First Run in a Month

Yesterday I ran for the first time in a month, almost to the day.  I waited a little longer than I had wanted but didn't want to risk re-injuring my ankle.  It was such a great run!!  It was a beautiful day - one of those not too hot not too cold days (perfect for working out)- and I couldn't wait to get out there and run.  When I first started out my foot felt a little sore but after my warm up it didn't hurt much at all.  I ran on pavement because I didn't want to risk tripping over any roots or rocks, just a nice even path.  I was really surprised at how good I felt, after a month of almost no exercise I was afraid I would be back at square one.  I ran two miles (and only walked .20 of that) at about a 15 min pace- a little slow (and I felt like I could go a little faster) but I didn't want to overdue anything- and my lungs and legs held up great.  I am so excited - I'm back :)!!!

I have put P90X on hold for now.  I was all gung ho to get started but decided that I wanted to wait a couple of weeks.  I want to build my cardio back up and even though I technically passed all the minimum tests I think I need to build myself up a little bit more.  I don't want to start, not be able to keep up, and then quit after day one.  Also, I have a 5 mile race coming up June 12th and this year I really want to train to run the entire thing (with very minimal walking) and get a PR- if I start P90X now I envision being very, very, very sore and maybe slacking on the running a little bit.  So, my goal is to start it on the 14th of June :).

Hope everyone had a great weekend and here's to a great week :)!

The good and the bad...

Today was a great day.  I woke up early and saw my parents for breakfast, cleaned the house (it really needed it), went on a 10 mile bike ride (figuring out the best route to get to work), and took the dog for a walk with R.  It was a great Saturday and I felt very productive and active which I haven't really been feeling much of the last three weeks.  There was a down side though- I tried jogging a little bit and my ankle still hurts.  I don't feel any pain from just walking but when I started to run I felt it in my foot and it didn't feel good (not really bad but enough discomfort to know that it just isn't time to run yet).  I guess I was a little optimistic since it's been feeling so much better, and three weeks seems like a long enough time for it to heal, but I guess I'm just not there yet.  I'm OK with that for now- I am able to exercise in other ways so at least I can keep my cardio going :).

So, I opened up my P90X package today and have to say that I am really excited (and a little nervous) about it. I talked R into doing it with me- we both have some extra pounds to lose and muscle to gain- which I think will help me a lot, keep me motivated.  It took a little while to read through everything but it looks straight forward enough.  Tomorrow R and I are going to do the Min Fit Test and see where we're at (after glancing at it I do think I will pass but probably just with the minimums).  I am looking forward to trying a new program.

Well, I am off to a movie with R and then looking forward to a good night's sleep...I am pretty wiped tonight, but in a good way :)!!  Hope everyone who raced did well and can't wait to read some race recaps:).

Trying to get back into it...

It is pretty difficult to jump back into a regular exercise routine when you go from nonactive to active to injured and back to active.  It is so easy to fall into bad, old habits: not working out everyday, watching too much television, eating too much food.  Needless to say it's been a bit of a struggle for me to get back into a good routine.  Two weeks of "lazing" around waiting for a sprained ankle to heal has definitely set me back quite a bit. My ankle is pretty good right now.  The bruising and swelling are pretty much gone and it doesn't get sore from a day of walking around any more.  I may still need to take it a little slow and cautious but there is no doubt that I am ready to start jogging again.  The fact that I miss running is a good sign- I want to get back out there, I want to get off my tooshey, I want to get back on track.  That makes me think I am going to get through this bout of injury/nonactivity/laziness :)!!

Ok- I know this is like the 5th or so time I've changed my blog layout in the last month or so but this should be it for awhile (I hope).  There are just too many options out there and I get bored a little too easily.  I like playing around with different backgrounds but it can also be a bit overwhelming (and annoying) to have so many choices.  This one felt springy and summery so I think it will at least get me through to the fall :).  Please check out my sidebar for current giveaways- there are a couple ending in a day or two so if you haven't already jump on them :).

I ordered the P90X program and it just arrived today (haven't opened the box yet).  I am excited and a little nervous to try it out.  I have heard and read some great reviews about it so I believe you can get results but I am nervous that I am not quite in shape enough to get through it- I've heard that it really kicks your butt (and from people that are already in pretty good shape).  Well, I am going to give it a try but if anyone has any words of advise please share.

Happy Hump Day and Have a Great Week!!

Blogging Absentee

I have not had a chance to blog all week!  I still try and read fellow bloggers' posts but I have been a ghost around the house for the last week, week and a half.  My job is picking up and I had finals and papers due today for school- done until classes start again Sunday :)!!  Not to mention the fact that I haven't done much in the way of working out since the ankle "incident".  The ankle is much, much  better and I think I may be able to start running again next week (YIPPEE!!) but until then I am not doing a lot (I did finally do some strength training the other day, it felt great).

It has been GORGEOUS weather wise here this week (which has made the no activity very hard) and I am a little bummed because my first race of the year was supposed to be this weekend- the Salmon 5K.  I am relieved that my injury isn't worse but sad that I won't be able to participate in this race.  I was excited because it would have given me a chance to gauge where I was at running fitness wise.  *sigh* Oh, well, can't pout for too long :).

I hope that everyone has a great weekend- even though running and hiking is out I am hoping to enjoy the sun with some good bike rides.  For everyone that is racing this weekend GOOD LUCK :)!!