But, despite the sluggish start this year, I did make a HUGE step this week (two steps, actually) and I'm really excited to share...
1. I bought new running shoes.
Pretty, purple Asics! I bought them at Scheels and the woman that helped me was so kind and thoughtful! She had lots of tips and I felt zero judgment from her! I am continuously blown away by the running community and just how encouraging they are!
2. I signed up for a 20K*.
If you have to go up and read that again, I understand.
I'm a little shocked at myself as well.
12.4 miles?!
Am I insane?
Perhaps.
But, I do know that I don't have to run the entire thing (and probably won't) and that I CAN do it. My training started yesterday with a 3 mile run, and for the next 12 weeks I will be following this schedule:
My first training run went well, and I am proud to say that I have already put 8 miles on those shoes! (Wow, it feels weird to think in terms like that). Those miles weren't all running though, in fact, only 3 miles were running!
I'm not worried about my time for this race, and am honestly not running for time. I'm running to finish. I do want to finish within three hours though so I can get a medal, so I hope that is reasonable.That is my only goal in regards to time.
I will have to switch around the days I run to accommodate my schedule, but not by too much. I'm going to make sure I always do the long runs on Sundays and that I get two days in a row of recovery. So, that leaves very little room to change this schedule at all. It's going to take some dedication on my part, and honestly, that is what I am worried the most about. Am I dedicated enough? I sure hope so.
So, why am I doing this? Health? Weight loss? The T-shirt? Bragging rights? Yes, yes, yes and maybe.
I suppose also because I want to say I have ran a distance race. I want to train for something and then do it. I want to know if I really do like running. Maybe after this I will decide I hate it. Maybe I will catch the bug and love it. Who knows!?
I've always *dabbled* in running, but never took it too seriously. In high school I played soccer, but we never ran distance runs... but this was over 10 years ago, so... I think that it is pretty irrelevant :p
This is the first time I have actually bought quality, supportive running shoes. Why would I have needed running shoes before? The longest distance I have ever ran was 4 miles (until last Friday when I ran 5 miles... there were lots of walking breaks, but I still did it).
Yesterday when I ran the three miles in the new shoes I could feel a HUGE difference. Especially in my shins. I had virtually no pain in my shins, where as last week when I ran the 5, I had to stop because my shins hurt so bad, not because I couldn't run longer! That was ultimately what pushed me to go for it and get really good shoes.
Overall, I am really excited and can't wait to see how this turns out! Keep me in your thoughts! ;)
What is the furthest you have ran? Are you interested in running races or running at all? What advice do you have for me?
*For the locals, I am running Dam to Dam! Let me know if you are running it too!
I love running races. I could not do 12 in 2012, though, mostly because of how expensive races are! You will find how fast the entree fees add up!
ReplyDeleteThe further I have ran in 26.2 miles. :) I started running back in 2005, and then ran my first half and first marathon in 2006. I really love running. I don't love every run, but I love the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a tough workout (like the mile repeats we did at run club last night). I think the most important thing is to get the long runs in. If you have to switch things around during the week, that is totally ok! But those long runs are mandatory! :)
Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes! I saw someone on the running path w/ a Dam to Dam shirt last night and totally thought of you!
So exciting! The furthest I've run is 13.1 miles- the half-marathon I ran last month. It was so fun and I loved training for it. I'm looking for another race to run in the next few months. I guess I caught the bug! :)
ReplyDeleteProud of you! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteyay! good for you!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!! I never thought I would be able to run a 5K and now I'll be doing my first half marathon in a few weeks!
ReplyDeleteI wear Asics too. After the first year I also got insoles for my shoes and that helped a lot.
My one bit of advice is don't get behind too much on your runs. It is amazing how much skipping a week will set you back and how disappointing it can be mentally when you feel off track. Oh and having friends to do the long runs with helps too. Meeting them somewhere will force you to go much more than trying to force yourself to do it on your own!
That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteShoes make all the difference in the world of running! I used to wear Asics, but I've recently switched to Brooks - either way, love the shoes!
The farthest I've ran is 13.1 miles - a half marathon that I've ran now 3 years in a row.
First of all, GO GIRL! I love reading about other people running...me not so much. Maybe a good pair of kicks would help though; my old sneaks may be hurting my knees? And yes, move to NY and we can be workout buddies :D
ReplyDeleteGo you! Everyone who runs Dam to Dam seems to love it...you'll surely do amazingly in those adorable shoes. :)
ReplyDeleteYay for you! Dam to Dam is my favorite local race BY FAR, and it's a great one for your first distance race. There are plenty of distractions along the route to help you forget that you are actually running :) I wish I was doing it this year, but I'm just getting back into running after shattering my ankle last year, so every half mile has been a challenge....I'll be out there cheering everyone on though!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you! You are going to do great. And by great, I mean you are going to train for this and you are going to finish it and you are going to do well and you are going to feel GREAT!
ReplyDeleteI ran the Dam to Dam, but I did the 5k! You are going to kick butt with the 20k! There is a pretty good running club in Des Moines and they will be training for that race as well; you may want to join them for the long run day.
The farthest (furthest?) I have ever run is a marathon, 26.2 miles. I started off running 1 mile a day, then 2, then a 5k, etc... it takes a lot of steps, but it is totally worth it!
I also wear Asics and LOVE them! They are well worth the money. I can't wait to hear more about your journey!
I'm so excited for you!! You will do great. Just focus on listening to your body and having FUN! :) Also I'm glad you got new shoes, that is very important!
ReplyDeleteWow! Proud of you girl! I'm not a runner, but that's because I have huge bazooka's that make it quite difficult if you know what I mean. ;)
ReplyDeleteWay to go, miss! New shoes will totally help. And I love Asics. :)
ReplyDeleteFurthest distance I've run is a 10K.
Can't wait to see how you do in your training + race day! That little chart you have there is pretty nifty. Did you create it yourself?
That's super impressive :) The farthest I've ever run without walking is 1 mile, as I'm just beginning Couch to 5K ha! Like you said, I'm not sure if I'm going to love or hate running, but I'm giving it a shot!
ReplyDeleteWow I love your attitude! Especially what you said about running to finish not just a time. I had the same experience when I bought my first pair of quality athletic shoes. I actually thought something was wrong with my foot until I switched to the new shoes and then I was cured!! Good luck with your awesome endeavor to do the 20K. That is awesome!!
ReplyDelete