorphins to get through the afternoon. I think I'll try to hit the hay early tonight. Tomorrow brings a long run and if I'm tired I always struggle more with my running (and everything else for that matter)!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 54

Couch to 5K: Week Four, Workout One...I broke the 2 mile mark!!! 2.07 miles completed.
I was so nervous to start this week with two 5 minute runs in the mix! It was so hard, but I made it.
We went to Ager this a.m. and they had posted that 27 laps was a mile. So, I pushed Jude around in the stroller part of the time while the older two played! I was tempted to use this as part of my 30 minutes, but even though I was nervous to start this week of training, I was also looking forward to proving to myself that I could do it!

day 54

couch to 5k, week eight, workout one, 2.75 miles completed. Woo.

So, for this week of training I'm supposed to run for 28 straight minutes (without any walking).

Yeah. That just wasn't happenin'.

So instead of getting discouraged and fostering negative thoughts by not being able to do that, I gave myself a few walk breaks. I still feel like I have made tons of progress since beginning this program, but for whatever reason I feel like I'm at a plateau. I need something to push me over the edge but can't seem to figure out what.

Kinda scary to think I only have one more week (after this one) of the couch to 5k program, and then a couple more weeks until my 5K. What are we going to shoot for after our 5k's?

On another note, I found this article from Cool Running really helpful. Thanks to them, today I "ran on water."

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 53

Oh, how I love getting my 30 minutes done during naptime, especially on Mondays! It really is nice not to have to think about it anymore! A 1.63 mile walk on the treadmill with nobody around while I caught up on some online TV...refreshing!

day 53

Got a good walk in today. I love how even 30 minutes walking seems to put a little more pep in my step to get me through the afternoon. Now I'm off to take Grace to swimming lessons. Yipeee!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 52

Couch to 5K: Week Three, Workout Three, 1.93 miles completed. It's been a long day and tomorrow is Monday...

day 52

Couch to 5k, week seven workout three, 2.57 miles completed.

Today was mentally tough. I hit the wall on so many levels. It was good for me to push through it. On another note, I'm pretty sure our treadmill is in the hottest room of the house!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 51

Guess what? It's snowing again today! Ugh! Can you feel my frustration? The crazy part is that in 51 days, I have done my walk outside ONCE...and even then I was dodging piles of snow and icy patches!!! C'mon Spring...really!!! Okay, enough whining...I did an easy 30 minute walk on the treadmill today while all my boys slept...gotta love some quiet time!

day 51 done. i think i need more sleep.

happy trails,

jessy

Day 50

A whole 50 days already! Wow!! It was snowing here AGAIN! I just kept thinking, as I was on my treadmill AGAIN, that it will be so nice when, on my walking days, the weather is nice enough to take the boys and walk outside for 30 minutes!! Spring cannot get here fast enough! Anyways, 1.78 miles on the treadmill...I know I'm making progress when my walking mileage matches mileage done in my first week of Couch to 5K training. It's slow but sure! Happy Friday my friend!

day 50? awesome!

It's Friday. I can tell. But...inspite of the dreary sky, a little bit of an upset tummy, and a husband who is off to work the weekend I still believe that all will be well with the world. I will make it.

In the mean time, I just loved this article from NPR, "Wistful Workout: You Know What? Forget It"by Stephen Thompson . For my walk today I downloaded their recommended music, grabbed a couple Cooking Light magazines and hit the treadmill. My favorite song? "Even If You're Never Awake" by Stars of the Lid.

Here's the highlight given by Thompson: "Did you know that sleep burns calories? That's why you weigh less in the morning than you do at night. (Never mind the fact that you haven't eaten in many hours; that's just propaganda from the Exercise Industrial Complex.) Few pieces of music are better suited to send you floating into slumber, which simulates the effect of something between Vicodin and whatever they use to anesthetize bull elephants. When you wake up 16 or 17 hours later, the calories will have melted away!"

So funny! :)

Now that I'm feeling so relaxed I think I'll go warm some tea, cuddle up with my munchkins, and enjoy a calm afternoon. Or at least as calm as it can get with four crazy kids.

Happy trails & happy weekend,

Jessy

day 49

Today was supposed to be a couch to 5k day...running for 25 minutes/2.5 miles.

I had a good start to my run, but thanks to this little lady that didn't happen. She followed me for a few blocks. I wanted her to go away, I tried my hardest to will her back to her home.

Over and over I whispered, "you are not my problem, you are not my problem,you are not my problem."

Next thing I know I'm picking her up and she's snuggling in my neck.

So...I walked today.

Carrying this little chihuahua for 2.5 miles.

I am a sucker.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 49

Couch to 5K: Week Three, Workout Two. 1.93 miles completed. The only good thing about this week is the 3 minute walks. :) My knee and back are actually holding up pretty well...so, that's a good thing too! :)

Day 48

I guess you already know that I got my 30 minutes in today!! It was the best 30 minute walk I've had over the past 48 days! ;) It's always great to catch up with you. Maybe at some point this year we can do an actual walk or run together!!That would be awesome! Miss you!!

day 48

Howdy!
Needless to say my 30 minutes of walking flew by today since I spent it "with" you chatting on the phone. :)

Thanks for letting me talk your ear off. You're such a good listener!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 47

Couch to 5K: Week Three, Workout One, 1.92 miles completed. The three minute runs were tough for me, and it makes me nervous that it's going to be hard for me to actually run a 5K ever. I just get so winded...ugh! BUT I did it! I'm officially further through this program than I was before I hurt my back. Yay!

day 47

Couch to 5k, week seven workout one, 2.5 miles done, done, done!

One word sums up today: willpower.

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 46

I'm so happy today was a walk day! Lots of sore muscles from my outdoor run yesterday. Even my sides hurt. Weird.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 46

Got a boring 1.5 mile treadmill walk in during naptime today...Jude was my audience since he decided he was above sleeping at the same time as his big bros! :) I'm a little nervous for my Couch to 5K tomorrow...starting a new week is always challenging for me!! We'll see how it goes...

day 45

Couch to 5K, week six workout three, 2.5 miles completed.

Today I had Greg drop me off at the clock tower entering our subdivision and then I ran home. I had three big hills to conquer which, for me, were long and tough. Those took all the mental stamina I could muster! It was really good for me to get outside and run which feels so different than the treadmill. I wasn't sure if I would make it home in 30 minutes. But as I came crashing through the door I looked at the timer, 29:58!!! Woohoo! 2 seconds to spare. I was so excited! Those two seconds put the biggest, cheesiest, proudest grin on my face you could ever imagine. :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 45

Couch to 5K: Week Two, Workout Three, 2.0 miles completed. I actually did an extra run and went 32 minutes, so that's why I had a bit of a jump from my last Couch to 5K day! My main reason for pushing a little harder? I was thinking about the box of chocolates and Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles given to me by my 4 wonderful valentines that I'll be indulging in tonight (and likely for the next week)!! :)
Happy Valentine's Day to my wonderful, inspiring, encouraging, beautiful friend who I am so blessed to have in my life! I hope you had the perfect weekend with all of your valentines!

Day 44

30 minutes on the treadmill...DONE!!

day 44

Today was just the change I needed! Sunshine, warmth, and spending all day hiking around Enchanted Rock State Park with the family. The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. Needless to say we are all going to sleep good tonight!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 43

Fridays are crazy...it's the type of day that I hop on the treadmill wishing that if I walked or ran faster that the 30 minutes would pass by quicker. But, no such luck! :) I squeezed my 30 minutes in and got 1.71 miles under my belt. Happy Friday to you too!!

day 43

It's been a long week here. Lots to think about and process and come to terms with. I enjoyed my time walking today using each step to fuel my thoughts and in the end I stepped off the treadmill with a somewhat clearer mind.

I'm looking forward to Greg being home this weekend relaxing together, eating homemade cinnamon rolls, and enjoying each minute with my family.

Happy trails & happy Friday,

Jessy

day 42

I used to have a mantra when I ran. Something I would say to myself over & over & over until I finally believed it, or at least forgot about the fact that I couldn't breathe. I tried to remember it today as I ran, but I couldn't. Darn. It was good, I know it was, it got me through several tough races the past few years.

And then, as if by fate, my music changes and U2 starts singing.

"I am not afraid of anything in this world, there's nothing you can throw at me that I haven't already heard...You gotta stand up straight, carry your own weight...You've got to get yourself together, you've got stuck in a moment & now you can't get out of it, don't say that later will be better...It's just a moment this time will pass."

It's just a moment, this time will pass.

I think that was my mantra for today.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Couch to 5k week six workout two, 2.55 miles completed.

Day 42

Couch to 5K: Week Two, Workout Two completed for 1.83 miles. I also JUST signed up for the State Farm 5K on March 27!!! Exciting, but I'm super nervous!!!

Day 41

This mama woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!! Boy #3 got sick as of yesterday evening and Craig came home and crashed after class last night with a fever, chills, body aches, etc. Between poor sleep and trying to fight this crud off myself, I just wanted to crawl into a hole this morning! Instead I decided I should try the treadmill mid-morning to see if some endorphins could change my mood a bit! So, after I put Jude down for a morning nap, the older two came downstairs with me and watched Nick Jr. while I got on the treadmill. I only walked, although I thought about running. I knew physically that my body needed the rest day. So, I walked for 1.64 miles. I wouldn't say that I feel like a whole new woman or anything, but the day does seem brighter and I know that I'll make it! :)

day 41

I'm still here. Had a good walk today. I'm still trying to figure out how much of a "rest" I want to take on "rest" days. I normally walk at 4mph but decided that I really can/should be increasing my walking speed as the days go by. So today I had my incline at 4 and my speed at 4.3mph. I tried out an incline at a 10 for about 10 minutes. Ouch.

For the last ten minutes I had my speed at 4.5mph without an incline.

So pretty much I'm all over the board on "rest" days.

But I do know that I would like to work on walking faster. :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 40

Today was Couch to 5K week six, workout one for me.

I worked hard for 2.53 miles.

Typing "day 40" is unreal. Have we really been at it that long?

That number just seems like a really big deal to me!

Here's to 325 more fabulously healthy, injury free days!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 40

Couch to 5k: Week Two Workout One, 1.82 miles completed.
Progressing to the next week is always a bit challenging with the increased running, but it feels good when it's done and I've made it! I've got my new Walgreens ice pack on my left knee as I type...love it! :)

day 39

Easy walk & core strengthening done. Now I'm off to take dinner to a new Mama. Looking forward to having Greg home tonight & just relaxing. :)

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 39

Mondays are really long days for me because Craig has class after work, and when 2 of 3 boys are sick and cranky, it makes for an even longer Monday!! So, my goal today was to get my 30 minutes in during naptime because I knew I'd be too pooped to poop by the time the boys were all asleep for the night! Jude made me work hard for a naptime workout (he apparently wasn't completely on board with my plan), but I made it! I walked for an easy 1.66 miles. Now I can crash tonight...sweet!!! :)

Day 38

It's days like today that I truly find it amazing that I'm able to squeeze 30 minutes in! Between work this morning, Craig studying, getting the house and food ready to entertain company and, of course, the Superbowl, it was yet another crazy busy day!! Yay me!! So, what you were saying about it being a question of when I'll exercise and not if I'll exercise has been on my mind all week...it's totally true...and it's a weird reality...for me anyway!
Anyways...
I did Couch to 5k today so I can be back on track with Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday as training days. Week One, Workout Three for a total of 1.81 miles! I had a few aches in my back here and there and stopped to stretch a couple of times but have felt great the rest of the day! :)

day 38

Couch to 5k, week five workout three, 2.5 miles completed! (I'm happy about that incase you couldn't tell) :)

I had a little better time management today and got my run in earlier. It went better than I anticipated. I was nervous as today's plan included a 20 minute run. Up until this point the longest running period, I believe, has been somewhere between 8-10 minutes with plenty of walking breaks in between. But I found a good song and found my "happy pace" pretty quickly. I feel like this program is really building a solid foundation at a realistic pace. Which hopefully will prevent injuries and keep me running longer and faster in the end.

Happy trails,

Jessy

day 37

Whew. I made it. At 8:45 pm I finally made it on the treadmill and also got my core strengthening done. With Greg on nights we are trying to figure out a new routine for the next 4 months. That also means my running time will be shifted around on some days. Today was one of those days!

Since tomorrow is a big 5K day (with a long run) I took the time tonight to enjoy a slow walk and catch up on some reading. Now I'm off to snuggle with my Walgreen's ice packs in bed.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 37

My 30 minutes today was spent taking a very leisurely walk on my treadmill. My knee is back to aching now that I'm running again...bleh! I shall also be purchasing one of those Walgreens ice packs! :) I was really hoping with new shoes, my knee would be okay, but maybe not? Time will tell!

day 36

I love the show "Biggest Loser." I am continually inspired by each participant's determination and often find myself thinking, "if they can do it I can too!" During one episode I heard Bob ask how long they had been at "10" on the treadmills.

Wow!

10?!

Seriously?

If they can do it I can too! So today I set my incline at 10! I managed to keep it at that incline for 15 minutes before my calves were screaming. I finished out my walk at an incline of 4, which at this point was a walk in the park. Afterwards I strapped on my fancy new ice pack. A result of watching "Biggest Loser." I guess it's proof that product placement really does work! But hey, this ice pack is AMAZING and so handy!

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 36

Another crazy day...another day that I just didn't want to do it, but I did! And I'm oh so glad I'm done!
Couch to 5k. Week One, Workout Two for 1.77 miles.

Day 35

Okay, this was a crazy day but I still got my 30 minutes and 1.67 miles in. Today is one of those days that if it weren't for this challenge, I totally would have skipped a workout. Although I despise this challenge on occasion, I'm also very thankful for it. I think days like today are the ones that can use the "high" of a run or walk the most! I'm also thankful for it because I know in the past, after I hurt my back, it would've been weeks or months before I got back into working out again. Instead, I'm right back at it with increased motivation. So friend, thanks for inviting me to join you in this horrible yet wonderful challenge!! :)

day 35

Couch to 5K week five, workout two, 2.44 miles completed.

Today my feet felt like they were stuck in cement. I also fought with a stomach cramp that wouldn't go away (maybe I was drinking too much?). The combination of those things made it hard to find my focus. I'm kinda bummed that my total mileage was a little less than my last 5K day. I know it's not much, but each week my mileage has been growing.

But...I did it. :) Now I can cross today off my calendar.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 34

COUCH TO 5K, WEEK ONE WORKOUT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was actually giddy getting on the treadmill today because I was so excited to run! I've got the plan taped up right next to the treadmill now. I'm writing my mileage right on there...I think you said you're doing the same so you can visually see the mileage progressing each time. So, I went 1.76 miles today. My back held up just fine! And I've officially graduated from Physical Therapy, hopefully never to return! :)

day 34

30 minutes of walking + core strengthening done.

Adding this because some days it's nice to have a little reminder.

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 33

This is what the wall of my shower looks like right now. ;) I started this on January 2nd with 'Walk Run 365' and I keep thinking I should take a picture because it makes me smile every morning. It keeps evolving...we've never actually talked about it, but I think my bro is having fun with it too. :) And a special thanks to my boys for letting us take over your letters. ;)

So, I did 1.66 miles today! I'm planning to talk with my PT tomorrow about whether I can start running again. *Fingers crossed*

day 33

Couch to 5K, week five workout one, 2.46 miles completed!

I love this Couch to 5K program!!! Whew! I feel like I really pushed myself today. It felt really good though.

These lyrics got me through the tough spots.

What music motivates you?

"You better lose yourself in the music, the moment

You own it, you better never let it go

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo.."

Lose Yourself, Eminem

Happy trails,

Jessy

Day 32

Typing Day 32 feels weird! Up until today, I knew what day we were on because that was the date! Anyways...welcome to February! :) I'm glad January is behind us...it's not my favorite month, especially here in Nebraska!
I did 1.61 miles today. I'm starting to feel more comfortable with walking fast...that's always been hard for me. I get to a certain speed and I just want to jog. So, even though I'm not running, I know I'm making progress and that feels good!
And by the way, I love OUR shoes! ;)
Thinking of you lots tonight, friend...

day 32

Helloooooo February!

I feel like we are settling into a rhythm at this point. How about you?

And just for fun...

me & my shoes on the treadmill. We really do have the same shoes!

Happy trails,

Jessy