It’s been a few blog posts since I’ve updated you all on the status of how the running is going. I know what keeps you up at night. It’s cool.
Let me start out by saying I feel like a total poser calling it “running.” Actually, whenever I mention it to Tony or others I usually just throw up finger air quotes and call it “run-walking.” Because there’s a whole lot of walking going on. And maybe a few stints of running/panting too.
I’ve been trying to be slow about building my endurance for a crazy long run because I’ve been out and about every day and I can tell my knees are starting to feel a little “what the f, woman?!” They’re used to teetering in cute heels, not smacking pavement repeatedly. So I start running at a certain point and push myself to go a teensy bit farther each time. And when I say teensy, we’re talking mailbox to mailbox. Don’t judge…Damnit, I can feel you judging.
Anyhow, I’ve noticed that the sideaches are much better (in that there are fewer of them) and I’m not quite as winded as I was the first day I tested my skills. I also turn a lovely shade of tomato, which is a little less than MacIntosh Apple. Sorry my color shade examples suck. Anyhow, at least I’m not as worried someone is going to pull over and ask if I’m “ok.” Red faces = bright, neon call for assistance.
So, there you have it. My running update. I appreciate all the advice and comments from my last post. I checked out Google Pedometer, which rocks my world 7.8 richter scale-style because I can now figure out how far I’m running. Which, in my head was a lot farther than what Google told me. Thanks, Google. Really.
I’ve also started tying my keys into my shoelaces because, DUH, best idea ever! Why I didn’t think of that in the first place is beyond me, but I suspect I’m getting blonder as I run in the sun.
I do have one question for everyone. How long does it typically take to start building muscle? I’ve noticed since I’ve up’ed my exercising, my scale number has gone up one (or three!) ticks. What the? Tony tells me I’m building muscle, but I refuse to believe it would affect my weight after 3 weeks. I call bogus! Someone please tell me different so I don’t have to blame the Doritos!
The Cheeky Bride 
July 15, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Your body just isn’t used to the cardio yet so it is storing a little extra to give you energy. Running isn’t likely to build any muscles but it will make your hip, back and leg bones stronger. Very important for women folk. You want muscles, you gotta lift weights, heavy ones, then lose some ticks on the scale and they’ll just pop out and say hey! lookie here! But, I could be full of shit…
July 16, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Agree with the above, you’re storing a little bit…and then you’ll lose it and you’ll gain a little, again, when you build muscle. Keep going! Go girl!
July 16, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Thanks you guys, that actually makes me feel a little better…because I hate to be all girly and worry about the scale number, but seriously…I was feeling a little baffled.
July 16, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Here is the deal about gaining weight, if u have not upped the calorie intake to match what u r putting out u need to because your body thinks u r starving it and it is holding on to all the weight. I know, sounds crazy but I have had dieticians and trainers say the same. So eat some more…..more healthy stuff, not more Nerds!
July 17, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Hey! To help answer your question, muscle weighs more, so if your uneasy about the number, which Katie, is only a number.. if your happy and healthy, who cares! And, I like that your pushing yourself to run juuuuuust a little bit more each time! Thatas a great way to build endurance! Just be really careful running with high humidity! Stay hydrated! As for me, I am trying to shave a minute off my 1.5mi runs (which we have to do for our fitness tests). Anywhoooo I will be home to see you in August! Yay!
July 21, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Ugh… I can totally relate. I just started “running” again too, which I hadn’t really done in probably, four years? And I really forgot how friggin’ hard it is! And I’ve put on FIVE pounds since I’ve started the running about a month ago, even though I was working out and doing other cardio before. What. The. F. I’m just gonna go on believing what everyone else has been saying here to make you (and now me) feel better so that I don’t call it quits. Keep up the good work!
July 21, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Oh my gosh – I feel so much better that you posted you gained 5 pounds after beginning to run, too. Not because you gained five pounds. Boo to that. But because there must be some weird correlation between running and scale-pound-uppage. It sounds like a science thing. Because, again…I refuse to believe it’s a Doritos thing. Anyway – thanks for the comment!
July 23, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Hi! You’re cute! Okay, so I used to tie my keys to my shoe too, but then i kept looking down to make sure it was still there which got pretty distracting.
So.
If you have a lululemon nearby I got this as the best Christmas gift ever. Or. you can just make one. probably out of a sock that you cut the bottom out of. I haven’t tried it, but I’m just saying.
Anyway, the lulu site doesn’t really show what it is, so googled around for a blog (i’m helpful) that describes it:
Hope it helps!
July 23, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Ooo I’m intrigued by the stretchy arm band. Thanks for sending a link – you ARE helpful, chica! Also – that’s pretty funny about the key in the shoelace. I don’t have to look at mine, however, because I can hear it (them – I have to use 2 keys to get into my building, rawr) with every. single. step. I sound like I’m out hiking and trying to avoid bears or something. Lots of jingling coming from my direction. Thanks for the comment 🙂
July 23, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Running can build muscle if you’re new to exercising (or starting a program after a period of time off). If you’re heavy in the muscle department and start running, you’ll shed some of it because your body only needs so much muscle to maintain running shape. Ultimately, you want to pay attention to your bodyfat percentage, not your weight. Weight fluctuates on a daily basis, so it’s a bad indicator and a motivation killer. Check out the handheld bodyfat testers, or a BodPod if you have access to one. Use the same device to monitor your weight and bodyfat since they’ll be calibrated to you.
July 23, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Hey there – thanks for the good information. I actually have one of those handheld body fat thingie-dingies, but I never really know what everything means. Time to do some google-searching about body fat, etc. Thanks for the comment!
August 3, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Awesome! I just started running again 4 weeks ago and am up to 2.89 miles in 28 minutes and 57 seconds! 🙂 GO ME!
I haven’t actually lost weight yet either. But I’m feeling better, and loving htat I’m bumping up my speed.