A running update

The good:
I can run a mile consistently.  I DO run a mile consistently.  I typically walk a mile, then run, then walk the rest-totaling 4 miles.
I worked up to 1.5 miles and was ready to move on and then got something-a mild cold, an allergy overload-something-which had me take a couple days off and then walk only for a day or so--and I was back to struggling to go over a mile.

The bad(?)

-I am really only running on mostly downhill graded trails. It isn't 100% downhill and you don't really notice the incline-it usually looks flat.  It has just been the way it is-not by design untilthis weekend.  Since I need a mile warm up-and that's the way the trail is.


 I have started attempting to run as much of my "easiest" neighborhood walk-which has some hills.  I do this on the days I can't get home before dark (and therefore trail running is out) and I don't have time/desire for my long neighborhood walk with the steep hills.  I need to be able to run hills-I feel like I struggle more than I should-so it's a mini monster I am battling. 

Also, I am so uncoordinated I never seem to get into a groove-I feel like I am just plodding along-and that I will fall flat on my face any minute. I envy those who run with ease. I just--don't.  My pace varies and I just can't figure out how to work on making this steady and easy.  If I have to adjust something (the ipod, lapping my stopwatch on my phone) I feel like I am flailing about. I mean I am so clumsy I tripped over the computer cord (again) and walked by my husband and knocked over several things on the end table with an empty laundry basket (again).  Within an hour-Yestderday.   Recently, when running, I hit my ankle with the heel of my other show-causing a bruise.  Which bothered me for 2 weeks.  Any tips?

So my 2 goals now are:
increase my running distance
increase my abiity to run hills

So-on goal # 1:
I decided to split a longer run on the trail-something I don't have time for now with this time change during the week.  In order to increase my distance-I looked at the trail and decided to go with another section of the trail with more downhill incline than up.  
 Yesterday, I walked 1.2 miles, ran 1.8, walked 1.8, ran 1 mile and walked .2 (3 miles out and back on the Montour trail-conveniently sectioned out for me). 
I figured this is the best way to increase my distance and time...and this will increase my endurance. Over time, I will run the entire 2.8 without a walking break.

Goal #2:  My "daily" 1 mile+ will be in the opposite direction.  To up my hills (and really, it's only a slight grade-that's what Bothers me about how much I struggle!)  and I will continue attempting to run my "easy walk" neighborhood route-



The Ugly:
My shoes.   They are driving me crazy.  They have been wonderful in keeping me from being injured-and allowing me to actually run.  But something is just not right with them anymore.
The left foot is mostly good.  I have to adjust the way it is tied it a little-not much.  Not worries.  It is the right foot that is insane.  If you look at both feet.  The right laces are pulled so much closer than the left.  They must be tight-but over the bone in my foot-not tight-not loose.  Where I tie them they have to be loose to allow movement-firmly tied hurts.  If the shoes are not exactly right-my knee clicks.  and clicks.  and clicks.  I had to adjust them 4 times the other day-and they still weren't right.  I don't have enough miles on these shoes to say they are worn out.  Throwing them in the washer helps.  I only had to adjust them once after the last wash.  I think they are stretching out over a week or two.  I need new shoes.  I need to go back to the running store and get re-fitted.  I know this.  But money's tight-so I will make due.

I need a Nike+ sensor, too because I am obsessed with timing my walks and runs--and keeping track of the distance.  My current method is not my favorite-since it's my phone and any calls stop it.

Since I am new to running-does anyone have any tips?

All About MEme Monday

So today's topic is AS SEEN ON TV

• Share with us your favorite AS SEEN ON TV products ... ones you've actually purchased ... make it like your very own testimonial.
• Make a Wish List of AS SEEN ON TV products that you'd buy for yourself ... or for that someone special in your life.
• Or tell us a funny story about an informercial product gone wrong.

 I recently purchased the Emery Cat.  OK-I bought it at my husband's insistent requests.
This product boasts "Now your cat can trim their own claws."  Read all about it here.

So basically what arrived is one of those paper scratching posts**dipped in sand**and contained in a flimsy plastic shell.  My cat LOVES his rope tower scratching post.  He LOVES his paper round scratching thing with the ball that goes round and round.  He IGNORES the Emery Cat.  I poured the catnip that came with it on it after a few hours of him walking past it with barely a sniff or glance.  He rolled on it-the rolled across the floor.  We have hidden his former scratching instruments.  He is continuing to ignore the Emory Cat-hopefully he will continue to ignore the furniture, too.

The Emery Cat isn't the worst thing I have purchased "As seen on TV".  That title falls to some wax product of years past.  My husband wanted some type of hair removal-it was wax/sugar...something.  I can't remember the name-but the commercial showed people removing hair from arms, legs, backs, etc.-PAINLESSLY.
Have you ever seen the 40 Year Old Virgin-where they wax his chest and draw blood?  That would be his experience.  And the No Pain thing?  FALSE!

What's the best thing Purchased "As seen on TV"?  My Dyson.  My shark.  Both have made vacuumming in my past-my husband LOVES them-so much I hardly ever touch them.

Want to join the fun?  Click here.

All about Me Monday: Favorite Quote

One of my favorite quotes:

"Not being able to talk is not the same as having nothing to say."

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist -- so this quote stays with me in my head every work day. It is very true and I am constantly amazed (and not in a good way) how many times I have to point this out to people. Usually I am very subtle--LOOK! Johnny is_______he is trying to say______when he does ______.

Children (and grown-ups, too) all communicate-we just have to "listen" with more than our ears.

I love my career choice. I love working with young children. I love giving them a way to communicate-by speaking or some other way. It is a joyful moment when a child communicates something new.