Next Day Done

I am happy to report that I have just completed my first day of full body strength as part of my new training program.  I'm feeling pretty good about it.  I am glad that I will be alternating days between strength and jogging.  I think it will help me to not get bored too quickly.

I am going to make it a point to take different routes with my jogging, but I am also going to map out a 5k from my apartment and back so every now and then I can see how I am doing with an actual 5k route.  I have also gotten some good advice about not being afraid to repeat the first week.  My body has never been the body of a jogger, so it might take time to get there.  We have 10 weeks until the 5k and the training app is based on 8 weeks, so I plan to repeat week 1 and week 8.

My friend Laura also pointed out that when I get to the point in the app when I am jogging more than walking, it is important to remember that my biggest struggle will be mental.  My body will be able to handle the longer time running before my mind is able.  Again, I am going to try some visualization techniques to help be get over that hurtle starting today.  I am going to take 10-15 minutes a day just visualizing myself jogging for extended periods of time.

Another thing I noticed yesterday after my first workout, was how much easier it was for me to say 'no' to a cookie than normal.  There is a great mental boost to saying 'no' to bad foods when you've just spent so much energy.  Right now when I jog, I feel that I struggle most with getting a good breath.  When I was faced with a cookie yesterday, I just had this mental image of it not allowing me to breath any better if I ate it.  (That could be a good cartoon...a cookie literally choking me.)  Instead, I went for a lemonade.  Because there is sugar in lemonade, I got my sugar fix.  Plus, I can only ever drink one glass at a time, so I don't run the risk of over doing it on lemonade like I could with a cookie.  It was refreshing and filled a need and I moved on with my day with no desire for a cookie.  I'll be interested to see if this pattern continues as my training continues.  Or if I will start to convince myself that, "I worked really hard!  I deserve a cookie!"  I just need to keep in mind that breathing well while jogging is more important.  :0)

I am happy to say that Ellie and Julia have registered for the race and we are in constant contact over our activities via text.  I'm feeling pumped and am ready to tackle tomorrow's obstacles!