The way random events come together never ceases to amaze me.
Just over a year ago, I parted ways involuntarily with my previous employer. As upset (isn't that a nice word?) as I was at the parting, it led to me to my current employer. Without my current employer, I promise the world that I would NEVER have signed up for, let alone finished, a half marathon. And without that half marathon sign up and subsequent blog, I never would have reconnected with my friend/coach, Josh. And without that reconnection, I would not be calling myself a runner today. While I am absolutely taking the credit for the hard work I've done, without the motivating words and consistent confidence from him, I would not be where I am today. And where am I today??
As of Saturday, I hit my goal of 30 minutes!! Running just under 2 miles in that time, I was ecstatic when I finished!! I had never run that far or for that length of time. In fact, until a few weeks ago, I never thought I could even attempt it. And, oddly enough, I was shocked by myself again on Sunday when I ran 30 minutes and was able to complete just one more lap in that time, putting me at 2.11 miles for my running distance.
Today? "Take it easy," was the advice. So, I forced myself to slow down and keep myself at a pace that wasn't a challenge. And, after two miles, I really felt that I could have gone further. But, more than anything, I realized that I was able to listen to what my body was telling me and slow the pace down when it was too fast for an easy run. Even though the time difference between a "pushing it a little" lap and an "easy" lap isn't that big (about 8-10 seconds), it was a huge difference in how my body felt doing it.
I definitely think that's progress. Next goal: 3.1 miles run continuously. Time Frame: Thanksgiving. But, honestly, I don't think I'll make it to Thanksgiving. Maybe I'll have something to cheer about on Vet's Day after all... :)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Runner in Training Part 2
Back in July, I posted a quote about there being no such thing as a fake runner. At the time, I had placed myself in a category called "Runner in Training." As of this week, I am officially done being "in training" as a runner.
Sunday's workout saw an enormous amount of obstacles. 1. I left my gym bag at home and had to go back and get it before work. 2. I got a text from Mike asking if I knew what he found in the wash...followed by a picture of my heart rate monitor. UGH. 3. When I threw caution to the wind and went to the gym anyway, I forgot my light snack at work and discovered an almost dead battery on my phone/mp3 player. But...listening to the little voice in my head (you know who you are), I decided to just go for it anyway. I mentally calculated the distance I usually go in the time I had planned and decided on 2 laps warmup, three reps of 5 running and 2 recovery, and then a 2 lap cooldown. After the first seven laps, I thought.."well, if I can do 2 more, I'll be at a mile." After nine laps, I thought.."well, if I can do 2 more, I will have actually RUN a mile." After I hit the mile, I just said "eff it! I'll just see how far I can go..." Final answer was 22:30 and 1.55 miles. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that I had just run half of a 5k!
Monday saw a much easier run/walk session as I had overdone slightly on Sunday and was feeling it a bit. But, Tuesday saw me run two more miles with a 4 1/2 minute recovery time in the middle. The first and last time I had ever run a mile before this was at least nine years ago. I tripled my running mileage this week...and it's only Wednesday!!
So, my thought for today....I am officially done being a "Runner in Training." I am officially a Runner.
Sunday's workout saw an enormous amount of obstacles. 1. I left my gym bag at home and had to go back and get it before work. 2. I got a text from Mike asking if I knew what he found in the wash...followed by a picture of my heart rate monitor. UGH. 3. When I threw caution to the wind and went to the gym anyway, I forgot my light snack at work and discovered an almost dead battery on my phone/mp3 player. But...listening to the little voice in my head (you know who you are), I decided to just go for it anyway. I mentally calculated the distance I usually go in the time I had planned and decided on 2 laps warmup, three reps of 5 running and 2 recovery, and then a 2 lap cooldown. After the first seven laps, I thought.."well, if I can do 2 more, I'll be at a mile." After nine laps, I thought.."well, if I can do 2 more, I will have actually RUN a mile." After I hit the mile, I just said "eff it! I'll just see how far I can go..." Final answer was 22:30 and 1.55 miles. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that I had just run half of a 5k!
Monday saw a much easier run/walk session as I had overdone slightly on Sunday and was feeling it a bit. But, Tuesday saw me run two more miles with a 4 1/2 minute recovery time in the middle. The first and last time I had ever run a mile before this was at least nine years ago. I tripled my running mileage this week...and it's only Wednesday!!
So, my thought for today....I am officially done being a "Runner in Training." I am officially a Runner.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Unexpected
It's been a week since I completed the Columbus Half and two since I started my new running regimen. In these couple of weeks, I've been caught off guard with a number of unexpected results.
1. Running Time
When I looked at the running plan initially, I laughed to myself when I saw the jump from Week 4 running five minutes to Week 5 running eight minutes. I figured that I would have to put at least a week in the middle there to allow myself the time to get used to it. But, I gave eight a shot at the beginning of the week. I was apprehensive but gave it a shot. And oddly enough, it was MUCH easier than I thought. Easy enough that, when challenged and pushed, I skipped straight ahead to nine and was able to complete that ahead of schedule. In fact, the schedule has become more of a guideline than something specific that I must complete strictly. I still plan on making 30 minutes by Vets Day but it wouldn't surprise me if I hit that goal earlier than anticipated. *grin*
2. Sleep
I knew that running and activity had it's benefits to my looks and overall health...weight loss, my clothes fitting better, tightening notches on my belt, decreased risk of disease. What has surprised me though is how much better I've been sleeping at night. No waking in the middle of the night, no difficulties getting out of bed in the morning. It's been a definite noticeable change that I am enjoying.
3. Confidence
"If I can complete a half marathon, I can..." I have found myself using this phrase multiple times this week. Whether the issue is emotional, physical, or spiritual, it hasn't mattered. Tackling and completing this challenge has given me an extra confidence boost and source of inspiration that I couldn't have imagined. I have said goodbye to old friends, questioned decisions at work, and been much more proactive in my own defense on a number of issues. Which all makes me feel so much better that I can....
4. Pay it Forward
I only completed a half marathon a week ago and started running two weeks ago and already people are asking me questions. I don't feel like I'm an expert on either of those things, but I've been asked for help a couple of times. It is an amazing feeling to be able to pay forward all the advice and help that I've been given over the past months. I still don't think I'm a great person to come to but I'm happy to share my experiences and the things I have learned. Especially since....
5. I'm an Inspiration!
I mentioned in my last blog that Cecilia and Samantha both mentioned running in races after I finished the Half. Mike is also thinking of training for a race, my friend Janine is looking at taking up running, and my mom and her partner are thinking of getting bikes to start a new exercise routing. More than anything else that I have learned from the Half is that you never know the impact that you have on others. I am thrilled to know that I can serve as that inspiration. Because, as I said earlier, "If I can complete a half marathon..."
1. Running Time
When I looked at the running plan initially, I laughed to myself when I saw the jump from Week 4 running five minutes to Week 5 running eight minutes. I figured that I would have to put at least a week in the middle there to allow myself the time to get used to it. But, I gave eight a shot at the beginning of the week. I was apprehensive but gave it a shot. And oddly enough, it was MUCH easier than I thought. Easy enough that, when challenged and pushed, I skipped straight ahead to nine and was able to complete that ahead of schedule. In fact, the schedule has become more of a guideline than something specific that I must complete strictly. I still plan on making 30 minutes by Vets Day but it wouldn't surprise me if I hit that goal earlier than anticipated. *grin*
2. Sleep
I knew that running and activity had it's benefits to my looks and overall health...weight loss, my clothes fitting better, tightening notches on my belt, decreased risk of disease. What has surprised me though is how much better I've been sleeping at night. No waking in the middle of the night, no difficulties getting out of bed in the morning. It's been a definite noticeable change that I am enjoying.
3. Confidence
"If I can complete a half marathon, I can..." I have found myself using this phrase multiple times this week. Whether the issue is emotional, physical, or spiritual, it hasn't mattered. Tackling and completing this challenge has given me an extra confidence boost and source of inspiration that I couldn't have imagined. I have said goodbye to old friends, questioned decisions at work, and been much more proactive in my own defense on a number of issues. Which all makes me feel so much better that I can....
4. Pay it Forward
I only completed a half marathon a week ago and started running two weeks ago and already people are asking me questions. I don't feel like I'm an expert on either of those things, but I've been asked for help a couple of times. It is an amazing feeling to be able to pay forward all the advice and help that I've been given over the past months. I still don't think I'm a great person to come to but I'm happy to share my experiences and the things I have learned. Especially since....
5. I'm an Inspiration!
I mentioned in my last blog that Cecilia and Samantha both mentioned running in races after I finished the Half. Mike is also thinking of training for a race, my friend Janine is looking at taking up running, and my mom and her partner are thinking of getting bikes to start a new exercise routing. More than anything else that I have learned from the Half is that you never know the impact that you have on others. I am thrilled to know that I can serve as that inspiration. Because, as I said earlier, "If I can complete a half marathon..."
Sunday, October 16, 2011
On the Flip Side...
What an amazing experience!!
My alarm went off at 5:00 this morning. I got up, showered, and attempted to get dressed. After two tries at the sports bra (the first time it went on inside out) and realizing that there was a hole in my chosen socks, I was dressed, fed, and ready to go. I headed out the door to my neighbor's house (thanks Heidi) since her dad was also doing the Half. We left her house in the dark and arrived in DT Columbus in time to hit all the crazy cars that were there! I was so thankful to have someone else driving who knew where to go and what to do. Heidi took us up in her building so that we could use the restroom. (After receiving a text from my friend Josh about how long the bathroom line was for the port-a-potty, I was very appreciative to have a real bathroom and to not have to wait in line.
Heidi's dad and I lined up in the "F" corral for our estimated start time. It was such a neat experience to be surrounded by all sorts of people who had trained for this event. There was even a couple of women in wedding dresses and bridesmaids outfits. (We did hear the tale end of the wedding that actually TOOK PLACE just prior to the start of the marathon...how cool is that?!?!) We hung out and kept warm. I had purchased a jacket from the New Albany Classic booth at the expo to throw away but I kept in tied around my waist because it ended up being a little chillier than I was expecting. The cannon fired (with fireworks!!) and we sort of headed off. As you notice, the "F" corral is significantly further back than the "A" corral and we were near the back. After a little under 10 minutes, we finally crossed the start line...and I crossed it jogging!!
Heidi's dad quickly outpaced me but I kept up jogging as far as I could keep up my breathing. I slowed to a walk when I had a headphone issue and met up with Amy. Amy was doing the half marathon to celebrate her 40th birthday! That was such an inspiration to me! She was also having headphone issues and we decided to be each other's buddies for the race. Amy was a fabulous race buddy as we cheered and yelled and decided that pain didn't exist until after the finish line. We thanked the race volunteers and cheered on the bands when they played good songs. We jogged a bit of it even.
The walk down Broad Street was made especially cool as the hard core runners came flying by in the other direction starting at about the Mile 2 marker. It was their Mile 7. While some of the racers made it look effortless, others just made it look like they were in pain. I don't ever want to be that person. If I'm going to run the whole way on a half marathon (which has already been thrown out as a challenge for next year...thanks Josh!), I'm going to do it with a smile on my face and enjoy it!
As we neared Bexley, the views were just incredible...we lost a little time due to a bathroom break for Amy but still held our own against the field. Mike and the girls were there to cheer me on around the 5 1/2 mile mark! It was fabulous to have the girls yelling "Mommy! Mommy!" and holding signs.
My glutes/hips started to hurt around Mile 7 but, as Amy and I had already decided, there was no pain until the race was done. I cheered loudly for the volunteers from Columbus Running Company, my favorite running store! They were right at about the 10K mark (we knew this one by the giant blue stripe across the street for the Tweetmytime thing. As we rounded back through downtown and then through German Village, I started to look for my landmarks. As good as Sbux looked, I wasn't stopping!!
Amy needed another potty break and while she was in the bathroom, the pace cop car came up right on our heels...talk about motivation!! We jogged a little to get ahead of the police car and the rest of the field. We kept it up and the last mile and a half was fabulous! Once we hit High Street, we knew we were in the home stretch. We crossed back over I-70 and caught sound of the Rocky Theme song...how awesome was that?? Even better....when that finished, Eye of the Tiger came on and we cheered! We whooped and hollered our way through the end just to keep our minds off of the pain. As we came up High, Mike had to practically yell to get my attention because I didn't see him! But, there he and the girls were cheering me on! And just a little before the finish line.
I rounded the way onto Nationwide Boulevard and was awestruck by the enormous crowd lining the last bit to the finish line. The people were LINING UP on bleachers to cheer everyone on. I told Amy that I was with her until the top of the small hill and then I was running. And...run I did. I ran the entire rest of the way to the finish line (almost a quarter mile)! It was a little further than I thought but I'm so proud of myself that I both started and finished the race running!!! Even Mike said that he couldn't keep up with me to get my picture at the finish line! :)
At the finish line, I was rewarded with yells, screams, and A MEDAL!!!! Then, we got yummy food goodie bags and it was awesome. We met up again with Amy and made sure that we had our picture taken together. I found Mike and the girls and we went through Celebration Village together. It was incredible to see all the fabulous people who completed this amazing adventure. So many priceless memories....and the best (aside from finishing) was when Samantha told me that SHE wanted to compete in a 5K.
In case anyone is interested in the technical stuff:
Official Time: 3:46.09
10K Split Time: 1:47.18
Place: 9803/9930
Gender Place (just females): 6089/6189
Age Group Place (females 30-34): 1066/1081
A serious thank you goes out to the people who have listened to me ask questions, complain, whine, doubt myself, and ultimately, been with me and supported me through this whole process: Mike, my girls, Josh F., Kyle, Josh S., Scooby, Pop-Up, Becky, Heidi, Bill, Tracy, Mom and DJ.
I crossed the finish line at 3:46.09 with a HUGE GRIN on my face. If I can do this, I can DO ANYTHING. (Next month....nanowrimo!)
My alarm went off at 5:00 this morning. I got up, showered, and attempted to get dressed. After two tries at the sports bra (the first time it went on inside out) and realizing that there was a hole in my chosen socks, I was dressed, fed, and ready to go. I headed out the door to my neighbor's house (thanks Heidi) since her dad was also doing the Half. We left her house in the dark and arrived in DT Columbus in time to hit all the crazy cars that were there! I was so thankful to have someone else driving who knew where to go and what to do. Heidi took us up in her building so that we could use the restroom. (After receiving a text from my friend Josh about how long the bathroom line was for the port-a-potty, I was very appreciative to have a real bathroom and to not have to wait in line.
Heidi's dad and I lined up in the "F" corral for our estimated start time. It was such a neat experience to be surrounded by all sorts of people who had trained for this event. There was even a couple of women in wedding dresses and bridesmaids outfits. (We did hear the tale end of the wedding that actually TOOK PLACE just prior to the start of the marathon...how cool is that?!?!) We hung out and kept warm. I had purchased a jacket from the New Albany Classic booth at the expo to throw away but I kept in tied around my waist because it ended up being a little chillier than I was expecting. The cannon fired (with fireworks!!) and we sort of headed off. As you notice, the "F" corral is significantly further back than the "A" corral and we were near the back. After a little under 10 minutes, we finally crossed the start line...and I crossed it jogging!!
Heidi's dad quickly outpaced me but I kept up jogging as far as I could keep up my breathing. I slowed to a walk when I had a headphone issue and met up with Amy. Amy was doing the half marathon to celebrate her 40th birthday! That was such an inspiration to me! She was also having headphone issues and we decided to be each other's buddies for the race. Amy was a fabulous race buddy as we cheered and yelled and decided that pain didn't exist until after the finish line. We thanked the race volunteers and cheered on the bands when they played good songs. We jogged a bit of it even.
The walk down Broad Street was made especially cool as the hard core runners came flying by in the other direction starting at about the Mile 2 marker. It was their Mile 7. While some of the racers made it look effortless, others just made it look like they were in pain. I don't ever want to be that person. If I'm going to run the whole way on a half marathon (which has already been thrown out as a challenge for next year...thanks Josh!), I'm going to do it with a smile on my face and enjoy it!
As we neared Bexley, the views were just incredible...we lost a little time due to a bathroom break for Amy but still held our own against the field. Mike and the girls were there to cheer me on around the 5 1/2 mile mark! It was fabulous to have the girls yelling "Mommy! Mommy!" and holding signs.
My glutes/hips started to hurt around Mile 7 but, as Amy and I had already decided, there was no pain until the race was done. I cheered loudly for the volunteers from Columbus Running Company, my favorite running store! They were right at about the 10K mark (we knew this one by the giant blue stripe across the street for the Tweetmytime thing. As we rounded back through downtown and then through German Village, I started to look for my landmarks. As good as Sbux looked, I wasn't stopping!!
Amy needed another potty break and while she was in the bathroom, the pace cop car came up right on our heels...talk about motivation!! We jogged a little to get ahead of the police car and the rest of the field. We kept it up and the last mile and a half was fabulous! Once we hit High Street, we knew we were in the home stretch. We crossed back over I-70 and caught sound of the Rocky Theme song...how awesome was that?? Even better....when that finished, Eye of the Tiger came on and we cheered! We whooped and hollered our way through the end just to keep our minds off of the pain. As we came up High, Mike had to practically yell to get my attention because I didn't see him! But, there he and the girls were cheering me on! And just a little before the finish line.
I rounded the way onto Nationwide Boulevard and was awestruck by the enormous crowd lining the last bit to the finish line. The people were LINING UP on bleachers to cheer everyone on. I told Amy that I was with her until the top of the small hill and then I was running. And...run I did. I ran the entire rest of the way to the finish line (almost a quarter mile)! It was a little further than I thought but I'm so proud of myself that I both started and finished the race running!!! Even Mike said that he couldn't keep up with me to get my picture at the finish line! :)
At the finish line, I was rewarded with yells, screams, and A MEDAL!!!! Then, we got yummy food goodie bags and it was awesome. We met up again with Amy and made sure that we had our picture taken together. I found Mike and the girls and we went through Celebration Village together. It was incredible to see all the fabulous people who completed this amazing adventure. So many priceless memories....and the best (aside from finishing) was when Samantha told me that SHE wanted to compete in a 5K.
In case anyone is interested in the technical stuff:
Official Time: 3:46.09
10K Split Time: 1:47.18
Place: 9803/9930
Gender Place (just females): 6089/6189
Age Group Place (females 30-34): 1066/1081
A serious thank you goes out to the people who have listened to me ask questions, complain, whine, doubt myself, and ultimately, been with me and supported me through this whole process: Mike, my girls, Josh F., Kyle, Josh S., Scooby, Pop-Up, Becky, Heidi, Bill, Tracy, Mom and DJ.
I crossed the finish line at 3:46.09 with a HUGE GRIN on my face. If I can do this, I can DO ANYTHING. (Next month....nanowrimo!)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
11 hours and counting....
It's hard to believe that the months and weeks of training are coming down to being at the start line in a matter of eleven hours. I have learned so much not only about racing and running, but also about myself in the past few months. As I try to keep myself calm and not nervy, I'm reflecting over those things that will stay with me.
Lesson 1: Goal setting is good. Being happy with who and what you are is better.
When I started out on this journey, I got very caught up in my training schedule and not missing a day and pushing myself to meet new PRs and being upset when I wasn't hitting new records every day. The overrecording, overthinking, and not being able to be where I wanted to be on specific dates was really frustrating. In the past couple of weeks, I've learned that it's a lot more fun to learn to run the slow way...without an insane training schedule and killing myself to get it done. I'm not going to be an Olympic runner and I'm not going to win any of these races anytime soon. (I haven't given up the goal of being fast yet.) I'm still working on learning to like running (it's getting there) but that's where it has to start. I need to stop competing against those elite athletes because I'm not them. And I need to start being proud of myself for what I've accomplished...I'm participating in my FIRST HALF MARATHON tomorrow!! (Notice that first....not only. I already have this race on my calendar for next year....*grin*!)
Lesson 2: "Finishing = Winning"
I saw that on a shirt today at the expo (lesson #3 -- see below) and it really resonated with me. Between coming in last at the MultiSport 5k and the realization that I had fallen enough off my training pace that the goal of three hours wasn't going to happen, I really felt like there was no point in even trying the event. BUT, as I had already paid for it (and publicly announced that I was participating on this blog), I knew that I wasn't getting out of it. So, I changed my training tactics and, more importantly, changed my attitude. It wasn't about winning or losing....it was about finishing. A half marathon. Which I *never* would have thought I could complete if you asked me a year ago. It is about pushing through and persevering. Even when I think I can't. I do have more in me and my mind will quit long before my body will. (Thanks to Scooby and Pop-Up for that bit of advice...)
Lesson 3: Expos are for shopping!
So I went to the expo today to pick up my race packet and discovered a plethora (*grin*) of shopping opportunities! While most of the stuff was way out of my price range or not anything I was looking for, I did find a great vendor that sold cute shirts for women. I will post their website once it comes back up! I got my hot pink 13.1 shirt as well as a magnet for my car. It was a fun event!
Lesson 4: Humility
I have so many people who have asked about training, read my blog, given advice, and have been pestered by me with so many questions I'm surprised I haven't been blocked. I have connected with family and friends who run, with co-workers who signed up for the race with me, and friends from high school who I haven't seen since graduation. I am humbled by the number of people who saw me as important enough to follow my blog and ask about my training. I am humbled by people who have told me that I have inspired them. And, for me, this race is dedicated to all of those people who have been with me at some point of my journey.
See you at the FINISH LINE!!! :)
Lesson 1: Goal setting is good. Being happy with who and what you are is better.
When I started out on this journey, I got very caught up in my training schedule and not missing a day and pushing myself to meet new PRs and being upset when I wasn't hitting new records every day. The overrecording, overthinking, and not being able to be where I wanted to be on specific dates was really frustrating. In the past couple of weeks, I've learned that it's a lot more fun to learn to run the slow way...without an insane training schedule and killing myself to get it done. I'm not going to be an Olympic runner and I'm not going to win any of these races anytime soon. (I haven't given up the goal of being fast yet.) I'm still working on learning to like running (it's getting there) but that's where it has to start. I need to stop competing against those elite athletes because I'm not them. And I need to start being proud of myself for what I've accomplished...I'm participating in my FIRST HALF MARATHON tomorrow!! (Notice that first....not only. I already have this race on my calendar for next year....*grin*!)
Lesson 2: "Finishing = Winning"
I saw that on a shirt today at the expo (lesson #3 -- see below) and it really resonated with me. Between coming in last at the MultiSport 5k and the realization that I had fallen enough off my training pace that the goal of three hours wasn't going to happen, I really felt like there was no point in even trying the event. BUT, as I had already paid for it (and publicly announced that I was participating on this blog), I knew that I wasn't getting out of it. So, I changed my training tactics and, more importantly, changed my attitude. It wasn't about winning or losing....it was about finishing. A half marathon. Which I *never* would have thought I could complete if you asked me a year ago. It is about pushing through and persevering. Even when I think I can't. I do have more in me and my mind will quit long before my body will. (Thanks to Scooby and Pop-Up for that bit of advice...)
Lesson 3: Expos are for shopping!
So I went to the expo today to pick up my race packet and discovered a plethora (*grin*) of shopping opportunities! While most of the stuff was way out of my price range or not anything I was looking for, I did find a great vendor that sold cute shirts for women. I will post their website once it comes back up! I got my hot pink 13.1 shirt as well as a magnet for my car. It was a fun event!
Lesson 4: Humility
I have so many people who have asked about training, read my blog, given advice, and have been pestered by me with so many questions I'm surprised I haven't been blocked. I have connected with family and friends who run, with co-workers who signed up for the race with me, and friends from high school who I haven't seen since graduation. I am humbled by the number of people who saw me as important enough to follow my blog and ask about my training. I am humbled by people who have told me that I have inspired them. And, for me, this race is dedicated to all of those people who have been with me at some point of my journey.
See you at the FINISH LINE!!! :)
Monday, October 10, 2011
New Goals...New Successes
It was suggested to me (again) this weekend that I could run further than I thought I could. So, with some suggestions of slowing down and paying attention to my breathing better, I got remotivated to head to the gym Sunday and actually do some running. This time, I was going to ignore distance, ignore time, and ignore the lap markers and just focus on breathing. And......I did it! I was able to run (really slowly) a full seven minutes without stopping. I wasn't able to repeat the feat on my second and third repetitions but I was proud of myself nonetheless.
So, today, I went with an online plan I found and opted to start myself in Week 4 of the plan which had me running 5 minutes and walking 2 as recovery. By the fourth repetition of that, I was sure I wasn't going to last I was so tired. So....instead of giving up, I slowed it down and focused on breathing again. And I was able to finish it out!!! :) I may have been really slow but I was able to do it!!!
I'll continue with this plan this week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) and finish it up with the Half on Sunday. Next week, it will hop a level to Week 5 and by Veteran's Day, I should be able to run a full 30 minutes without stopping. I feel like it's a challenging goal but one that will help me get a better fitness level and be able to really hit my goal for next year!
I'm so appreciative to all of you out there who continue to support me in this..... :)
So, today, I went with an online plan I found and opted to start myself in Week 4 of the plan which had me running 5 minutes and walking 2 as recovery. By the fourth repetition of that, I was sure I wasn't going to last I was so tired. So....instead of giving up, I slowed it down and focused on breathing again. And I was able to finish it out!!! :) I may have been really slow but I was able to do it!!!
I'll continue with this plan this week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) and finish it up with the Half on Sunday. Next week, it will hop a level to Week 5 and by Veteran's Day, I should be able to run a full 30 minutes without stopping. I feel like it's a challenging goal but one that will help me get a better fitness level and be able to really hit my goal for next year!
I'm so appreciative to all of you out there who continue to support me in this..... :)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Holy Moly!!
I started this blog back in May to help document my progress toward the Columbus Half Marathon and to help keep me accountable for my training. It seemed so far away at the time and I knew that I had plenty of time to train and practice and get ready for it. I was pumped; I was happy; I was all OCD about the training. And, as is typical for me, as the months went by, I got less enthusiastic but continued my training sort of half-heartedly.
Amazingly enough, the purpose of the blog stayed strong even if I wasn't blogging. I have been asked about training by people that surprised me. And, after being called out twice in two days by unexpected people (thanks Josh and Eugene), I realized that I needed to get back to it. So here goes.....
I haven't completely fallen off my training. I've been at the gym three days this week, mostly training in walking and on the elliptical. No running..no jogging. I just am not mentally there right now to get back in it. That sounds like an excuse even as I type it. But, as I look at the calendar, the Half is a week away. I am still planning to walk/jog the thing. I will probably start off jogging and then do intervals the rest of the way. My goal is still to finish before the course closes (3:55:00). I haven't set any PR this month (or last probably), but I did send myself to the gym in a downpour and haven't missed any training sessions that I had planned.
I am, at this point, starting to look past the Half at my next goal. I once made a goal to "walk around the states" with mileage visiting all of my friends where they lived. But, the mileage was so daunting that it was difficult to keep focused. A friend of mine mentioned that he had set himself a "number of miles" goal to run during the year. I think that's a really cool idea. So, thanks Josh, I'm stealing your idea! :) After some nerdy thoughts and calculations, I think I'm going to aim for 600 miles next year -- walking, jogging, ellipticalling. That's 50 miles per month and I definitely think that's reasonable.
So, here's to motivating myself to the Half!!!! One more week!!!!
Amazingly enough, the purpose of the blog stayed strong even if I wasn't blogging. I have been asked about training by people that surprised me. And, after being called out twice in two days by unexpected people (thanks Josh and Eugene), I realized that I needed to get back to it. So here goes.....
I haven't completely fallen off my training. I've been at the gym three days this week, mostly training in walking and on the elliptical. No running..no jogging. I just am not mentally there right now to get back in it. That sounds like an excuse even as I type it. But, as I look at the calendar, the Half is a week away. I am still planning to walk/jog the thing. I will probably start off jogging and then do intervals the rest of the way. My goal is still to finish before the course closes (3:55:00). I haven't set any PR this month (or last probably), but I did send myself to the gym in a downpour and haven't missed any training sessions that I had planned.
I am, at this point, starting to look past the Half at my next goal. I once made a goal to "walk around the states" with mileage visiting all of my friends where they lived. But, the mileage was so daunting that it was difficult to keep focused. A friend of mine mentioned that he had set himself a "number of miles" goal to run during the year. I think that's a really cool idea. So, thanks Josh, I'm stealing your idea! :) After some nerdy thoughts and calculations, I think I'm going to aim for 600 miles next year -- walking, jogging, ellipticalling. That's 50 miles per month and I definitely think that's reasonable.
So, here's to motivating myself to the Half!!!! One more week!!!!
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