New Year's Resolutions

I know...I know. You're thinking, "She's seriously going to do a post on New Year's Resolutions?!?" Well, yes I am. I actually have a few this year that I am pretty sure I can make good on. So, here goes...

My first resolution has to do with yarn (of course). I resolve that in 2011 I will complete at least one pattern from each of my knit/crochet pattern books/booklets/magazines/etc. As a part 2 of this resolution, I resolve that if I do not use stash yarn to complete a pattern, then I will do a separate project using stash yarn before moving on to the next pattern. I cheated a bit on this resolution and did a dishcloth from one of my books, using stash yarn, before the New Year officially started. I am currently working on a scarf, also using stash yarn, from a different pattern book. So, I am well on my way to completing this resolution. Yea!!!

Resolution number two is really the most important. I resolve to read more scripture and spend more time in prayer this year than I did last year. I want for my life to line up with God's will. I desire His direction and blessings in my life and I realize that these are given when they are sought after through Bible study and prayer. I know that if I keep this resolution it will make me a better wife, better mother, better daughter, better friend, and most importantly a better reflection of Christ to the world.

My final resolution is to resume the running that I started back in August of 2010. I was doing so well for a time there and I want to get back into the groove. I don't want to resolve to "lose weight" or "eat better". Those two are so generic and it's so easy to fall away from them and get discouraged. With the running, I know that I will "enjoy" it and I remember the sense of accomplishment that I felt last fall. Additionally, I have several friends who will participate with me and offer encouragement.

So, there you have it. I have made my resolutions. Now, to get busy accomplishing my goals. I need to spend less time on the couch and more time on my knees and in my running shoes. And, of course, always with needles (or hook) in hand. :)

I Was Running, and Running, and Running...

Well, I finally did it. I finally started exercising and trying to get in better shape. I started about 5 or 6 weeks ago by starting the Couch to 5K program. (Check it out here: http://www.c25k.com/ .) I made it all the way through Week 4 of the program, but could not consistently complete that week's runs and was really nervous about Week 5. So, I have set out on my own. My goal right now is to build my endurance and be able to run a full 5K. I may return to the Couch to 5K program once I have a bit more confidence. But, for now I am trying to get to the gym and run more than 3 days a week and I am challenging myself to run more and walk less each week. I have started tracking my progress below. I am really excited and have already noticed a difference in my breathing and in the muscle tone in my legs. Can't say that I love running yet, but I know that I'll get there eventually.

Tuesday, 8/3/10

Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.6 (Warm Up)
Run 5 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 4 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 3 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 2 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 4.6
Walk 8.5 minutes at a pace of 3.6
Run 1 minutes at a pace 4.6
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.6 (Cool Down)

I also ran on Wednesday and Thursday but didn't start tracking all of this til Friday and couldn't quite remember the stats for these two days. By Thursday, I know that I had increased each running segment by 1 minute.

Friday 8/6/10

Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.7 (Warm up)
Run 6.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 5.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 4.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 2.5 minutes at pace of 3.7
Run 3.5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 2.5 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 2.5 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk1.5 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1.5 minutes at a pace of 5
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.8 (Cool Down)

Total of 3.55 miles
475 Calories burned

I took Saturday and Sunday off and really thought I would pay for the break when I got back in the gym on Monday. I was pleasantly surprised by my results. I was able to push myself even farther.

Monday 8/9/10

Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 3.7 (Warm up)
Run 8 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 6 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.7
Run 5 minutes at a pace of 4.7
Walk 3 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 4 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 3 minutes at a pace of 4.8
Walk 2 minutes at a pace of 3.8
Run 1 minute at a pace of 5.0
Walk 5 minutes at a pace of 4.0 (Cool down)

Total of 3.0 miles
491 calories burned

I might just make it back to the C25K program before I know it. There is a 5K the last weekend in September and one the first weekend in October. I hope to participate in both and can't wait to see how I do.