I took notes this week so I could remember how the week went! Like last week, each day had different running times.
Monday was on the warm side in the 70's. I did the five minute warm-up walk, then 5 minute jog, 3 minute walk, 8 minute jog, 3 minute walk, and 5 minute jog, ending with the five minute cool down.
The end of the 8 minute jog was up a hill, and I speed walked more than jogged through it, but I kept running form. The second 5 minute jog was tough, but I made it through. This was the farthest I've run so far, probably 1/4 mile or more than previously.
Wednesday was cooler, in the 60's. After the five minute warm-up walk, I did a 10 minute jog, 3 minute walk, 10 minute jog and 5 minute cool down walk. The second 10 minute jog started at the bottom of a hill and again, I speed walked more than jogged. It did get easier once I made it up the hill and the running path evened out. My earphone cord was a little too long and kept getting in my way, but I didn't want to break my stride to deal with it, so I just tried to keep it out of my way.
Friday was another nice morning in the 60's, and was time for another long jog, this time 25 minutes after the 5 minute warm-up.
The podcast I was listening to was for all of week six, so I still heard the cues from days 1 and 2. When the first five minutes were done, I couldn't believe five minutes had already passed. I had no problem getting through the first five minutes, but still had 20 to go.
The next cue was at 8 minutes, when I still had 17 to go. I was still doing pretty well, knowing I had a long time still ahead of me.
The next cue was only 2 minutes later from the end of day 2's 10 minute run. I had 15 minutes to go. A short 3 minutes later (at the end of day 2's walk time), I was suddenly at 13 minutes done and 12 to go--over half done!
The last three cues I was trying to figure in my head how many minutes I had left (9, then 6, then 1), and before I knew it, I had jogged for 25 minutes straight! I only speed walked up the second hill, and found it fairly easy to recover once the path leveled out again. Well, easy is not the right word, but it wasn't nearly as hard as getting up the hill.
Overall, I'm finding it takes a bit to find my stride, but after a few minutes I get my rhythm and am on pace with the music and my breathing and jogging.
My legs have been tired out this week, not quite sore, but definitely feeling the effects of running longer distances and times.
On a fun note, I rewarded myself for getting through last week's first long run of 20 minutes and got some new workout clothes and a handy dandy armband to hold my phone that plays the podcasts I listen to. I needed to replace the old pants I had that were becoming thread bare on the inner thighs, and also got a couple of sports bras so I no longer have to wear a ratty old nursing bra when I'm running.
That got a little long! I guess I had a lot to say this week.
It's got to be more exciting to run outside. I would not see wildflowers along my path if I were running on a treadmill!
One of my goals is to learn how to use our camera and to take better pictures. What better way to do so than by taking more pictures? In my blog hopping, I found a photography challenge at A Step in the Journey. It's week two now, but better late than never, right? The theme this week is "What makes you smile?" I picked a big bowl of popcorn to eat with the family while we watched a movie (The Phineas and Ferb movie).
