When did 3 miles become so hard to run?

I went out for a run last night. I realize that I was doing the C25K program to get back into running and it worked well for me. Last night though I just wanted to go for a run (and I had finished the 9 week program). I ran the entire time, but it just seemed more challenging than I remember it. I do need new shoes, I can tell because I feel like I'm getting shin splints. I kept going though and it felt better...sometimes I think it's just my body's way of warming up.

At the end of the run I felt very winded and tired...not my normal reaction to a run. I'm so glad that I went out there, but it was a bit discouraging...guess I should find motivation instead of discouragement though. Why you ask? I was able to run the 3 miles, but I'm no where near where I was in the past. I can get back there though, and I can build up my miles...I just need to be motivated to do so.

Another positive is my pants are finally fitting more back to normal! After a few weeks of odd fitting pants, things seem to be leveling out. I'm guessing it's the combination of increased activity, increased salads, decreased carbs, my (small glass of ) green smoothie in the morning, and the bc pill working it's way out of my system. it's nice to feel as though I'm losing weight during the holiday season rather than putting it on!

So here we go...depending on how I feel this evening it will either be another run or some yoga to balance me out.

Ow! My abs!

Last night I went for a run...it was 30 degrees and a slight breeze...I missed that. I used to love running when it was slightly chilly out because it reminded me of being a kid and playing outside in the snow. When I was done with my 3 mile run, I got home and realized how cold my core was. Now after doing yoga on Monday and running in the cold on Tuesday, I didn't realize how sore my core could be.

After taking a hot shower and warming up...I turned into my nesting self and sat (well it was more stretched out than sitting) on the couch to knit. That was my mistake. When I went to get up, my entire core was sore and achy. I guess a tough Monday morning workout on my core, followed by a run (which does use the core a bit) in the cold = soreness.

This morning it's much better, and I'm thinking about going for another run after work tonight versus a DVD...but we'll see how the core feels.

Yoga IS a workout

Whoever says that yoga isn't a workout obviously has never gone to a vinyasa class. I am so sore today! I miss this sore feeling. I'm looking forward to going to class again on Friday and I even purchased a few classes yesterday to motivate me to go at least once a week for the next month or two. I am not a fan of going to classes in January (or to the gym in January) with all the "resolution" people...I tend to workout at home for the month.

The short of this is, I'm sore. My arms, my shoulder blades, my shoulders, my obliques...all sore. After work today I plan on going for a run so I'll add legs being sore tomorrow to my list.

In other news...BC side effect updates. I'm emotional. It's difficult to have mood swings in my career since I need to remain level and calm. I did the best I could last night. I find that I get irritable very easily and need to calm myself down. That's another reason I opted to go back to yoga in a studio instead of just at home. I need to remain centered. Physical side effects have not come back in terms of the pain I felt on Thursday...but I'm wondering how much of that was just over-indulgence that I assumed was related to coming off the pill. Regardless, it hasn't come back yet. My face however, that's an entire different story. I have the lovely under the skin bumps...so my face isn't red, it's just bumpy. I'm making sure that I clean it well and I think I'm going to be trying all sorts of new products to see what works...but yes...skin is not very happy at the moment.

Overall though, I'm really positive and happy...so long as I don't get irritated :)

Return to yoga

After a weekend full of wonderful times, food and wine...and luckily a run on Thanksgiving, it was time to detox a bit today. Oh and watching this video helped inspire me too:

So I went to my favorite yoga studio TruHarmony Yoga for some morning flow. Jenny was the instructor and Hillary was working the front desk, and then there was me. I have to admit that was a wonderful class this morning. Jenny was trying to give both Hillary and me what we wanted which was the total opposite of each other. I wanted to ease back into the hot vinyasa class and Hillary wanted a tough vinyasa flow...we settled in the middle.

I feel great and I need to remember how great I feel after a practice in a class. I love practicing yoga and do it on my own frequently, but there's something about doing it in a studio (especially a heated studio) that just pushes me farther.

My goal for the rest of this week (birthday week at that) is to incorporate yoga or meditation into my day all week...the days that I run I will do meditation or short yoga practice...and the days I do not run I will either go to the studio or do a DVD of yoga. I think that is a great birthday gift to myself.

Giving thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We left the city last night and drove 6 hours northeast to theUP of Michigan. I'm thankful we are able to do that and spend time with my in-laws. I am also thankful that my husband, sil and I went for a run this morning. We followed the c25K program since I am on week 8...even if I have run 2 5ks already. I want to run again tomorrow but we shall see.

I also experienced my first mood swings, hot flashes, pain in my side, and pimple breakout today from coming off the pill. I totally jinxed myself too...but dealing and honestly thankful that I decided to stop my pill. Yes my timing sucked but it needed to be done. I just thought I would share. Day 11/12 of my cycle since coming off the pill and my body is reacting. Add too much food and booze to the mix...and you get me right now.

Another experience that I will look back on and say, "well I made it through that..."

So many other things that I am thankful for...but writing this entry on my phone is slow :)

More energy, now with less hormones!

I posted recently that I had made a decision to come off of the pill. I realize it has hardly been anytime at all (less than 2 weeks) but I already feel different, in a good way. I have so much energy.

This morning when I was thinking about it I realized this spike came in the past 2 weeks. To be fair, I have increased my vitamins and have been taking them every day, but I started that when I was sick 3 weeks ago so I think it's coming off of the pill that has a greater effect on me.

I think that's why I was so inspired to run the race on Sunday and why I just want to be moving around.

I did a google search and found this blog entry that I felt was very relevant. I want to start following her blog because I feel as though I can relate and learn a lot. Besides that though, finally a positive experience about coming off of the pill.

This of course gets me into conspiracy theory mode regarding the pharmaceutical company wanting us to be on pills and they have the money so they control the internet so it's harder to find more the things that say, "coming off of pills is good for you". Again, conspiracy theory here.

I realize that there may be some downsides to coming off the pill after 17/18 years, but if having more energy is a side-effect, I'm all for it!

I'm curious as to what else may happen...but the positive things, I'm going to post. Speaking of positive, I do feel more positive...not super emotional (yet). Hopefully my experience will be really positive and give my conspiracy theory even more weight :)

5k, take 2

After my 5k last week, I wanted a do over. I decided to run one of my favorite 5k runs...the Lincolnwood Turkey Trot. This year I did it on my own, well the running part. My husband came and was my personal photographer :) I wore a turkey hat and just had a bunch of fun.

This time, I ran the entire race...and had a 10:14 pace. I'm getting so much closer to where I used to run at. That made me happy, really happy.

As is tradition, post race was breakfast at Pauline's. The waitress said I was spoiled because I got everything I wanted. Corned beef hash, basted eggs, and a banana pancake...there was also raisin toast involved...way too much food, but super yum.

I am happy...yay running!