New Developments

Well, there have been some new developments in my life that I feel it is time to share with all of you.  The first is that I got the best present for Valentine's Day:

Yes, that is right, I finally invested in an iPhone.  I couldn't pass it up!  It was a great deal, and I was long overdue for the upgrade.  Happy Valentine's Day to me!  

I immediately started downloading apps for my iPhone.  The first couple of apps (after the required social networking apps) were running related.  I downloaded Running for Weight Loss and RunKeeper.  I was excited this morning to try out one of the running apps.  I started with RunKeeper because I wanted it to track the mileage while I was running.  I had to run this morning, and I did not feel safe enough to run in the dark by myself so I ran around my house.  It did not take me long to figure our that the app was not working in the house.  Here is my (inaccurate) data from this morning:

I ran for 40 minutes, and the mileage that was calculated was 0.14 with a pace of 4 hours and 48 minutes.  The app said I only burned 62 calories, but I was dripping sweat!  I had to laugh at how off it was!  In the notes section I even wrote: GPS does not work while running inside!  I forgot to wear my pedometer this morning which I was kicking myself for after the fact because then I would have at least some idea of how far I ran this morning.

Another development is that after a lot of frustration, research, and soul searching, I have decided to tackle the Mini-Marathon with a run / walk combination.  This will help with my pacing, help to train, and to run further distances.  This is the first time I am running the Mini-Marathon and I want to be smart and train for it without injury.  I believe this is the best way.  When I get faster and better at running, and if I enjoy running in the Mini-Marathon, I can always make it a goal to run the entire thing next year. However, I need to be practical and set achievable goals.  This morning I ran for three minutes and walked for one minute, repeating the same pattern over and over.  I was able to run harder and faster with the brief intervals of walking to help rest and recharge.

Let's see here, I have covered my new iPhone, my epic technology failure, my new method of training, and now I get to share something crazy I am doing.  Awhile ago (like sometime last year) my friend Amanda talked me into purchasing a Groupon for karate.  I have been trying to try new things and not be so quick to say no.  We were supposed to start our classes yesterday, but because of the crazy Indiana weather we started tonight.  We were the only two adults (besides the Sensei) in a classroom full of children.  It was definitely out of our comfort zones, but we did it!  It was a lot of fun, and I have to admit, I enjoyed getting rid of some of my stress and frustration by kicking and punching the punching bags.  I might have to get one of those for home!  This is where we are taking our karate:

I was self-conscious during the class, but it was good for me to try something new.  I am already sore from some of the punches and the getting up and down quickly and the (yikes!) push ups we had to do.  I think karate will be a great thing for me to do to help with cross-training and just another different way to get a work out in.  I loved hearing some of the adults that were there watching their kids practice say things like "Good for you" and "I can't judge you because I am not out there."

I think that these new developments are starting to spark something in me!  Stay tuned...