Run to Keep From Crying

Yesterday was the only Monday I haven't run since I started on January 4th (also a Monday). Since then, my best or longest runs have usually occurred on Mondays -- even if I run the day before. But, this particular Monday, I was pooped.

I did make up for it today. Instead of running 28 minutes, walking for 1, then running for 1 (to equal 30 minutes), I felt inspired to run the whole 5K distance straight through. At the halfway point, I got bored and started bargaining with myself... I didn't sleep well, I had just eaten a little snack 45 minutes before which sat in my belly like a brick... it's okay to stop. But, I didn't stop.

In hindsight, I think I needed that run. Not just for my body, but my mind.

You know how people say, laugh to keep from crying. I think I'm running to keep from crying. I sweat like a pig as soon as my right foot hits the conveyor belt. So, maybe I sweat so much that there are simply no tears left to cry. Yup... RUN to keep from crying.

The past seven days have been rough between my work schedule, family stuff, and general life mayhem. Running and working out is great, but it also takes up more time that I don't have, making me feel even more out-of-control sometimes. Although, who am I fooling? I was playing catchup way before I starting running.

That being said, cutting today's run short, or skipping it altogether probably would have made me feel worse. I wouldn't be able to pat myself on the back for running 3.1 miles straight without walking for the first time since high school. I wouldn't have the endorphin boost. I wouldn't have accomplished something today, something I could control.

So, until things get better, I shall keep running.

Net Carbs: 40 grams
Workout: Running
Days 'Til 5K: 24

Lunch with Dad & Muscle Cramps

My dad (who by the way was an amazing sprinter back in high school) came up to visit with some of his friends today -- a neat surprise. We went to an Irish Pub for lunch and I had a wonderful salmon with capers, and double order of veggies instead of rice pilaf. 

I practiced great restraint, because trust me, I love rice pilaf! I did so well with carbs today that I treated myself to almost a whole bag of microwave popcorn with extra butter... which I ate while soaking away my aches from tonight's workout and run (in a Lavendar bath soak).

Tonight's run on the treadmill went better than yesterday endurance-wise (Max heart rate was 182 today versus 188 yesterday). I repeated the 2min run:1min walk routine from yesterday since I had such difficulties. 

My tongue actually remained in my mouth at all times, and I started to feel like I had a good stride. However, between minute 13 and 14, I got a major left shin cramp. No matter what I did, I couldn't shake it out while running. So unfortunately, I had to stop running until the cramp subsided. Five minutes later though, I was golden and could run on it with no problems. But, man, was it an uncomfortable feeling.

Tonight's treadmill run (2.33 miles)
00:00-15:00 -- 2 min run (at 5.8mph, 1% incline), 1 min walk (at 3.2mph, 1% incline)
15:00-19:00 -- walking at 3.0mph (cramp)
19:00-30:00 -- 2 min run (at 5.8mph, NO incline), 1 min walk (at 3.2mph, NO incline)
Total run: 18 min, Walk: 12 min

Net Carbs: 20grams
Weight: -5 lbs.
Other Workout: Cardio for an hour in the Group Groove class.