Running...Because I Can

Last night I had planned to meet up with a friend at the park to go for a run together. I've never done this before, so I wasn't sure how it would go. Do I bring my ipod? Or do we chat while we run? And CAN I talk while running? I'm usually huffy puffy. Do I stop when she stops and vice versa?

Turns out she brought her dog with her, and he's pretty little. So we ended up walking most of the time. Which was fine, and reminded me how much I enjoy walking. The time went by quickly because we were having such a good time. We ended up walking about 3 miles.

However, after we said goodbye, I was so full of energy and wanting to run so bad! (What? When did I turn into someone that WANTED to run??) So I took off to the local middle school by my house and it was getting dark, so I decided to run one whole lap. I ran .7 of a mile (one lap) in 7 minutes. Not too bad (for a beginner). The best part is that I know that I could have run at least another 2 laps without stopping. 5 laps would have been just over 3 miles, so when I can complete that I know for sure that I can complete a 5K race! Which is my goal!

I am really starting to enjoy this thing they call running. :)

Redesigning my blog and clearly I don't know what I'm doing! ha!

Also, I think I lost my followers :(

Hopefully I'll get this darn thing figured out soon.

Aiming for 2.5 miles tonight!

One of the things that I have had a problem with the most early on in running was the "tinkle" issue. I have to go - a lot. And up til now, I have not run outside very often. It's mostly been on the treadmill. But if I do run outside, it's been on a track with a bathroom close by or up the street less than a mile. But today I'm thinking about going for a run outside at the lake, where there is NO bathroom at all. Not even a place to use the restroom "mother-nature" style.

My question to your experienced runners - how do you stay properly hydrated without having to use the restroom every 5 minutes?

It's a constant problem of mine. And me being nervous about it only makes it worse I'm afraid.

Advice is welcome!

Tested them out last night at the gym. I only ran a mile on the treadmill, but they were very comfortable the entire way. No rubbing, no blisters, nothing. Excited! Ready for more!

Don't laugh...but mine is Stronger by Britney Spears. It makes me think of what I've been through the last few months, and how I've persevered and I'm so much stronger than were I was then. Mentally AND physically. All because of running!

The lyrics are what do it...yesterday I got so pumped I increased my speed from 5.0 to 5.5 on for the last 3 minutes.

"Stronger than yesterday;
It's nothin' but my way;
My loneliness ain't killin' me no more..."

What song gets you pumped?

I thought this website had some pretty cool tips for beginner runners:

http://completerunning.com/archives/2006/09/12/100-beginner-running-tips/

Good Lord, this is my 3rd attempt at Week 8!! Work and um, ahem, dating have gotten in the way. I know that's not a good excuse. I have to find the time, regardless. Which means, getting up early and going to the gym occasionally. UGGHHHHHH. I am NOT a morning person, so that makes it difficult. However, IF I am committed to transforming myself into a runner, then I need to do what it takes, regardless.

New shoes! I ordered new running shoes yesterday. This was supposed to be my reward for graduating Couch to 5K but I am so close, so I went ahead and ordered them. Thought it might take a week or so to break them in anyway. I did a lot of research on what shoes work best for over-pronators (flat to low arches) and I came up with these:

I sure hope I like them, as they were NOT cheap. But they are my incentive to keep running. They are supposed to be great for outdoor trails also, which I wouldn't mind trying this Fall.

They are due to arrive this afternoon, I'll keep you posted. I LOVE ZAPPOS!