Starting From Scratch...Again

At the Nerdrun, I found lots of my #runteacherrun friends.  We were happy to see each other and took a few photos together. The picture above MIGHT be when I walked back to Mary Lee and others and explained who that group was. Mary Lee, honest as always, chuckled as she knows that I actually don't run. The look says, "Really? You just took a picture with your Run Teacher Run friends?  Do they know you don't run?"  It is rather amusing (pathetic, but amusing) that I have this blog with Sherry, I facilitate the #runteacherrun Facebook page, and I wear my #runteacherrun shirt often and I haven't actually run for a while...

It's been 2 years since I ran 2 5Ks.  I started a 16 week program with an online coach in January of 2012 and that May and July I ran 2 5Ks. I was very slow but I worked hard to get to the point that I could run 3 miles without stopping.    Then stuff happened that got me off track.  I've started up a few times but never got back to actually running.

I turned 50 this year and I am in the worst shape I've ever been in.  I have not made exercise a priority--going back to the classroom 2 years ago and changing grade levels took more time than I realized and I found myself working far more than I should have been. Very little work/life balance these last 2 years.

So, I am starting from scratch and thought I'd use this blog to track my progress over the next ten weeks.  I learned a lot that first round of becoming a runner in 2012 and I think I am going into this smarter.  Here is the plan:

#1--I am going to work hard to limit my work.  I tend to stretch out writing and planning so it takes all day instead of a few hours. So I am going to try to set aside a certain amount of hours on the weekend and only work during those hours (work includes schoolwork, blog posts, reading books for review committees, writing articles, etc.). Some weekends might require more work than others but I am going to set time and make sure I stick to it and make time for other things.

#2--Training for a 5K two years ago made sense but one thing I realized was that I didn't get the cardio and mileage that I needed. So instead of training to run a 5K, I am going to train to walk (fast I hope) a 15K.  I found this training plan that I plan to follow starting on Monday. It will give me more mileage and build my stamina a bit more than a 5K I think. I need to get into some kind of better cardio-health.  There is a 15K here in Columbus in mid-November. I'm not sure I can walk fast enough to do a 15 minute mile for 10 miles (which is required for the race) but it is a good maybe. We'll just have to see how it goes as I have absolutely no idea how long it takes me to walk a mile right now.

#3--The one thing I have found I love is the combination of cardio and yoga.  I did hot power yoga 2 years ago and it was far too difficult.  But I loved it and got stronger. My daughter suggested I begin a   beginner yoga class and learn HOW to do the things I am supposed to do so I found some great beginner yoga teachers and am ready to move on. I plan to do at least 2 yoga classes a week, starting out with easier classes but moving on as I build cardio and strength).

#4--Morning workouts--I'll have to fit in a few morning workouts in order to meet all of these goals.  Luckily we have a great place to work out and I have a treadmill at home.  I have some friends at school who work out every morning so I'll have some accountability:-)

#5--I have to change our eating habits at home. I am usually pretty good at breakfast and lunch if I plan ahead. We tend to eat quick at home because we are always in a hurry and we've gotten out of the habit of planning meals so we'll start that up again.  Healthier dinners.

So tomorrow I am walking (sauntering) our Dublin 5K. And on Monday, I'll begin the 15K plan. It is a busy week with our district leadership academy and a few other full days of PD but it will be a good way to start because making time for exercise is never easy.  I'll just have to work around other commitments.

I'm hoping to report back on the blog weekly.