TheRoseWithin~Shannon

Your on Missy! I fancy a buddy! I still have yet to download and figure out how to use My Fitness Pal ... yet I will:D And fyi ... I fancy long and short stories as each and every story, no matter how similar, is experienced uniquely! Bring it all on! Looking forward to hearing how you do... in regards to depression, your knee, your back, and of course hearing your successes in regards to C25K. Exercise is a great elixir of life!

So interesting, and what a good idea to have someone look (film) you while running. I'm noticing I feel a bit of pain towards the end too. May be my shoes OR may be how I am running. Makes me curious ...

Hi Jessica! Welcome, welcome! Hope you register and sign up ... so much encouragement to be found here! Looking forward to seeing how you progress, encouraging you and receiving your encouragement! The more the merrier!! CHEERS!

Hi Vicki!! RIGHT ON! And way to go! You did three days in a row! You're done for the week - if you choose to be done that is. I am still looking forward to day three. I have a tendency to go whole hog, and then some, once I commit. Like you, I was committed to every day until I realized it was 3 days a week. I'm thankful for the rest days. In between days, I've decided to work on my tummy. It needs a bit of TLC too! Excited for you! CHEERS!

Are you on W6D2 ... where it says jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes)? If so, as long as you jog 10 minutes, I'm guessing how slow or fast is relevant to the runner, right? The first thought that came to mind when I read your question was wondering, 'slow in comparison too what or who?" A personal goal? Again, I can't wait to run as fast as you LOL

Congrats on C210K week 6 Cold! Can't wait to be where you are!

WEEK THREE - SUCCESS! January 19, 2015 - W3D3 While I could not run yesterday, I tried, I did have an EXCELLENT workout. I used the treadmill for the first time. I believe I will keep using the treadmill for a bit. Once I got going my heart rate remained between 156-159. According to Target Heart Rate I should be at 170 beats. That said, I was sweatin' bullets during and after I stepped off the treadmill, so I am going to go by what I experienced vs. worrying that my heart rate wasn't fast enough. Mind you, I am going to walk a little bit faster next time. Additionally, I will begin walking on my off days (which will begin today Jan. 20th). My knees - the bone below both kneecaps on inner knees - is still quite painful running on, and touching. I have yet to work on strength exercises, yet I am definitely going too, (thanks Azatol). That said, I contemplated redoing week three since I was unable to run d2 and d3, yet I decided against redoing. I'm going to jump right into week four and walk as necessary and begin running as soon as I can. I find I am a bit worried about not being able to run the full 5K, and then Cendorly's words echo within, "So What!" I'm still signing up and participating regardless AND I am not going to allow myself to dwell on step 10, before completing the step I am on currently - focus on today. I suspect or hope I'll be running it all, yet it's ok if I don't. Suffice to say, simply participating is HUGE and my minutes and miles will add up eventually. I know this and I am staying with this. January 17, 2015 - W3D2 Part II Yesterday, since I missed a run on the 15th, I could have easily run on my day off, yet I chose not too. Had I run, I would have been running out of guilt from having missed a day. So I purposefully chose to pick up on Saturday. I do not wish to run out of guilt or feeling as if I didn't do enough or didn't do it the right way. I do not need to make up any day. It is simply important for me to pick up where I left off. While running out of guilt may motivate some people, (it makes me feel better certainly) in the long run I have noticed that it plays into my 'not doing enough', 'not doing it right' (perfectionistic) modes and I end up self-sabotaging goals. So yesterday required a compassionate and firm reality check: I missed day two on the 15th -"It is one day Shannon! Get over yourself. Cheer up,and let it go!" I made a purposeful decision to honor my day off on the 16th and honored the fact that I do enough. My decision not to run is neither right nor wrong. (This was not justifying a missed day, it was embracing compassionate self-discernment vs. judgement). These were wins for me! This morning I picked up where I left off two days ago - day 2 now completed! On to day 3! My knees have been tender. I thought it would pass. I've always been healthy ... no issues. I've taken Glucosamine in the past and it helped with my minor joint pain which I started noticing in my early forties. I ran today, yet could not keep running - it was quite painful - quick jolts of pain. I was disheartened and walked instead. I've been alternating Aleve, Ibuprofen and Tyelenol since the 13th, and yesterday I received my Glucosamine and started taking it. I'll keep using the Gluco and walk if I need too until my knees feel better. I'll have it looked at only if I need too. After reading all boards today, I think I'll take up walking on my off days - I feel the knee pain while walking, yet it is definitely doable. I will share honestly, my self-encouragement feels a little hollow to me. I did not like that I needed to walk today, and I feel a little heavyhearted and worried. I would welcome any encouragement or experience in regards to knees please. <3 I am so thankful for the motivation I found today while reading threads! AND I am thankful for perfect timing! It started poring rain AFTER my run early this morning. I love running in the rain; however, I do not have the right kind of running gear that would keep me dry .... yet! <3 January 15, 2015 - W3D2 Part I Missed. I totally spaced running. It was quite late when I remembered, and so I decided not to run. I experienced mixed emotions and focused on not beating myself up. January 13, 2015 - W3D1 Success! Running three minutes was easier than I expected. I also felt faster, (got home quickly and in less time). Runner's Buddy said I ran more steps, and that I was way under two miles which confused me because I ran the same spot the day before and ran almost 2 miles. I thought, "Well shoot! What the heck!" LOL It caused me to doubt what I felt - lessening my good feelings for a wee tiny bit. I noticed my shift in mood, and stopped judging immediately. Runner's Buddy is only a tool. I'm proud of myself for trusting what I experienced vs. trusting my app. That said, it may have been right .... so what! I was thrilled after my run! There is something to be said for the blissfully unaware and motivated! LOL It was a good run; a successful run! Day 1 down! If I keep this up - I am pretty sure I'll be able to run the whole 5K! My knees are bothersome - they started hurting last week. So I purchased Glucosamine Chondroitin (MSM and Turmeric) tonight. Hoping this helps. I'm not sure if it is joints or something else. I believe joints. WEEK TWO - SUCCESS! January 11, 2015 - W2D3 Suffice to say, it was an interesting day filled with wild ups and downs and then a feeling of oneness that noticeably uplifted all three of us. It was quite fascinating for me to be a participant, and as a mother, a witness to what took place within each of us. It was also a solid reminder of what happens when we draw together instead of split apart during times of stress. A few hours later I hit the wall, I was drained physically and mentally. I matter-of-factly told my kids, "I am not going to run this evening. I'll run tomorrow." (my famous self-sabotaging last words). My youngest (15) said, "Mom, when you don't run today, you may not run tomorrow. I hope you get out there" I sat with his words and knew he was right. My daughter (17) playfully said, "If you don't run tomorrow, I'm gonna kick your butt!" She made me laugh, yet I remained thoughtfully (and mostly) resolute. They didn't harangue me, make me feel bad ... they simply and honestly shared their thoughts. I am so thankful for their unconditional love and support. This evening I jumped onto Zenlabs-a daily goal. I read YOUR success, YOUR tips and encouragement and absolutely enjoyed how YOU celebrated not only YOUR victory, yet others! Thirty minutes later I knew I was going to run. YOUR energy shared supported me in changing my state of mind. Thank YOU! YOUR success, in part, equaled mine tonight. I had a very good workout (it was easier(!!) and still challenging). Emotionally I feel centered and at ease ... much more than before the run - exercise is mentally and emotionally good for the brain! The last five minutes I listened to a song I have never heard. The lyrics captured my attention immediately. In fact, they were goose-bumpy-apt to what I am experiencing overall. I was easily able to find truths that resonated, which I am personalizing here: I've been such a mess, so caught up in who I am not ... yet I'm ready now - the walls are tumbling down. I have nothing left to hide. Don't want to let me down. Don't want to let my kids down. I'm going to make this count. Regardless of my (or one's) beliefs, I felt her song was applicable any time I have an aspiration to restore personal vitality. If curious, you can listen here: Plumb - Lord I'm Ready Now I am tickled to share that I started out at 172.6. I weighed myself yesterday and was 168.2. What a pleasant surprise, especially since I have not set nutrition or water goals yet. I will, yet my main intention was one goal, and one goal only - run three days a week. I have a tendency to spread myself thin in the midst of many goals. Albeit necessary/important goals, yet wayHAY too many goals. Not this time. One goal, one step at a time. The energy and success experienced, and confidence gained will fuel the desire to add further goals as is necessary. I know this from personal experience. Really Cool: Runner's Buddy W1D1 - 1/1/15: 32 minutes, 1.68 total miles, 4043 total steps W1D2 - 1/3/15: 32 minutes, 1.84 total miles, 4411 total steps W2D3 - 1/11/15: 32 minutes, 1.92 total miles, 4597 total steps Feeling: Thankful and supported unconditionally. <3 January 9, 2015 - W2D2 I am so sleepy this evening, yet I wanted to post my update. The first three runs were definitely easier, yet for the most part, today was nearly a repeat of my last run in that those last two runs were still challenging - loved this, and was very happy to begin walking too! I was a bit wishy-washy about going out as it was much later than I planned, yet I did. I was so pleasantly surprised - I do not prefer running at night, I prefer very early mornings. That said, I loved it! Well lit main street. I felt safe. I may do that again. I was cruisin' to 80's Work Out music using iHeartRadio - boy did that bring back memories! LOL January 7, 2015 - W2D1 And Another One Bites the Dust ... 'nuf said! teehee Last two run sessions I became nauseous - not a bad thing. I'm familiar with that feeling and know what it entails, (bouts of gagging) so instead of pushing too hard, I backed off somewhat. I kept up the pace with walking and my warm down. Good workout! In spite of the nausea, it felt easier today than last run. Happy camper! WEEK ONE - SUCCESS! January 5, 2015 - W1D3 Today’s run felt physically challenging (good) and I felt great. It was an especially meaningful walk/run knowing that I ditched a life-numbing excuse. All morning, I pushed the run back. I kept repeating, “I’ll do it …. later”. After about the third or fourth, “I’ll do it later” I stopped and acknowledged what I was doing without judgment. I let it go, and out the door I went. I was waiting for my son to get home – a large part of me clinging to his support and presence in an unhealthy way (not fair to him or me) - family connection and conversation are powerful motivators for me. That shared, I loved having him along on the first two runs, yet my intentions are to be self-governing and to embrace and welcome support as it comes – not rely on it, or wait for it to be present before I get myself out the door. Having another along is nice, yet not necessary. Week One Achieved!! Looking forward to Week 2 – I can tell my body is up for the 2 minute jog. It sure goes fast, doesn’t it! January 3, 2015 - W1D2 I successfully completed my run today AND even ran when prompted each time. I was so happy!! My body felt energized! Felt great to complete. In the beginning I was worried about my 'getup', and towards the end I noticed quite a bit of soreness in my hips and ankles. Self-judgement and self-absorption were present: "Shannon, you run so heavy" [slumbering sloth came to mind] "You don't have the right outfit, (right jog bra, right jacket etc) ... you look so silly wearing that heavy wool jacket" [i had an 'everyone's looking at me' mentality dance going on. This elicited an "Oh brother, get over yourself!" Embarrassing to admit, yet true]. Once I noticed and realized what was happening, I did my best to switch gears/re-frame and reminded myself to be more self-discerning: "After being sedentary for so long, this body is working out it's kinks. It's letting me know EXACTLY what areas need TLC. Overtime it will grow stronger. Hang in there! Keep at it! Pay attention. Listen too and trust this body - it truly knows best." "Reality check! Are you naked? No. Are you in your PJ's? No. Are you warm? Yes!! What's the problem then? Carry on! You are the only who cares what you are wearing, and if someone else does care ... So What, and So Be It!! <Let It Go> Let a new outfit be your reward vs. the lack of one an excuse to ditch a workout." [Yes I talk to myself a lot!] I normally pay attention to weather - both my son and I do. I believed it was a little below 35 degrees on Monday (W1D1). Come to find out, that was not so. Today it felt warmer and I said to my son, "My goodness! I thought it was going to be a lot colder, yet it feels so warm in comparison to Monday's 35 degrees!" My son responded, "Well, that's because it was 17 degrees out Mom. It's 22 degrees out today. It is warmer today." It truly felt warm out! Pleasant even. It struck a chord within for some reason - I'm still trying to figure out why exactly. Perhaps I work myself up (or down) more than I really need too? Self-Talk reality check: It's cold. I'll get cold. I'll warm up during and after. Dress appropriately and that's it. No biggy. Enjoy the chill, the sweat and satisfaction of getting out there! Thirty minutes goes by so quickly, especially when only listening to run/walk ques, and not looking at the time. Really Cool: Runner's Buddy 1/1/15: 32 minutes, 1.68 total miles, 4043 total steps 1/3/15: 32 minutes, 1.84 total miles, 4411 total steps Feeling Thankful. <3 January 1, 2015 - W1D1 So very, very chilly to begin with! In fact, my face, along with the tips of my fingers and toes were so cold within five minutes. However, towards the end I was comfortably toasty-it felt great to begin and complete! I loved how I felt afterwards, and my youngest joined me which made it all the more enjoyable. I was not able to jog all parts, yet I kept up a good pace. I am loving the soreness I feel this evening which is telling me my muscles received a good workout. I am looking forward to day two! Goals met today: 1. Download App 2. Visit Forum ... read, respond and register. (This was huge for me)!! 3. Exercise 4. Post progress S U C C E S S !! January 1, 2015 - Before First Run Introduced myself. Registered and created a Profile

I concur with Az and Missy. Is it possible to keep one person's progress ALL in one individual thread so that we can see where they started and what they have achieved vs. searching for threads across many pages? I was trying to back track on a few members to see where they started, what they experienced, (struggled with and overcame). It is probably wayHAY easier than I made it. I'm still learning my way around these forums. It's fun exploring.

Congratulations Warrior Queen!!! Keep it up!! With you from afar, yet near in heart and soul! <3 After reading your question, "what is a good fuel breakfast" I typed that exact question online. There are so many ideas/tips/suggestions! Check it out! I enjoy working out in the morning. Generally, upon rising I drink 16oz of water, (hot coffee too ... haven't given up my one cup a day ...yet) and a small protein and carb serving. Usually, oatmeal or yogurt and hard boiled egg or protein shake. That said, I haven't started on a nutrition regimen yet. I will. Currently, I am focused on beginning the C25k and then will add my nutrition goals. I have a tendency to go over board with goals, so I am starting slowly and ramping up and/or adding new goals as I achieve current.

Excellent tip!

Awesome-sauciness!! RIGHT ON!! So cool you are running with your sister in April Healthylife!!

Haven't been here very long, (3 day old baby) yet the ABOVE POST by Angelaygalore is spam posting. Not helpful, nor encouraging. Imagine me stomping my foot, with hands on my hips! LOL

Amy, right on!!! So excited for you! Love your crazy dream!! LOVE IT! Can't wait to see how you progress! <3 In regards to "any helpful thoughts" ... Not sure this will help, yet I can share from personal past and present experience: 1) When my life-numbing voice spoke up: "don't feel like it today" "turn around... return" "I can't ..." "this is too hard, too early, too late, too tired, too busy" [etc...] "your not as young as you used to be Shannon" [eye-roll] "I'll start Monday <insert whatever day it is for you here>" [my popular go too] EDIT during my W1D2 run today: "I don't have the right running outfits/gear! I look ridiculous." [am I running naked? No! Are you warm? Yes! Well then. hush, and carry on!]. ... made myself laugh at me today! LOL Push past. It is as simple as that. Once I pushed back once, the second time became easier and that adds up. Also committing to the same time each day supported me in staying on track. When I experienced a setback and could not follow through, I'd simply run later that day, or skipped and picked up the next day. "Progress not perfection". 2) I learned that there is a world of support present everywhere, outside home, and it's up to me to simply reach out - either at a gym, or online, (no matter where we struggle there are groups out there to support - online and offline). I have only to open myself up and jump in. The really cool thing? When I jumped in ... people jumped in to support me AND eventually, so too did my family. As far as running at night ... what works best for you? When is it most convenient? When do you feel the most inspired? I prefer early morning - I love being a part of nature waking up, and seeing folks heading into work. I also enjoy how it defines my morning and sets the tone for the rest of the day for me. I've noticed just as many who love; who are invigorated by an afternoon or late evening run! ps. I'm getting back in the saddle again too. I am returning to what worked in the past for me, AND also adding in the new. Mainly, I am determined to re-connect and stay connected. Can't wait to see what I learn this go-round!

Good Morning Azatol! No I didn't buy ... yet. I was simply curious what you were using it for. Glad you shared another link to peek at ...thank you! That said, I was thinking it would work great on my youngest who on occasion gets headaches - often he asks me to massage his upper neck and shoulders after school. And yes, extreme lactic acid build up sucks sucks sucks! LOL In the past I learned to trust and listen to my body and/or pace myself to prevent extreme build up - sore muscles are fine, but lactic acid in my calves/legs from over exerting is not fine - OUCH! Over the next few workouts, I'll gradually figure out where I am at and then push myself beyond. When or if I am visited by the extreme lactic acidosis demon *cries* .... I'll push past the pain the next day, slow down if needed until my legs get used to the workout, and they will. "Oh wow! I do have a muscle there! It's alive!!" As far as normal-sore-worked-out-muscles... I absolutely love sore muscles ... love it! A sure sign that I had a good work out. My body is literally reshaping itself from the inside out. It can be quite painful warming up the next day yet as I keep walking/running the soreness works itself out. Saint Patty's day run ...... here I come!!!

YAY! I was looking for this topic yesterday and couldn't find it! So happy to see this here! Would love to have a few C25k accountability buddies

KellyAnn, That is what I used to do with Body for Life. HIIT cardio every other day and weights (alternating upper and lower body) every other day . I am loving the C25k workout because they alternate days. I am thinking about working on my abs using the sittup app in between run/walk days.

Oh my goodness! Here I thought Norma, (all of you) were talking about #2 ...until I got to the end. I was imagining all sorts of funny things. Don't ask. I had no issues with #1 (I was drinking a gallon a day). I'd drop behind a bush if possible, or hold it. Also, I worked out at 4:30am and ONLY drank 16oz upon rising. When I did work out in the afternoon, I would not drink at all before a run. That said, in the past..... boy oh boy(!!) when and if #2 struck ... I had to stop and work on butt exercises. LOL I would always do my business before a run ... yet sometimes ... sometimes it just wasn't fun on a run when I had to stop and walk more slowly, and I'm sure oddly. No way I'd stop and squat on those random occasions. That said, a cup of hot coffee stimulates my colonic muscles and empties me out before a run-almost every single time. For fun, if you are interested, look up why coffee makes us poop. If you don't enjoy coffee, tea worked for me too ... anything hot worked for me.

Almost forgot ... so happy you enjoyed my signature! Thank you!

TLo <3 Reading what you shared gave me goosebumps and watery eyes. Yes, kindred spirits. So delighted to make your acquaintance, and happy to hear we are both on Day 1 together! <3 Cheering you on from afar, yet so near in heart! YAY! Can't wait to hear how you progress as well! Timb, I am an introverted extrovert, (exercising breaks me out of my shell certainly). Mind you, I do tend to be more introverted, unless in the right company. That said, I feel there are parts of me that I have not yet accessed because of self-doubt etc... (Marianne Williamson's quote is playing in the background of my mind right now ...reminding me to live large LOL). And WOW C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!! Your success experienced is so, so inspiring! I'm looking forward to sharing the same kind of story, in fact I want to be JUST like you when I grow up! LOL I'm curious... what's next for you? Will you run another race? KellyAnn, I do so love to encourage. Joining in also encourages me - it's so empowering to give and to also receive - life-affirming. Thank you for thinking of me - it is a huge invitation to consider. For now, I'll focus on being a part of -ALL THIS- and do my best to stay the course for the next 8 weeks. [[[ bawk bawk bawk ]]] Yep, I notice a chicken afraid to commit inside! I'll do my best to bring out my inner rooster (I know corny right!) ... fairly certain I will. Cheer-leading from the sidelines and joining in ... I'm good at that! Also, I have no fitness background other than getting myself fit - the extent of my knowledge. Like you, I read as I go and will definitely take in the tips I find here. As a side note, three years after my fourth child, I completed the Body for Life program in 2003 with phenomenal success - fitter at 40 than when in high school. Got down to 13.3%bf towards the end of 12 weeks - down from 26.9%bf. I literally worked my butt off! I even had a mini washboard tummy to boot - I was so proud!!! I will join MFP - today! I had to look the acronym up yesterday to figure out what it was - My Fitness Pals. I'll add your ID as soon as I have it installed.

Dang! Congratulations HLRme! I'm curious, by the end or middle of the run do you start to notice a difference in how the cold is affecting you? I ask because I have never run outside during the winter - only inside. I stepped outside my comfort zone, yesterday, in below 35 and didn't think I'd want to do it again, yet I warmed up towards the end and felt great! What are you noticing for you, and what are you saying to yourself, in those first minutes of bitter cold, to press on?

Leigh and Danielle, welcome welcome! So excited for both of you (all of us)! LOL Lets do it together! Looking forward to hearing how you both progress! Cheers!

Hey Ashley, pleased to meet you! You've already taken the first step - you are starting. Hang in there, press on in spite of and because of and you will accomplish any goal you set for yourself. I concur with KellyAnn ... posting here = instant motivation! I would love to hear how you are doing - up days, down days, missed days and of course successful days! Cheers! Even as I write these words, they are also self-encouragement.

Hi Azatol, I went to Amazon and found a foam roller (had no idea what it was when you mentioned it above). I read the reviews and am gathering it is an all purpose tool for aches and pains, and developing core strength(?). What are you using it for specifically? KellyAnn, I am motivated! However, before the energy -HERE- affected me, I was filled with doubt - wondering if I would complete what I started - self-restricting/limiting thoughts dancing within- even as I posted my introduction. At the time, I noticed I double posted twice and believe it or not that made me feel like a dummy-head! I moved to the computer, (can't text on devices worth beans!) registered, read and responded. That put me over the hump! The shared reflections and stories (and responses/give and receive) were so empowering - the influence of like minds supported me in switching gears. This nudge I needed and wanted - not realizing how much until I pressed forward and jumped in w/o fear of how I came across. Feeling so thankful.