Week 5: Discouragement

1-31-12: I run at the Y. I shave 20 seconds off of my mile. It's a good run. Except...

I feel like I'm in the danger zone of discouragement. I just don't have the drive I started out with. I need to educate myself more about becoming a runner, because I have no idea what I am doing.

What and when should I eat before a run?

How about after?

What should I drink? 

Should I be working out on rest days? How?

This may be a hormonal thing this week, or maybe our family schedule has gotten to me. I know I need more sleep. (1.19 miles)

2-2-12: I have a sinus pressure headache that I can't shake now for two days. Thanks to Sarah I remember to switch my training to "week 3" on the Couch to 5K program, which includes running continually for 3 minutes. I do this, once. The second time I am supposed to run for 3 minutes, I fail. I only get to 90 seconds before I have to start walking again. I feel like a failure. I try to remind myself that I could have stayed home, which would really be failing. I just think the headache and lack of energy is getting to me. Which brings me to another question:

Should I keep training if I'm sick, or is it better to rest?

(1.2)

2-4-12: Two nights ago I venture into the world of other runners, or I should say, actual runners. I met a friend at a runner's club meeting. During the meeting, she tells me how happy she is for me that I've remained injury free to this point. Huh? Are injuries that common to runners? Yes, she says. I wonder if I haven't pushed myself hard enough. 

Fast forward to the next morning. Apparently my calf heard her...it's...tight. Tight? Sore? Injured? I don't know, I can't tell...I've never had a running injury before remember? But I can't walk normally all day long. There's no pain until I start walking or stretching it...then about halfway through the day I realize it's not my calf. It's the whole back of my leg. Must be my hamstring. So, what now? 

My husband encourages me to go ahead with my training today anyway. On the treadmill, I alter my gait a bit while walking, but while jogging it's hardly noticeable. I guess that's because my steps are shorter and not as extended when I'm jogging. 

So, I suppose this tight hamstring thing will go away on it's own and I'll just keep doing my thing. What do you think?

On another note, I've really been struggling with wanting to do this lately. I mean, all those old reasons are weighing on me. Especially the part about not liking running so why do it??  I mean, at some point I hope to begin to enjoy it. The challenge to do something impossible can only hold my attention for so long. I'm glad I have all of you reading this (in my mind you read every day) so I don't want to let you down. Ben (husband) told me I could go get a new sports bra, socks, running pants, etc, so that added some fun to today's run. My sports bra is NEON PINK. That'll get me going! (1.28 miles)

P.S. I ran for three minute straight twice today.