This is just a sideline not a set back

I've been making some great progress these past few weeks.  Enjoying the changes in my program to run for 1 mile straight, increasing it slowly.  It was really feeling great.

My body however is saying take a little rest.  Last week on a run, I felt my calf was a bit achy but thought it was just the extra effort I've been putting in.  On Saturday, went out for 1.25 miles in the neighborhood.  Around the 1 mile mark I started feeling some cramping in my calf was pushing through it as it was more of a 3 or 4 on a 1-10 scale.  Tried to stretch it a little, it continued to feel tight and achy.

So I find myself today at a PT session.  My calf needs to Rest.

Though - I will say the stretching felt amazing so glad to have a few new ones I can use.

This is just a sideline not a set back

Plugged In

The Runmeter app works well for me.  It has preset run training options of 5k, 10k, half-marathon and a marathon.  I can also create my own plans.  Today I set up a 3:30 min warm up, 1 mile, with a 3:30 min cool down.  The 1 mile run was set for a 13-14 min pace. You can set your music playlist. Choice the voice read out options.  So much versatility.  

I set out today as an extra run day (number 5 for the week).  I set my pace for 13 -14 mins and the voice kept saying to me slow down pace now.... I would slow down and it would still say slow down.  I never stayed in 13-14 it was mostly 11-12.

I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to:
1) Run outside for 1 mile straight (I've been running on a treadmill)
2) Run a 11-12 min pace
3) I can actually enjoy it
4) ****If I'm honest with myself I'm ready to step it up and go a little further for next week.

Now on to the playlist - Music is key for me.  It helps me get in the moment and also through the mental aspect of running.  Today I added a couple of new songs to my playlist thanks to both my daughter Stephanie and friend Kim.

Picking Up the Pieces: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijel4Vcqd9g
New York: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvXeUqlfxhY

If you are looking for a good beat for your run, walk, jog, or workout - check these out.

Cause for Celebration

Today, started with a cause for Celebration...

I ran 4 times and each time for a non-stop mile.

Give me a Hi-5 -------------------->

This really took a mental shift and the words

I Can Do It

It wasn't necessarily easy however, it was very rewarding.  On a few occasions I felt like giving in and telling myself oh wait until tomorrow.  However, I persevered and gave the gift of me time to myself and I must say it was so worth it.  

Celebrate the little things in life today and when you need a Hi-5 stop by and I'll be here for to give you one.

Learning to Listen and Challenge Myself

At the end of last week while at the Hotel in Plano, I decided to change my Wog.  I wanted to see how I would do not stopping for 10 mins of running.  Well SURPRISE, I could do it!  I started with 5 mins of warm up, 10 mins run, 5 mins of cool down.  I did it and I wasn't sore, I felt awesome and had the most amazing shift occur mentally.  So, I'm going to continue moving forward in this same way.

Today, I listened to my body which said we can go farther.  I jumped on the treadmill this morning and went for 5 min warm up, 14 min run, 5 min cool down.  The 14 min run was for 1 mile.  Finishing the Wog at 1.5 miles.  Sweetness!

I also believe I can push even further than that.  However, I know me well enough to know I have to get comfortable with this before I push forward/farther.