I started this Couch to 5K program last week, I've done running stuff before, but I've never ever considered myself a "runner". I've never had proper running technique, I've never done any races, I'm just a person who uses a treadmill to try not to gain any more weight. But now I have gone and convinced my friend that we should sign up for a real life 5K at the end of April. I'm not sure you heard me...THE END OF APRIL. That's like not very far away. So I'm having to stop being a baby about this whole running thing and totally do it for realz. So here are my questions.
1.) I have had my running/workout shoes for like almost 3 years. I don't use them every day of course, but that's a good long time. They don't hurt me, they aren't falling apart, but internet tells me I need new running shoes every 6 months! Is this true life? Do I really need to drop $50+ every 6 months if I'm not a hardcore marathon runner?
How do you know when it's time to get new shoes?
2.) I have pain! in my shoulder when I run, it's not like I hurt my shoulder and now it hurts when I run, its like INSIDE my shoulder, like cramping kind of or when you get a stitch in your side, except it's in my shoulder...Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
3.) Heart rate monitors: I have a chest strap with a watch and it took my gender, age, height and weight and now it tracks my heart rate when I run (which I assume is pretty accurate), the time I'm in my "zone" and how long my workout is...but it also tells me how many calories I burned...but my treadmill that doesn't know me from Jill also tracks my calories and they are VERY DIFFERENT. I assume the watch is more accurate because I told it all my secrets but is it really accurate? Did I really just burn 500 calories in an hour? or is it tricking me to think I'm making a difference?
SO PLEASE HELP ME people who run...or tell people you know who run and are smart to help me. K Thanks.
Also, this is what I did yesterday...that's pretty much almost 3 miles there...yes I walked a portion of that, but still..I was gonna just push to 3.0 miles but I thought I'd save that treat for myself another day.
And I also ate this stuff:
Yogurt, fruit and Fiber One Chocolate squares
Shredded chicken, refried beans and a cut up red bell pepper.
Pre-workout snack: Apple and PB
Dinner, I found this whole wheat gnocchi and made it with Trader Joe's veggie meatballs, marinara and some peas. The bf told me gnocchi looked like cat vomit so I made him regular pasta with his. lol Thanks for that mental image...yum. Actually, it was yum.
