dead last and cheers

So I ran Thursday and Sunday this week so far.  I've also got a run on Wednesday (my running weeks start on Thursdays now). 

This week my group has been doing 5 and 1's X4 (that's run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute 4 times).

Thursday I did pretty good - realized I needed new shoes.  I bought some, I'm just debating if I am going to keep them or not.

Sunday.  Sunday we ran/walked 4km (that distance is a little off because we walked for a bit before running but I wasn't aware of that plan when I started the timer). 

I was the last person on Sunday.  Dead last.  I got a nasty shin splint in my left leg (it seems to be alternating legs, odd).  I was ready to quit at the 10 minute mark.  But the instructor and some of the other people in the group just became my cheerleaders.  I walked more than I was supposed to but I tried to hard to keep up with the group.  We have one more night of 5 and 1's on Wednesday and I'm going to try and keep up. 

I did all my stretches afterwards to help with the shin splints and I've been doing some a bit today.  I just need to remember to do them several times every day. 

I ended up going for a very long walk yesterday afternoon and I figure that can only help my legs to get stronger. 

I just have to remember to stretch or else I won't be able to keep up in this clinic :(.  Also, having people around to cheer you on when you are struggling is amazing. 

running in the cold

So when did it get cold out? Seriously.

So I ended up only jogging Wednesday this week.  I think I did 2km (1mile)  but I can't say for certain as my ipod decided to track everything but the km's which is odd. 

I need to buy a new pair of runners this weekend.  I bought a pair in August but I've had problems with them from the beginning.  If you are looking for a pair of runners I would suggest going to a specialty store if you don't know exactly what you are looking for.  Your runners generally need to be replaced after a certain amount of kilometres OR 4-6 months or a year dependings what you are using them for/how often you use them.  For me, I'm trying to get into the habit of replacing mine every 4-6 months.  With clinics I am running a minimum of 3 times per week and after 4 months they really do show a lot of wear and tear. 

I have a short narrow foot with a high arch.  I need a 'neutral' shoe. The shoes I have now were actually the most narrow shoes I could find in the store.  My feet actually go numb everytime I wear them to run.  That is so bad. 

If you are having leg problems or knee problems while jogging, one source you have to look at is your shoes.  Sometimes new shoes can solve everything. 

Since its chilly out and dark around 7pm (sob!) layering clothing is good.  You can possibly get away with wearing capri style shorts to run in still, depending on the distance of your run.  And wearing a t-shirt with a sweater or jacket that  you can unzip/take off as necessary as good.  You'll always start out cold but once you start running you'll warm up and want to start removing layers.  So layering is good and important.  The same with wearing mitts and a toque or just something to cover your ears.

I really am enjoying running in cooler weather though. 

motivation and routine

So after the 5km race on Sunday, I can admit I've been lacking in motivation this week.

I haven't run once. 

Monday, I was supposed to go for a jog with a friend but she had to cancel because she wasn't feeling well and then I wasn't motivated to go alone.  Tuesday I was feeling rotten, the weather has been awful all week, Wednesday I didn't go to the running club, blah blah blah.
And. Just.No.Motivation.At.All.

But that's okay.

It's okay because I've still been remembering to do the stretches for shin splints.  Not running isn't going to hurt as much as not doing the stretches the next time I do go for a run.

It's Thanksgiving weekend and I know I won't run until at least Monday. 

There's no sense in beating myself up for not sticking to my routine - lack of clinics to go to and a holiday have messed with it.  Sometimes we take time off from our exercise routine, but rather than getting frustrated, just take a deep breathe and focus on what you can do next.

I've got a plan.  Monday, I am going to go for a jog.  I was thinking 5 and 1's X4 - so that's running for 5 minutes, walking a minute 4 times for a total of 20 minutes of running.  Looking at that, it feels daunting so we shall see how it goes.

I've been thinking on the days that I don't run I am going to try walking home from work.  This is, of course, weather dependant but I am going to give it a shot.   So Tuesday I will walk home, Wednesday I will go to run club, Thursday I will walk home and I haven't decided about Friday yet.

I know I need to add in some kind of upper body strength training in there, but for right now this is my plan.

Start a new routine with new motivation.