Don't they call a long pause from something a pregnant pause? I guess that is how I'll delicately describe my laziness over the last few weeks. After the half marathon I decided to take a break and enjoy not being obligated to a training schedule for the first time in last three months. But I think the break may have gotten out of hand.
I've been working out occasionally, probably 2 to 4 times a week, which usually includes at least one run. So I haven't been completely out of the game- but I mostly have.
Lately I've been feeling more stressed out about life and in general not as good about myself. I don't completely attribute this to a lack of running, but I definitely think I've taken for granted that running is a major stress reliever for me. Sometimes I hate it and have no interest in pushing myself, but when I do I feel better about everything pretty much 100% of the time. So, I need to get my butt back in gear.
I'll be posting photos soon of the race and hopefully will also be posting about more running excitement!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I MADE IT!
Woohoo! I made it!
After 2 hours and 42 minutes of running in very cold (we're talking high 30s here) weather, I finished 13.1 miles. Obviously, I'm not going to be winning any races anytime soon with that time but I'm incredibly proud of it! I was hoping to finish, period. Finishing 13 minutes sooner than I had hoped was incredible.
The feeling I got when I crossed the finish line was AH-mazing. Knowing that I had accomplished this goal for myself and had raised over $3,000 for a fantastic cause was completely overwhelming. Beyond that, I knew my Dad was with me, looking down at me making that face he made when you could tell he was really proud of you but didn't have the words to express it. I loved that face, and I know he had it at 10:43 am on Saturday.
If it were possible for me to put into words how grateful I am for the support that people gave me throughout this process, I would say them. But I know that the words are not enough. All I can say is that my heart is bursting. When I had times during the race where I felt tired I thought of the 40+ people who contributed to my fundraising efforts and the many more who were supportive with their words and thoughts.
I'll post photos and more play by play about the race soon!
After 2 hours and 42 minutes of running in very cold (we're talking high 30s here) weather, I finished 13.1 miles. Obviously, I'm not going to be winning any races anytime soon with that time but I'm incredibly proud of it! I was hoping to finish, period. Finishing 13 minutes sooner than I had hoped was incredible.
The feeling I got when I crossed the finish line was AH-mazing. Knowing that I had accomplished this goal for myself and had raised over $3,000 for a fantastic cause was completely overwhelming. Beyond that, I knew my Dad was with me, looking down at me making that face he made when you could tell he was really proud of you but didn't have the words to express it. I loved that face, and I know he had it at 10:43 am on Saturday.
If it were possible for me to put into words how grateful I am for the support that people gave me throughout this process, I would say them. But I know that the words are not enough. All I can say is that my heart is bursting. When I had times during the race where I felt tired I thought of the 40+ people who contributed to my fundraising efforts and the many more who were supportive with their words and thoughts.
I'll post photos and more play by play about the race soon!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Getting Nervous
By this time tomorrow I will hopefully have completed a half marathon. One might think this is a comforting thought. It's not...it's terrifying. I have been feeling confident this week and then woke up in the middle of the night tossing and turning, getting very nervous about the race. It also is pretty cold here today and is supposed to be around the same tomorrow. I'm not crazy about the idea of running in the cold. I'm a running weeny, so cold will not help. I think I'll do fine, but I'm still getting SUPER nervous. AGH!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
If I can run 10 miles, I can do anything
I had my final long run this Sunday- 10 miles. I had a pretty awful running week previous to my long run so my confidence and morale was VERY low. It was a gorgeous day- 65 degrees, sunny and minimal wind- so the odds were in my favor. The question was if my mental state would do its job.
With a little help from my pit stop boy (my boyfriend who was visiting for the weekend) I finally made it through the 10 miles. The first 2 miles were challenging and I truly believed I would never finish. After that something just kicked in and I found the zone. I ran for about the next 6 miles with minimal stops. A few breaks for water and GU aside, I was a running machine. Mile 8 was a bit more challenging and mile 9 was an all out battle, but I finished strong and felt amazing.
I can't believe I am capable of running 10 miles! I never thought I could do it and now that I have, I know I can run 13.
Another huge motivating factor? The phenomenal support of my family and friends in my efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society. To date, I've raised over $2,500. It's amazing that people believe in me and believe in my cause. I'm overwhelmed.
With a little help from my pit stop boy (my boyfriend who was visiting for the weekend) I finally made it through the 10 miles. The first 2 miles were challenging and I truly believed I would never finish. After that something just kicked in and I found the zone. I ran for about the next 6 miles with minimal stops. A few breaks for water and GU aside, I was a running machine. Mile 8 was a bit more challenging and mile 9 was an all out battle, but I finished strong and felt amazing.
I can't believe I am capable of running 10 miles! I never thought I could do it and now that I have, I know I can run 13.
Another huge motivating factor? The phenomenal support of my family and friends in my efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society. To date, I've raised over $2,500. It's amazing that people believe in me and believe in my cause. I'm overwhelmed.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A Request
Dear God,
Please hear my prayer. If it all possible, it would be great if it were not windy on race day. Yesterday while doing my 3 mile run outside it was very windy which made 3 miles much more challenging than I'd prefer. 13.1 miles will be difficult enough, so please don't make it harder with wind. Thank you for listening.
Jennifer
Please hear my prayer. If it all possible, it would be great if it were not windy on race day. Yesterday while doing my 3 mile run outside it was very windy which made 3 miles much more challenging than I'd prefer. 13.1 miles will be difficult enough, so please don't make it harder with wind. Thank you for listening.
Jennifer
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
In The Zone
I found the running "zone" yesterday. I was wondering where it was. I mentioned several posts back about how I felt like I had found the runners high, but I still hadn't found the zone. The "zone" is referring to the time in your run where you just kind of zone out and keep running. You don't need to stop to take a breath and you mostly just feel like you could run forever. I FINALLY found the zone yesterday. After I hit about 2 miles of running, I just kept going and going. I felt like I never needed to stop. I was so completely focused. Finding the zone was eye opening for me and gave me a chance to see how far I've come in the last few months. That was a nice piece of encouragement.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Eight Miles!
Yesterday I ran eight miles, which is officially the longest distance I've ever run. It was my long training run for the week.
YES! I am so proud of myself for doing it. After the last few weeks, I was nervous about getting through it, but I did it! It felt great.
The first thing I did? Went to the cemetery to visit my Dad and tell him about it. I'm sure he'd be proud of me too.
YES! I am so proud of myself for doing it. After the last few weeks, I was nervous about getting through it, but I did it! It felt great.
The first thing I did? Went to the cemetery to visit my Dad and tell him about it. I'm sure he'd be proud of me too.
Friday, April 17, 2009
It's hard
The title of this blog really says it all. Why I haven't been writing and why the training hasn't been going so well. It's hard. Training is hard as I get closer to the race, obviously. Longer runs, more intense training and more dedication makes the training difficult. But you know what makes training harder? Just feeling depleted with your heart not in it. I want to run this half marathon. It's a commitment I made to myself and a goal I really want to accomplish, but so much in my life has been changing lately that is has been really difficult to stay focused. I recently moved back to my hometown of Fargo for a few months to be with my family and work at a performing arts school for the summer. I know it was the right decision, but coming back to Fargo has been difficult to adjust to and it has affected my training in ways that I didn't expect. I've been getting frustrated and angry when I've had tough runs, which makes me more discouraged and less motivated. It is a vicious cycle.
Instead of focusing on what I AM accomplishing, I've been focusing on what I'm not. Not improving my times, not feeling strong and not getting that extra workout in has taken over my mind. It's toxic.
And you know what else? I really miss my Dad and wish he could give me a pep talk. That's probably the root of it all.
But I'm pushing through. Yesterday I had a great run and I had a good cross training session, so I feel back on track. It's a process.
Instead of focusing on what I AM accomplishing, I've been focusing on what I'm not. Not improving my times, not feeling strong and not getting that extra workout in has taken over my mind. It's toxic.
And you know what else? I really miss my Dad and wish he could give me a pep talk. That's probably the root of it all.
But I'm pushing through. Yesterday I had a great run and I had a good cross training session, so I feel back on track. It's a process.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Going Strong, Feeling Sore
I'm totally back on track! This week has been a pretty awesome training week so far, if I do say so myself. By "awesome" I don't really mean easy though. Because I've been...ahem, slacking...in the last few weeks, runs this week haven't really been easy, but I've gotten through them.
Tuesday morning I did a 4.5 mile run. It wasn't my best time, but I was pretty proud of myself. I'm still not running totally consistently and have to stop occasionally for walking breaks, but I walk fast and seem to be running a bit faster lately as well.
Wednesday morning I went to a strength training class as my cross training day. This class was serious. Since I'm currently in between jobs, I went to the 10:30 am class, which seemed to be full of very serious actors who were all in great shape AND checking themselves out a lot in the mirror. I sort of felt like the cow in the corner, but I did my best and got a killer total body workout. The class was challenging, but kept moving pretty quickly, so it didn't feel too long. Afterwards I was beat though. Since I haven't been doing that much weight training, it was a major wake-up call to my muscles.
Thursday morning I woke up a little sore and wasn't sure how my 4.5 mile run would go. It was....sort of successful. To be honest, I probably walked more than I ran. But I was so sore, so I was just trying to get through it. Afterwards I spent a lot of time stretching my sore muscles and felt much better.
I'm proud of myself for being intense for a few days though and really working hard to get back on track. Today is a much needed rest day. This weekend is a 7 mile run and likely a hike. I'm in North Carolina, so I want to take advantage of some mountains!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Finished Pilates
I did it. I ran into some technically difficulties with the DVD player, which almost gave me reason to give up. But I finished the video and will probably feel it tomorrow. 4.5 mile run tomorrow!
Cruising Down Training Street
Lots of updates!
I was out of blogging commission last week as I was cruising on the Norwegian Gem with my Mom through the Bahamas. It was fantastic to have a break and regroup a bit.
Here's a quick rundown of my progress recently-
Week Five: I had mentioned in my last post that my Mom would be in town for part of the week, so I was unsure of how successful my training would be. Well, I was right and wrong. I trained 3 days and had success each day. I ran 4 miles, 2 miles and then finished the week with the long 6 mile run. Obviously, I didn't get in as many training days as I should, but I worked out when I could and tried to make the best of it. Also, I think I can count dancing at the West Side Story opening as a half training day, right?
Week Six: I was optimistic about week six because I was on the cruise with my Mom and thought I would have all the time and energy in the world to get back on track. Well, the truth turned out to be less positive. I did train five days, but probably not as intensely as I should be at this point. I took a yoga class on the ship, did a 2 mile run, a 3 mile run and finished off the week with a 45 minute cross training session and a 5.5 mile run when I returned home. To be honest, I was in vacation mode so it was a little more difficult to get motivated. Also, there was a little issue with some sea sickness. The rocking ship didn't bother me too much until I started trying to run. When I was running and the ship was rocking, it got me feeling a little queasy. Hence why a 4 mile run turned into a 3 mile run and another 4 mile run turned into a 2 mile run. But, I did my best which is what this whole process is about for me.
Now that I am starting week seven and officially at the half way point I really need to get going. I am back in NYC now, tying up a few loose ends before I head back to Fargo to work at a performing arts school for the summer. So, I really have nothing but time this week to train and get my apartment packed up, etc. You'd think I'd have no problem staying motivated...and you would be wrong. For some reason, being busy seems to be when I really thrive. Having all day to get my to do list accomplished makes me move much slower than when I have 3 hours to do it. So, it is currently almost 3 pm and I haven't yet done my workout. Today is a pilates work out to serve as my "stretch and strengthen" day after the long run yesterday. After I finish this post, I WILL do it and after I'm done I'll post to prove it. See how I'm talking myself into it here? I guess whatever you need to do to get the job done.
I was out of blogging commission last week as I was cruising on the Norwegian Gem with my Mom through the Bahamas. It was fantastic to have a break and regroup a bit.
Here's a quick rundown of my progress recently-
Week Five: I had mentioned in my last post that my Mom would be in town for part of the week, so I was unsure of how successful my training would be. Well, I was right and wrong. I trained 3 days and had success each day. I ran 4 miles, 2 miles and then finished the week with the long 6 mile run. Obviously, I didn't get in as many training days as I should, but I worked out when I could and tried to make the best of it. Also, I think I can count dancing at the West Side Story opening as a half training day, right?
Week Six: I was optimistic about week six because I was on the cruise with my Mom and thought I would have all the time and energy in the world to get back on track. Well, the truth turned out to be less positive. I did train five days, but probably not as intensely as I should be at this point. I took a yoga class on the ship, did a 2 mile run, a 3 mile run and finished off the week with a 45 minute cross training session and a 5.5 mile run when I returned home. To be honest, I was in vacation mode so it was a little more difficult to get motivated. Also, there was a little issue with some sea sickness. The rocking ship didn't bother me too much until I started trying to run. When I was running and the ship was rocking, it got me feeling a little queasy. Hence why a 4 mile run turned into a 3 mile run and another 4 mile run turned into a 2 mile run. But, I did my best which is what this whole process is about for me.
Now that I am starting week seven and officially at the half way point I really need to get going. I am back in NYC now, tying up a few loose ends before I head back to Fargo to work at a performing arts school for the summer. So, I really have nothing but time this week to train and get my apartment packed up, etc. You'd think I'd have no problem staying motivated...and you would be wrong. For some reason, being busy seems to be when I really thrive. Having all day to get my to do list accomplished makes me move much slower than when I have 3 hours to do it. So, it is currently almost 3 pm and I haven't yet done my workout. Today is a pilates work out to serve as my "stretch and strengthen" day after the long run yesterday. After I finish this post, I WILL do it and after I'm done I'll post to prove it. See how I'm talking myself into it here? I guess whatever you need to do to get the job done.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Week Four Updates
As I mentioned before, the beginning of last week was a little difficult due to issues with my soleus but I'm proud to say that I finished the week strong. Saturday I did my 5 mile "long" run and on Sunday I did a little cardio elliptical style and weight trained. I also tried to spend some extra time stretching since I was a little sore after Saturday.
I think week four was almost a success. I didn't get in quite as many training days as I should have, but I tried some new cross training methods and learned how to help my ailing muscle so all things considered, I'm pretty proud of myself.
This week's training schedule is going to be difficult as well. My Mom is coming to town and I have several obstacles to my regular training schedule including an opening for West Side Story, my Aunt's Birthday party and a boarding of a cruise ship. That's right! Mom and I are going on a cruise which will make next week's training schedule more manageable AND more fun because it'll be in the sun. Yes!
This week's schedule so far is as follows-
Monday- 4 mile run
Tuesday- yoga class
Wednesday- try to squeeze in early morning workout of pilates or short run
Thursday- West Side Story opening- does dancing your heart out count as a training day?
Saturday- possible run or cross train depending on ship boarding situation
Sunday- 6 mile run
I know, I know...it's a little haphazard. But, I'm going to do the best I can this week under the circumstances.
Also, a quick fundraising update. I tried to click on my fundraising page link and was sent to my page that included none of the changes I had put together throughout the last few days. So, it looks like a fairly generic page. I'm going to try to fix that in the near future but I'm a little frustrated about the whole thing so I need to just step away for a minute. I'll post when it's back in commission.
I think week four was almost a success. I didn't get in quite as many training days as I should have, but I tried some new cross training methods and learned how to help my ailing muscle so all things considered, I'm pretty proud of myself.
This week's training schedule is going to be difficult as well. My Mom is coming to town and I have several obstacles to my regular training schedule including an opening for West Side Story, my Aunt's Birthday party and a boarding of a cruise ship. That's right! Mom and I are going on a cruise which will make next week's training schedule more manageable AND more fun because it'll be in the sun. Yes!
This week's schedule so far is as follows-
Monday- 4 mile run
Tuesday- yoga class
Wednesday- try to squeeze in early morning workout of pilates or short run
Thursday- West Side Story opening- does dancing your heart out count as a training day?
Saturday- possible run or cross train depending on ship boarding situation
Sunday- 6 mile run
I know, I know...it's a little haphazard. But, I'm going to do the best I can this week under the circumstances.
Also, a quick fundraising update. I tried to click on my fundraising page link and was sent to my page that included none of the changes I had put together throughout the last few days. So, it looks like a fairly generic page. I'm going to try to fix that in the near future but I'm a little frustrated about the whole thing so I need to just step away for a minute. I'll post when it's back in commission.
Friday, March 13, 2009
First Sports Related Injury and Emotional Yoga Class
Earlier in the week after the weekend workouts I noticed that the lower calf area of my left leg was hurting. It felt kinda tight, but I couldn't seem to stretch it. After a consult with my two personal trainer slash actor friends they helped me figure out and fix the problem- apparently some issues with my soleus muscle. Long story short, I took a few days off running, heated the muscle and learned some new stretches for it. I also decided yoga class would be good for the soleus as well as my entire under stretched body.
So I went to yoga class last night. I've done lots of yoga before so I pretty much know the drill and poses. That doesn't mean I'm good at them, but I know them.
At the beginning of class I was feeling confident and excited. This continued for awhile and then the "shaky muscles because they aren't used to this kind of movement" thing set in. It felt good at first because it was evident I was challenging myself. But then I started getting frustrated and upset and at one point during child's pose I started tearing up a little. A little melodramatic tear hit my yoga mat as my head was down stretching my back. I felt like I was in some Lifetime original movie. It was...weird. I've never gotten so upset about yoga class. I have however gotten upset at the final episode of "Boy Meets World", an avocado that wasn't ripe when I wanted it to be, hangar indents in the shirt I want to wear that day and several other seemingly silly things. I'm a compartmentalizer. I totally bottle up emotions about things that then manifest themselves in other areas.
Apparently yoga class is my new sappy long distance commercial. Who knew?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Check out My Fundraising Page
Are you reading this? Well, how about you look a little to your right and click on my fundraising page for the American Cancer Society. I'm trying to raise money for ACS while training for the half marathon. It's a double effort to reach a personal goal of mine, while honoring my Dad. Click on the page, read my story and consider supporting me!
Jen
Running Fever
I am starting to understand why people get hooked on this running stuff. Did you hear that noise? It is the noise of pig's wings flapping because pigs officially fly now.
Lets get this straight in case I haven't mentioned it before. I am NOT a runner, nor am I particularly athletic person. But, somehow I've found some new love of running. Weird.
Don't get me wrong, around mile 4 of my 5 mile "long" run last week I didn't feel that way. But, the more I train, the quicker pace I achieve and the stronger I feel which makes me want to continue.
Last week's training went quite well. I had to shift around slightly due to a last minute ticket offer to Hair on Broadway and a networking happy hour, but I did get 5 workouts in including two 3.5 mile runs, a weight training day, a cross training day and the 5 mile long run.
Last night I did a 3.5 mile run and plan to do another 3.5 mile run, some yoga, a weight training day and another 5 mile run.
Yay!
Lets get this straight in case I haven't mentioned it before. I am NOT a runner, nor am I particularly athletic person. But, somehow I've found some new love of running. Weird.
Don't get me wrong, around mile 4 of my 5 mile "long" run last week I didn't feel that way. But, the more I train, the quicker pace I achieve and the stronger I feel which makes me want to continue.
Last week's training went quite well. I had to shift around slightly due to a last minute ticket offer to Hair on Broadway and a networking happy hour, but I did get 5 workouts in including two 3.5 mile runs, a weight training day, a cross training day and the 5 mile long run.
Last night I did a 3.5 mile run and plan to do another 3.5 mile run, some yoga, a weight training day and another 5 mile run.
Yay!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
No Judgement Please
I've decided to reward my efforts with some new songs for my running mix. Last week I downloaded "Hot and Cold" by Katy Perry, "Live your Life" by TI and Rhianna, "Circus" by Britney Spears and the entire Rascal Flatts most recent album, "Still Feels Good".
This week I chose-
1. Lost Without U- Robin Thicke (a good stretching song)
2. Burnin' Up- The Jonas Brothers3
3. My Life Would Suck Without You- Kelly Clarkson
This week I chose-
1. Lost Without U- Robin Thicke (a good stretching song)
2. Burnin' Up- The Jonas Brothers3
3. My Life Would Suck Without You- Kelly Clarkson
I'm pretty happy with the purchases. I try to test them out but sitting on the couch while listening to the 30 second clip on iTunes and pumping my arms to simulate running. It's not really helpful at all, but good for a laugh.
And just to clarify, I am 27 years old and did just download a Jonas Brothers song. What? It's catchy!
And just to clarify, I am 27 years old and did just download a Jonas Brothers song. What? It's catchy!
And look! I'm learning how to upload images!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Week Three
First off, I'm happy to report I stuck to my week one training schedule. I did my long run Friday, did pilates (my version of "stretch and strengthen") Saturday and used Sunday as a rest day.
I'm using the Hal Higdon Half Marathon Training Schedule by the way. I checked out several, but this one was recommended to me by two friends who have completed the half marathon before and survived, so it must be effective. I'm currently on week 3 of the program.
I'm a little up in the air on this week's training schedule. I've been doing my long runs on Friday lately and the schedule suggests having an easy day before that in order to conserve energy for the long run which throws the week off. I'll likely change my long run day to a weekend day in the next few weeks, but for now Friday has worked best.
So far this week's training schedule is as follows-
Monday- 3.5 mile run (done!)
Tuesday- weight/ strength training
Wed- 2 or 3 mile run
Thursday- Yoga
Friday- 5 miles
Saturday- Stretch and Strengthen (pilates perhaps?)
Sunday- Rest
I may change this slightly. I'm trying to make sure to get in yoga on Thursday. My muscles are really tight in general, so I think some yoga would be beneficial. I've been trying to spend extra time stretching after every run, but it's not even close to the benefits yoga will provide for me. But, I also want to make sure to get in the miles I'm supposed to run this week so I think an easier 2 or 3 mile run on Wednesday will be good.
I guess the first few weeks of training will be figuring out what works best for me.
I'm using the Hal Higdon Half Marathon Training Schedule by the way. I checked out several, but this one was recommended to me by two friends who have completed the half marathon before and survived, so it must be effective. I'm currently on week 3 of the program.
I'm a little up in the air on this week's training schedule. I've been doing my long runs on Friday lately and the schedule suggests having an easy day before that in order to conserve energy for the long run which throws the week off. I'll likely change my long run day to a weekend day in the next few weeks, but for now Friday has worked best.
So far this week's training schedule is as follows-
Monday- 3.5 mile run (done!)
Tuesday- weight/ strength training
Wed- 2 or 3 mile run
Thursday- Yoga
Friday- 5 miles
Saturday- Stretch and Strengthen (pilates perhaps?)
Sunday- Rest
I may change this slightly. I'm trying to make sure to get in yoga on Thursday. My muscles are really tight in general, so I think some yoga would be beneficial. I've been trying to spend extra time stretching after every run, but it's not even close to the benefits yoga will provide for me. But, I also want to make sure to get in the miles I'm supposed to run this week so I think an easier 2 or 3 mile run on Wednesday will be good.
I guess the first few weeks of training will be figuring out what works best for me.
Friday, February 27, 2009
First "Long" Run
I just got home from my first "long run". This week was only 4 miles, so it wasn't that much longer than a normal run at this point. However, it felt pretty amazing to finish it. I still am not in a place to run continuously without taking an occasional walking break. However, tonight I pushed through for longer running intervals and less walking intervals so I am proud of that.
I actually started the run thinking it would be tough and wondering how I'd ever get to a 10 mile run if 4 miles is tough. But something kicked in to push me and make me feel completely powerful.
Afterwards I was stretching and telling my boyfriend about it. He responded with "it's totally a mind game". I knew that, but for the first time I think I really got it. And you know what? Four miles is an accomplishment this week and as for ten miles? I'll get there.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Long Distance Running Buddy to the Rescue!
Feeling a little bit unmotivated, tired of it all and NOT interested in sticking to your plan? Get a long distance running buddy.
Yesterday morning I woke up, checked my iPhone and started my day with an email from Jessica, my long distance running buddy, reminding me that if we want to do this half marathon this is the week we have to really start training in order to possibly make it. It was just the boost I needed.
Was I planning to work out yesterday? No. Did I do 30 minutes of pilates and strength training after Jessica's email? Yes.
I think the goal for the next few weeks is to start building endurance by working out more regularly. This is tough for me, since I have trouble getting to the gym 6 days a week as my training schedule suggests. However, the training schedule doesn't demand miles long runs every day just getting there and getting your body moving. So, hopefully I'll be able to fit in a little almost every day and build endurance. I'm already impatient about it being nice so I can do my shorter runs outside in the morning.
So far the plan for this week-
Tuesday: 3 mile run (done!)
Wednesday: Pilates (done!)
Thursday: Cross Train
Friday: 4 Mile Run
Saturday: Stretch and Strengthen- possibly yoga class
Sunday: Rest
Yesterday morning I woke up, checked my iPhone and started my day with an email from Jessica, my long distance running buddy, reminding me that if we want to do this half marathon this is the week we have to really start training in order to possibly make it. It was just the boost I needed.
Was I planning to work out yesterday? No. Did I do 30 minutes of pilates and strength training after Jessica's email? Yes.
I think the goal for the next few weeks is to start building endurance by working out more regularly. This is tough for me, since I have trouble getting to the gym 6 days a week as my training schedule suggests. However, the training schedule doesn't demand miles long runs every day just getting there and getting your body moving. So, hopefully I'll be able to fit in a little almost every day and build endurance. I'm already impatient about it being nice so I can do my shorter runs outside in the morning.
So far the plan for this week-
Tuesday: 3 mile run (done!)
Wednesday: Pilates (done!)
Thursday: Cross Train
Friday: 4 Mile Run
Saturday: Stretch and Strengthen- possibly yoga class
Sunday: Rest
Monday, February 23, 2009
More ups and Downs
So it has been awhile since I last blogged.
The last few weeks of my life have been a little hectic. My amazing father passed away on Jan 24th at 4:15 pm. I was lucky to be with him and with the rest of my family. But needless to say, running or blogging about running has been a little far from my mind since then.
My first instinct about this half marathon business after his passing was that it wouldn't happen. How could I possibly focus on something like this after my father was gone? Besides, the money I was hoping to raise for cancer research, largely because my father was battling cancer, wouldn't help anymore.
As I have made my way through the last few weeks, I have come to several conclusions.
1. Raising money for cancer research will still help a lot of people. Furthermore, my father battled cancer for 11 years before he lost his battle thanks to amazing doctors who were keeping their nose to the ground about what was up and coming.
2. As my friend Lauren said to me, "you still need a stress reliever", which is what I looked to running for in the first place.
3. My Dad would be really proud of me if I could accomplish this. I had a vision of him being at the finish line cheering me on on May 9th and thinking he wouldn't be there derailed me for a little bit. But I know he still will be there. In fact, he'll probably be pushing me along the whole time.
So, I have decided to do it. In the last two weeks that I have been back in NYC, back to my "normal" life and I have already had some ups and downs with training. The first run I had was phenomenal. I seemed to find a way to push through like I never have been able to before. I think it is thanks to two things- my new running shoes and my Dad pushing me along. Since then the runs have been hit or miss.
Trying to train while grieving is difficult. Sometimes I lose my appetite, which makes running feel like a pretty major uphill battle. It's hard to be charged up with no fuel. Pretty much all of the time I feel tired. This is something that is apparently really normal with grieving but again, makes being motivated to run much more difficult. But I'm doing my best.
I KNOW my Dad would be proud of me. He was a runner himself years ago and I remember meeting him after his morning run on the driveway of our house. He also was my gym buddy quite a bit in high school. I learned a lot about being active from him. I think it would probably not please him if I used his death as an excuse not to accomplish a goal.
That being said, I'm going to try to be more diligent about training and keeping up with blogging about it.
Let's start it out with an accomplishment- Yesterday I ran my quickest 3 mile run at 39 minutes!
The last few weeks of my life have been a little hectic. My amazing father passed away on Jan 24th at 4:15 pm. I was lucky to be with him and with the rest of my family. But needless to say, running or blogging about running has been a little far from my mind since then.
My first instinct about this half marathon business after his passing was that it wouldn't happen. How could I possibly focus on something like this after my father was gone? Besides, the money I was hoping to raise for cancer research, largely because my father was battling cancer, wouldn't help anymore.
As I have made my way through the last few weeks, I have come to several conclusions.
1. Raising money for cancer research will still help a lot of people. Furthermore, my father battled cancer for 11 years before he lost his battle thanks to amazing doctors who were keeping their nose to the ground about what was up and coming.
2. As my friend Lauren said to me, "you still need a stress reliever", which is what I looked to running for in the first place.
3. My Dad would be really proud of me if I could accomplish this. I had a vision of him being at the finish line cheering me on on May 9th and thinking he wouldn't be there derailed me for a little bit. But I know he still will be there. In fact, he'll probably be pushing me along the whole time.
So, I have decided to do it. In the last two weeks that I have been back in NYC, back to my "normal" life and I have already had some ups and downs with training. The first run I had was phenomenal. I seemed to find a way to push through like I never have been able to before. I think it is thanks to two things- my new running shoes and my Dad pushing me along. Since then the runs have been hit or miss.
Trying to train while grieving is difficult. Sometimes I lose my appetite, which makes running feel like a pretty major uphill battle. It's hard to be charged up with no fuel. Pretty much all of the time I feel tired. This is something that is apparently really normal with grieving but again, makes being motivated to run much more difficult. But I'm doing my best.
I KNOW my Dad would be proud of me. He was a runner himself years ago and I remember meeting him after his morning run on the driveway of our house. He also was my gym buddy quite a bit in high school. I learned a lot about being active from him. I think it would probably not please him if I used his death as an excuse not to accomplish a goal.
That being said, I'm going to try to be more diligent about training and keeping up with blogging about it.
Let's start it out with an accomplishment- Yesterday I ran my quickest 3 mile run at 39 minutes!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
4.25 miles!
Yay! I ran 4.25 miles last night.
It was ALL running, but it definitely included more running than I have been able to accomplish before. I'm slowly working up to running more consistently and I feel progress!
I also feel my feet today. It is definitely time for some new running shoes, which I will hopefully find soon. The shoes I have now are old and probably needed to be replaced awhile ago, but since I wasn't running much then it never was an immediate issue. Now is another story.
I got some tips from my friend Josh on what to do with my training, so I think I'm going to try it out. He suggested sticking with my regular 5K a few times a week, while focusing on speed and running consistently (as opposed to walking intervals) and then adding a mile each week to my long weekend runs. This seems like a really good option for me, so I'll give it a try for the next few weeks and see how it goes.
Also, I'm trying to get stronger so I'm incorporating some ab work into my routines. I feel a little burn today, which is a little sad as I didn't do *that* much. But, you gotta start somewhere, right?
Who knew that a little muscle soreness could make me feel so invigorated? I hope it continues. Fingers crossed!
It was ALL running, but it definitely included more running than I have been able to accomplish before. I'm slowly working up to running more consistently and I feel progress!
I also feel my feet today. It is definitely time for some new running shoes, which I will hopefully find soon. The shoes I have now are old and probably needed to be replaced awhile ago, but since I wasn't running much then it never was an immediate issue. Now is another story.
I got some tips from my friend Josh on what to do with my training, so I think I'm going to try it out. He suggested sticking with my regular 5K a few times a week, while focusing on speed and running consistently (as opposed to walking intervals) and then adding a mile each week to my long weekend runs. This seems like a really good option for me, so I'll give it a try for the next few weeks and see how it goes.
Also, I'm trying to get stronger so I'm incorporating some ab work into my routines. I feel a little burn today, which is a little sad as I didn't do *that* much. But, you gotta start somewhere, right?
Who knew that a little muscle soreness could make me feel so invigorated? I hope it continues. Fingers crossed!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Some Ups, Some Downs AND A Running Buddy!
So...I didn't do my Saturday run and Sunday cross train as I planned. Instead, I flew home to visit my family. I intended to at least run once and brought my running shoes with plans of borrowing my sister-in-law's treadmill for an hour or so. Unfortunately, my Dad was put into the hospital so my time was mostly spent with my family there. The downside of this was obviously that my Dad is in the hospital. Upside? The whole scene made me a little more mad at cancer which oddly motivated me. So, I will try to catch up with some training this week.
The other news is that I told a handful of my friends that I'm thinking of training for a half marathon and they were all really supportive. Beyond that, one of my friends has trained for the same half marathon I'm hoping to do for the last two years and was on the fence about doing it this year. After hearing I'm thinking about doing it she said she would if I would. So, we're going to become long distance running buddies! Yay!
The other news is that I told a handful of my friends that I'm thinking of training for a half marathon and they were all really supportive. Beyond that, one of my friends has trained for the same half marathon I'm hoping to do for the last two years and was on the fence about doing it this year. After hearing I'm thinking about doing it she said she would if I would. So, we're going to become long distance running buddies! Yay!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Week One
Last year, when I thought about training to run a half marathon I bought a book on the suggestion of a friend who had just trained called The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women. It is a pretty funny and practical approach to how to train and what to expect. It is also written by the point of view of a woman who was a self professed couch potato and just decided to run a marathon. I started reading it a year ago and got to page 30- probably an indication that I wasn't ready to make the commitment. I blame having to also write a graduate thesis at the time.
At any rate, I picked it up again this week and started plugging through. While inspiring in some ways, it kinda freaked me out in others. I am not particularly looking forward to some of the things she mentions having to expect- VERY sore muscles, popping Advil often, completely giving up your Saturday to run crazy lengths. However, I'm still convinced this is a good idea.
I've been looking at lots of training schedules and haven't decided which one to stick with yet. The book offers one where you run four days a week, cross train a fifth. I'm a little concerned about being able to actually get to the gym five days a week, but I'm going to do my best. I'm also still looking for other training schedule options. For now, I'm trying to run every other day and start trying to cross train a bit to get stronger. I feel like the key at this point is to get into better shape and raise my endurance level.
Last night I ran 3.5 miles in about 45 minutes. I pushed myself to run more of it, but am still walking a little too. I'm proud of my progress so far though because I feel like the running intervals are longer than last week, and progress is the thing I'm most focused on at this point.
I'm taking tonight off (it's Friday!) but am thinking of running tomorrow and trying to cross train a bit on Sunday. I hope the intense cold doesn't distract me!
At any rate, I picked it up again this week and started plugging through. While inspiring in some ways, it kinda freaked me out in others. I am not particularly looking forward to some of the things she mentions having to expect- VERY sore muscles, popping Advil often, completely giving up your Saturday to run crazy lengths. However, I'm still convinced this is a good idea.
I've been looking at lots of training schedules and haven't decided which one to stick with yet. The book offers one where you run four days a week, cross train a fifth. I'm a little concerned about being able to actually get to the gym five days a week, but I'm going to do my best. I'm also still looking for other training schedule options. For now, I'm trying to run every other day and start trying to cross train a bit to get stronger. I feel like the key at this point is to get into better shape and raise my endurance level.
Last night I ran 3.5 miles in about 45 minutes. I pushed myself to run more of it, but am still walking a little too. I'm proud of my progress so far though because I feel like the running intervals are longer than last week, and progress is the thing I'm most focused on at this point.
I'm taking tonight off (it's Friday!) but am thinking of running tomorrow and trying to cross train a bit on Sunday. I hope the intense cold doesn't distract me!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Half Marathon- Here I Come!
I made a decision on a bit of a whim yesterday to run a half marathon in May. I have wanted to run a marathon every since I saw my friend Matt cross the finish line in Chicago 5 years ago. A few years later I attended the NYC marathon and once again got excited about it. Last year I even got a book about how to train, but talked myself out of it once again because I had to finish my masters thesis. I also couldn't help but get hung up on one thing- I'm not a runner.
Small detail, right?
However, lately I have been able to find the kind of release from running that I'm unable to find in other aspects of my life. I had the ever so sought after Oprah "a ha!" moment last Sunday. After a frustrating, stressful and tiring day, I dragged myself to the gym. I really didn't want to go, but forced myself. I also really didn't want to run. I wanted to get on the elliptical and have an easy work out, but I decided that I needed that feeling of accomplishment I get after running a 5K on the treadmill. I did it, and faster than I ever have before! Afterwards I no longer felt stressed, I feel proud of myself.
So yesterday during some downtime at work I checked out the website for the marathon in my hometown. It is scheduled for May 9th, which seems like a doable timeframe to train for a half marathon. I'd still love to do a full someday, but baby steps people, baby steps.
I also am thinking of adding in a fundraising component to my training. The American Cancer society holds a special place in my heart and the marathon I'm looking at allows you to register and get people to sponsor you for that cause, along with several others.
If I register to do that I feel like it'll help me with the extra motivation I may need on the days I don't feel motivated enough on my own. Beyond that, running is giving me a release from a lot of stress in my life that is created through my challenges with cancer related issues, so this might be my small way to kick cancer in the stomach.
I ran another 5K yesterday after this decision and ran it faster than I have before which basically translates for me as more running, less walking. Progress!
Small detail, right?
However, lately I have been able to find the kind of release from running that I'm unable to find in other aspects of my life. I had the ever so sought after Oprah "a ha!" moment last Sunday. After a frustrating, stressful and tiring day, I dragged myself to the gym. I really didn't want to go, but forced myself. I also really didn't want to run. I wanted to get on the elliptical and have an easy work out, but I decided that I needed that feeling of accomplishment I get after running a 5K on the treadmill. I did it, and faster than I ever have before! Afterwards I no longer felt stressed, I feel proud of myself.
So yesterday during some downtime at work I checked out the website for the marathon in my hometown. It is scheduled for May 9th, which seems like a doable timeframe to train for a half marathon. I'd still love to do a full someday, but baby steps people, baby steps.
I also am thinking of adding in a fundraising component to my training. The American Cancer society holds a special place in my heart and the marathon I'm looking at allows you to register and get people to sponsor you for that cause, along with several others.
If I register to do that I feel like it'll help me with the extra motivation I may need on the days I don't feel motivated enough on my own. Beyond that, running is giving me a release from a lot of stress in my life that is created through my challenges with cancer related issues, so this might be my small way to kick cancer in the stomach.
I ran another 5K yesterday after this decision and ran it faster than I have before which basically translates for me as more running, less walking. Progress!
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