3 minutes

That's right. I ran for 3 minutes in a row for one of my intervals today! It felt good! I couldn't run the full second 3 minutes though.

I'm thinking about a 5k in march, but I'm not sure I'll be ready...

Arm Injury From Running

My elbow hurts. I must be swinging my arms too hard. =)

Running With Friends (even if you can't talk)

A friend (of the human variety) has joined me on my runs. While I'm unable to talk to her because I'm trying too hard to breathe, she's been a wonderful addition. She's pushing me (she's much more fit than I am), motivating me (just make it to the brown van, ok now the intersection), and it's nice to have someone call 911 if I need it.

My best run yet was today with her by my side. Here's to having a supportive friend, no matter what your endeavor.

Oh Yeah!

I'm still running!!! This is the longest I've ever stuck with something. I gotta tell you, I feel better when I do it. Thanks to www.pinterest.com, I've found a lot of inspirational quotes to keep me going. I've also put post-its in my car to keep me focused. Of course, if someone walks by my car and sees "You deserve better" on my dash, they may be concerned about my love life. =)

I'm repeating week 2, which is s 90 second run, 2 minute walk. I'm less sore, although where I am sore is in completely different places. Who knew my calf could hurt where it attaches to my shin - not a shin splint though.

My new shoes are working well for me. I think they're working on aligning my feet, which could be the pain in my calf. They must be helping my speed too, because my best interval yesterday was 11:33! (That technically means I could run a mile in 11 minutes, 33 seconds. Technically.)

I set the app on my phone to let me know when I'm below a certain pace - I think a 14 minute mile. It kindly reminds me by beeping, and beeping, and beeping...I turned that thing off yesterday. Just let me pretend to run, don't remind me how slow I'm going.

I'm not getting any more distance on my runs (1.77 miles), but I'm still running, so that's at least something.

I've noticed when I walk I'm quite the clod hopper. I'll work on being light on my feet both when running and walking. If I get fit enough and can be light on my feet, maybe I'll get a spot on Dancing With the Stars too! HA!!!

Cold Weather Runs

I recently ran in the cold. I did not like it. I hurt running it, and it was worse when I was done. I ended up running uphill for a bit too. Extra yuck. While my body was warm, my lungs and throat were killing. I even received a nice cough for my efforts.

Lesson: run inside when it's below freezing. The problem is, where I live it's hard to find an indoor loop. I don't want to treadmill, I want to at least GO somewhere for my efforts, even if it is in circles. I could go to campus and pay to join the rec center, but the solitude and non-judgmetal environment I crave will be gone (overweight 30 something running with fit, young, college students). No thanks! I think I'm going to try running at work. Either on my floor or in the gym. The school is a square, so it shouldn't be difficult.

I also had a new running buddy last week - a German Shephard we were puppy sitting. Kane did really well!

My pace is getting a bit faster, and I expect to see that improve on my indoor running days.

I bought my first pair of running sneakers - Nike. They are very comfy and SUPER light. I think I'll feel a real difference in them.

Happy New Year all! Best wishes for a healthy year.