Sunday, July 24, 2011

Long Runs: done

When I started running a few years ago, I always thought it would be amazing to lace up my shoes and head out for a really long run.  Images of runners cruising by as if on auto-pilot left me envious.  They appeared peaceful, free from the constraints of daily life, relaxed.  I viewed pictures of people running in the most amazing settings begrudgingly.  I wanted to be able to do that.

This year I set out to make it happen.  Eleven weeks ago I set the goal of completing a half marathon, and began an official training program.  It has taken commitment, motivation, and knowledge to get to where I am today.  Each week I have experienced something remarkable: running with family and friends, new routes in new places, and longer and longer distances.

12 miles - 1:59:32
Yesterday, I completed my longest run so far, and the longest run of my training before the half marathon.  The route was the usual trail that took us by two gas stations, so I wasn't worried about water or bathroom options.  Still, I was nervous, yet excited.  While getting ready for the run, I was recalling when I called a long run 6 miles, and here I was about to attempt 12.

Two hours of running later, I was worn out but ecstatic!  Despite the threat of some rain in the beginning, high humidity, and some tightening calf muscles, I was able to finish my longest run ever.  My husband tells me I have the running bug, and I think he is right.          

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Kickoff to Summer 5K

5k - 28:06
Kickoff to Summer 5K is a race that benefits the local school PTA program.  I ran this race for the first time in 2009.  The course is a flat winding loop along the Piscataquog River and through the fairgrounds.


In 2009, my time for the 3.1 miles was 32:13 and I was 109th out of 156.  My goal for this year was simple: do better.

Two years ago I wasn't training; I thought I was, but I really didn't have a clue what I was doing.  Following a proper training program has made a huge difference. I feel like a runner now. I can run distances farther than I've ever run before without injuries.

My race results for this year's Kickoff to Summer 5K were better: time 28:06 and 95th out of 203.  It was a good day.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Bedford Rotary Memorial 12K

On National Running Day I registered for the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon!  In a little more than nine weeks, I will be running 13.1 miles in my very first half marathon.


Since my last entry, I have continued my training by following the half marathon schedule provided by the coach program on the Nike website.  I signed up and ran my first 12K, 7.5 miles, and did pretty good.



12K - 1:14:13
As the summer season finally moves in, I am facing a new running challenge: the heat.  A couple of my runs were cut short of the goal distance because I was unable to finish.  One run was a road route without water, so I thought I could fix that on the next warm day by switching to the trail and carrying water. Nope.  I find it extremely difficult when the sun is beating down and not the slightest breeze blows.  I have been told that I will "get used to it" but I am worried about running the half in August.  I am hopeful that the early morning start and coastal location will alleviate some of the heat issues, but I am still trying to figure out to complete warm weather runs. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Longest Mile

That's right. Seven miles. Done.

My husband and I met my friend from work for a Saturday morning trail run.  The weather was cool and overcast, but close to perfect for running.  Heading into the run I was excited because I was about to complete a personal record.  My previous recent longest run was six miles and I had felt pretty good completing that one.

We had a set pace of ten minute miles, but for whatever reason we either ran too fast or too slow.  Maybe it was because we spent the majority of the run chatting and not really focusing on running.  I have to admit though, it felt really good to be able to run and hold a conversation at the same time.

When we reached five miles, my mental challenge began.  My body is just not acclimated to the longer distances yet, and begins to anticipate that the end is near, or should be.  I was still feeling pretty good, so I knew I just had to concentrate on not giving up.  Training my muscles to run for longer periods of time is, ironically, more about what I'm thinking than the activity itself.  I reached down inside me for the strength to keep my legs moving.  

At mile six, in the home stretch, we faced a small incline.  On a short run, this incline is barely noticeable.  When your legs are getting heavy and your muscles are screaming to stop, the incline is torture. I found myself staring at the ground to avoid seeing how much further we had to go.  I refused to look ahead knowing I would only notice the rise of the road.  Impatient, I did peek only to be slapped with the realization that we still had about half a mile to go.  I wanted to speed up to make it end sooner, but my legs couldn't do it.  It was warmer now, and I was tired and thirsty.  I kept thinking, "are we there yet?" and spoke up, "I'm struggling."  Fortunately, my friend, a marathoner, had the needed motivation for the both of us and offered words of encouragement all the way to the end.

Most days I either run alone, or if my husband joins me, finish alone as he usually runs shorter distances.  I am used to talking myself through the mental challenge.  This time, I needed the support to get through the last mile, the longest mile. Mile seven. Done.





 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Road to 211

Today I met my goal of running 211 miles in 2011.

In 2009 I ran 188 miles. Last year, a measly 59. So when I saw the challenge of 211 miles in 2011, I knew it was just what I needed to jumpstart my running...again.

My track record with running has been a lot like the roads around here: up and down, up and down.  I lace up the shoes, put in the time, add on the miles and then...ouch! shin splint!  Discouragement sets in behind the pain like a giant incline ahead of me.  Instead of slowing down and shortening my stride, I let frustration overpower me until I gradually come to a stop.

This time I vowed it would be different. I would follow the training program faithfully running when scheduled and sticking to the assigned distances.  I researched techniques to prevent shin splints and improve muscle strength.  Impatience would not overpower me this time.

Today is day 123.  I have been loyal to the running schedule and staying healthy.  Running is becoming my thing, my passion.  I am looking forward to seeing how many miles I can run by the end of the year.

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