Tuesday, March 31, 2009

More Running Than I Thought Possible...

Have I mentioned I have a dream of being a fantastic runner?? Well I do. I think I REALLY just have a dream of having a runner's body...but hey...I'm sure they got that body from running, right?

I was very active in high school, playing volleyball, basketball, and running track (and when I say running...I mean throwing...and really I mean just leaving practice early to go get slurpies and some pizza!) so you wouldn't think this running thing would be do difficult for me. Well you'd be wrong! I'm super slow and I've never run more than a mile in my life...and that was just when I was forced to run them in gym class.


First I thought...set a goal. So my goal is to run a 5K sometime this year.

Second I thought...figure out your training plan. I went to the Internet and found two 8-week programs. The first one is for beginning runners and the second one is for people who can already run about 2 miles and are training for a 5K.

Third I thought...do it! I'm on my third week of training...
I do all of my training in 30 minute increments (so this has equaled out to me doing these sequences 4 times).

Week 1: Walk 6 minutes, run 1 minute (repeat); do three times a week
This week was fairly simple. I have already been running off and on for about a year (not in long increments mind you) but a minute I can handle.

Week 2: Walk 5 minutes, run 2 minutes (repeat); do three times a week
I admit this was a little bit harder. I truly felt like this week was going to be it for me. I couldn't believe how tired my body got from just running two minutes at a time!

Week 3: Walk 3 minutes, run 4 minutes (repeat); do four times a week
I have feared this week since I saw the training program. It is a jump from running 8 out of 30 minutes to running 16! Um...what??
But I am so crazy excited to tell you...that yesterday....I actually did it! I literally almost puked one time...but I never stopped! I am so not looking forward to the next three times this week I have to do it...or the fact that next week I have to run even more....but I'm trying to focus right now on what I just did!

I know this doesn't seem like much to my running friends but it really is quite an accomplishment for me. Y'all are such an inspiration and I really love reading about all of your training. Maybe someday...you'll read about mine!

20 comments:

Shaina said...

Ahh I'm so proud of you! You can totally do it. I never thought I'd be able to run more than a mile - well, hell, I never really thought I'd be able to run A MILE! But now I can eke out 2 miles on the treadmill. Of course...I attempted 2 miles outside yesterday, and there were inclines involved, and I nearly died three times. But what can you do.

d.a.r. said...

I am so proud of you!!! That is really amazing!! :)

Kayla said...

Congrats! I've really wanted to start running more. I actually did a few days in a row, but with the weather and work...I just kind of stopped. Now, you've made me want to start back :) Thanks! When you were on your run part of that, how fast were you going?

Emily said...

I like the way your training plan sounds, keep it up and I am sure it will pay off! Go girl!

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

You sound like me! I have such a hard time running! I don't know why. But maybe if I had a plan like that, I could stick to it!

Lindsey said...

Good for you!!! I am so proud of you, you are rocking it!!

Dollface said...

Thats awesome. My boyfriend runs marathons and I have no idea how people do it. I cannot even run for more than 5 mins on a treadmill. But you have to find something you love doing. Personally, I like spinning and the bike. Good luck!.... xoxo

Lucy Marie said...

Congratulations! What an accomplishment. I just stumbled across your blog today and I've enjoyed reading a few posts.

5th Belle Avenue said...

That's sooo amazing, congratulations!! I'm with you, I love the whole idea of being a runner and would love love LOVE to get into the routine of it. You're inspiring! Can't wait to hear how the next few weeks go!

Megan said...

Good idea with the training plan!

Megan said...

p.s. I am addicted to this website: http://www.runnersworld.com/

Jane said...

I need to get back on my game, thanks for the inspiration!

Baker's Cakes said...

Lucky, I've totally been feeling like I've been in a slump for the past couple of weeks! Your enthusiasm is inspiring me to get out there (or in here sometimes) and go! Thanks so much!!! I really needed the kick in the pants! danielle

mandy rose said...

WOW!! Awesome...you go girl! Can you pass along some of your motivation? haha!

The Shabby Princess said...

Whatever girl, that's awesome! I was a hardcore runner in college and then burned out and did not run more than maybe 1 time a month for 4 years. Years! Then, I decided that I wanted to lose weight and get in shape and started running after work--and I admit, it was freaking hard. Not only was a running at what would have been my speedwalking pace 4 years earlier, but, I was totally winded. It took a long time to get where I am now (which isn't exactly great), but, stick to it. You'll be amazed at how quickly your body will adapt.

Way to go for starting a progam and setting goals!!

Unknown said...

I'm jealous. I've always wanted to be a runner too, but I just can't (bad knees). Good luck and keep up the good work!

jlc said...

Awesome job!!!!


PS Turtles are awesome too. ;)

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

that's awesome! i always used to say i'd huff and puff just jogging down the driveway to the mailbox and then I started running (with a lot of walking at first too=)) with Hubby and worked up to being able to run 5 miles before BabyBoy was born. i am soo far away from that right now =) awesome job, work it girl!

Elyse said...

This sounds like a great running plan! I'm like you: I want so badly to run, but it's hard!! I'm not a natural runner by any means, and I never have been. However, this year, I started out much like you are, and I ended up running a half marathon!! You can do this!! Interval training is the best!

Laura said...

Hell ya and good for you. I totally understand your pain as I was a dancer growing up, never a runner. I think I can do 3 minutes running and 1 minute walking (without throwing up). See now I will try and be like you. Love your blog!