Day 33

I did not go for a morning run today, which is probably a good thing since I learned that I have have been running harder than I need to be to get a training effect. In class today, we were in the lab, so I was able to get moving for about 15 minutes. Because I have been working too hard, I decided it wouldn't hurt to take today as a rest day as well, especially since I walked/lightly jogged in class for a little bit. Class was especially exciting today and I was allowed to try out the zero gravity treadmill. It is extremely cool and a great tool to have on campus, even though most people have no idea it even exists. And of course, I have some pictures!

day 32

REST DAY! wooo hooo! I think that pretty much says it all. I am going to let my body catch up on some relaxation time. I feel like I am exhausted by Thursday every week. I am just going to do more homework tonight and sleep in a little later than 6 am tomorrow. Yay!

day 31

First off, I signed up for the Naples Daily News half Marathon last night! Wow. Big step. It is definitely crazy to think that in 3 and a half months, I will be running 13 miles. This is something that I still have not entirely been able to comprehend. Oh well, I will get there.

As far as training today, I wet 3 miles on the elliptical. I am seriously so tired, I could have fallen asleep on it. Even on the walk back from the gym, I could barely keep my eyes open. It was really easy, and I planned on doing about 5 miles, but I was way to tired to go any longer. There really needs to be more time in the day. I am having trouble fitting in sleep, class, clinicals, homework, and training all in 24 hours. I am going to have to figure something out though, because I am exhausted all the time and there is no way I will ever be able to run more than 3 miles if I am always to tired to train.

Day 30

Woke up really early and ran the north access road to campus. I actually don't like running this 2 mile stretch and think I will not stray from the loop for a quick 2 mile run again. We are going to have to start waking up even earlier to add on distance so everyone can finish and still get where they need to be on time. I will not be looking forward to this. Overall, it was an okay run. I think I was more focused on the billions of things that I have to accomplish today rather than the run itself, but at least running is completed for the day!

Day 29

I went to the gym by myself today and ran 3 miles on the treadmill. I can easily do 2 and a half miles, but for some reason, that extra half a mile seems so much harder. I know I can do it since I ran the 5k, but it is still hard. The run was actually extremely boring today. I had my music, but I just got tired of it. I am going to have to figure out a way to spice up my running a little to keep me entertained, especially when I get to the point of greater distances. I am also planning on registering for the half marathon in Naples that is in January, tomorrow. This is a huge step. Training and running is one thing, but actually registering actually sets it in stone. I haven't even fully realized that I will be able to run 13 miles yet and I am registering for an event. It is kind of scary actually. But, I will most likely wait till tomorrow to register, so no worries yet!

day 28

I was finally able to get in the pool today! It felt amazing. I actually really miss swimming. I ended up doing 20 minutes of water running, which I still think is a bit difficult. It does work my legs really well though. I also swam a few laps afterwards. Not a huge workout today, but it was a good change.

day 27

This morning, I woke up and went to the pool to find out that it had been closed for a swim meet. So we took a consensus and decided we all wanted to swim and that we would take the day as a rest day and then come back Sunday. We were all really looking forward to swimming and deep water running so hopefully it will work out well tomorrow.

Day 26

Had a great 2 and 1/2 mile run this morning! I woke up thinking it was not going to be a good run because I woke up with a cold and an insanely stuffed nose. I still ran anyways and the running actually cleared my nose up a little bit. For the entire run, I was very focused on my breathing. I did not get a single side stitch and maintained control of my breathing to the point where I was not out of breath running. Although it takes a lot more mental effort to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth, it is a much more effective way of controlling breathing when running. About a half mile into the run, Jen yelled at me from behind and right as I turned around, 2 deer were bounding across the road. It was really cool. I don't think I have ever seen deer on campus before. As I was running today, I also realized how much I enjoy the abundance of snails even though I have to watch out and avoid stepping on them. I did accidentally step on 1 today though and I felt really bad. I feel like they greet me every morning I run and encourage me to keep going, even though they are just sliming around on the pavement. It really was a great feeling run this morning. Picked up my spirits from this week a little bit. I have also realized how much I love taking off my shoes after I run. The feeling of scrunching your toes and stretching them out is incredible. It may sound weird, but I don't really know how to describe it. And last thing for the day, this little tree frog was waiting at my door for me when I got back from running. He is super cute. Here is a picture because I think he was really neat looking!

day 25

I planned to go swimming and deep water running today, but the lovely Florida weather decided it was suppose to downpour. So I went to the gym today after clinical instead. I am now planning to swim on Saturday, so hopefully it will not rain. This has really been a horrible week. I think the gym helped to clear my head a little bit. I did do 6 miles on the bike, a little bit of rowing, and a few ab exercises. Overall, it was an easy workout, but also a good one. By body feels great and I can tell my legs are getting a little bit of definition to them, which is awesome. I slacked on eating healthy a little bit this week, but that's not the norm for me. Run in the morning before class.

day 24

I took today as a rest day. It's only Wednesday and has already been a rough week. I believe I am more mentally exhausted than physically, but opted out of going to the gym anyways. I really just needed a day to relax and regain composure so I am mentally prepared to get back into training tomorrow and Friday.

day 23

Today, I did a 2 mile/ 20 minute run. The distance is absolutely no problem, but I had the worst side stitch I think I have ever had. Normally if I get them, they hurt and then they go away after a minute or 2 and I can run through them. The one today lasted close to 10 minutes and I actually had to stop for about 15 -20 seconds. I really need to start better controlling my breathing. Right now, it takes all my concentration to breathe through my nose. I am going to try to concentrate on this to the point where is becomes natural when I run.

day 22

Today I went for a nice 8 mile bike in the gym. Did it in just under 30 minutes and took it easy for most of it. It definitely loosened up some tight muscles. Working out is seriously the best form of de-stressor. I have been extremely busy the last several days, but since the 5k, I have able to concentrate on and get so much work done. Yesterday and today have been very productive school work days and I am going to go ahead and say that I owe it all to working out. It has decreased stress to the point where I can actually concentrate. Just another perk of training I guess.

Morning run tomorrow. It has actually come to the point (most of the time at least) where I don't completely dread waking up super early to go running. I expect it and know that I fit it into my schedule and so I do it. I'm getting better.

Day 21

Today was a recovery day after the 5K yesterday. Not much to say today. My body doesn't feel fatigued or sore, although I am a bit mentally tired. I am still pumped up from the run yesterday and am ready for more. I am hoping that I have time to go to a workout class tomorrow. If not, then I may just go to the gym for a little bit.

day 20

Day 20 and I did my first ever 5K race! I am very proud of myself! I finished 28th in 27 minutes and 26 seconds. I definitely beat the goal I set for myself. My legs are a little fatigued, but not sore, and they did not hurt while running. The biggest problem I had was with my breathing and cardio endurance. I think taking the cardio workout classes at the gym will help with this, so I will try to make it to the spin class Monday night. Tomorrow will be my rest/recovery today. I am still on a running high and really glad I ran the race.

Day 19

Tomorrow is the Kleist 5K race, so I decided to take an easy 18 minute 2 mile run this morning. There was a beautiful sunrise over FGCU and it was the perfect motivation as I rounded a curve of the loop. I will be stretching throughout the day to make sure my legs are nice and relaxed for tomorrow. I am extremely nervous but excited. This will be my first 5K ever. I would like to get as close to 30 minutes as I can, but anything under 35 would be great. I have no idea how long it actually takes me to run 3 miles outside. These times are complete guesstimates.

Day 18

Today is going to be an off day. I was going to to run today and prepare myself for the 5k that is 2 days away, but my legs are a little sore so I am going to stretch them tonight instead of running. Tomorrow morning I will do a light run and a lot more stretching so I don't overwork my legs before the race Saturday. I am getting nervous for it. I am hoping I will not psych myself out before it.

Day 17

I completely planned on waking up and going to the gym this morning, but going to bed at 3:30 in the morning prevented that from happening. Instead, I went after my 7 hour clinical. I think I needed it actually. I don't exactly know how to explain it, but I felt as if I needed to move and burn energy even though I was already exhausted. I ended up running 2.75 miles at a 9:40 pace. It felt really good.

Day 16

Another early morning run today! We increased our mileage today too. Normally we walk from the Honors dorm to loop and the run the loop. Instead, we stretched outside the building then starting running from the building, around the loop, and back to the building. It was about 2.5 miles. I am not exactly sure how long it took me. I know it was under 27 minutes, but I had to stop at the crosswalk twice and I didn't have a watch on today, so I was going off of Jen's watch and the time she got back (Which was about a minute after me). I did fall back asleep for about an hour after after getting back. It was impossible for me to stay awake while reading for class until I took this nap.

Day 15

Finally made it to a spin class tonight! I am really glad that I could make it. It was really hard, but it felt incredible. I think it was good for me to do an hour of cardio without stopping. I want to start doing cardio classes more often so I can get me endurance up to run farther. Overall, great day training wise. I am definitely seeing a change in the muscle tone of my legs! It awesome and I feel great!

day 14

Today, I went to the gym and had a good workout with Jen. I did 2.75 miles on the elliptical in 20 minutes, lifted some weights, and did some ab exercises. After eating, I went to the grocery store and carried 30 lbs of groceries up 3 flights of stairs. That was some hard work. My legs were burning. Glad I worked out today. I feel like it gives me energy to do other stuff, such as homework.

Day 13

Although I was not planning on it, today turned into a rest day. I slept in late, which was extremely needed, cleaned, did homework, and had to work. Really not much to say about the day, since no training was involved.

Day 12

Today was a great a day. I woke up for a 7 am run with Jen, Morgan, and Amber. Our other friend Tamara also joined us. We ran the 2 mile loop around campus. About 1 and 1/2 miles in, it started raining, which was actually very nice. I also completed the loop faster than I ever have, in 17 min and 10 seconds! I think it was because I had Tamara close by, who runs at about the same pace that I do, if not a little faster. Usually, I am up in front by myself, so it was nice to have her to keep up with. We also had our pool day today, which was a lot of fun. I actually think my legs felt the workout in the pool more than from my last few runs.

Day 11

Today is definitely an off day, which I had planned out all week. Another clinical day, so again exhausted. Didn't really do an extensive amount of walking or anything that would count towards training. Really busy day and about to leave again for a school event followed by a fundraiser. I will rest up tonight and get back on the grind tomorrow.

Day 10

Today I was absolutely exhausted. I was on my feet at the hospital for 7 hours today. However, I still went to the gym since it was not an off day. I am pretty sure yesterday was a fluke, since I was seriously struggling around 2 miles in. I ended up only running 2 and half miles. Not as exciting as yesterday, but I blame it on my exhaustion.

Day 9

I am actually super excited to write this blog today! I was suppose to wake up and run at 7 am this morning, but felt horrible. I was having cold sweats and felt nauseous and decided against running. So, I fell back asleep instead and woke up and hour and a half later feeling better. After class, at 4:45, I decided that I would see if someone would go for a run or to the gym with me, but no one one would go. I felt really unmotivated but finally just changed into some gym clothes and headed to the gym. Luckily there was a treadmill open. I planned on pushing myself a little today and set it for 25 minutes to do 2.5 miles. Usually I am exhausted by 1.75 miles, but 2.5 came and I wasn't completely exhausted. I ended up extending the time another 5 minutes and dropped the pace from 10 minutes to 8:22! I wasn't hurting or entirely out of breath at all! This was a huge achievement and couldn't have come at a better time. After this run, I want to run even more now! I am not sure why I did so good today, but I am really excited. I don't know if it was because I was listening to my ipod (which I usually don't when I run outside with others), because I was inside, because I had a lot of stress and frustration burn, or a combination of all of these. I just hope I will be able to keep improving without all of these factors. =]

Day 8

I went for a 2 mile evening run tonight. The humidity was horrible. I am still at a 10 mile a minute pace and still don't feel as if I can go any further. Hopefully it will start getting better. I am determined to train regularly and have achieved the mindset of doing so, but am still unsure of the distance in which I can achieve by the end of the semester. On the bright side, I can definitely feel that my legs are getting a little bit stronger! Another run first thing in the morning tomorrow. Woo!

Day 7

Today I woke up and decided to go to the gym with Jen. We didn't have much time because we had other stuff to do during the day, so we biked 5 miles doing rolling hills in just under 20 minutes, stretched, and then finished with some ab exercises. The bike was really hard at times, but felt great at the end. Tomorrow should be another run day, since most of the labor day weekend plans will be over.

Day 6

Yesterday was a much needed lazy rest day. I did, however, go to Gulf Coast Town Center and walk around for a bit. So, I wasn't a complete bum. Although I have people in town visiting, I will be going to the gym today.

Day 5

I am really not a morning runner. It takes all of my effort just to get out of bed. If it wasn't for the 3 others that I run with, I most likely would never run in the morning. It was very nice out this morning though, so I guess that helped a little bit. We ran the campus loop again today, but in the opposite direction. I like running this way better. It feels as if it goes by quicker. I did the loop in about 18 minutes today. Although I may be getting a little faster, I still feel as if 2 miles is my limit on distance. I really don't know how to increase my mileage without feeling as if I am going to drop dead. Hopefully I will be able to get past this point.

Day 4

Unfortunately, I was too tired to go to the cardio bootcamp fitness class today. I didn't think I would be able to make it through. Instead, I ran 2 miles on the treadmill and lifted some weights. I ran the 2 miles in just under 20 minutes, so it wasn't a very fast pace. I did not stop once, but my calf was cramping for the last 1/4 mile. I think I am getting better from the first time I ran a few days ago. This is exciting. I have a 7 am run scheduled for tomorrow. Hopefully it is not raining, since I don't prefer to run in the rain.