Running Shoes

I ran on Thursday after work, before the walking tour of the Land Bridge that I helped to organize. The running consisted of my trying to follow the "Couch to 5K" program, but was more like "Couch to Chair Next to the Couch." I ran only two of the 60 second segments. Otherwise walked the hills near work.

This was the second time that I added a bit of jogging to my walk. And the second time that I had pain in the outside muscle of my lower leg. A bit of google tells me that my shoes are wrong and that I'm overpronating. So I need to get new running shoes. The pair I have I bought at the Nike Outlet and I've liked them for walking. Apparently they're not right for my running gait.

I'll be going to Fit Right Northwest, which is recommended by everyone around as the best running shoe store. The do the whole video on a treadmill thing that ensures that you get the right shoes for you.

I'd be excited about new shoes (what girl isn't!) except for the money issue. Our 4th of July vacation was an out-of-the-ordinary expense and I also just paid for Harry's summer term at community college. Also am very excited about an upcoming trip to Las Vegas, but not excited about the money I'll be spending, even though it's a bargain.

Then again, it's only money. I'm not going to let my worries get in the way of getting healthy. And that's not just my body, but also my attitude.

My new scale is being kind to me. This morning I was 200 lbs even--down from 209.6 when I went to the doctor for my wrist sprain on 6/22. However, looking back through my health records I see that I was 185 when I was treated for depression in 2006. Losing my job in 2007 was difficult for me and my weight just creeped up and up.

My goal before Vegas, Sept. 18: 180 lbs.
My goal for my birthday, Oct. 22: RUN 5K

Wellness Blog

Perhaps this isn't just a fitness blog, but instead about my "wellness" in general. Because I feel compelled to write about my visit to the doctor yesterday.

I had a list of things to discuss with this woman I had never met. I don't get to the doctor often, just if I have an illness or injury that can't be ignored. I went a few weeks ago when I sprained my arm and I went in November 2006 when I needed antidepressants. The doctor that saw me then has retired, so my HMO gave me someone new. And I loved her.

She allowed me to tell her that I'm overweight and ready to begin an exercise program. "Good for you!" she said. My blood pressure and heart are perfect, no reason not to sweat.

She looked over my bum arm and pronounced it "not broken," which I already knew. But she validated my concerns and suggested that if it isn't completely better in two weeks I should see her again. She told me to stretch it, but be gentle, and continue to take the ibuprofen which is not just for pain, but also inflamation and swelling.

She gave me a prescription for a steroid cream for my eczema and some specific advice about how to use it. If it doesn't clear up with this, I should see a dermatologist. In 2005 I saw a doctor about the eczema who said I should just learn to live with it.

She did my well-woman exam, which hadn't been done since 2002. I thought it was 7 years overdue, but it turns out that pap smears are now recommended every three years, not yearly. And she removed the IUD that I had inserted back in 2002 and which was supposed to be removed or replaced in 2007. My Mirena IUD kept me period and pregnancy free for 7 years, but I'm a bit excited to be off all the hormones. I'm just me now and I'll see how that goes.

When I saw the doc in the minor injury clinic about my arm on June 22, I weighed 209.5 lbs. Yesterday I weighted 206. I have a new mini-goal to lose 20 lbs by September 18.

What's special about September 18? you might ask.

That's the day I'm flying to Las Vegas for a fun-filled girls weekend! Cannot wait. I'm going to get a rockin' new haircut, paint my toenails and wear mascara. And those things may not stay in Las Vegas.

Vacation Exercise

I've gotten up before the rest of the family each morning on this vacation to walk with the dog.

Friday: 1.81 miles
Saturday: 1.52 miles
Today: 1.24 miles

Still slow. No running. Also did some bipedal transportation on Friday and Saturday.

39 Minutes

I got up and walked BEFORE WORK today. Go me!

My plan was to walk for 30 minutes, but it took me 39 to get back home. I walked for 1.64 miles, so that's 2.5 miles per hour. I was passed by an old man walking his pomeranian.

I wore my new sports bra and the technical t-shirt I bought at REI earlier this week. I drank a few ounces of orange juice before I left home.

Felt great.

Not My Food Diary

Sometimes it's smart to cut your losses. I'm not really using myfooddiary.com, so I canceled the membership. There are other (free) online food logging sites to use when I'm ready. I don't want to be paying $9 per month for something I don't use.

Run Like Hell

See the ticker above?

My goal is to RUN the Halloween-themed Run Like Hell in Portland on October 25. This is a 5K--just three days after I turn 40.

I haven't run a step, but I'm already thinking about my costume...

Advice I Can Actually Take...

From johnbingham.com:

"If you are new to running or being active, one of the best ways to get started is to take an entire week to think about running. Each day that week, think about when and where you might have run that day. Think about how fast or how far you would run. Remind yourself that NEXT week, you really are going to run."

John Bingham writes a column in Runners World that addresses the "penguin" runner--someone who runs for the love of running, possibly slowly.

In other news, I just committed myself to volunteering at Northwest Personal Training's triathlon on July 19.