LittleTurtle's Lucky #7

[LittleTurtle]

The time has come to start pushing myself again.  I've become complacent with my comfort zone as far as exercise goes.  It seems like I've been doing just enough to snag a passing grade, but not really worrying about reaching new PRs.  Last year, I was on a roll, but suffered a lung infection in December that didn't let up until the middle or end of January.  As a result, I started taking it easy...and then apparently forgot to get serious again.

 

So.  That being said...

 

I want to (someday) be able to do a 9 minute mile, but also be able to complete a 5k in 30 minutes or less.  I'm fairly certain these goals will take me much longer than 6 weeks to accomplish, but I figure this is the best place to start!

 

I remember a time when I literally could not run for an entire minute...not even jog without feeling like my lungs were going to explode, and my asthma would kick in so bad I'd have to grab my nearest inhaler and hope I didn't die, but I remember during one of my challenges thinking, "What if I could run for 10 whole minutes without stopping?!"  At the time, it seemed impossible, but I pushed myself everyday to run a couple seconds longer each day until I was actually able to run a mile...then two, and then my first 5k!  I remember how emotional and euphoric I felt when I accomplished that!

 

During this challenge, I'll solely be focused on what my long term running goals are.  I will continue doing yoga on non-running days because I love it and it makes me feel wonderful.  AND I LOVE IT.  

 

MAIN QUEST

Improve Running Speed

1.  Run at least 2-3 times per week.

• Attempting to shave off even just one second from my previous time.

 

2.  Yoga at least 2 times per week on non-running days.

• Focusing on breathing techniques, deep stretching, and release.

 

3.  Start working on obtaining quality sleep.

• I'll be working to form a very solid habit of actually going to sleep in my bed rather than on the couch.  My hope is that by the end of 6 weeks, I fall asleep in my bed at least 4 times per week.

 

GRADING

Instead of doing standard or weekly grades, I'll be keeping a journal to track workouts and sleep habits.  From there, I can compare my progress and/or setbacks from Day 1 to Day 42.

 

MOTIVATION

To prove to myself that it can be done...no matter how long it takes.

 

SIDE NOTE

Currently, the end of the school year looms over my head.  This time of the year is particularly stressful and hectic for me.  I'm not giving myself a Diet/Fitness Side Quest or a Life Quest this time because I don't want to feel more overloaded than necessary until the school year is over.

[Pilot]

Good luck with your challenge!! I totally get what you mean on the whole running front, I've had similar issues and have basically ended up with a somewhat diminished lung capacity I'd like to work on. My mile time is well over 9 minutes.

 

And it's pretty smart that you're not doing a life or side quest, my biggest problem is trying to take on too much at once, especially with finals looming ahead.

 

Good luck!!

[Nirvi]

That's amazing that you were able to train yourself to run a 5k, with asthma and starting out not being able to run a minute.  I can not run for a full minute now, and I have asthma so I have quietly "backed off" from the challenge and just accepted perhaps it's not in my future to run a 5k... but you have definitely changed my view of it and have inspired me to give it another go... it's so hard to remember that even a second difference is still a difference and improvement!

 

Best of luck with the end of the school year, and your 6-week challenge!  Definitely focus on finishing the school year and not adding any additional stress to your plate (which is like a lifequest in and of itself haha).

[Heidi]

Good luck on this challenge. I'll be lurking around the edges and cheering you on.

Remember to stay positive!

[Leonine]

It's awesome to have long-term goals; the best things are hard to accomplish in six weeks or less! Super smart of you to not overwhelm yourself during such a busy time of the year, I know you'll be better off for it in the end. You rock, best of luck!!

[Sunmage]

Welcome back!

 

Your goals sound great!

[I am Eve]

Greetings LT, and congratulations on a very clean challenge!

Solid goals, and a strong motivation!

 

So, HOW will you see to it that you don't fall asleep on the coach?

Put something there to make it less comfy ;-) ?

And going faster while running, through intervals or being chased by zombies?

 

Do tell....

[LittleTurtle]

Good luck with your challenge!! I totally get what you mean on the whole running front, I've had similar issues and have basically ended up with a somewhat diminished lung capacity I'd like to work on. My mile time is well over 9 minutes.

 

And it's pretty smart that you're not doing a life or side quest, my biggest problem is trying to take on too much at once, especially with finals looming ahead.

 

Good luck!!

Thanks!  I really contemplated whether or not I was making this challenge too easy for myself, but I truly think I made a good choice by keeping it minimal.

 

That's amazing that you were able to train yourself to run a 5k, with asthma and starting out not being able to run a minute.  I can not run for a full minute now, and I have asthma so I have quietly "backed off" from the challenge and just accepted perhaps it's not in my future to run a 5k... but you have definitely changed my view of it and have inspired me to give it another go... it's so hard to remember that even a second difference is still a difference and improvement!

 

Best of luck with the end of the school year, and your 6-week challenge!  Definitely focus on finishing the school year and not adding any additional stress to your plate (which is like a lifequest in and of itself haha).

Thank you so much!  It makes me so happy to hear you're re-inspired!  I hope you give running another shot.  I always used to tell myself, "It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it." 

 

Good luck on this challenge. I'll be lurking around the edges and cheering you on.

Remember to stay positive!

Ah, you lurker you!    Thanks for popping in!  I'll be lurking around your thread as well.  And yes, staying positive is something I will have to work extra hard at while at my job until the school year ends and I can work in peace and quiet!   

 

It's awesome to have long-term goals; the best things are hard to accomplish in six weeks or less! Super smart of you to not overwhelm yourself during such a busy time of the year, I know you'll be better off for it in the end. You rock, best of luck!!

Thank you!  And you're right about the best things being hard to accomplish.  The harder it is to get there, the better the payoff is! 

 

Welcome back!

 

Your goals sound great!

Thank you.  I'm looking forward to emerging from my shell that I tend to hide in during the winter and basking in the sunshine (with the appropriate SPF, mind you). 

[LittleTurtle]

Greetings LT, and congratulations on a very clean challenge!

Solid goals, and a strong motivation!

 

So, HOW will you see to it that you don't fall asleep on the coach?

Put something there to make it less comfy ;-) ?

And going faster while running, through intervals or being chased by zombies?

 

Do tell....

Oooo!  I like your questions.  Let's see...as far as not falling asleep on the couch - I've discovered that I have a bad habit of getting *too* comfortable on the couch before I do my bedtime routine (i.e. remove contacts, wash face, brush teeth, etc).  Once I'm all warm and comfy on the couch, the last thing I want to do is get up.  Once the challenge starts (and probably not a day before - hee hee), once I know that I'm in for the night, no matter how early it is, I'll get myself completely ready for bed.  That way, once I start feeling tired, I can immediately get up and go to the bedroom.  It's just as easy to get comfy there if I'm already ready to go.  (At least, this is what my hope is!)

 

As far as running faster:  I'll start with my comfort pace and slowly increase the speed on my treadmill.  If I get bored or frustrated with that, I might try intervals and gauge which method gives me better results (or which is more fun!). 

[LittleTurtle]

Here are my starting stats for running:

 

Comfort Pace = 12 min/mile

Fastest Mile = 9'56"

Fastest 5k = 33'25"

 

Let's do this. 

[Bekah]

Here are my starting stats for running:

 

Comfort Pace = 12 min/mile

Fastest Mile = 9'56"

Fastest 5k = 33'25"

 

Let's do this. 

You are the fastest turtle I ever saw.

As a fellow envier of the runners who overcome their fear of not breathing and do it anyways. I am also inspired. I am excited to see your progress

and hi, I'm Bekah, nice to meet you!

[LittleTurtle]

You are the fastest turtle I ever saw.

As a fellow envier of the runners who overcome their fear of not breathing and do it anyways. I am also inspired. I am excited to see your progress

and hi, I'm Bekah, nice to meet you!

Hi Bekah!  It's a pleasure to meet you.  

[jedi_mind]

I have the same 5k/mph goal you have. It just happens to be the Navy's excellent score for the PRT. But my baseline is way lower than yours.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Heidi]

Wow. I can't run a quarter mile without throwing up.

You're awesome.

[Ahyar Dreamspark]

Nice, clear goals you have there. And the story about your first 5k is amazing!

[Wandern]

"Discretion is the greater part of valor." Very smart not to overload yourself when you already know you're going to be overloaded - ya know?   

[Elleme]

Hi Turtle!

 

So good to see you again. The best of luck during this challenge! I'll be cheering you on

[LittleTurtle]

I have the same 5k/mph goal you have. It just happens to be the Navy's excellent score for the PRT. But my baseline is way lower than yours.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Wow!  I had no idea that was the Navy's excellent score.  Now I'm all intimidated, because I'm just a little turtle trying to get a bit faster.  Haha!  And I should also note, that my fastest times were last summer before I had my lung infection.  So I'll be starting back at my current comfort pace of 12 min/mile and improve from there.

 

I'll be thinking of you and your 5k goal!  It may take awhile, but you'll get there! 

 

Wow. I can't run a quarter mile without throwing up.

You're awesome.

Haha!  Thank you!   I used to want to throw up too, but I just kept at it because I'm stubborn and wanted to prove myself wrong!   

 

Nice, clear goals you have there. And the story about your first 5k is amazing!

Thanks, Naxius! 

 

"Discretion is the greater part of valor." Very smart not to overload yourself when you already know you're going to be overloaded - ya know?   

I'm slowly starting to realize this.  At first, I was feeling guilty, but now I'm feeling that it is the right choice for me at this particular time.  Thank you for the reminder! 

 

Hi Turtle!

 

So good to see you again. The best of luck during this challenge! I'll be cheering you on

It's good to see you too! Thanks for your support.  It truly means the world to me. 

[LittleTurtle]

Run stats for 4/15/14:

1 mile - 12 minutes

5k - 37'12"

Total Time - 44'52"

Total Distance - 3.50 miles

I can't remember the last time I did a 5k, so I'm just happy I got there tonight. All I really need is good music and good shoes and I'm pretty much unstoppable.

Last night, I did 40 minutes of yoga, but I fell asleep on the couch because I was trying to stay up to see the lunar eclipse. My boyfriend woke me up at 12:30 a.m. so I could see it at the partial stage, and then I just happened to wake up at 2:00 a.m. and ran outside to see it in it's totality, and my God, it was beautiful!!

Tonight, I shall go to sleep in my damn bed.

[jedi_mind]

Ya You are. Nice job lil turtle

[LittleTurtle]

Oh, holy hip pain.

 

I overdid it last night. 

[I am Eve]

^^!

Arrows for NOT sleeping on the couch. Sorry about the hip :-(

[LittleTurtle]

^^!

Arrows for NOT sleeping on the couch. Sorry about the hip :-(

Are the arrows to make the couch less comfy?

I was a good turtle and went to bed last night...and then laid there forever thinking it felt totally foreign. It'll get easier, I'm sure.

As far as the hip...I felt great during the whole run...no pain at all...did some good stretching afterwards and went to bed, but then I woke up in the middle of the night and the pain...oh, the pain. Trying to figure out what I did wrong? Maybe too much after not running for a few weeks.

I'm off to foam roll...that always makes me feel better.

[jedi_mind]

Sorry to hear about the hip... How bad is it typically?

Sleeping on time and regularly was a goal for me on my first challenge, it does feel super weird.

[LittleTurtle]

Sorry to hear about the hip... How bad is it typically?

Sleeping on time and regularly was a goal for me on my first challenge, it does feel super weird.

Oh...it gives me some trouble every now and again. It actually doesn't hurt today...I foam rolled it into an oblivion last night.

How did your sleeping goal go during your first challenge? I always feel like I might miss out on something amazing if I'm in bed...lol!