So we ran today ... after having the weekend off, though I did do my zumba class on Saturday. I am seeing a bit of improvement in spite of the fact I am still getting very out of breath. Technically I know I'm running too fast as I can't run and talk ... lord knows I try :) The frustrating thing for me is I can't run any slower - seriously, if I went any slower, I'd be walking. I wanna run fast damn it. Or at least be able to run and talk at the same time.

J is doing great, she seems to be recovering much quicker than I am. She isn't gasping for breath nearly as much as I do. I know I will get there. I'm also very aware that patience has never been my strong suit. Not even close. Which, I think is part of why running is good for me -- it's not something I can 'want' to happen -- there are no short cuts. To run I have to put one foot in front of the other -- to get better (or at least be able to run and talk at the same time) I have to continue running.

This evening I suggested to J that we try a one minute interval just to see how much easier it would be. That way, hopefully, I would see my progress. This week we've decided to keep the times and intervals the same as last week. Next week we've decided to keep the run at 1.5, reduce the recovery to 4 mins and add an interval. We also discussed adding another run day, perhaps doing one minute runs for 10 intervals.

We've decided to do our first 5k on Valentine's Day - Go Us!!!

As we talked about races, J questioned what she would think about for six hours if, I mean, when we do a marathon. I assured her she'd have plenty to keep her mind active, if nothing else, the pain alone would keep her focused :)

more to come ...

Starting ... again

I've completed a marathon and two triathlons, in addition to countless bike rides ... and now, after maintaining a steady life of sitting on my butt for the past three years ... I am starting again.

It's different this time.

This time I have a running partner which makes a world of difference. Now I have someone to share the pain, er, joys of running with. Most of all, it feels great to share the complete and utter satisfaction after a run with someone who understands what was just accomplished. I am so grateful to have J as a friend!

We started three weeks ago - wow - time flies. Being the smart women that we are, we knew we needed to begin slowly. We decided on the following: run one minute, walk five minutes - doing six intervels. Let me tell you, after perfecting the art of a sedentary lifestyle to the level I have, running for a excruciatingly long 60 seconds nearly killed me. But I did it and it felt great ... afterwards.

This week we've increased the run time to 1.5 minutes keeping the walk at 5 minutes. Well, J thought we would capable of decreasing the walk to 4.5 mins. She was projecting ... becuase it left me gasping for breath and unable to fully recover ... but boy, can I sit! I think we've decided to keep to this time set, I'm hoping we add an additional week to this set so I can catch my breath, or catch up with her fitness, whichever comes first. I'll keep you posted!