Ramble On

I decided to do a video update from my iPhone post-run today. I apologize for the heavy breathing and sweatiness - but you get what I can give. I try to briefly cover a little overview of my week, my overall progres towards my goal of 26.1 miles, an upcoming 5k I am considering running and a little about how running is changing my life. Hopefully this is a format everyone enjoys and I can continue to do. It certainly frees me up to also write on my other blog; The Hitech Redneck. Please come by and say hello to me there as well if you haven't already.

I hope you are all having a great start to your week and getting in your miles, reps and rest. Be good, be safe and Run Long and Prosper.

My Mind's Playing Tricks On Me

I hate it when I feel like I'm not working hard enough. If I'm not drenched in sweat and gasping for breath I question how hard I'm pushing myself. I love being able to see the pounds roll off. This wasn't a problem for me a few weeks ago when I was just starting out on my workout routine. But lately I feel like I'm not pushing hard enough. And it annoys the hell out of me.

I'm talking specifically about this Cardio Interval training I'm doing. I'm using an iPhone app called Couch to 5k and I really enjoy it. It allows me to play my music and then queues me over the top of it when it's time to run, jog, at the halfway point, cool down, etc. Initially it had me running for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds over the course of 30 minutes. This run was beating me like a red headed stepchild. I should point out that I run on an outdoor track that is anything but flat. It's quite hilly. But I figure that's more realistic training than a nice, smooth track. The point is I would think I was damn-near dying when I finished. It was great.

But this current week of running seems so much easier to me. It's 90 seconds of running to 90 seconds of walking. I'm not sure why it's going so much more smoothly. Maybe I get into more of a running groove in that time frame. I know I don't have to start a run interval while going up a hill as often. And that's freakin' nice. I keep thinking that maybe it's just my mind playing tricks with me. Maybe I am working just as hard but the workouts feel like they go by faster. Not sweating as much could be due to myriad factors; time of day and temperature, the fact I shaved my long hair and beard off, etc. Maybe I'm just getting in better shape.

It also begs the question; At what level should I be running? Should it be a jog? A sprint? 80 percent of maximum effort? I'm not sure. I certainly don't want to "blow my wad" in the first mile. And I definitely don't want to injure myself. Perhaps I'll trying upping my speed during my run Tuesday. If you have any thoughts, tips or general advice send it my way. I appreciate all the help and encouragement!