Pounding heart, burning legs, screaming lungs. I must be out on a long and difficult run, right? Wrong. Dead wrong. This is like 3/4 mile into today's 3 mile "run." I can't even begin to describe how disheartening today's little jaunt was. It's one of those days where the weather was just perfect. It was in the high 60's, perfect blue sky, a little breeze, and just really refreshing. It's the kind of day that just makes you want to run. I suited up, popped in my earbuds, and hit the road. I quickly wanted to turn it around and head back to the Y to call it a day. How can one go from 5-6 mile runs several times a week to barely being able to run a mile? Pathetic. It took everything in me to keep from quitting and being completely discouraged. I kept telling myself that I'll get back there if I just keep at it. I've been here before. I went from non-runner to runner and I know it's possible. It's just not easy.
So a few rules to remember when you start running (these are my rules.....for more rules from Active.com, click here) :
1. It's not easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it. It's supposed to "hurt" just a little bit. That hurt is what makes you stronger.
2. Don't increase mileage too quickly. Just because at one point you were running 25 miles per week, you shouldn't jump in and start running 4 miles a day. Slow and steady. Don't increase your mileage by more than 10% each week.
3. Consistency is key. If you ran a mile today, don't wait until next week for your next run. Get in a few runs each week.
4. It's okay to take walk breaks. In fact, it's encouraged. Jeff Galloway teaches that walk breaks are the best way to train and run a marathon. You can actually reduce your overall run time by taking walk breaks....go figure!
5. STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!
Until next time...
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I like your Rule#1. It reminds me of what a trainer at this Y here always says in Spin class: "It's about being outside of your comfort zone and being OK with it." You GO!
ReplyDeleteI have made the commitment to start training but that is as far as I have been able to go (I am blaming the kids for this one). And I KNOW I am going to be feeling the same way once I get going. I am starting slow... like level 0 slow. And I am trying to find an inner peace with just getting out and doing it PERIOD, no matter how far my trot goes from one day to the next. Half a block? Peace with that. 1/4 of a block? It's still cool, I got off my butt and at least did that. GOOD LUCK to you, and I am excited to be 'virtually' training along with you!
ReplyDeleteIt's so true!
ReplyDeleteJust be consistent and you'll get it...you've got the right attitude!! Thanks for following along and I hope that this helps us all stay motivated!
ReplyDelete