LittleTurtle Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 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 QUESTImprove Running Speed1. 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. GRADINGInstead 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. MOTIVATIONTo prove to myself that it can be done...no matter how long it takes. SIDE NOTECurrently, 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. 4 Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
Pilot Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 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!! Race: ElfDesired Profession: Assassin/Ranger Level: 4STR 7 | DEX 6 | STA 6 | CON 7 | WIS 11 | CHA 7 "Constant vigilance." "Greatness is in the details." "Do you know who you are? Do you know what's happened to you? Do you want to live this way?" Link to comment
Nirvi Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 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). Level 3 Wild Elf. Druid at heart, with an Adventurer's soul. STR4 | DEX2 | STA4 | CON7 | WIS7 | CHA5 Challenges: 1st, 2nd, 3rd | Current: -- *After a long hiatus, I am back and ready to work on myself! LOSE 70LBS Spoiler "If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans." Desiderata, Max Ehrmann Link to comment
Heidi Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Good luck on this challenge. I'll be lurking around the edges and cheering you on.Remember to stay positive! ♥ & ☮, Heidi Spoiler Gypsy Druid Ranger: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 :: Druid: 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |:: 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |:: 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |:: 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 |:: 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 |:: 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53| 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 |:: 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | :: 70 | Paladin: 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | :: 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | Shaman: 82 | 83 | 84 Philosopher-Librarian 85 | Heidi Chronicles NF Character Sheet | @theheidifeed| MySlashdotKarmaIsExcellent Walk to Mordor - (spreadsheet) Let's catch up: https://calendly.com/loveandpeace Link to comment
Leonine Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 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!! Level 5 Dryad Druid + Adventurer STR 7 | DEX 10 | STA 9 | CON 8 | WIS 13 | CHA 10.5 Leo's Dawn of Dragons Challenge Link to comment
Sunmage Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Welcome back! Your goals sound great! Fate whispers to the warrior: "You cannot withstand the storm." The warrior whispers back: "I am the storm." Link to comment
I am Eve Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 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.... 1 I have chosen to believe in myself. Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 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). Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 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!). Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Here are my starting stats for running: Comfort Pace = 12 min/mileFastest Mile = 9'56"Fastest 5k = 33'25" Let's do this. Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
Bekah Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Here are my starting stats for running: Comfort Pace = 12 min/mileFastest 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! Druid Assassin Halfling Druid Level 16, Current Quest: Bekah Returns Spoiler Fitbit Facebook Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change. - Jim Rohn Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2014 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. 1 Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
jedi_mind Posted April 13, 2014 Report Share Posted April 13, 2014 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 Link to comment
Heidi Posted April 13, 2014 Report Share Posted April 13, 2014 Wow. I can't run a quarter mile without throwing up. You're awesome. ♥ & ☮, Heidi Spoiler Gypsy Druid Ranger: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 :: Druid: 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |:: 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |:: 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |:: 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 |:: 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 |:: 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53| 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 |:: 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | :: 70 | Paladin: 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | :: 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | Shaman: 82 | 83 | 84 Philosopher-Librarian 85 | Heidi Chronicles NF Character Sheet | @theheidifeed| MySlashdotKarmaIsExcellent Walk to Mordor - (spreadsheet) Let's catch up: https://calendly.com/loveandpeace Link to comment
Ahyar Dreamspark Posted April 13, 2014 Report Share Posted April 13, 2014 Nice, clear goals you have there. And the story about your first 5k is amazing! Link to comment
Wandern Posted April 13, 2014 Report Share Posted April 13, 2014 "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? WandernWood Elf DruidLevel 10STR 15 | DEX 19 | STA 18 | CON 16 | WIS 22 | CHA 20Current Challenge: Focuses on Fitness Old Challenges 11, 10, 9 , 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Link to comment
Elleme Posted April 15, 2014 Report Share Posted April 15, 2014 Hi Turtle! So good to see you again. The best of luck during this challenge! I'll be cheering you on 1 Current Challenge | #2 | #1 Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2014 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 TapatalkWow! 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. 2 Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 Run stats for 4/15/14:1 mile - 12 minutes5k - 37'12"Total Time - 44'52"Total Distance - 3.50 milesI 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. 2 Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
jedi_mind Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 Ya You are. Nice job lil turtle 1 Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 Oh, holy hip pain. I overdid it last night. Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
I am Eve Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 ^^!Arrows for NOT sleeping on the couch. Sorry about the hip :-( I have chosen to believe in myself. Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 ^^!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. 1 Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
jedi_mind Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 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. Link to comment
LittleTurtle Posted April 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 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! Spoiler PREVIOUS CHALLENGES 2013: 6/1/13 - 7/24/13 - 9/15/13 - 11/6/13 2014: 1/5/14 - 2/19/14 - 4/9/14 - 6/6/14 - 7/24/14 - 9/11/14 - 11/5/14 2015: 1/2/15 - 2/20/15 - 4/9/15 - 6/2/15 - 9/10/15 - 10/26/15 2016: 1/1/16 - 2/28/16 - 3/28/16 - 6/6/16 - 9/19/16 - 10/26/16 - 11/26/16 2017: 1/1/17 - 9/17/17 2018: 1/1/18 - 2/5/18 - 8/13/18 - 11/26/18 2019: 1/7/19 2020: 9/13/20 Link to comment
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