I have not been writing in this as religiously as I hoped and it is in due part to me not running as much as I should have been but didn't want to admit it!
So here I am, back at it again. I ran on Sunday without running for a week, pretty much, and, BOY could I tell! It was AWFUL!
There was really no reason for me not to run because I did have access to an indoor track. The weather was crappy (snow and really low temperatures!) and I was out of town for a large part of the week last week.
But then yesterday, I was able to run for 9 minutes straight without stopping! Now, this may seem like a small accomplishment for some, but this was HUGE for me! I just kept pushing myself and had a goal "landmark" in mind that I wanted to make it to and I was able to do it successfully! It actually makes me excited to to go running again to see how far I can make it without stopping! It was such a great feeling!
I really kicked myself because I am supposed to run a 5k on February 12 but due to my lack of training the past couple weeks, I am worried that I won't be ready. I am still going to participate, but I am hoping I can run the entire thing!
Writing in this blog, made me want to start a more personal blog that details events in my life. You can check it out at http://newlywedexperiment.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Week 5
This week was a blah week. I feel that once I fix one problem (shin splints-with the help of different shoes) I develop a different problem. I have started getting a side stitch on my right side under my rib cage which, at times, has forced me to stop running and take a breather. While I know I could keep running, it is disappointing that I am sometimes forced to stop. I am also disappointed because I build up momentum and, when I stop, it is hard to gain that momentum back.
I have done some research on side stitches and have found that I need to work my core muscles more (crunches, ugh!) and work on my breathing while I run. Wish me luck!
I am interested to see how this week goes because on my third day, I will essentially be running the full 30 min! YIKES!
I have discovered a new website that makes it easy to track how much I eat and I can create loops to see how far I run each time.
LIVESTRONG Loops
Wish me luck for the upcoming week!
I have done some research on side stitches and have found that I need to work my core muscles more (crunches, ugh!) and work on my breathing while I run. Wish me luck!
I am interested to see how this week goes because on my third day, I will essentially be running the full 30 min! YIKES!
I have discovered a new website that makes it easy to track how much I eat and I can create loops to see how far I run each time.
LIVESTRONG Loops
Wish me luck for the upcoming week!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Week 4
Just got back from the best run I have had to date. I was really worried how today was going to go based on my past two runs this week. The first one I decided to do on a track and did terribly. The second run, I did on a treadmill in a hotel fitness room and did really well, but chalked it up to using a treadmill which was propelling me. In addition to the previous run, my family had a whirlwind three day weekend to visit family in Wisconsin and when we got back I was pretty exhausted, tired, cranky, etc. from the trip. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled to get out and run after we just got back but forced myself to do it and so glad I did!
Running, for me, has become a method of clearing my mind and it is something that is mine, completely my own! I understand the motivation and accountability that comes from running with a group or another person; however, when I run on my own, I don't feel pressure to go a certain pace. Running, for me, reminds me of the part in What Women Want, when the advertising firm is enlisted to develop an ad for Nike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyO6ayCb5rE&feature=related
Meanwhile, on a more personal note, I thought I would share some experiences from the past year, and what I hope to accomplish in 2011.
2010 may have been one of the most emotional years I have experienced. Emotions ranging from excitement to anger, passion to love, exhaustion to full of life. I have learned that as much as I plan, life will not always follow accordingly. I also learned only I am in control of what happens to my life.
With that said, this year will be like any other!
1. I will become the healthiest I have been in a long time. It is time for me to embrace the body and life God has given me to the fullest extent.
2. I will make things happen for myself.
3. I will stop being critical of others and stop obsessing over things that I have no control over.
I am sure, along the way, I will have a few slip-ups and I am OK with mistakes. All I can hope for, is that I am in a better place next year, than I am this year!
Running, for me, has become a method of clearing my mind and it is something that is mine, completely my own! I understand the motivation and accountability that comes from running with a group or another person; however, when I run on my own, I don't feel pressure to go a certain pace. Running, for me, reminds me of the part in What Women Want, when the advertising firm is enlisted to develop an ad for Nike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyO6ayCb5rE&feature=related
Meanwhile, on a more personal note, I thought I would share some experiences from the past year, and what I hope to accomplish in 2011.
2010 may have been one of the most emotional years I have experienced. Emotions ranging from excitement to anger, passion to love, exhaustion to full of life. I have learned that as much as I plan, life will not always follow accordingly. I also learned only I am in control of what happens to my life.
With that said, this year will be like any other!
1. I will become the healthiest I have been in a long time. It is time for me to embrace the body and life God has given me to the fullest extent.
2. I will make things happen for myself.
3. I will stop being critical of others and stop obsessing over things that I have no control over.
I am sure, along the way, I will have a few slip-ups and I am OK with mistakes. All I can hope for, is that I am in a better place next year, than I am this year!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Week 3
I didn't let Christmas festivities get the best of me. Or I should say, my husband wouldn't let the Christmas festivities get the best of me! The way my schedule fell, I had to run one of my days on Christmas Day. It wasn't so much the fact that I had to run on Christmas, it was the fact that it was raining/sleeting, windy, and it Christmas that made me not want to run. But, alas, my husband was my trainer, supporter, and the make-me-doer! I am very thankful for him!
I am really starting to see how this plan works. Every day, I get a little less winded and can run a little further/longer, than the last. I think all of my failed attempts at running, before, were due to me just starting to run and pushing myself too hard and by the end of it, I would feel so exhausted worn out that I would just stop all together. Now, I am actually starting to enjoy the feeling that running gives me. While I am worn out at the end of it, I have a renewed energy. I also noticed, that during this holiday season, I didn't eat as much junk as I have in the past. (The operative phrase being "as much." Trust me, I still had my fair share.)
I am really starting to see how this plan works. Every day, I get a little less winded and can run a little further/longer, than the last. I think all of my failed attempts at running, before, were due to me just starting to run and pushing myself too hard and by the end of it, I would feel so exhausted worn out that I would just stop all together. Now, I am actually starting to enjoy the feeling that running gives me. While I am worn out at the end of it, I have a renewed energy. I also noticed, that during this holiday season, I didn't eat as much junk as I have in the past. (The operative phrase being "as much." Trust me, I still had my fair share.)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Week 2
Sorry for the delay in post. Both my husband I and I seemed to contract some sort of stomach bug and were completely useless on Sunday and part of yesterday.
I devised a training scheduled based on research I did regarding training for both a 5k and the half marathon.
Link to Schedule: C:\Users\murphyer\Desktop\Half Marathon Training Schedule.htm
While this is titled "Week 2" I have only completed Week 1 on the schedule. Since it was unbearably cold, I ran on an indoor track, which was awful! However, the weather and climate on my third day of running allowed me to run outside which I enjoyed much more!
The first couple days were a little rough, but by the time my third day came around, I wasn't getting as winded as easily. The only struggle I was having was shin splints! I felt that I could run in longer increments if it wasn't for the muscle pain. I did some research and besides stretching and post-running icing, I read that arch supports would help a lot and an investment in a good pair of running shoes. Since finances are a little tight with us right now, I think I will get a pair of arch supports until I run my first 5k and then invest in some running shoes.
If anyone else has some advice for preventing shin splints, I am all ears!
Since I was sick yesterday and am feeling much better today, I need to adjust my training schedule for the week and start running today.
I devised a training scheduled based on research I did regarding training for both a 5k and the half marathon.
Link to Schedule: C:\Users\murphyer\Desktop\Half Marathon Training Schedule.htm
While this is titled "Week 2" I have only completed Week 1 on the schedule. Since it was unbearably cold, I ran on an indoor track, which was awful! However, the weather and climate on my third day of running allowed me to run outside which I enjoyed much more!
The first couple days were a little rough, but by the time my third day came around, I wasn't getting as winded as easily. The only struggle I was having was shin splints! I felt that I could run in longer increments if it wasn't for the muscle pain. I did some research and besides stretching and post-running icing, I read that arch supports would help a lot and an investment in a good pair of running shoes. Since finances are a little tight with us right now, I think I will get a pair of arch supports until I run my first 5k and then invest in some running shoes.
If anyone else has some advice for preventing shin splints, I am all ears!
Since I was sick yesterday and am feeling much better today, I need to adjust my training schedule for the week and start running today.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Week 1
I have decided that the best way for me to consistently write in this is for me to do it weekly on Sunday evenings. If I write more, great, if not, at least I will be doing the minimum of weekly.
This week I somewhat started my training process. From the research I have done regarding training for a half marathon, all the schedules have individuals starting at a minimum of 3 miles. Well, I am not even to that point. Instead, I have decided to train as if I was trying for a 5k and found this handy, dandy schedule:
The Couch-to-5k Running Plan
Obviously, my long term goal is to run a half marathon by the beginning of May, but I think it is important to establish some short-term goals along the way. In order to have something more immediate to work towards, I have decided on running my first 5k at the end of January/beginning of February just depending on what is available that time of year! Once I have accomplished that goal, I would like to find a 10k to run towards the end of March, and then consistently train for the half!
Once I have a more concrete schedule of races, I will post my complete training and race schedule!
This weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. My good friend, WH, was diagnoses with this a few years ago and it is something dear to her heart. She asked a group of us to participate in this with her back in September and I immediately jumped at the chance. While our group walked and enjoyed the time together, it was very inspiring and motivating to see all the runners as well. It just made me more excited to embark on this journey. Also, the more I discuss this with friends and family, the more excited I get and they become as well. It is great to know that I will have an overflowing amount of support during this exciting time!
This week I somewhat started my training process. From the research I have done regarding training for a half marathon, all the schedules have individuals starting at a minimum of 3 miles. Well, I am not even to that point. Instead, I have decided to train as if I was trying for a 5k and found this handy, dandy schedule:
The Couch-to-5k Running Plan
Obviously, my long term goal is to run a half marathon by the beginning of May, but I think it is important to establish some short-term goals along the way. In order to have something more immediate to work towards, I have decided on running my first 5k at the end of January/beginning of February just depending on what is available that time of year! Once I have accomplished that goal, I would like to find a 10k to run towards the end of March, and then consistently train for the half!
Once I have a more concrete schedule of races, I will post my complete training and race schedule!
This weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. My good friend, WH, was diagnoses with this a few years ago and it is something dear to her heart. She asked a group of us to participate in this with her back in September and I immediately jumped at the chance. While our group walked and enjoyed the time together, it was very inspiring and motivating to see all the runners as well. It just made me more excited to embark on this journey. Also, the more I discuss this with friends and family, the more excited I get and they become as well. It is great to know that I will have an overflowing amount of support during this exciting time!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Beginning
Running has never been something I have been particularly good at or had an interest in. In high school, I never understood the appeal of being on the track or cross country team-all you ever did was run. When you practiced you ran and when you competed, you ran. There was no variety for me. Now, I did run, to keep in shape, but that was strictly it-and it was at most, maybe 3 miles.
College came around, and my running efforts went out the window. I did, however, continue to stay in moderate shape by participating in intramurals and having an overall active lifestyle. As college continued, I became more and more stagnant, drank more beer, and was completely useless after such consumption!
Now, here I am, 24, and in the worst shape I have ever been in while I should be in the best shape I will ever be in and I am confident I can get to that point. I have been inspired by a good friend of mine who, spontaneously, last year decided to run the Kansas City Half Marathon. She had never been a runner before and it seemed as though something lit a fire under her and she got the motivation and determination to just do "it."
There are several reasons why I want to do this and there inevitable bi products from this as well.
-The camaraderie that is felt among a group of runners who have accomplished something that not everyone is able to accomplish astounds me.
-The people I know who consistently run are consistently in great shape.
-My husband and I are planning to start having children in a few years and I want to be in great shape for when that happens. I want to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Talk about advanced planning!
-Lastly, the ability to say that I have ran a half marathon (I could care less about the full) would allow me to cross one more thing off my "Bucket List."
So, come May 7, 2011 I will be participating in the Door County Half Marathon with my good friend, VM. Door County has always had a special place in my heart. My grandparents have a summer house there, and there are very few summers that I don't remember going there. When I was up this summer, I read an article about it, told my friend about it, and she is pumped to do it and has been my biggest supporter and will continue to be. So I said, why not? If I am going to run my first half marathon, is there a more perfect place than the place that gives me so much peace and relaxation?
http://www.doorcountyhalfmarathon.com/
So I am asking you, as my readers and followers, to give words of encouragement and advice, as I expect the next five months to have its fair share of ups and downs.
Let the journey begin!
College came around, and my running efforts went out the window. I did, however, continue to stay in moderate shape by participating in intramurals and having an overall active lifestyle. As college continued, I became more and more stagnant, drank more beer, and was completely useless after such consumption!
Now, here I am, 24, and in the worst shape I have ever been in while I should be in the best shape I will ever be in and I am confident I can get to that point. I have been inspired by a good friend of mine who, spontaneously, last year decided to run the Kansas City Half Marathon. She had never been a runner before and it seemed as though something lit a fire under her and she got the motivation and determination to just do "it."
There are several reasons why I want to do this and there inevitable bi products from this as well.
-The camaraderie that is felt among a group of runners who have accomplished something that not everyone is able to accomplish astounds me.
-The people I know who consistently run are consistently in great shape.
-My husband and I are planning to start having children in a few years and I want to be in great shape for when that happens. I want to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Talk about advanced planning!
-Lastly, the ability to say that I have ran a half marathon (I could care less about the full) would allow me to cross one more thing off my "Bucket List."
So, come May 7, 2011 I will be participating in the Door County Half Marathon with my good friend, VM. Door County has always had a special place in my heart. My grandparents have a summer house there, and there are very few summers that I don't remember going there. When I was up this summer, I read an article about it, told my friend about it, and she is pumped to do it and has been my biggest supporter and will continue to be. So I said, why not? If I am going to run my first half marathon, is there a more perfect place than the place that gives me so much peace and relaxation?
http://www.doorcountyhalfmarathon.com/
So I am asking you, as my readers and followers, to give words of encouragement and advice, as I expect the next five months to have its fair share of ups and downs.
Let the journey begin!
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