I'm a runner....almost
Actually, "I'm a runner!" was what I said when I got fitted for my new running shoes. I should have said "I'm an aspiring runner!"... or "I'm a fast walker that can almost run sometimes!". I was inspired by the shoes and an uncharacteristic surge of optimism. Also, I think I need the positive self-talk sometimes (I even mutter "I can do this" under my strained breath sometimes) because I certainly have my "I can't do this!" days.
I've been running at the high school track and I'm starting to see the same people there..."the regulars": some high school track athletes who pretend I don't notice that they are lapping me (it's OK, I'm twice their age...at least), the older couple that runs on the cushy turf stuff. Nobody talks but it's nice to see some of the same people there.
Last week I had one tough run (tougher than usual). It may have had something to do with the weather and pollen conditions, but I ended up taking an extra day off. I was bummed after the fact but 6 days a week is a lot to run, especially for someone like me that never participated in organized sport of any kind and dreaded high school gym class. I wrecked my perfect attendance record, but the next day, I felt that the day off did me some good. Not that I plan on taking more unplanned days off.
Anyway, I am finding some unexpected lessons in running. First is that (don't laugh), the journey is as important as the destination. If I think too much about the idea of running for a full half-hour at the end of a 6 week program, it's discouraging. But each day, as I run a little more and walk a little less, I realize it's doable. I still can't imagine running for a half hour, but I believe in the journey. And I've come to trust the program. I think about all the "runners" I see and how much I admire their long muscles and endurance. They didn't emerge from the womb that way. We all start somewhere. It reminds me of building maps that say "you are here". Yeah, here I am. Time to get jogging.
Another lesson is that often getting dressed is half the battle. Well, half of the mental battle at least. Another big part of it is just showing up to the track. On the days when I really don't want to run, I put on my running clothes and make a deal with myself: just go to the track and see how far you can get. I can always get through it. But making little deals along the way helps me get it done.
Another lesson: telling people makes you accountable. I do that a lot. The blog helps. Also, I think telling people allows you to get support you didn't expect. My friend John, who I didn't know was a runner, just sent me info on active.com, a training community with info on events and stuff. Community is important and it's something I am going to seek out now that I know that I am not going to totally embarrass myself by quitting early (I've made it to week 4!).
I think that all the track time where I am trying to think about something else is starting to make me a little philosophical or something.
Comments
- Anonymous
July 05, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
July 05, 2006
Stulp-that's good advice. Marathon groups scare me. I am a s-l-o-w runner! The body dynamics are running and the heart rate is up there, but the pace leaves something to be desired. I'll think about joining a group though (maybe a 5K group?)...that's a good recommendation! - Anonymous
July 05, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
July 05, 2006
Another thing to consider is alternatives to running on the track. Tracks are great when you're starting out. You're never far from the car, regardless of the distance you run. But running on the track is boring, and every lap takes you past your stopping point. A good road course or trail adds scenery to the run and enforces the total distance. Once you're ready for it, I found it to be much easier to stick with than the track. Oh, and road courses can start and end at home, which keeps the sweat out of the car. ;-)
OK, I need to get out for a run, now. - Anonymous
July 05, 2006
Heather, excellent work on your running. It is a process, I lost 120 lbs through running, starting with s-l-o-w 2 miles runs, progressing up to two marathons completed so far.
I'll always remember a quote by Matthew McConaughey, where he said (paraphrasing), the hardest part of going on a run was getting your shoes on.
Running is philosophical, it's where I deal with my life. Great work, and have fun! - Anonymous
July 05, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
July 05, 2006
Yeah, but if you lose 120 pounds, we'll never find you again! Who will feed Jonas?
I don't miss the track at all. Much prefer mountain bikes these days. Tones your backside more than runnng, too. - Anonymous
July 05, 2006
There is another cool site for running. Search for "couch to 5k", the web address is coolrunning.com/something-something. It has plans and info for people just starting out....and people who have been running for some time.
Of course, most of it is geared towards training for specific runs....like marathons.
;-)
All the best!
deb - inspired to work out today - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
RJD- I haven't been losing muchb at all lately but that's fine with me. I can see the difference in my shape and fitness. How that's not saying that losing ten pounds wouldn't be nice though ; )
Deb-I'll definitely check it out...thanks! That sounds like exactly what I want. I'm working off the Prevention Magazine RunningFit guide but it's paper, so having something online would be great. - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
Heather why don't you take Jonas on short runs as well. It's like having a cute running partner! - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
It's hard enough to get myself through it. Having to control a dog in addition is definitely not an option at this point. It's a conditioning program. Maybe someday I can take Jonas out for a run just for fun, but not while I'm "in training". - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
Heather, you can do it! I know you can. I hated running but found it a nice distraction from work and an excellent way to relieve stress. When I started out I could barely run 2 miles and went on to complete a half marathon. Just keep at it and you will notice the difference and it will encourage you to keep on running longer distances!
I recommend the boot camp class at the pro club. It's a big group but you run on your own and to/from destinations with other people so you have accountability. Everyone is really encouraging and you free great after your done. - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
Hey Raquel-I saw your article in the ProClub newsletter a couple months back (if this is the Raquel I think it is). Really inspiring! I'm pretty sure that even in week 4 of my program I can barely run 2 miles now. I have to run pretty slow to keep my heart rate in the target range. Tomorrow I go up to ten minute intervals...yikes! I still can't believe I am doing this. The encouragement helps!
I'm impressed that you are running half marathons. That's awesome! How long have you had to train for something like that? I just mentioned to my buddy Suzanne (who you know) that she should run a 5K with me. I think I can be ready for that in a month or so. I'm actually surprised how the increases in my running intervals are doable when they are added on slowly. - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
Great job Heather! I'm glad to see you're progressing well.
Like some other readers, I find running is good for the mind. I can take the time to think about anything I need to, or nothing at all. But I also have found running can be a fine challenge mentally as well as physically. On very hard runs, I need to concentrate on my breathing, motion, pace, and of course, just getting to the end. When I get to the end, the combination of physical and mental exercise makes it sooooo satisfying!
Keep up the good work :) - Anonymous
July 06, 2006
I hear you about the breathing requiring concentration sometimes. Sometimes I feel that the fact that my legs continue to move is a force of sheer will. I'm getting there! - Anonymous
July 10, 2006
Don't ever feel bad about days off, as long as you don't over do it! Even the best runners in the world take days off; running every day is the exception rather than the rule. Those days off give your muscle time to repair itself. If you're worried about your cardio fitness, just take your offdays and go to the gym to do something else - lift weights, swim, ride a bike.
Congrats on getting started and sticking to your program, but don't feel obligated - that sense of obligation or guilt when you need to rest can undo the best of us. Let yourself enjoy the process as you get stronger. :-) - Anonymous
July 10, 2006
Yeah, I'm actually starting to feel good. I've found that I now can keep my heart rate under control. Today, I ran 2 twelve minute intervals in a half hour and after my day off yesterday, it felt pretty good. How weird. - Anonymous
July 11, 2006
Running groups are awesome! Many people are needlessly intimidated - thinking that they themselves aren't /real/ runners. Check with the running store that sold you your shoes. Many stores have a regular group run as a means of getting people to come back (It works - I bought 3 bottles of no-sweat sun block last week). The group at my local store has runners training at all paces for 5ks, 10ks, marathon's, IronMan's and nothing at all (me). - Anonymous
July 11, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
July 19, 2006
The comment has been removed - Anonymous
July 19, 2006
Yeah, my little intervals are a total mind game. Based on my lap time (not an impressive one at that but I am sure I'll get better), when I get toward the end, I mentally calculate where on the track I'll be able to stop, approximately. I guess I am a visual person. Because today, it got me through my 20 minute interval (up from 15 minutes last week). I was worried today because the last run I did was Saturday, before the bizarre swelling of the feet incident. The end of the program is in sight...5 more days until I am running for a full half hour. Then I can focus on faster/further in the 30 minutes.
The way you describe your training is how people tell you it will be (focus on the small stuff...just keep going) but knowing someone that confirms that this is indeed how it was for them really helps. I still can't believe that I can run for 20 minutes. My shorter intervals didn't allow me to get to my "out of body experience" point (I'm sure there's some technical term for that but it's where your body just keeps going without you having to focus on the mechanics or the pain). Anyway, I got there today 14 minutes into the run, so it was great. It's great to hear that progress is possible!
I definitely think we should peer pressure Suzanne into the 5K. I'll check around to see what is coming up. I probably need about another 6 weeks to be ready, I think.