Running Update: Still hating it.

I completed my "3 weeks to 30-minute running habit" last week.
Took a bit longer than expected because of some lung issues I was having, but nevertheless I completed it!
The following day I decided to test my Post Office route (which there and back from my apartment is 1 mile) This was where I tested my original .4 of a mile when I started so it seemed fitting.
The results: I was able to run a mile!!!
Now, of course, by run I mean my pathetic attempt at it that looks much more like a jog/old lady shuffle.
But regardless, I did it. A mile!
For the majority of people this sounds like chump change, no big deal, but to me, that is absolutely amazing. I have never in my life ran a mile (How pathetic is that?)
But now, I can say that I have.
Originally, my plan was to continue on to the next phase of 5k Training but I've decided that, since I have the time, and my body seems to need more work, that I will repeat the last 2 weeks of the 3 week workout to ensure I'm ready for the 5K Training Schedule since that schedule seems pretty daunting and my body is still adjusting to this whole running thing.
I'm having some major issues with my lungs. I knew this would happen, it is a big part of the reason I've avoided running my entire life. I am making sure to be smart and not overexert myself and cause major damage or problems but it is rather frustrating.
With all my lung issues you'd think I were an avid smoker or something along those lines.
So 2 more weeks of this schedule and then I will being going to VEGAS the following week!! So I will give myself a little break in between, the the real torture will begin.

Also: Update on my shoes: the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11's
I have one word for them: AMAZING!! I had so much knee pain when I first started, I was sure it was something serious and could even prevent me from running.
But once fitted in the proper shoes, I felt the change immediately. The first few days running with them my knee was still bothering me, but in a much different way. I could tell that my body was adjusting to the shoes and the change in impact and support.
By day 3 or 4 of running that pain was completely gone and I haven't felt it even slightly since.
Granted, I have absolutely nothing to compare these to, since this is my first pair of running shoes but I must say, now that I know what actual support and comfort in a running shoe feels like, I can never, ever go back to hurting my body the way I was. Such a good investment!

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11

It is now day 5 of my "3 weeks to 30 minutes running" and with all the knee pain I've been experiencing, I decided it was time to break down and buy a legitimate pair of running shoes and not keep abusing my body with those old, ill-equipped Reeboks.
I went down to the nearest Fleet Feet Sports store I read a lot of good reviews online and figured I'd see what they were all about. The conclusion I've come to: These people are VERY helpful.
 I was asked all about my goals as far as running goes, what I've been wearing, what my preferences were, my feet were measured every which way. It was also confirmed that my left foot is in fact, slightly bigger than my right ;) He had me walk across the store to determine my walking patterns and how me feet moved and he even took me outside and had me run in the shoes to see how they felt and for him to see how my running looked. He even promised not to laugh. I am usually not a difficult customer but since this was a fairly large purchase and I've never been a runner, I was a bit indecisive. He was really helpful and brought out a variety of different shoes for me to try and tried to help me steer clear of what I deemed as "ugly ones".

 I ended up going with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11.  They're not as cute  as I wanted, but I know when it comes to running, that ultimately the most important thing is not aesthetics. They felt the most comfortable and I was told they are good for support (which I later confirmed online as well). I was also told that if I try them out, and they just don't work for me, I can return them. That made me feel a bit better about dropping the $$ for them.
I took them for their first test run tonight. I could definitely tell the difference instantly. I realize now, how horrible the shoes I was wearing really were. I'm still making up my mind about these new ones, but regardless of how pleased I end up being with them, they're much  better than the previous, so they're a step in the right direction. I suppose I can look at the cost of these new shoes as an investment and a motivator to keep up with this running thing, since I've now invested a good chunk of change into it (with the 5k race entry fee and now these). Here's to hoping for less knee pain!

My 5k idiocy

There are times, when I start to question my own sanity.  Lately, that has been my experience.
I recently got the brilliant (i.e. ludicrous) idea to sign myself up for a 5k race. 
I have never even ran a mile in my entire life...let alone 3. I am very inactive and despite being able to walk 3 miles (which I do about 3 or 4 times a week and is my only real form of exercise for the past oh, I'd say 10 years) I cannot run, if my life depended on it. Regardless, that did not seem to stop me from this idea of signing up for this race.
I at least had the decency to sign up for one that is not until September so that I can actually attempt to train for it with ample time. My current standing is that I can run .4 of a mile. And by run, I do not mean actually run of course. I am speaking on my pathetic attempt at a jog. Even still, I am at .4 of a mile. A 5k equals out to be 3.1 miles so I have my work cut out for me.
I've started a workout called "3 weeks to 30 minute running". I am currently on day 3 of it and already my knees are absolutely killing me, full on aching in my joints throughout the day. I know one thing is for sure, I am in dire need of some new running shoes.
What I'm currently working with (hence, the knee issues):

I need to figure out another option, that is not these. What I really need is something that is going to give support and cushion so I'm not getting the horrible knee pain and preferably do away with my shin splints, although I think that last part is wishful thinking. The other problem I'm having is how expensive running shoes are, good ones anyway. Spending $60+ on shoes is out of the question for my budget.
I'm such a cheap skate anyway, I usually only shop at Ross and never spend more than about $20 on any given pair of shoes, so my mind set on costs is that of a grouchy old penny pincher. I even looked at my faithful Ross store today, but I just don't think I will find a real, quality pair there. Also... I really want something wild and fun to motivate me on this crazy journey of attempting this 5k.
I realize it is not the color or style of the shoe, but the comfort and support it provides. I just feel like I'd be way more jazzed about self-inducing punishment of running if I were rockin something like this:

But alas, items such as these little gems would cost me well over $100 which is way out of this broke-living-off-student-loan's budget. A girl can dream though, right?

I have a mid term tomorrow that I really should be studying for. So why is it I'm instead writing about running shoes? Exactly. Procrastination at its finest.