If you have been reading my blog for a while then you know that I have been attempting to run for about a….let’s just say a while.  Anyway, after this past week of my pants fitting more snuggelly then I was comfortable with, I decided to make a bigger effort this time at the whole running thing.

I did tons of research on how to run properly, what are different ways to get your body used to running, the right music playlist that will get me moving, and find a log of some sort so I could put it on my mirror to motivate me.  Then I found an eight week training schedule that helps you walk/run and lower the ratio every week.

Then I came up with way for me to track my progress and have it visible to me all the time.   Here is my tracker.

I put this little thing on my mirror and when I get done running that morning I put an X through that day.  Then when the week is over, I know I am making progress.  (If you would like to use this go ahead.  If you have questions on what it all means, please let me know.) 

I also decided to run in the mornings because I just don’t have the motivation to do it after work, or get distracted with other things going on.  So now 3 or 4 days a week I am getting up at 5:45am to go running.  This way I have time to shower and get ready for the work day. So far so good.  But this is only day #1…

The way that I have been able to keep track of my time while running outside was a dilemma at first.  But I solved it quickly enough after I realized that they made stopwatches and I could most likely use that.  So I went to Target and bought a $10 stop watch.  Now I feel better because I know exactly how much longer I have to run or walk and when my running will be done.

I also bought new running shoes.  This was good and bad.  My old ones were not very cushiony (is that even a word?) so the soles of my feet were starting to get sore after a little while.  The new ones are wonderful.  They have the arch support that I need, the have the cushion for when I run, and they have gray and pink it in.  (Totally Rocks!!). 

The bad part is that I neglected to break them in before running in them.  So as my tired butt got up this morning, I was on auto pilot getting ready.  Not thinking about the break in period for my shoes, I put them on outside and started to stretch and was on my merry way with Lady GaGa as my guide.

About half way through my first round of walking for 5 minutes, the back of my heel was starting to hurt. I tried to adjust my sock, move around the back of the shoe, but nothing seemed to be working.  At this point my 2 minutes of running was coming up and I decided to push through it and I would figure it out later. 

After the little but good jog, my ankle felt really weird. I stop and pull the shoe off.  I take a peak at the area where my ankle is and see this little red area.  Concerned I look down at my ankle, and low and behold there is a blister that popped and was now seeping blood.  This was not good.  I walked slowly the rest of the way home, hoping that blood would not stain my new shoes.  Stupid to think, but oh well.

After working out in the morning I was hoping that I would be more awake for work. However I find myself slightly tired and my eyes ready to close at any minute.  Hopefully this will improve as my running in proves.

I just realized that my week 6/7 will be while I’m in MN.  I don’t know if I will be able to handle all the snow and cold while running.  But I know I have to do it because if I slack now, then there will be no hope of me ever really getting my body used to running.

I can do this!!! I CAN DO THIS!!  (I hope…)