C25k

I graduated the program two weeks ago, after 9 weeks of training. I cannot believe how well this program works. The secret, I think, is in the way each runner pushes him/herself a little bit each week. I went from running just 60 seconds at a time in February to running 3.3 miles in April. Well, okay, that was a stretch, but I did it. To train, I am running about 3.1 miles each day, four or five times per week. On weekends, I stretch that run to 3.3 miles or more and include hills. I am training for my first 5K May 1st. This Saturday, one week before the race, I plan to walk to the starting point and then run the course and hope to finish in less than 36.4 minutes. But, what ever happens, I'll be happy. This is such a huge change for me. I can't believe I can run for more than a few minutes. I can believe I can run any distance in miles. I can't believe I'm trying to improve my time. Is this ME? And here is the rest of it.

Couch To 5K: Week 5

Running update: I am in week 5. On Monday, I ran three five minute runs, walking in between for three minutes or so. Actually, during one walking period, it was dark and a van drove up beside me on a deserted street and a creepy man got out so I just started sprinting up the block and cut my walk short.

The clocks changing has changed my experience slightly this week. Regardless, the program works really well.

I have become a runner. I love it. I look forward to it. I feel good while I'm doing it and I feel great afterwards! I love the way I feel in control of my body and of my time. I love the fact that I feel powerful and fit. I love the fact that I have overcome obstacles and reationalizations and have found a way to make this happen. It's so not me. I feel as though I have been reborn. I realize that this sound ridiculous, but it's true. Really!

The Couch to 5K program works very well. If you would like to become a runner, try it!

Couch To 5K

Have you ever experienced "runner's envy?" It's when you are walking, or worse, driving, and you notice people running, some easily and smiling, others panting and spitting, but all wearing nifty running gear while doing healthy exercise that is helping their bodies while you are noticing them and not doing anything to help your body. When this happens to me, I usually begin a series of rationalizations in my head about how and why runners are able to run: they are most likely freelance workers who can make their own schedules, their houses are messy, they can afford a good nanny, etc, and why I cannot run: it hurts my shins, I have a demanding job, I don't have the nifty sweat-free outifits, etc.

But, secretly, I wish I were a runner, developing my lung capactiy, becoming trimmer and fitter and healthier. I have even tried it on occasion, but with little success. I does hurt my shins and I don't have nifty running gear. But most of all, I get tired after about one block. I'm winded, huffing and puffing and afraid I'll collapse. I have never understood how people can sustain running for long periods of time, like a mile-let alone 26 miles! So, I've tried to pride myself by walking around the loop in Prospect Park, about 3 1/3 miles around. It's exercise, it doesn't hurt my shins, and it doesn't require special clothing. But, it also takes a very long time, (two hours!) it's boring if you do it alone, and it doesn't make me feel as though I've accomplished anything, especially with so many pesky and proud runners whizzing past me.

Recently two friends, Vicki and Heather, have introduced me to a new idea which I believe will enable me to make my dreams of becomming a runner actually come true. Vicki has transformed herself from a Breast Cancer walker to a Breast Cancer runner, seemingly over night. Actually, she worked on it all last spring and summer. She told me that she built herself up to running slowly by combining walking and running together. Brilliant! Why hadn't I thought of this? Vicki measures her running/walking ratios not so much in terms of distance, but time. When we last spoke, Vicki said, "I'm running 80%," meaning that she runs 8 minutes and walks 2 minutes while covering a distance of 6 or 8 or 10 miles. When I relayed this information to Heather, also a distance and marathon runner, she said, "Oh, yes. That sounds like Couch to 5K. Look it up online." So I did.




Right there, on the front page, is a suggested program of how to get started. The program recommends beginning with three 20 minute periods a week. Even for me, the procrastinator, 20 minutes seems doable. You begin with a brisk 5 minute walk and then alternate running and walking for 60 second and 90 second intervals. Heather's tip, if you get tired, it means you are running too fast. Just slow down. I carry a watch with a visible second hand and I've taken to counting every fourth step as a jog to pace myself. I count about 42-44 (x4) steps per minute. If I count more, I'm running faster. I also watch my breathing and try to breathe at the same pace as I'm counting. During the walking periods, I notice how long it takes me to recover (yes, I am tired after running 60 seconds!)

I have been on vacation from school this week, so I began my program on Monday. One thing I never understood is how runners stay warm on their walks to the park. I kept thinking that I had to do this running thing in the park. However, this week I ran/walked at my father in law's house, and there is no park. I just walked out the front door and started. Aha! I can get warmed up right away if I start right outside, rather than worrying about how to get to the park. If I get cold, I just start the jogging part sooner, like after 60 seconds, rather than after 5 minutes.

I have been doing the program for the last 6 days now. I play around with the length of time I run. My first run is usually 60 seconds, and it's the hardest every time. Then I usually do three 90 seconds runs, with 60 seconds of walking in between. For my 5th run, I try to stretch myself to 2 or 2 1/2 minutes. Today I ended with a 3 minute run. But, the program has you build your time gradually each week. The test for me will be to see if I can wake up early enough to run before school on work days. Vicki does. She even gets in 6 miles or so. For me, it will be a huge change to wake up one hour earlier, but I am really motivated to do this.

And, about the clothes: it's still a problem. I did splurge on some thick running leggings like the chic runners in the park wear. I'm embarrassed to have the back of me seen in public, so I wear a super long tee shirt over the leggings. I wear a jog bra (which makes me feel athletic,) and a tank top underneath the tee-shirt. (Heather says you mustn't wear cotton, but I hate everything else!) I have a fleece pullover that I wear (although the wind blows right through it,) a fleece head band, good running sneakers but bad gloves. My hands are often cold. I treated myself to a windbreaker which is coming in the mail soon. I hope this is an improvement over the fleece. I keep all of my special attire in a pile so that I can easily find everything and dress quickly. I have coffee before I go, but nothing else. I look forward to breakfast afterwards. The most important item is chapstick-it's the difference for me between comfort and discomfort.

So, if you have ever experienced runners envy and would secretly like to become one, do it. If I can, anyone can.

Beech Hill Pond House

We have a small lakeside cottage on Beech Hill Pond, in Otis Maine. Otis is about 30 minute north west of Ellsworth, not far from the famous Maine coast.

The house was built in 1990 by Jonathan's father, Malcolm Hardy when he was 70 years old. He had a little help from our 90 year old neighbor, Rufus Merrill.






 The house is small, but clean, cozy and comfortable.

                                                                                        

                                

                          

 This is the living room.

This is the dining room/kitchen.

Jonathan built this float, and our dock.

              

The lake is spring-fed, about one mile by four miles long.

We have kayaks and a canoe, swings, a horse shoe pit, a float, a small dock and chairs for evening lake viewing.



For more information, visit vrbo dot com, property # 100337 or, click the "related article" link below.

The kayaks.

Kids on the lake at sunset.

Five visiting loons.

                                                          

                                                                                      

  

                           The master bedroom.

                                                                          Kid's room.

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                     The bathroom, 3/4, no tub.                        

                                   The view from the road, prior to the the most recent paint job.

Blue house, after the paint job.

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