I did it for the Medals

Back in December... Of 2014, I wrote about getting into running. Then life happened and even though I did finish the C25k program, well, let's just say that today I ran 15 minutes. I am also extremely proud of myself, but let's go back a bit.

In February 2015, I ran my first organized 5K at the Annual Kaiser Permanente San Francisco 5K through Golden Gate Park and it was wonderful. It was well organized, a great path through the park, and the atmosphere was energetic. Not to mention that the cool breeze through the park and the shaded path made it for a soothing run. Yes, I said a "soothing run." By the end of it, I knew which other organized 5K's I wanted to run and since I had that under my belt, I quickly signed up for the 5K's for Super Run and Run Like a Diva. My stretch goal was to run the 10k Sirena later in 2015. Within a week after the Kaiser run and right after signing up for the Super and Diva run, I started experiencing pains in my shins and my knees. 

By the time the Super Run rolled around in March, I hadn't run in about two months because I could not. I managed to run about 2 miles before my knees and ankles started to give way. When Divas came up in May, I walked it instead and beat myself up mentally the entire way. Sometimes you really just can't; you try but it's just not meant for you. I tried to pick up running here and there, but after a while it longer became that I couldn't physically do it, but I just didn't have the time anymore. After sustaining another weird injury in October whereby I couldn't move for a few weeks (I'm fine now, but don't let anyone tell you that you can't throw your shoulder out during CPR.Mostly because they, nor will any of your doctors believe you). When I regained movement, I decided it was time to donate one of my running shoes. I still held on to the pair that my brother gave me for Christmas though.

A few days ago, while chatting with a friend about running, we talked about Divas. I think that that was her first run and she asked if I'd be up for doing it again for 2016. Honestly, without training and just coming off of two injuries, I doubted my ability to do it. I still doubt my ability to do it. So a few days after, I pulled on my ridiculous tights, my Divas shirt from last year, and my new Merells, and ran on the treadmill. I discovered that I really do hate the treadmill. Walking or running on the treadmill feels like an eternity. I tried listening to a book or music and I was exasperated to see and feel each second go by. On the first day I ran 11 minutes and then my knee and hip started hurting so I stopped. 

Two days later I geared up again with my ridiculous tights (why do I own running leggings, I don't even like them. I prefer exercise pants), my FlipBelt, and the C25k app loaded on my phone. I made it all of 16 minutes before I told myself that maybe this was good enough for now. See there are some benefits for starting over though! 

1. I have all the gear and the clothes. I know that seems like a minor thing, but it's really nice to already have a series of running outfits set and not have to go out of my way to find what works. 
2. Speaking of which, I where all the braces go, the compression sleeves, and the kinesthetic tape goes. There's so much less guess work and that makes me so happy.
3. I know what pace I ought to be running at. I know what's too quick and too slow so I can adjust accordingly, instead of having to find my pace again. As a note, it took me about 6 weeks the first time to find my pace. 
4. I know which apps to use. Sure, it might be silly, but it's really nice to already know that the iHeartRadio app works well with the C25k program. It's also good to know for myself that I do prefer the radio over my own music. Before, I used to play my favourite songs, but as it turns out, I knew exactly how long they were so I'd count the minutes of the run. It turns out, I really didn't like running back then. Not sure if I do now though...
5. I've done it before and I can do it again. This is what powers me through and even though I might not be able to run at the same pace or finish with the same times, I can do it. I just have to try.

I'm Not a Runner

I originally wrote the majority of this for a friend but considering that it has a fair amount of information that could actually be useful to anyone else, I decided to share some of it. Please keep in mind that I started the program back in October so I have some other notes about the program and gear intended for another post).

To start with, I've had bad knees since I was a teenager. I don't really know what brought it about, but the pain would arrive in waves so I never really got into sports much. I remembered that I really liked running when I was younger, but my knees and ankles gave out really quickly. It wasn't a matter of strength because the pain was different. Sure, I could walk through the pain, but I couldn't "run" past it. I couldn't do much except for put on a brace and keep going. So when I decided to try to start running, this wasn't a decision made lightly nor could I view it as a real commitment. After all, at any point my knees could give out and create a resting state for a while. I could always pick it up again, but committing was different. 

Making the leap to running or even jogging was a long stretch for me. For the longest time I eyed runDisney from afar. For a while I tried running with my boyfriend and our housemate but my knee acted up so I had to stop. That doesn't mean I can't dream. Anyhow, in my attempts to find another activity in between yoga (I use Hulu, Chromecast to project from Do Yoga With Me, 42 Yogis, Yoga with Adrienne, Yoga with Adriene, and the hopes that one day I'll be disciplined enough to make it into a studio), I needed something else. I had been taking the dog for extra walks throughout the day, but I still needed something. After checking a few subreddits, that led me to the Couch to 5K (or C25K, for short) program.

• http://www.reddit.com/r/running
• http://www.reddit.com/r/C25K
• http://www.reddit.com/r/xxfitness

I did as much research as I could which included checking with others about how they manage pain with running, specifically focusing on knee issues. Preparing is a weird kind of beast because I wasn't just preparing for running. I was preparing for the inevitable bad feelings that would surface when I started running. I get really depressed when I do any kind of exercise (yes, weird, I know, but not unlike me either). I was hesitant about the first run but the first week seems pretty short (here's the training schedule and visual of the schedule). 

The next step was sneakers (or running shoes) so I checked around on Groupon and Woot for deals. Sadly most of them that were available didn't quite suite my tastes. You might able be snag a pair that you like on either site so I encourage you to check there. As for myself, I ended up getting the Merrell Women's All Out Fuse Trail Running Shoe which came out to just under $70. While I waited for those to arrive, I started looking into the C25K apps. There are a lot out there and I'm picky about apps. So I downloaded a few, ran them for a bit, but settled on C25K - 5K Trainer FREE for my first two runs (I ended up getting the Pro version shortly after). I had the headphones already along with my mp3 player, my phone with the app, and then when I went out for my first run (without my mp3 player), I realized how clunky it was all going to be. I decided to get this sports armband, nix the mp3 player and just use my phone with the Spotify and C25K app. 

I still get knee pains so a friend of mine suggested that I run with my cloth brace on those days that I think it will hurt. So far that has only happened on one day and it worked out okay. 

So I guess the last thing to mention is running clothes. Because apparently running clothes isn't quite the same as yoga clothes which has more flexibility. I have a few pieces from Nike (a running tank, mesh shirt, and pants), but I got a few more items from Old Navy. I don't know why but Old Navy's sports bras have been way better to me than Nike's. I ended up picking out a few more things from ON.

About the depression while I run (and not my regular old depression), the program is in such short intervals that it forces me to pay attention at this point so my mind can't drift which is great. Week 5 and onward worries me though. When the stretches of running become longer and my mind will inevitably drift. But I'll worry about that then. Does it mean I'll see Week 9? I don't know, but at least I tried and that's what matters. So if you're on the fence about giving it a shot, no matter what the reason is, I'd say that you should try, even if that's all you can tell yourself. But the attempt is worth it.