Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Never Thought I'd Say This...

...but I actually like running. In the past, I've embarked on running (jogging?) journeys after being frustrated with myself for eating poorly or not exercising. I would dive right into it and be out of breath before I reached the end of the block. Needless to say, I always fancied myself more of a dance/cardio DVD person rather than a runner. That's why I've spent the last four months relying on Jillian (Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism) and Bob (Cardio Rev) to strengthen my heart and get me in shape. Well folks, looks like that dynamic duo did me more than a favor. Not only did I get results from the DVDs, but I also built my endurance to the point where I pounded out 2.4 miles on my first day after a 2-year-long hiatus from running. It's not much, but it's something! Here's a breakdown of my thought process the whole time:

Ok, remember to breathe. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Wow, the breeze feels so nice. It's pretty out here. I'm so pasty. I can't believe I'm still going. I barely made it to this point last time. Holy crap, I hope that dog doesn't jump on me...the owner needs to put him on a leash. Yes! I love this song. Funny how it's making me go faster. I wonder if I can eat extra bread and pasta now that I'm going to run. This is getting a little harder, but I'm ok. I can't believe I'm still going. Ew, the man in that car just honked. How embarrassing and vile. What kind of person does that? Who raised him? It is SO pretty outside. I wonder if my form is right. I'll Google that when I get back. I can't believe I did it!

Random? Yes. Empowering? Definitely.

Since last Monday (4/11), I've stuck with 2.4 miles Mon-Sat. Last week I completed it around 30 minutes. This week, I'm averaging just under 25. Progress! FYI, Caitlin suggested that I don't increase my mileage by more than ten percent per week to prevent injury.

I've neglected my workout DVDs, but am probably going to bust one out today, since it's already dark outside. I've got Jillian's "No More Trouble Zones" on the brain because I don't want to lose muscle definition.

Questions: Are you a runner? Have you experienced loss of muscle definition after embarking on a more rigorous cardio regimen? How do you stay safe while you run? I carry pepper spray. Sometimes a knife. You know, so I can shank people. ;)


7 comments:

  1. Hi Vanessa! Thanks for stopping by! Good think you did because I really love your blog.(I'm going to subscribe! Subscribe to me too!) This post...I could just steal it and pass it off as my own because it's totally how I feel about running. I just started not so long ago and I'm trying to make it a habit. I love how you carry a knife for shanking purposes...GANGSTA! hahah

    I'm trying to work in some pilates to strengthen my muscles. It's hard getting into a strong routine when you didn't have one to begin with.

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  2. Hi Joanna! Thanks for the comment. =) Your blog is awesome, so I'm glad you like mine! I used to do Pilates, but lost the DVD (sad story...haha). It's been a few years, but I definitely loved it. I've pretty much stuck to Jillian and Bob when it comes to workout DVDs, but I REALLY want Just Dance (or whatever you call it) for Wii!

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  3. I don't like running, but I am hoping to learn to like it. I have lost muscle definition after not doing much exercise for a few months.

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  4. @Jolene: Running is definitely an "acquired taste" Haha..thought I'd throw that foodie term out there for the "Everyday Foodie" ;)

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  5. BTW, I apologize for my incredibly bad play on words. =)

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  6. First--just discovered your blog and love it!
    Second--I'm a runner and while my muscle definition improves as I run more (b/c of lower body fat) it's hard for me to actually build muscle! Plus, I want to spend time running, not lifting weights. Hard to find a balance!
    :)

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  7. Hi Vanessa! Thank you so much for your sweet words -- they mean a lot!

    That's interesting about running and building muscle -- I'm still such a newbie so I guess I'll find out how my body handles the muscle/running thing!

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