Reasons Why I Can

Tori and I walked 2.17 mile last night and for the first time in 6 months I was back under a 20 minute mile.  Yay me!  We were actually also faster in the second half of the walk than in the first which made me feel strong.

It was a really rough walk though, my feet were killing me.  It was like walking in pins and needles.  Afterwards we went right to the store and bought me a new pair of shoes.  Hopefully that will make a huge different.   I can't imagine that it would make it worse.

The best part though is even after three straight days of serious walks or work outs I don't feel like I'm going to die today.  I'm a little achy but it's nothing major.  I also cleared a big mental hurdle today about the Princess 1/2.  I looked up the race results for 2012 and saw that the last person from Florida crossed the finish line at 4:32:25.  That means that they were just over a 20 minute pace and they didn't get swept!

Oh my god... I may actually be able to do this.  I was having a huge mental block about having to get down to 15 minute miles.  I have NEVER been at a 15 minute mile, but maybe I don't have to?  Maybe really the only thing that I need to worry about is my endurance.  It's a lot easier for me to just focus on one goal. 

Image Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Debbie of on Pinterest

Walking in the Snow

Walking in the Snow from Kristen Kirk on Vimeo.

Excuses excuses excuses

I really, really didn't want to go to the gym today.  I woke up exhausted, I had a lot of work to do, and it just seemed like a good day to blow it all off.  I was successfully chillin' on the couch tweeting with the Princess Party Crew looking for support in my laziness when I get the following from my dear best friend Becks.

 

Okay, so really, I knew that gross hair was not a good excuse to not go to the gym, but it was the one I was going with.  Yes, yes I did think it would work and I would get some sympathy.  It didn't out work that way and I had to fess up.

 
It was.. the last walk was super rough and had be doubting myself so much. I felt horrible afterwards and I didn't want to deal with that again. Then, there it was... "Jeff says so!" She really did it, she went all coach on me. 

The "Jeff" in question is Jeff Galloway, who is the official runDisney Training Consultant.  But even before he took on that role, he was someone that I really looked up to for his years of experience, and most importantly Jeff Galloway gives props to walkers.  It's not always easy to find people in the running community that give walkers their due, but Jeff... Jeff actually wrote the book on walking.   He also developed the Run/Walk training style that so many athletes today use to get themselves to the point they want to be at.  As a walker vs. a 'legit' runner I still have to give up the props to what Jeff says. 

I got off the couch, got dressed (wearing compression shorts for some extra back support) and headed to the gym.  I walked 1.5 miles in 35 minutes, the pace was slow (23 minute mile) but I felt pretty good.  I need to work on strengthening my hips some because about 20 minutes into the walk they were feeling fairly weak.

My entertainment while walking today included Travel with Rick Episode #189, which takes you along on the Castaway Cay 5K.  Check it out below!



Hopefully I will continue to feel strong throughout the day.  We'll see. 

So tell me, what stupid excuses have you come up with in the past to talk yourself out of a work out?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

1.5 is better than a butt on the couch!

I went out and walked today!  I would have never gotten out there on my own, but my BFF and I made a date to go walking at the same time and call each other.  She kept me accountable and I finished 1.5 miles.  I did a 20 minute mile, which is slow, but considering my health scare last month and lack of doing anything for that time period, I'm happy with how I did.

What's that you say, pictures or it didn't happen?
Here I am right before heading out on the museum path!

 

How do you stay accountable?  Do you have a buddy to cheer you on?

Heavily on My Mind: Health Insurance

One of the things that weighs heavy on my mind these days is the lack of health coverage. We've always used our heavily, and since my husband lost his job, we're sort of out in the cold.   I discovered a few days ago that one of my regular prescriptions is on the generic list, that means I'll only have to pay $4. I was so happy when I learned this news, I almost cried. Serious tears.  I had been afraid that I wouldn't be able to afford it any longer and that would mean I would likely never really sleep again.

My family is being proactive with our health and changing our unhealthy habits in an attempt at better living. However, overall the “pray not to get sick” method, isn’t a quality plan. For a girl with Fibromyalgia, removing stress is a key factor in feeling better and having less pain. Getting out of the house and walking is just one of the ways that I relieve stress.

My husband, daughter and I are working, but none of us have healthcare.  The very substance of the American workplace is changing, and it's leaving many people out in the cold as far as healthcare goes. Since I work as an independent contractor I don't have the option of having any benefits one would get as an employee. That raises my stress levels. Today small businesses do have options for providing their workers with group insurance coverage, but it can be just as hard for them to find as it is for the independent contractor to find someone who can provide it.

If you’re a small business owner or self employed consider looking into information about group health insurance not only to benefit you, but to help give your employees the security that they need.  People with peace of mind are much more creative and productive, which only means good things for your business. What ways can you think of to help relieve your employee stress?

Disclaimer: Sponsored editorial post.  All opinions and life experiences expressed are entirely those of the author. Your mileage may vary.

The President's Bling

I took a few pictures of pretty spring flowers coming up in the forest where we walk, so that I could share them with you. There's so much in bloom that you miss unless you're looking for it. I've considered harvesting some of the violets to make violet sugar.




Here's that link that I mentioned in the video for the President's Challenge. It's super easy to sign up, and lets be honest, you're doing the work anyway! Why not bring home some bling just for training too!

https://www.presidentschallenge.org

Extra Bling is always fun!  I signed up, why don't you?

Tips for Walking Your First 5K

1. Decide to Do It!
Congratulations! You've decided to register to walk a 5k race. I know that you can do this!  If you're still not sure, fear not!  These easy tips will help your training be fun and comfortable.

2. Set a Training Plan
Now that you've decided that yuo're going to give it your all you need to find a training plan. I like the Hal Higdon Walker's 5K Training Plan. I find Hal's program to be straight forward and easy, it gives you 8 Weeks from start to 5K in easy, every other day increments that even those with a busy schedule can fit in. While it's fairly easy to train for a 5K without a serious plan, I highly suggest using one so that you can see yourself reach mini-goals along the way.  

3. Fuel The Machine
"Training" and "Dieting" are not the same thing, don't let anyone fool you. Yes, you're body will be much happier if you make the commitment to eat in a more healthful manner. However you MUST fuel the machine. You're body won't run without fuel, and it gets that fuel from food. Follow a nutritional plan that is going to work with your life style, but please don't starve yourself because you think that will make you healthier. Increase your daily water intake too, because if you're working out right, you're going to need to replace fluids.

4. Phone A Friend!
I really hate walking alone, it's boring and I don't like being left alone with my thoughts. When that happens, I usually just end up bitching to myself about how much I hate to exercise. Grab a friend (I bring my daughter Tori, in this picture I was walking with my friend Jackie) and hit the road.  Tori both give me someone to talk to so that I can take my mind off training, and helps me push myself to meet my goals. I also have a bunch of training buddies online! This blog is inspired by them as a way to keep all of us motivated. I've been told by many people that my Vlogs help make them feel like they're not the only ones that would rather be on the couch with a bag of chips. It's a good thing to have friends in similar condition to you that want to train as well. I love you #PrincessPatyCrew  

5. Dress Appropriately
There are a few things I've learned by trial and error as far as gear goes. Make sure you have shoes that fit with a little extra room for your feet to swell, because they will. Don't wear slippery underwear, or you'll be holding up your pants through the entire race. Trust me, I speak from experience on this one. Also, the right clothes will extend your outdoor training season more than you ever thought they could. Layer, layer. layer. Most importantly, cotton is an awful fabric when you're sweating, pick up some work out clothes with dry-tech.  

6. Listen to Your Body
If you're anything like me, you WANT to run. It's important to listen to your body and acknowledge your limits. In 2011 I messed up my back because I tried to run to soon.  That one error sent me into 6 months of physical therapy.  For myself (being overweight and with Fibromyalgia) my doctor has advised me not to even bother trying to run until I can walk a 16 minute mile.   It's okay if you walk!  Don't push yourself beyond what your body can handle. Pay attention to aches and pains, rest when you need too, slow down, and see a doctor before an injury gets out of control.

3.1 miles is a great distance for anyone's first race.  Training for, and completing that 5k a fun and exciting goal that can boost your confidence and your increase you health.  If you want to add a little extra fun to it, register for one of the many 5K events s held at the Disney Parks throughout the year!

If I can do it, so can you!!

Feeling good...

Tori and I had a great walk yesterday out on the Midway Village museum path. I even ran/walked the last quarter miles about 30 seconds of each the whole 1/4 mile. Though I felt really great that I was able to do that, Tori can walk as fast as I run.


I am a slow little penguin, but I'm getting it done!   I do hope to do more run/walk training, I think it's going to be the best way for me to make some real progress to my goals.  Even if I'm going slow right now, I'm just at the beginning and I know that I'll be better the more that I try.

Today we hit the bikes at the YMCA and had a good 45 minute ride. It's so wonderful even to have just these two days of feeling motivated and energetic. I can only hope that it continues. Coming up latter this week I've got some training tips to share with you, suggestions for motivating podcasts (Disney style) and a recipe for some yummy snacks that are fairly healthy too!

Power Walk Through Disneyland

I saw this on the Disney Parks Blog and just had to share!  It's the power walk that I talked about in my last vLog post.  I'm headed to Disneyland in May and staying at the Grand Californian. Now that I know, I think I'm going to sign up for this fun morning power walk! I'm walking an 18:15 mile right now, I hope that I'll be able to keep up with the group.

Crazy Wind Chills make for Miserable Walks

Who the heck turned off Spring? I love walking when the temp is about 43 degrees out. But this morning the wind chill made for the most miserable walk ever. Okay, so I know that is probably much colder in Alaska than it was on this miserable walk along to river, but my face is so wind chapped and my ears hurt *SO* bad. Can the warmer weather please come back now?

I also stopped in at the YMCA today and I think we're going to have to cancel our membership since DH lost his job. I think I'll be good for walking until December, at which time I might try and apply for a financial aid membership at the Y so that I have someplace to go when it gets cold.

Training Day 11 - Doom & Gloom

  This video is where I bitch and moan for 1.41 miles down the river path. Apologies in advance, but the nice thing is that I've warned you. So... have you noticed yet how much I say "so"? Thanks to @RNawaymama for getting me out the door.

Training Day 8

What a great walk!  It's taken almost two weeks (we started walking a week before I decided I was "training") but I'm finally feeling good after being out there walking.  That is instead of feeling like I'm going to die after walking.  I knew that if I just kept at it eventually it would be okay, I'm thrilled that it came after only two weeks instead of a month or more.


We decided that we would do another week at 1.3 miles since we're feeling good with that distance there's no reason to stay at just 1 mile. We'll do 1.3 for a bit and then by the end of next week I think we'll move up to 1.5 miles for our regular walk. We'll probably be doing 2 miles by mid-November if the weather holds out and we can keep walking outside.

After our walk Tori and I stopped at Target and got some more work out gear, long sleeves so that we can keep training outside as the weather continues to get colder.  I'm hoping that we have at least another month before the snow hits and we have to move to the treadmill in the Y. I am dreading the move inside, walking on the treadmill just isn't the same as being outside. Are you training? How has it been going for you?

Training Day 6

7:55AM -- Today was a hard day to get motivated.  I hurt and it's dark and rainy outside, not motivating.  I'm just not hard core enough to go walk out in the rain.  So, I took some Advil (who I think should sponsor my life let alone this blog), I ate a little breakfast (frozen waffles for the win), and now I'm sipping some coffee.  Motivation will come, I'll make it.

Training Day 4

I thought that put up a link to the Hal Higdon 5K Walking Training Plan in case any of my fellow beginner Princesses are looking for a place to start.  It's a great if you're looking to do you're first 5K as a walker.  Hal Higdon is a highly respected name in the running and race walking community.

http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/5-Kwalk.htm

I also recommend Jeff Galloway's book "Walking:The Complete Book".

 

Jeff has teamed up with Disney as the official runDisney Training Consultant. Most of his runDisney training focuses on running, but this book is a fantastic place to start for walkers too! It will give you a better idea of not only what happens in your body when walking, but talks about how to better burn calories, offers training plans, advice on gear and offers suggestions as to what may be going wrong when you get those aches and pains. I notice that my copy is well worn as I pull it out once again to get moving.