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 1 Week 5, Couch to 5K

All the runs are different this week, but I'm not going to look them up as I want to be surprised.  This morning's run was 3 runs of 5 minutes, with 3 minute walking breaks between the runs.  I felt very good and maintained my running pace through out each of the 3 runs.  It's amazing how quickly and easily this program is working.

Day 3 Week 4, Couch to 5K

Quick update.  I finished the week pretty strong.  I definitely am feeling the longer runs, but am able to complete all of the run portions so far.  We'll see how it goes over the next five weeks.  Next week should be interesting because each of the podcasts for the different runs for next week are different.

I will say that the music this week was definitely not as good as previous weeks.  The up tempo stuff for the run portions seemed a bit boring.  I like to have a loud, heavy beat to run to as it just makes the run seem easier.  Speaking of loud, heavy beats:

Day 2 Week 4, Couch to 5K

Actually got the podcast to work, although my headphone remote is still having issues.  Nevertheless, felt exceptionally good in terms of my gait at the end of the run for the first time since early week 3 runs.  This week had me running for 16 minutes out of 21.5 minutes.

The system is definitely working as I don't believe four weeks ago, I could have run for these lengths of times, but I was actually feeling good at the end of this run, even though the last five minutes was pretty much uphill the entire way.

Day 1 Week 4, Couch to 5K

I mentioned in my previous post that I was now even more motivated to get in shape and exercise.  I am currently doing the NHS Couch to 5K program and exercises I got for core strength and balance/agility from my PT.  However, if anyone wants to post other ideas for activities, please do.

This workout was tough because once again I couldn't get my iPod to work correctly (the head phone remote was not working correctly).  I'll have to check it before I go on my next run.  Nevertheless, I think I hacked the run pretty well, considering I haven't gone out in a week.

Last week was extremely busy and I barely worked out (did my PT exercises), not that it's an excuse.  Besides the YOPC conference, I also went to the Van Halen concert in Anaheim on Tuesday, June 12.  It was a great show and here is Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo (all eight minutes).

Day 3 Week 3, Couch to 5K

I actually ran the podcast twice because I went on a longer route, so I just let it go and ran the whole time.  Ended up doing a 5K, only it took me nearly both podcasts or about 40-45 minutes.  Hopefully, I'll get it down to around 30 minutes by the end of the eight week period.

At least the music is somewhat interesting, at least some of it.  Although, I'd say the music while running is definitely not as good as the music you listen to while walking.  I tried to find a list of some the songs, but couldn't find a play list.

Day 1 Week 3, Couch to 5K

Second run in a row that I wasn't feeling it, at least until the last cool down when my arm swing came back after my meds started to kick in.  I did run the whole series that I was supposed to and could tell that I've increased my distance running since I am getting towards the house sooner and have a shorter cool down before I reach my house.  I am not focusing on time at all right now, but my goal is to run a 5k in less than 30 minutes.  I've never done an official race where I've done that and think it would be pretty good to get a PR like that six years after being diagnosed.

One thing I believe those without PD would probably find pretty odd is how I, and possibly others with PD, regard my symptoms as indicators of my current medication state (on/off periods).  It's difficult to describe the feeling I get when I realize my meds have just kicked in.  Whenever the realization occurs, I get a smile on my face and I feel almost euphoric.  A calm settles over me; yet, I feel so much stronger.  When it happened at work the other day, I found myself speeding down a hall and colleague commenting on how fast I was walking.  I replied that when I can walk quickly, I take advantage of it.

The idea of walking fast, somehow reminded me of the song Fast Cars by Tracy Chapman, which reminded me of one of my favorite bands of the early 90s Living Colour who did a cover of another Tracy Chapman song.  This lead to a google search which revealed this, from one of the great TV shows of the 90s.

Day 2 Week 2, Couch to 5K

This was my worst run so far.  Interestingly, when my meds have not kicked in, I have noticed that I run much better than I walk.  In fact, while at work, if I'm feeling a bit off, I might go run or jog down the hall to get myself going and my arms swinging.  Unfortunately, this was not the case today.

I am getting up before the family to do these runs (about 5:45 am).  I take my meds, squeeze a couple shots out of my new inhaler, turn on the iPod and go.  Up until today, when I start running after the 5 minute "brisk" walk, I have felt great.  Today, that feeling never kicked in.  In fact, I really did not feel my meds kick in until after my shower and as I was leaving to drop my son off at school.

Nevertheless, I did the entire run and am glad I did.  I know I'll have good days and bad days, you just have to roll with it.  And to those who don't get what I mean when a Parkinson's patient is discussing on/off periods of medications:

Day 1, Week 2 Couch to 5K

Short update:  Did the run without an iPod because I forgot to charge it. DOH!  Counted in my head to try and get the correct times, but know I was off. I still got up early and did the run though, so I'm happy.

In honor of my dead battery iPod,