Lots of Changes

I don't remember the last blog I actually posted and I'm too lazy to look back at my last post (when I do that I tend to get distracted and never get past looking at past posts).

About 2 months ago I decided I wanted to run a 5K for real. I had done a Color Run in Ogden a couple of years ago (about 40 pounds lighter, too), but didn't do much running. My friend Nick Berg had posted on Facebook that he'd been running and I found some real inspiration/motivation to start running again through his posts. When I weighed less and wasn't so full of aches and pains I really loved to run. Instead of waiting for my health to improve (which doesn't make any sense if you think about it) I just decided to go for it.

A couple of years ago I had installed a Couch-to-5-K App on my iPod. I decided to pull it out and complete the program. When I got to week 2 I realized I had never made it past that (through multiple attempts). This week is week 8. Friday (or Saturday, depending on my schedule) will be my last day on that app program. I can't believe I made it!

I've been struggling with my bum ankle that I sprained at the end of May last year (that's right, almost a year ago). That has been very difficult. The actual running part isn't hard, but when I slow down and have to put weight on my ankle it tends to give out. My friend Shayla and I have been doing massage trades on each other and that has helped. I've also been working at a chiropractic clinic and have had free adjustments and use of the ultra sound therapy. All of which have helped immensely. I also have my tendenosis issues. My right achilles tendon is the usual culprit, but sometimes my left one starts acting up as well. Needless to say, it's really difficult to get out of bed the morning after a run.

I haven't really lost any weight which has been SUPER frustrating. Everyone keeps telling me I'm building muscle, but I don't feel like it. I really want to lose weight so I can run faster. My mile is about 15 minutes right now. I know I could shorten that time if I could just lose some weight. I feel so heavy when I run.

This week I decided to start weight training. My muscles need to be stronger. I can run 3 miles, but it takes a lot out of me. I can tell it's the next step I need to take. Monday I did some core workouts. My back hurt less giving massages yesterday, so I've already seen a benefit from that. Today I think I'll train my arms.

Another change I am making is with my diet. After having some conversations with some friends I've decided to cut out gluten from my diet. I do not have Celiac disease. I've looked it up and I don't have enough symptoms to warrant a trip to the doctor for tests. But, if you look at the symptoms of gluten intolerance, I fit in quite nicely. So, yesterday I started a gluten free diet. I'm going to do it for at least 2 weeks, take notice of how I feel, then reintroduce some gluten into my diet and see if I notice any differences. If it's a big enough difference I will officially no longer eat gluten. I have mixed feelings on this idea. But, if it helps me feel even just a little better in the mornings it will be worth it.

Now, back to the 5K goal. Almost 2 weeks ago I went for a run outside along the Jordan River Parkway. I decided to go against the advice of my C25K program and just kept going. I found a lovely place to turn around at even. I had to slow down and walk for a bit on my way back, but thanks to the MapMyRun app on my phone I was able to track my run. I got in just under 3 miles. At that point I realized I could do the 5K thing for real. I have since signed up for 2 5Ks now. The first one is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Salt Lake City May 10th. I'm excited to be surrounded by a sea of pink. :) I do not personally know many people affected by breast cancer, but it's still a good cause and a good race to make my first. My second 5K will be the following week on May 17th up in Ogden for the Ogden Marathon 5K. I'm really excited about that one. I don't know why, but it's the one I'm looking forward to.

So, there ya go. I've got some good changes going on right now and this time I'm trying to keep the same mindset I had while I was in school. It's all or nothing. If I let up even one day I know I have a tendency to lose sight of my goals (it happens every time). It's the only way I've made it to this point on the C25K program.

So....yeah...yay for something new! :)