I'm not going to lie, running f-ing sucks. We'll for me anyways. It's always a battle, but I really have started to look forward to running in the mornings. I am amazed at how much I have increased my mileage in such a short time. And let me tell you, this body is not a runner. My mind is constantly yelling at me to just give up and walk, starting about 2 minutes into the run. I've learned that my greatest weakness is definitely myself 'telling' me that I should give up OR how tired I am OR how much my legs hurt OR how annoying my shorts are that ride up OR how hot it is in Texas... I can come up with lots of things to make me stop. But what keeps me going... Well here are some things I have found help me to keep putting one foot in front of the other:
:: Running in the morning - I've heard you are 80% more likely to run if you work out first thing - I love a morning run. I feel all of my muscles loosen up and I make better choices through out the day. Plus, really it's too freaking hot in Texas to run any other time than before 8 a.m. {Although D has been braving the heat so far - crazy man}
:: Have a goal - For me it was signing up for a 1/2 marathon. Does it kind of scare the crap out of me, yes, but I know I wouldn't be pushing myself so much if I hadn't done it. Plus, I'm not getting any younger, if I can't do it now, I'll never run one.
:: Stop thinking - I love the power or music and how I can just tune everything else out and run. When I think I can't go any faster, a more up beat song will come on and I find myself moving a little faster. Don't think about everything you still have to do, just let yourself embrace the beat.
:: Keep going forward - Again, for me this is a mental thing. I tend to do better when I'm running ahead and not retracing my tracks. I'm not sure why, but my pace is better and I can go longer with out turning around.
:: Walk - I try to run a longer time/distance away from the house, so when I turn around I have completed my work out and have to walk the rest of the way home. Since my work out is set for the 1/2 marathon, I do what's on there instead of pushing myself to constantly go farther. I really enjoy the walk and it relaxes my muscles so I'm not so sore the next day. Otherwise, when I get home I'll crash on the floor and not move.
I know these don't work for everyone and you really have to work to find what works best for you. Really, I just want to write these down for me. I know there will be a time that I will not want to run or work out, and I hope they will encourage me on the days...
Here is where I am now:
Current longest distance: 5 miles
Average pace: A little over 10 minutes per mile
Work out routine: 4 days of timed distance and ending with one long run {off days Monday, Thursday, Saturday}
T-minus 124 days.
Love B
You can DO it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteGo girlie go! I did three miles on the treadmill this morning, even thought I didn't want to. Maybe I should sign up for the dang race.
ReplyDeleteI was reading this training program, and just found some of the stuff he talked about after the program layout interesting and helpful. I think I'm going to end up using this set up. If I do it that is :o).
Run Beth RUN!
oops, forgot the link
ReplyDeletehttp://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm