Week 7, Day 2 Couch to 5K

Did it yesterday and forgot to post.  Enjoy the Olympics, once NBC decides to start showing stuff.  Heaven forbid they use current technology and live stream different sports (BBC live streaming the opening ceremonies and have 24 separate web channels).

Week 7, Day 1 - Couch to 5K

Ran the full 27 minutes straight this time.  A little slower than last weeks 25 minute run, but I probably ran for the same distance, just slower.  It was a good run and I didn't even listen to the podcast.  Just put on my watch and headed outside.  During these past few weeks, I've come to appreciate my daughter waking up early (usually between 5:30 and 6:30) since I do not need an alarm clock to get up and I figure I might as well go out for a run if I'm up this early.

As for future endeavors...Has anyone with PD done one of the beach body exercise programs (P90X, Insanity, ....)  I am wondering because core strength, balance and agility are all important factors in maintaining your well being, especially with Parkinsons, and it seems some of these workout programs focus on those aspects (especially Insanity, from what I've seen and read online).  My worry is that the workouts are too intense and will get my tremor going at 100 mph and I won't be able to recover and go on with the rest of my day.

Week 6 Day 3, Couch to 5K

Well, it is definitely getting harder.  This was the first run in the entire series that I actually was not able to run the entire way.  It was a 25 minute run and I had to stop at the 23 and a half minute mark.  I am still happy with how I did (I ran about 2.25 miles during that time) and will continue to train.  Also, it didn't help that I did not use my inhaler before this run, like I typically do.

This just showed me how hard I've been working.  It would have been inconceivable to run 20 minutes straight 6 weeks ago, so missing it by a little this week was not that big of a deal.  Next week, I increase and am supposed to run straight for 27 minutes.  I'll remember to use my inhaler and I should hopefully do well.

Week 6, Day 2 - Couch to 5K

Actually restarted week 6 this week, as I only ran once last week.  Day 1 sucked, but today's day 2 run was really good at the end.  The run consisted of a 5 minute warm-up, two 10 minute runs with a 3 minute walk break in between and a 5 minute cool-down.  I have not been feeling the runs very well these past few weeks; however, today with about 5 minutes left in the second 10 minutes felt awesome.  My meds kicked in and I felt my stride not only lengthen but increase in pace.  So, my last five minutes of running were also quickest five minutes of the entire run, although I don't have a Garmin and hate running with my phone, so I don't know by how much.

From now on, the runs are just increasing in length of time, but are constant runs.  I'll have to see how that goes and whether I want to just switch to music or other podcasts or books or continue using the NHS Couch to 5K podcast until I'm done.  I am also now trying to decide whether I should keep at the 5K distance for a bit, try a 10K training program, or a half marathon training program.  Thoughts and suggestions are always appreciated.

Day 1 Week 6 Couch to 5K

I actually ran this two days ago.  It definitely was not a good run in terms of exercise or speed or distance.  However, this was a good run for what one reason.  I actually did it, and kept on until the end.   The actual run is not the hardest one I've done thus far.  It was a 5 minute walk, 5 minute run, 3 minute walk, 8 minute run, 3 minute walk, 5 minute run and finally a 5 minute walk.  The last run of week five was a 20 minute run, no walking breaks, so you'd figure if I got through last week very well, you'd think I could kick this run's butt.  However, it would not be that way.

I could tell from the beginning that I was not going to have a stellar day.  It's weird, but I feel I now have a sense if my meds will be working well throughout the day or not, early in the morning after I wake up.  This was definitely a bad med day.  Nevertheless, I went on my run.  I dragged my foot a lot, listening to the sound and feeling the ground at both feet as I lumbered down the sidewalk.  I knew it was not going to be my best run in the first 5 minutes, because what normally takes me 4 minutes to run (the first two blocks outside my neighborhood), took the full 5 minutes or about an extra 25%.

At some point, I can just imagine the old me saying "F it", I'm walking home and I'll try again tomorrow.  However, this time I knew while slow, I could finish the runs and it was better to get the run in then get a good run in.  I don't know if that extends into more competitive running, but I knew getting the miles in was key to me succeeding and getting over my bad habits.  I'm still not perfect, but I'm getting better, and the wife's nagging (I gave her permission) is also helping.  I need to exercise regularly, even if I'm not feeling it.  For the most part, after I exercise, I feel better both physically and mentally but there will be days that I do not feel it, my meds are not kicking in and there is nothing I can do about that for the time being, those are the times I have to suck it up.

I need to remind myself of this so I can make the exercise a habit I want instead of a habit I need.  Especially on days like today where, I didn't get up to go run.

Day 2 Week 5, NHS Couch to 5K

I actually repeated week five this week and did the last workout today.  This week, every workout was different ending with a run today of 20 minutes straight.  I have not run 20 minutes straight in a while and was a bit nervous.  However, I made it and using gmap-pedometer.com, I was able to determine I ran about 1.9 miles in the 20 minutes or about an 11 minute pace.

While a bit slower than I wanted, my goal is to do the full 5K in under 30 minutes, the fact that I made it through the 20 minutes in a pace that was pretty close, tells me I'm on the right track and the program is working.  I don't feel bad that I am repeating weeks, because I am doing this at my own pace and have no actual race for which I am training.