...literally. One facet that I love about the running program I am on is the way it make me take baby steps. It's hard to believe that just 7 short weeks ago I was only running 1 minute at a time. I'm now on the home stretch of this program and I just got back from a 20 minute run! Now, I admit that I did stray from the program just a bit. For starters, I only ran 3 days a week instead of the 4 that it calls for and secondly, I often went beyond the time that is called for. I lift 3 days a week and I didn't want to double up on any one day and I also felt that it was important to rest one day a week. As far as pushing myself to go beyond what the program calls for: that's just in my DNA. If I felt like I had any energy left in the tank I would just go for it. I figure why not, right?It looks like this thing is paying off as I am slated to run 30 minutes straight next week. If you're reading this thinking, "There's no way that I could run 30 minutes", let me tell you something: Those were the exact words that came out of my mouth 7 weeks ago. I remember telling Mandi that there was NO WAY I would be able to run for 30 minutes straight. I did however tell her that I would die trying (even though I knew I really had no choice in the matter...did I tell you that Mandi is an evil dictator running coach?) Well, I'm here to report that my attitude has surely changed. Next week is 30 minutes and beyond that who knows? 40 minutes? 50? One whole hour????? Only time will tell.
One thing to keep in mind through all of this though is when I run, I'm literally talking myself out of quitting the whole entire time. It's not as if all of the sudden I LOVE to run. I just know that I have to run. I know that all of the pain, all of the sweat and all of the tears (it's actually just from sweat in my eyes) will pay it's weight in gold when it comes to my lung health. Remember, at the beginning of this year I had to be on a machine to help me breath while I was in the ICU. Since I started running, I have regained my lung function and then some and it has stayed within a couple of percentage points for the last 6 months. If you ask me, I'd be a fool not to run. And even though I may never be able to "hang with the big boys" (or Mandi) when I run or even think about a marathon, it's not going to stop me from lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement. If I just keep my feet moving, who knows what can happen?
I can tell you one thing, I'm through putting limits on myself.
This was my schedule for September 9th - 15th:
Wednesday: Travel
Thursday: 1 minute walk, 11 minute run (3 cycles)
Friday: Travel
Saturday: 1 minute walk, 11 minute run (3 cycles)
Sunday: OFF
Monday: Chest and Tricep
Tuesday: 5 minute walk, 20 minute run, 5 minute walk
Ronnie I am so happy and proud of you for your running!!! I think it's amazing and you are doing so well. Definitely an inspiration. Keep up the great work. I like the part about the sweat going in your eyes. That happens to me all the time. I love the wonderful effects of running. Hooray for keeping our lungs happy! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's truly inpsirational to see how your health can improve when you control it rather than let it control you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being awesome!!
This is SOOOO awesome, I can't even tell you!!!! SOOOO happy that program worked and is continuing to work for you!... It's all about baby steps and just taking it one week at a time... I also think it's important to have rest days in between running like you've done.. Lifting has helped me tremendously as well to help gain strength for the longer runs! So proud of you, Ronnie..
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting!! I don't even know you and I'm so proud of and for you. I'm an older CFer trying to implement a walking regime and this encourages me greatly.
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME!!! I myself have adopted a version of your run/walk plan and I do intervals of walking and running. I am only up to 2 and 1/2 minutes that I can run straight but I do at least 3-4 intervals of that in 30 minutes. I have to say that I agree with you that running REALLY makes a difference in pumping those lungs and making them work! I do not run/walk two days in a row yet and me too, I have to talk myself out of not quitting the whole time. Runing is SO HARD but so worth the rewards! Go Ronnie!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Hey! I've been doing one of those programs on the treadmill for a few weeks now, but after reading your success with this running plan I think I will give it a go too!
ReplyDeleteThumbs up for your progress. I too sympathize with the salty sweat going into the eyes--ouch!
Yay for exercise! That's going to be my big thing when I get out of the hospital in a few days. Treatments can only go so far!
ReplyDeleteI think you're absolutely right. . . baby steps can help us grow into giant leaps. I would have to say I am finding it extremely more difficult than I thought to start training. However in just the few weeks I have been working at it everyday I have noticed improvement. My goal too is to run at least 30 minutes (otherwise my triathlon will take me all day) One of my running goals is to be able to run at least a 12 minute mile.....we'll see in about 4 months :) Good Luck & by the way 30 minute run is Awesome!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing a great job. I am so proud of you Ronnie!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteMay I say, that's a great pic of you... you're looking especially handsome and fit.
Mandi is doing a wonderful job of whipping you into shape. ;)
Keep up the good work, guys, and stay healthy. :)