I'm Back!!!!!

I realize it has been a really long time since I last posted. Our home computer totally crashed and I just never made it to another computer to update. Our computer has been restored!!!

A lot has happened since I last posted. Ginny and I trained with "Couch to 5K" until it had us running 25 min. each day and then we changed programs. We are now doing interval training. I am certainly not the speediest runner and average 11-12 minute miles, but I feel so much stronger. I have come to understand my body a lot better and know that I can't eat too close to jogging because that is what causes my stomach cramping. I now know that I do a lot better with interval running than I do with distance running. I have built up leg muscles and am never as sore as when I started. I am pleased to announce that I have built up some cute little leg muscles too!!! I have really enjoyed the fact that I feel more healthy. I have more energy and ability to run around and play with my children. I really feel great!!

Two weeks ago my stake held a 5k and I participated. I ran my first 5k in 35min. I felt great afterwards!! Our new interval program has us running 4 days a week. On Monday and Wednesday Ginny and I will jog/walk for about 3 miles. Then we cool off with walking 2-4 more miles. Then on Friday we walk 3 miles at an easy pace and Saturday the program has us change the distance we go. Last week it was 5 miles walk/jogging, this week it is only 3 miles, next week 6miles. We are building up our distance and strength. We started at a pace of a 12 min. mile which meant we would jog 2 min. walk 1, jog 2 walk 1. We decided to try for a steady 11 minute mile and now alternate 2.5 min. jog with 1 min walk. I really am liking this program so far.

I haven't gotten to the place where running is my favorite, but I really enjoy the changes I am seeing in my ability and health. Last week my brother Jacob ran his first half marathon. Just being there to support him, really inspired me. I really want to work myself up to that kind of distance. I think it is a HUGE accomplishment and want to work towards that.

I also found out that the walk for Crohn's and Colitis is not a 5k, but a simple one miler. I am not sure where my confusion came in, but I have to say I am really happy that I thought it was a 5k, because I don't know if I would have started the training I did otherwise. I look back to where I started and am so thankful I started. A 5k now seems like something simple that I know I can do! I like that feeling!!!

Ginny and I have also added biking into our workout routine. We bike on Tuesday and Thursday. I have to tell you that biking definitely comes much more naturally to me, In just a few bike rides I am up to 20- mile rides each time we go out! I love biking. It has been really fun to cross-train with something I feel  that I am better at.

I am looking at marathons that I might like to do. I thought maybe I could move up to a 10k then a half marathon. I don't know, I am still thinking about it.