6 January 2009 - Feeling Better

Felt better and had less back pain and less tightness in calves. Stretching and trying to get decent rest. Walked 20 minutes, jogged 1.25 miles, and walked another 35 minutes. Not burning up the track, but at least I am out there. Slow and steady wins the war.

4 January 2009 - This hurts

Severe lower back pain interfered with my workout. I managed to walk 40 minutes, jog a mile in 10 minutes, and walk 40 more minutes. I just couldn't run much. Still made it a decent workout by duration.

1 January 2009 - Crawling towards 2 miles

Determined to make up for yesterday's shortcomings. Walked 15 minutes at 3.5 mph, jogged 1.75 miles at 6.0 mph, and walked another 60 minutes or so at 3.5 mph to make a total of 6.25 miles - a little over a 10k in 95 minutes. My goal is to gradually replace walking with jogging and get the 10k time down under 60 minutes by 1 March. If I can jog 2 miles by Monday 5 January, increase that by 1 mile every two weeks, that will almost do it.

I feel pretty good about today. I wish I had kept up with exercise all during 2008, but I let other things distract me and I got off track. I'm starting over, at nearly the weight i started with 1 January 2008, but at least I am a little ahead in the walking and running department.

My New Year's Resolutions are much like they have been for many years. I want the same improvements, though I seem to fall short a lot of the time. Maybe I should have easier goals so I can reach them. Nah, that's not our way.

New Year's Resolutions:
1. Less cursing/negativity/complaining and more positive, upbeat attitude. Realistic, but upbeat.

2. More painting and artwork this year. I let that go to the wayside, too. I get busy with school and work, and don't do enough creative projects. I'm going to try harder to make that a necessary part of my schedule.

3. Exercise and diet goals: Weigh 175 lbs by December 2009, run at least one marathon again this year (I haven't done one since 2005), and improve cholesterol and blood pressure scores. I hope to achievev this by eating smaller portions and healthier choices, but allowing for fun food, too - in moderation.

Anyone reading this, you might leave a comment on what your resolutions and goals are for 2009. I'd like to know.

31 December 2008

Last day of 2008. Fitness did not remotely go as planned, but I think I have learned a lot about myself, goals, priorities, failure, and success. I'm going to keep trying, and try new methods to reach success.

Walked 15 minutes at 3.5, jogged 1.6 miles at 10 minutres/mile, and walked another 15minutes. Was interrupted by a stomach ache, but seem to be OK after a while.