Thursday, March 29, 2012

Dam to Dam training update


Hey everyone!

This week is literally FLYING by. I cannot believe it is already Thursday!

I'm halfway through my second week of training and I thought I would update you. You can find my training schedule here. I'm running three runs during the week and one long run on the weekends. So far my biggest concern is not running long distances during the week, but if they were longer, I honestly don't know how I would fit them in because I'm not fast at all. I can't dedicate much more time to this so I'm going to try not to worry about it!

Other things I have learned:

  • Synthetic socks are a godsend. Both my feet have blisters on the bottom in the middle and the synthetic socks and body glide work wonders. I can't feel them at all when running. Now, if I accidentally forget and wear cotton.... then I'm in trouble. (Did that on Sunday, it was awful). 
  • The Spibelt/fanny pack thing is awesome. I'm so glad Emily suggested it. 
  • My new favorite place to run in the Des Moines area is the Clive Greenbelt (which I keep accidentally calling the Grainbelt. lol). Grey's Lake is an old standby and I will always love running there. 
My last concern is the mental mind game that I am having a hard time getting past. I know I can run longer than 10 minutes consecutively, but at 10 minutes I think I just have to stop and I do. I'm hoping that in the next week I can get past that and by next weekend be running 15-20 minutes consecutively. It seems so silly, and I go into the run so positive, then after 10 minutes I just wimp out! When I walk it's only about 3 minutes, but still... I want to be able to keep going and build up my endurance.


Well, that is it for me! Hope you're having a fantastic week!


9 comments:

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

You are doing a great job! I actually think it's a great technique to run 10, walk 1, etc. That's what many do who run marathons! You are doing a great job, though. It's so mental, though. I've been a runner for me, and it's still mental. It is challenging to fit it in, but you'll find a way to make it work!

I am glad the synthetic socks and body glide are helping! hope the blisters have healed. That is a tough/painful lesson to learn!

Anne said...

You go girl!! Because of you, in on week two of training for my first 5k!! Only logged 5.5 miles last week, but hey, it's a start! I desperately need to buy some nice running shoes. Any suggestions? I see you purchased some a few weeks back...

Stephany said...

I do the same thing! Like, if I have the mentality, "I'm going to do a 10/2 run/walk interval", I can't ever seem to run longer than those 10 minutes! I think it's just a mental game.

Your next run, try shooting for 11 or 12 minutes of running to your 3 minutes of walking. Every time you run, just up your run time by a minute or two.

That's my suggestion! You're doing great! I'm still trying to decide whether or not I want to run a half in November.

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

It's awesome that your training is going so well! And I am glad you are enjoying the Clive Greenbelt. I used to love running there, plus its right in the middle of town (well, I was living in WDM, so it's close to there!)

Good luck! I think that a run/walk schedule is fine. You just have to find whatever works for you!

Anonymous said...

I swear, running is more mental than physical!!! It took me so long to be able to run a mile without stopping after I broke my ankle, now that I can I always seem to stop and wimp out after a mile.

That really sucks that you are getting blisters! Socks definitely make a difference, and I actually found out I was in the wrong size shoe and that was causing mine. I swear, anyone who runs in Des Moines should go to Kyle's bike for a gait analysis and shoe fitting--they are sooooooo knowledgeable, helpful, and being in the right shoe makes all the difference in the world!

Amber said...

Honestly I think you are being SO SMART about training for this by giving yourself lots of time to take walk breaks in there. That is a big distance to climb up to in a short amount of time so it's way better to take it SLOW and not get injured than push yourself and get injured. I read once that most injuries happen because runners add on too much mileage too quickly OR try to run fast without building a base first.

Sounds like you're doing great!

Lesli said...

I am coming down for Dam to Dam--not to run but I have 2 guy friends who are doing it, too! I will have to cheer you on!

Anonymous said...

Great job!!!

I should've told ya about the socks! eeeeek!

I need to get a SpiBelt!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

You go girl!!! I couldn't do this. I use to run non stop in high school and it burned me out. Body glide is a great item to have. My legs would have died without it!