Welcome to MY TRAINING JOURNAL!
WHY A HALF MARATHON?
Second week in October was a week break from school. I determined that I was going to get in shape. I began running and eating healthy. I felt great. Three weeks into October, I was going strong (meaning I exercised at least twice a week and managed to avoid large amounts of junk food). By week 4 - yes Halloween - things began to unravel. Work was busy. Junk food was everywhere. How could I resist? Thus, the great "lifestyle change" I was making went to kaput. It was back to putting everything else first and my own health last.
Fast forward to the second week in October. For three weeks now I’ve wanted to get out an exercise and just haven’t gotten to it. At the beginning of the week, I’m out in East Mesa and see a sign for the Phoenix Marathon. Later that same week, my friend tells me she wants to run and marathon and we entertain the idea of running one together. Fast forward again to last Sunday (November 20th). I wake up and decide it’s going to happen. So I sign up and there you go. I’m running a half marathon in Sedona on February 4th.
WEEK 1 - NOVEMBER 21st-26th
Running Schedule Week 1:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
3 Rest 3 3 Rest 4 Rest 13
3 Rest Rest 6.2 Rest 3 Rest 12.2
Running Actual Week 1:
Monday - You'd think that I'd learn, if I don't run in the morning, it's hard to make happen. Years, yes, YEARS, of experience has taught me that. It's was a classic case, but I refused to succomb. I felt too exhausted to wake up at 5 am. I just hadn't gone to bed early enough. So, the plan was to come home right after work and get to running. That plan was usurped by the fact that I needed to grade papers and didn't head home until 6 pm (breaking my planned schedule twice in one day was a definite step in the wrong direction). By the time I finished prepping the dinner I was assigned to bring to the church activity, I had only about 30 minutes to run before I was technically suppose to leave.
I ran up to the Greenbelt by my house. It was a beautiful night for a run, however, I'm think running along a golf course in the dark may call for some pepper spray for security - just in case. It was a run/walk combo, but in the end, I ran more than half of it. I pushed hard not to give up. Each light pole became encore "...if i just make it there," I told myself about a million times.
I felt so healthy! This running is going to be great!
Wednesday - Thanksgiving prep. All plans for exercise fall through due to extensive friend/family evening plans. This time, the fact that I didn't get up early in the morning gets me.
Thursday - HAPPY TURKEY DAY! Sarah and I made matching t-shirts for the trot. I had registered online, so met up with the family just in time to set our things down and start the race - perhaps I should have stretched, but it was too late for that. By the time we rounded the corner, not far passed the finish line, I wondered if signing up was really a smart idea. For the first time, I realized the power of a running buddy. Katie and Hannah Nelson were next to me and since they weren't stopping, I wasn't either. I ran the first two miles straight through. The third miles was a walk/run combo. I ran almost all of the 4th mile (took a tinsy tiny walk on the last 1/4th mile), walked the fifth, walk/run combo for the 6th mile (although mostly running), and finished strong for the last .2 miles. I was actually surpirsed at how strong I was able to finish. Until that moment, I thought I had exerted every bit of energy I had. My legs were tired. The arches in my feet, not happy. But there I was, charging down the path, passing the people next to me as I sprinted towards the finish line. My family was there waiting to greet me. What a great moment!
It made me so excited for the upcoming half marathon. First, I loved the feeling of my abs and legs and full body engagement during the run. I spent about half the race thinking of how I would eat chicken, lettuce, and veggies, swearing off all junk food forever because I felt so healthy. Secondly, it was exhilirating to push myself -mind over matter. I've never been so close to bursting into tears as when these random strangers of the sideline were cheering us on during the 6th mile. Physical exhaustion brings us all closer together. In the end, I'm so excited for the feeling of conquering the half marathon!
Friday - Does Black Friday shopping from midnight to 3:30 count for anything? I bought a pair of running shoes and an Ipod today. The only other thing I think I might need is a tracking device that can tell me how far I've run.
Saturday - Wooo....the arches of my feet still are not super happy. I could feel the slowness of my muscles as I started, but they loosened up as I went. I made it about 1/4th mile before entertaining thoughts of walking. I pushed through and felt strong towards the middle of the first mile. I can do this! Well, I thought I could. I ran about 1 1/4 miles before I finally walked. The remainder of my 3 miles was a walk/run combo....once again, I was able to finish strong and push myself harder than I thought. Perhaps, I have a small guilty bone for not pushing harder, but I'm working up towards it. I'm wondering if I should add an extra mile to my runs each day. So, thinking I'll do my normal training in the AM and then add a 1 mile jog in the evenings just to catch up on my strength and make sure I'm in shape in time.
WEEK 2 - NOVEMBER 28th-DECEMBER 3rd
Running Schedule Week 2:
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
3 Rest 4 3 Rest 5 Rest 15
3.4 Rest 3 Rest Rest 5 +2.5 hike Rest 11.4 + 2.5 Hike = 13.9 --Fell short of my goal!
Running Actual Week 2:
MONDAY - In the words of Brittany Spears (although I'm not sure it's really proper to quote her -oh well), "I'm stronger than yesterday." Yes, that song actually went through my head while I was running today. I still need to get new running shoes to pamper my little feet, but other than that, running was great today. I tried out my new IPOD Nano. Yep, it worked and was great. It has this lovely app on it that tells me when I've hit each mile. Additionaly, I listened to the radio while running today. Shout-out for KBAQ 89.5 F (see website here) for providing the tunes for tonight's venture. Running to classical music was super relaxing.
PS - I may have recruited another marathon runner for our Sedona trip. I'd seen one of the girl's from church at the Turkey Trot on Thursday and brought it up with her on Sunday. I have found a real running enthusiast here. She said she ran like 20 miles on Saturday and is working to qualify for the Boston Marathon. We talked for quite some time and she recommended I read Born To Run and raved about Nike Free running shoes (which apparently the company recommends using for shorter runs, but she uses for longer runs well). I may hold off on those shoes, but my curiosity is completely peaked, so no promises there.
WEDNESDAY - Ran with my roommate, Amy, at like 9:30 at night. It was a slow run because we talked the entire way, but for the first time in a while, I enjoyed having a buddy to run with. Normally, I feel somewhat conscentious of the fact that I am out of shape and don't feel like I can keep up with a running buddy. This time, it was great and kept me motivated to keep going during my weak moments.
FRIDAY - Oh no! I missed yesterday and ran out of time today. I'm going to have to work on this a little better.
SATURDAY - Do I have knees anymore? I'm not sure because they sure feel like giving out after hiking up Camelback Mountain with a group of friends. Don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful hike, but wow! after 5 miles, it was more than I was used to doing in one day.
On the bright side, I feel SUPER GREAT! I think my arms are getting skinner :) YES!
In addition, I spent the last half mile of my run practicing sprint starts. I loved the intensity that offered. I got the idea from my aunt who suggested that speed training is a great alternative to running long miles, but still preparing you for a marathon. So, I decided to give it a whirl at the end. I'll have to look up online what some more speed training activities are.
WEEK 3 - DECEMBER 5th - 10th
Running Schedule Week 3:Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
3 Rest 4 3 Rest 6 Rest 16
3 Rest Rest 4 Rest 6 Rest 13
I had a cold this week and it sure amplified the difficulty of running. Up to this point, I have been in awe at how amazing the human body is. I was surprised at how much I could do and how great it felt. All that was out the window this week....
Running Actual Weed 3
MONDAY - Having outdone myself on Saturday, I ran my three miles, but felt exhausted. My feet were hurting. I think I pushed too much with the long run and hike on Saturday.
WEDNESDAY - I missed running on Wednesday, although I cannot recall why (I'm not writing this update at the end of week 4).
THURSDAY - I determined that I'd make up for a little lost time tonight. So, I left from my house and cruised on down the Green Belt. I didn't walk much, but my body felt very tired at certain points. Nevertheless, I made it four miles! On a side note, the Greent Belt has a frisbee golf course on it. I saw a lot of men out playing with their buddies, but noticed that none of those groups had women in it. ...interesting.
SATURDAY - I spent 3 hours in Roadrunner Sports trying on shoes and inserts. Initially the store did an analysis of my feet. Turns out I need a stability shoe. The salesman, Brandon, brought out 3 pairs he recommended. I proceeded to try on like 8 pairs. With each pair, I had to try out the generic inserts and some they'd custom made during my fitting to see which worked best. I'd try them on and then run on the sidewalk outside the store each time. In the end, I bought this pair of shoes (shown below) and the generic brand of inserts to help my arch out ($40, as opposed to $80 for the ones they custom fit to you....hope that was a good decision. Only time will tell).
When I finally got home, it was time to take these beauties for their maiden voyage. Once I started, though, it seemed like every muscle in my body was made of steel - tight and unbending. I pushed through for about a mile before I gave up on the idea of running the entire way. I felt devoid of any energy and at some point my arches started hurting again. I stretched a little and then walked for a good 1.5 miles trying to loosen up. I decided if I got that far, I'd force myself to run back. So, I did, but it wasn't super pleasant. I was scheduled for 6 miles, but had plans with a friend that afternoon. When I got home, those plans fell through and I finsihed up my last mile around the neighborhood (yes, I ran that one). Thus, those 6 miles listed above cannot all be considered "running" but I'm hoping the fact that I still went the distance will still help me along the way.
My sister later advised me that I should have never run the entire way in new shoes. Apparantly I needed to break them in by wearing them around a few times first.
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
3 Rest 5 3 Rest 8 Rest 19
Rest Rest Rest 2 Rest 8 Rest 10
Running Actual Week 4:
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
It's the last week of school before winter break. Between trying to finish grading papers, talking to parents who are desparate to pull their kids grades up before the semester, and handling a few cheating situations, I'm pooped, emotionally drained and stressed out. I'd probably chalk it up to the worst week of teaching ever. In retrospect, I think some of the stress and worry was just put on by myself. I'll definitely handle things differently next time. At a time like this, you'd think running would be the most important outlet for me, but I was getting home so late and then had other things on my plate. So, unfortunately, running was put to the bottom of the list.
THURSDAY
I finally made it out to run today. WOW! I needed that stress relief. I was scheduled to run 3 miles, but I figured I'd go longer since I was already 8 miles behind for the week and hadn't met my goal last week either. My feet were ok this time, but about 1 mile into the run, my knee started hurting. It was a dull pain and not very strong, but I did not want to risk an injury. So, I walked home and in the end, finished with just over 2 miles in distance. Yes, I only ran for 1 mile today.
SATURDAY
I slept it quite late, finally emerged from my room about 11 am, and did who knows what for the rest of the afternoon. See my normal blog for the fun baptism cupcakes I decorated. That was about all I accomplished until 4:30 when I had to leave for a baptism in my ward. When I finally got home at 7, I was faced with a familiar dilema: Run in the dark or be safe?
I chose option C. Time for a gym membership. I've cancelled out my gym memberships before because I enjoy running around my neighborhood better, but with it getting dark so early in the winter, it seems like my only option. I signed up for a free trial at 24-hour Fitness where I've gone before. My only hesitancy is that it's a bit of a drive from my house. I'm going to look around to see if there's anything closer before I sign on.
As far as the running goes, after I pushed through the first mile, it wasn't so bad. I completed the first 3 miles relatively strong. (Stop for drink). Next 3 miles went ok. I was getting tired by then though and my feet were getting sore. What's weird is that prior to getting my inserts, it seemed like my left foot hurt the worst. Now the left foot is fine, but my right is the one that flares up when it has issues. (Stop for drink). Next half mile, not an issue. The last mile and a half, my foot was killing. I ran some of it, I walked most of it. I was bummed about needed to walk, but once again, I feel good about completing the milage. I just kept reading he signs on the wall that read, "Exceed all Expectations" and "Conquer your goals". Thank heavens for motivational sayings. I finally finished up at 10:15 pm.
---------A break from the weekly run log to think about:
1) Sarah, my good friend and cohort for the half-marathon, has been having knee issues. We googled it on Friday night and now have some idea about the importance of cross-training to avoid runner's knee. I haven't done any cross-training yet, but wonder if that is why my knee bothered me the other day.
2) May I just say, that in gerneal, I have nice calf muscles. I owe that to my Dad. It's genetic. I didn't do anything to deserve them. I've noticed that it's feeling strong all the way through the knee area. (I like this, but once again it reinforces the idea that I should probably be cross-training to make sure my other leg muscles are becoming equally strong).
3) My favorite run days are the long run days. Those days make me feel skinny and accomplished :)
4) With my foot hurting less on Saturday until the end of my run, I'm wondering if my pain is a result of adding milage too quickly.
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WEEK 5 - DECEMBER 19th - 24th
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
3 Rest 5 3 Rest 10 Rest 21
3 Rest 1 - Rest - Rest 4
(This accountability thing is only fun when I was actually doing well.)
Running Actual Week 5:
It's my own fault for not getting up and getting things done. I had a lot of fun this last week. I HAVE to start running in the morning because I let myself get too busy throughout the week if I don't. Staying up late and sleeping in late, golfing, cooking, writing, and picking up other hobbies for break have been lovely, but enough is enough! I missed Monday of week #6 too (as you will see) because I was hanging out with my mom all day. Soo....starting today (Wednesday of week #6, I've got to vow to stay on track!).
On a better note: I received an awesome Christmas present from my cousin yesterday. She got me the book A Return to Virtue by Elain S. Dalton, to read while I finish up my training. Elain S. Dalton is the general Relief Society President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. She has run in 17 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. She parallels her training experience to things we go through in life. Click here to read more about the book or here to read a talk she wrote with the same title.
WEEK 6 - DECEMBER 26th - 31st
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
4 Rest 5 4 Rest 11 Rest 24
- Rest
STOP - REWIND! Turns out we're one week ahead of schedule. That means I get one more try at week #5 and with that, I'll be back on track for the race in February!
WEEK 5 (#2) - DECEMBER 26th - 31st
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
3 Rest 5 3 Rest 10 Rest 21
- Rest 5+ Rest 3 11 Rest 19 ++
MONDAY - Whew! It's hard to run when you haven't been doing it for a week or so. Nonetheless, I was determined to get out there and be on track today (see above posts). And I did it! I didn't have my iNano with me to track the miles, but I ran up to 3 major stop lights, approximately 1 mile apart, and then back again :)
WEDNESDAY - I ran approximately five miles. With walking (and using MapMyRUN) I figure I covered about 7 miles.
THURS - N/A
FRI - 3 miles (that I was suppose to do yesterday :) )
SATURDAY - YEAH! 11.75 miles (about .75-1.25 miles of that was walking towards the end). I feel very proud! Around mile 4-5, I was starving and had to stop at Circle K for a Special K bar. It was yummy and kept me going. I tried to go slower in the beginning so as not to use all my energy. I left around 6:45 and got back at 9:05 am (just in time to go on a cabin trip for New Years Eve!).
I feel excited for the half-marathon because I was able to do this so easily. I think having music is a HUGE help. It allows me to drown out the sound of my hard breathing and any aches my body might have and just push through. LOVE IT!
PS - Also went for a 4 mile walk with Sarah, my half-marathon buddy, later on in the day. That brings the daily total to 15ish.
WEEK 6 - JANUARY 2nd - 7th
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
4 Rest 5 4 Rest 11 Rest 24
4
Running Actual Week 6:
MONDAY - I decided it was time to start building something for the elevation change and hills we'll have in Sedona into my training. So, I decided today's run would occur on the Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain. Round-trip took about 2 hours and was 4.4 miles long. I probably only ran a little more than a mile of it because of how steep the mountain was on the way up and how unsure my footing was on the way down :) I feel the cross-training was good, however, I'm going to have to find some real hills (as opposed to mountains) to simulate the actual race we'll do in Sedona. Perhaps that is the one downside to living in AZ - where are all the hills???
And that was the last time I ran this week...or the next. The down side to posting my life on here is that people know when I don't meet my goals. Oh well. Now you know. Don't be too disappointed.
Skipping forward then:
WEEK 7 - JANUARY 8th - 14th
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
4 Rest 6 4 Rest 12 Rest 26
4 Rest 6??? 3 Rest 6 Rest
WEEK 8 - JANUARY 16th - 21st
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Total
4 Rest 5 4 Rest 9 Rest 22
12 Rest 0 0 0 5 Rest 17
All I can say is that this schedule thing is KILLER. I have such a hard time fitting it in. My sister asked me why I didn't wake up at 4:30 to do my running. Will I have to succumb to this?
On another note....My parents got me this (Nathan Speed 2 Energy Belt) for Christmas. I love it! My friends tease me for having a "fanny pack". I figured if I modeled how cool it was, they could no longer tease me. Eat your hearts out!
Please notice how small it is, leaving my hands free and my sides uninhibited for maximum running motion. Also, the lovely reflective wording provides an added measure of safety for nighttime running.
