Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Pushing the Limits

I've sure come a long way since I began running in January.  At 4.5 miles, yesterday was my longest run yet.  I decreased my usual pace for most of the run (down to a 4.0 from a 4.5) and kicked it up just a bit for the last half mile or so.  I felt good during most of the run, but the last quarter of a mile was really tough.  It didn't help, either, that I didn't get started until after 8pm and therefore didn't finish my run, cool-down walk, and stretching until after 9:30.  And then of course I had to eat to refuel, so I battled my body's No, don't eat, you're about to go to bed against its opposing Oh god, need food, gonna die.

I am immensely proud of the progress I've made thus far.  My small group training sessions at the gym have gotten a lot easier, too.  Definitely felt like I was going to die after the first one, with it being my first intense strength training in a few years and having probably the hardest trainer at the gym work with me.  But luckily my post-workout soreness now only lasts for a day and is quite mild most of the time, unlike the week-long pain I felt after the first go, so bad it hurt to walk.  Although I disagree with the statement "no pain, no gain", I do like feeling some mild soreness to know I've been working hard.

I bought a Groupon today, too--$29 for a 20-class fitness pass, 1 personal training session, and a couple fitness and nutrition pamphlets or books or something.  At a $350 value, this is not something I'll be continuing after I use all components of the deal, but it'll be great to explore different types of fitness activities, including kickboxing, yoga, dance, self defense, and more.

Healthy lifestyle, here I come.

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