My progress

Feb 14th 2009

Happy Valentine's Day. So, I haven't updated my blog in a while and I sincerely apologize for that. Last few days have been really tiring. Let me start with Saturday Feb 14th. As is the norm these days, on Saturday I woke up at 6:30 for a 8 am run at Piedmont High. I reached a little late and missed the warm up, but that is because Piedmont high is a little difficult to find.

Neways, we ran a few laps. I had difficulty controlling my breathing and I forgot to take my gloves and headband and was freezing. So I didn't do my optimum run. We had Marathon university that day, so we had a few experts come speak to us about strengthening different muscles, about nutrition, etc. Mike from La foot told us about choosing the right shoes, etc. It was very informational.

Feb 15th 2009
My bro and sis-in-law were visiting us from New York and we all went to Berkeley to get me a good pair of running shoes from La Foot. I finally got a great pair from La Foot. I cant wait to try them on. :)

Feb 17th 2009
I missed my buddy run today. It started raining for the first time here and I didn't want to be a whimp and not go run in the rain but I was feeling a bit under the weather and I didn't want to fall sick and not go to further training sessions. So I decided to rest and recover. I was a little disappointed in myself and still feel a little guilty about it. :(

Feb 19th 2009
Today, at the Coached training, coach Rudy made us combine laps with circuit training. So basically we had to alternate full intensity laps with circuit drills like squats, supermans, push-ups, one-legged squats and crunches. Its hard. So basically you run about 5-6 laps and after each laps do a series of circuit drills. My whole body was aching the next day.

Feb 21st 2009
Today we had our first mentor led run on a Saturday at San Leandro. I ran 2 miles and I have to say that I still had difficulty controlling my breathing. I have started panting after about 1 mile and the next mile is getting harder to run because of that. My upper body and lower body aren't as much of problem but my panting is coming in the way of me having a good run. But I am sure I will get past it. I have to talk to my mentors, coaches and Mama Lisa about it. By the way, these days, Fridays no longer seem like the start of the weekend. Saturday mornings after the workout is when my weekend truly starts. My poor husband also wakes up early on Saturday because of me. :(

Feb 23rd 2009
Mondays are lower body strengthening days. So I decided to go for a Pilates class at my gym. The one hour of core exercises were hard for me because it was flexing muscles I didn't know I had. I also did some squats and lunges and some core exercises. I am actually enjoying working out especially since I think that this will help me with my running.

Feb 24rd 2009
We had a buddy run today. I decided to try to do 3 miles today. My mentor Jen was running with me the whole time and I continued to not have my breathing under control. I had to stop twice in my 2 mile run. I decided to stop after 2. Jen said that she would let Mama Lisa know about my problem. Jennifer in my team gave me some tips about breathing and I will try them next time. Mama Lisa did call me the same day and we spoke about my breathing control issue. She gave me some tips about eating and breathing techniques.

Feb 26th 2009
We had our training led by Coach Rudy again today. Laps combined with circuit drills. He increased the repetitions and my body is learning to get used to this workout. Though every day my muscles are a bit sore, I am liking it. I am feeling alive. I like my team a lot. They are a fun bunch to do workouts with. I look forward to my trainings and my runs.