Update… (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

After stopping with the 5K program I found it to be easier to just not post anything about it here. My feet were hurting more and more and so I decided to stop. Again. Which totally blows, but I don't know what else to do. However, I stopped for a few weeks and Monday I started again. At least you can give me credit for being persistent, if I don't get credit for following through. I'm going to try it YET AGAIN in hopes that something gives and I see some tangible results this time and no pain.

Also, we've taken our house off the market. For a lot of reasons that I won't get into here - but the whole experience has been disappointing. Completely disappointing. The market decided to take a dump right when we were looking to sell. And as a perspective NEW home owner you tend to be able to really single out all the annoying things about your current house - which I now have to stay in. So, instead of crying about that I'm actually trying to fix some of the issues. Painting rooms and doing other "quality of life" kinds of improvements. So far they are turning out well.

Work is going pretty good. Might have some interesting opportunities coming down the pike, but, I'm not going to get my hopes up. Instead I'll just take things as they come. I've got a lot of things on my plate right now so staying busy is keeping me happier. I tend to focus less on the negatives and it really does make me feel good to have less negatives and more positives.

And lastly (not least-ly), the adoption. We're still waiting for any kind of word from China about our adoption. The latest info that the wife was able to find says that any NEW adoptions from there could now take on the order of 2-3 years! We hope to hear something soon - but I'm trying to stay grounded for my wife who is completely the opposite of grounded.

Posted in: c25k , house , work related

Couch-to-5k: shin splints (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

As I mentioned a few days ago my calf and shin muscles aren't properly up to the task of running yet, causing me some great pain. Apparently, now that I've gotten me some real running shoes my whole body needs adjusting to the new movements it's going through.

For now this means I won't be running any real C25k sessions, opting instead to do regular muscular training of my legs. I'll do shorter runs as well, but I won't be following the real C25k plan for at least a week or two/three. Of course I'll stick to my regular training days so I don't completely fall out of it.

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , shin splints , training

Couch-to-5k: day 2.2 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

Ow...

I had to break off this morning's run halfway because my calfs and shins started to hurt real bad. I'll take that as a sign that I need more stretching and more exercise of these muscles, as per this article. I'm fine again about half an hour after the run, so it isn't too bad just yet but I'll need to take care anyway.

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

Shopping for running shoes (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

When I started running the C25k program three weeks ago I ran on my flat-soled Puma sneakers. They weren't very comfortable and they didn't protect my ankles worth anything, but they were at least better than my traditional curb stompers.

Yesterday I finally went shopping for some real running shoes at Run2Day in Utrecht. Since Menno has a lot more experience in sports than I do I asked him to tag along. Besides, trips like those are always a lot more fun with him around ^_^

In the end I settled for the Adidas Supernova Control 9, which feels very stable and comfortable and also corrects my overpronation.

I'd been sent to Run2Day by my colleague Remco who's a frequent shopper over there. I have to agree with him that it's great to have someone really inspect your feet and the way you run to pick the right shoes. The only downside to going to a brick'n'mortar store like that is that the prices are rather high :( I paid 120 euros for the same pair that would have cost me 80 dollars at Amazon.

Still... The shoes are great and I'll go and take them out for a jog later this morning.

Posted in: adidas , adidas supernova , adidas supernova control , c25k , couch-to-5k

Week Three - Day Two (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

Okay, another bad running day. It wasn't quite "everything I could do" but I struggled with the run today. I suppose it might have something to do with the nearly ten pounds I've managed to pack on in the past two weeks (even WITH the running). I've been eating like a King and I need to knock that crap off. Stupid co-workers and their wanting to go out and eat. I also think it might have something to do with what Doc said in his comments to one of my posts about running. I don't think I'm getting enough water. So, I've got a few things to repair. But I'm not discouraged, I know I'm a work in progress. And I'm seriously debating repeating this week in the program. We'll see how the run on Saturday goes. Unless it goes better than this one - I'm redo-ing this week. 

Posted in: c25k

Week Three - Day One (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

I was a little nervous about starting this week because of the (two) 3 minute segments but I got through them with no issues whatsoever. The Tues/Thur/Sat schedule may yet be a problem, but it is worth it because I ended up working until midnight on Monday night. So, not much choice in the matter, but I do like Mon/Wed/Fri better and I'll return to it after this week.

The three minute segment was a lot more intimidating in theory than it was in practice. I just whizzed right through it and didn't really have any issues. Breathing was good. I tend to breathe in a pattern, so… four steps on a breath in and then four steps on a breath out. Which may seem kind of weird but it helps me keep pace AND stay oxygenated - so those are good things. When I'm a little more tired I do three and three but that's usually at the end of the workout. 

In a work related note we got the three Cisco 6509 switches installed on Monday night. Things could have gone better, but it wasn't a total disaster. I didn't have to make any major changes to the configuration of the switches - so that was one small victory. They worked exactly as I had expected them to - which was flawlessly.

And lastly - I'm in the market for a new vehicle finally. Been looking for either a Land Cruiser or a Lexus LX450 (which are really the same thing). I liken it to trying to find a four leaf clover. It's damn near impossible - but I persist in looking and will continue to do so. Wish me luck. I'm looking for a 1994-1997 model which has a 6 cylinder engine that runs about 300K (on average - my luck will vary) before there needs to be any major mechanical work done. I just want something semi-nice and reliable. Oh yeah, and cheap.

Posted in: auto , c25k

Couch-to-5k: day 2.1 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

Last week I decided that I'd graduated the first week of C25k, meaning that I could move on to the second week, thus upping the level of my training a little bit. Well let me tell you: those extra thirty seconds tacked onto each run? Wow, do they make a difference! It could be that I wasn't prepared enough, but boy did it hurt ^_^

On the other hand, I feel great afterwards and I realised two other, rather positive things:
1. My breathing is great, falling down to a normal pace almost immediately after running.
2. The same goes for my heart beat, which is steady and calm after running.

Unfortunately I'll be in a bit of a fix with regards to day 2, since I can't really run on thursday morning. Wednesday would be too early and on Friday I could only run in the evening. Meaning that I'd have to run on Sunday as well... I think that that's what I'll do... Friday evening, Sunday morning and then next week go back to my regular T/T/S schedule.

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

Week Two - Dunzo! (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

I finished it yesterday. I've modified my running schedule from M/W/F to T/T/S for the time being. I've got some stuff coming up for work and it'll be better for me this way for a little while. Anyways, the run yesterday was good. I breathed well and my feet feel great - so I am going to move into week three! I debated about doing this week over again, but I think I am up to the challenge of the next week. We shall see…

Somehow I also managed to shed about 4 pounds over the last week (maybe it was the running AND the stress from the big project at work). Anyways, that's helpful. Of course, now that I'm here in the weekend I've got a bad habit of throwing my (somewhat) good eating habits during the week - out of the window. Next week I'll be able to eat well and I'm hoping to be able to break through my 225 plateau.

Also, house update - we had some people come through last week who apparently LOVED the house, but no offer as of yet. We're going today to walk through the house we love. Not sure why - I think it's some sort of self-torture to make ourselves feel bad that we can't actually HAVE the house. Oh, and we're also going to check out a new one that popped up in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  

Posted in: c25k

Couch-to-5k: day 1.6 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

W00! Today's run went great! ^_^

I didn't get any muscle aches during my run and even the soreness in my shins (see day 1.5) isn't that bad. I think my form is improving a little and this time around I even lasted for more than sixty seconds on a few of the runs. I am oh, so ready for week 2 of C25k! Two days of rest will do me good and then it's time to up the pace a little!

Also, the weather is really great this morning! The sun is warm and bright, the sky is -very- blue with some clouds thrown in and there's a slight breeze to cool me off. I just -had- to go back to Park Transwijk to take some pictures for you guys. Park Transwijk is one of Utrecht's two largest parks and includes public facilities such as a way-cool playground (with a castle!), communal gardens, a skate park, an educational center and a so-called verkeerstuin (traffic school for little kids).

So far the park suits my needs for training grounds quite nicely. It's close to home, I can take multiple routes to prevent boredom, there are multiple track types (asphalt, grass, dirt) and I actually like it there :)

Here's an overview in Google Maps.

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

Week Two - Day Two of C25K (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

Was feeling just generally meh about the run until I hit about minute 16. Then I really got into it. The run was a challenge but I did it and my form was excellent throughout. So, there is that. I had to put off the run a day since work has really been insane for me for the past few days. But I did it. So, now I'll need to decide whether I do the run on Friday or Saturday. I will get it done though. I'm anxious to start week three. And it's just like DrFaulken said in the comments on the last post - it's not the one big decision it's the ton of smart little decisions that matter. It's sticking to it and that's what I am trying to do.

Oh, and feet still feeling okay. Not super duper good, but okay. So, I'll be happy with that. 

Posted in: c25k

Couch-to-5k: day 1.5 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

Seeing as today is Ascension Day (a national holiday in the NL) I could've slept in until ten if I wanted to. I chose not to, because I didn't want to miss my regular C25k run around 06:30. Getting up that early was a bit hard after last night, but I managed.

The session itself didn't go altogether that well: I skipped the sixth run (again) after getting a pain in my shins that I hadn't felt before. To me that was a signal to take it easy. Afterwards, during the cool down, I also had some aches that I usually don't have :/ Ah well... Saturday's the sixth day of the first week's training schedule and I think I'm ready to hike things up to the second week. Let's see how that goes on Tuesday.

Also, if you're prone to chafing in the loin-area as I am, baby powder (talcum) rocks! It's completely prevent the painful effects from even appearing.

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

Couch-to-5k: day 1.4 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

Ah, that felt good! This week I've week 1 of the C25k plan on repeat, making sure that I'm well prepared for week two (which ups the length of each run from sixty to ninety seconds).

Day 1.4 is good!! \o/

I was having trouble getting myself motivated this morning (although waking up wasn't an issue) because of some annoying stomach pains. Those faded slightly once I openend the drapes to be greeted by a beautiful, sunny morning! Things went even better once I got outside and started to give myself a sort of motivational speech (in order to ignore the stomach cramps). It's silly, but saying stuff like "Yeah! You can do it! This is beautiful!" and "Ignore those cramps! They are -nothing-!" out loud to yourself really does help ^_^

I've also figured out what the heck's going wrong with my right ankle. It seems that the muscles in that ankle aren't strong enough to move my foot in such a way that I land on my heel and then roll through. Instead I land on a flat foot, causing more pain. I found this out by deliberately trying to walk (not run) in a rolling fashion. I noticed that I simply couldn't tilt my foot upwards as it felt like the muscles just wouldn't go. I'm thinking that AsphaltBuffet may be having the same issue.

I intend to put some extra training into my ankles, getting them stronger in both directions. One exercise would be to stand on flat feet and to repeatedly lift myself onto tiptoes. The other would be to stand on flat feet and to lift the front off the ground, remaining standing on my heels.

w00t! I'm feeling good! \o/

EDIT:
You'll have to excuse my enthusiasm :D I think those were the endorphins talking. For any of you who're still hesitant and have trouble getting motivated: think of the endorphins! Yummy endorphins! ^_^

Now, I'd better get to work, my colleagues are starting to look at me :]

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

Week Two - Day One of C25K (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

Sorry I didn't post about Day 3 of Week 1. I was a little busy this weekend and didn't get a chance to update. Anyways, Friday's run wasn't the best. I was spot-on for times and completion but it didn't have the same feel for me. Probably because I had some stuff come up and I didn't run on Friday night and I waited until Saturday morning instead. Anyways, the run was a little tougher for me than it should have been. I was disappointed that I kind of chugged through it instead of the previous two runs' brilliant breathing performance. But, I did it and I'm moving on. Any week I'm not able to complete (and I'm going to be honest with myself here) is a week that I will repeat. And I will do it with NO shame, I'll just do it and be happy I'm running. I have discovered that I've added five pounds in the past month or so and that really ticks me off. I need to get back with the program. I had salad today for lunch and I'll continue to try and be a good boy as much as possible.

Today is 90 seconds of running and 120 seconds of walking for 20 minutes (after a 5 minute warm up walk). I almost started with this week, but I'm glad I didn't. I need to continue the slow ramp up and take it easy. It'll be better for me in the long run. I have to keep telling myself that. 

 

Posted in: c25k

Couch-to-5k: day 1.3 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

So much for day 1.3 (week 1, day 3) of the Couch-to-5k plan! It was a bit hard to get up this morning and to get motivated for the run because I'd been working for two nights in a row (stand-by duty pays well, but it kills your sleep). I got myself happy about the run though, so all's well ^_^

Breathing went fine, but my right ankle is still a bitch. I think that, now that I'm paying attention to my ankle, I'm actually doing it more harm than good. Since I'm trying my best to put my right foot down properly I'm flexing certain muscles in a way they have never been stressed before. You see, by habit I always turn my right foot outwards a little while walking. That's something I'm gonna have to work on.

The muscle that's giving me trouble is highlighted in the picture on the left.

Anywho, I feel absolutely fine (or even wonderful) after my third run, so bring on Tuesday! I'll be running the first week twice, so that'll be day 1.4.

EDIT: BTW, today was the first time running in the rain and that felt pretty good too. I didn't let myself be bothered by the eww, nasty cold rain, so that's cool :)

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

Still feeling fine (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

Week1/Day2 is complete and I had no issues whatsoever while running. I didn't feel as great as I did on the first day (probably adrenaline) as I kind of chugged a little with my breathing, but physically I experienced no discomfort. The shoes also felt a lot different to me. I bought these shoes…

They are Brooks Beasts (2007 Model). I have a pair of the 2004 model as well and these feel different on the bottoms (more spring) and the upper feels a lot cooler while running, I can really feel the airflow moving around my foot - much more than the previous model. These are also shoes that help with motion control, so, it makes my ankles feel good. And lastly, they are designed for those of us who are a little bigger (6,2 - 225). So when I heel strike I don't destroy my knees. All-in-all they felt great last night and probably the best news is that I have ZERO foot pain with them. Which is better than the other pair. And these are also correctly sized for my feet (Size 12 versus a Size 11). It's these good shoes that will keep me from having an excuse to not run.

Posted in: c25k , exercise

Couch-to-5k: day 1.2 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

Today's run went quite well! Breathing apparently is no longer a problem as my lungs no longer feel tight or tense while running. I didn't skip any of the runs (as opposed to day 1.1, when I skipped run nr. 7), although I do believe I made far smaller steps than last time. I'm going to have to keep an eye on my right ankle because the muscles and tendons around it ache while running, probably because I'm planting it incorrectly.

Aniway... Good run! Now, to have a sammich, take a shower and head off to work! Bring on Saturday!

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

One and NOT done… (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

So I ran last night. And it was good. I felt fantastic. No foot pain while I was running (a little after the fact, but manageable - so I'm not whining). I am excited to get my new shoes. I wish they'd hurry up and ship the damned things. I decided to stick with the Brooks Beast but I did get the newer model. Supposed to have some really cool new technology built in, so I'm anxious to compare it to the previous generation of shoes.

I am also very excited that there are now 4 other Ars people (and non-Ars people, right Marc?) who are taking up running via the Couch to 5K program. Not sure if Marc is on that plan or not, but we'll assume he is. :)  Anyway, I'm debating making a post out of it on Ars and getting more people to sign up and participate. I sure could use the encouragement. Well, as I was writing this I decided to go ahead and make a post - it is here.

Posted in: c25k , exercise

Couch-to-5k: day 1.1 (Kilala.nl (Cailin Coilleach)) by Cailin Coilleach

I'll keep this post a short one, to prevent myself from over-analysing my first run.

I prefer the Ullreys podcast Ben linked to above the VRT1 podcast for two reasons: the ambient house background music (versus pop music) and the fact that the Belgian schedule is too ambitious for my tastes.

One thing I'll need to learn is to tread lightly. One coach said that you'd need to run like you're walking on eggshells. Well, me, I just made two thousand omelets. I keep slamming my feet down flat, which is hurting my ankles.

Another thing I'll need to learn is how to breathe properly. I can do deep breathing with tai chi and cycling, but not when I'm running.

In conclusion: I'm feeling quite well, considering my condition. Bring on Thursday! /o/

EDIT:
Oh yea! Special Dark's mixes are great for the cool down afterwards. Thanks for the tracks Hersch!

Posted in: c25k , couch-to-5k , running , training

And…. begin. (Again) (Cotter's Corner (IRS)) by IRS

May 8 will be the day that I begin the Couch-To-5K program once again. I've tried it two times now. The first time was almost a success as I made it all the way to week 7 (two weeks from the end) and only stopped because of the holidays. I'm an idiot for stopping. And then I tried it AGAIN and had to stop due to my left foot being in agony (Thanks Morton's Neuroma!).

My new plan is to start again tomorrow. I'll run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (I think I like the schedule at this point).  I may run tonight tho, so we'll just see how it goes. I'm hoping that my foot holds out. I am also armed with some new information. Seems that your feet continue to grow well past the normal stages that you think your body changes. So, I discovered that while I'm currently in some size 11 shoes - that I should actually be in some size 12 shoes. Who knew? I got fitted at Team Nashville and they advised me to get the correct size before I look to expand the size of the toe box since the main problem is that the biggest part of my foot isn't inside the biggest part of the shoe.

So, new shoes are on order, but the guy at Team Nashville told me how to lace up my existing shoes to get them to fit better.

If that doesn't work I've read lots of good things about the alcohol injection treatment working for Morton's Neuroma patients. That is going to be my Plan B in case of pain.

I am also VERY pleased to see that two of my on-line friends are also taking up the C25K plan. Cailin Coilleach & Wynk are both taking up the challenge. Wish us all luck.

Posted in: c25k , exercise