Yesterday's workout was interesting. First I jumped on the elliptical machine, and did intervals while watching Charm School (that show makes me feel so *together*!) I was worried after my run while visiting the folks, but I did the half hour without any breathing problems. My S.O. showed up a tad earlier than I was expecting him, so after a short stretch and a water break we headed strait to the treadmills. His schedule was shifted later so we're hitting the gym right around the same time as everyone else now, which explains why all the machines were packed. We had to wait for machines, and got them one at a time. I hopped on first, and he managed to snag one a few minutes later.
I've been reading a lot of stuff on running, and training for runs, and I actually got a Runner's World Training Journal in the mail yesterday, so I've been thinking a lot about training for a run. So I decided to go for distance instead of time. I was trying to hit the 3 mile mark. I failed so badly. I ran for about 2 miles solid, the odometer on the treadmill showed a little over 2.5 when I got off, but that included my warm up and cool down. The other issue was that I've been running for 20 minutes consistently, so trying to push it past that 20 minute time limit felt almost impossible. I did manage to run for 25 minutes, but I really need to work on my distance.
I've been having trouble finding a training program that fits my fitness level. The Couch to 5K program seems a tad below my fitness level, but the next step up in the training sets requires you to be able to do 3 mile runs. Which I can't do with any consistency yet. So I'm just going to keep trying to up my distance until I can do the "pre-training" set recommended.
After yesterday morning's feeling of doom, I think I'm back on track. I let myself feel the whole range yesterday, and then made a conscious decision to put the hopelessness aside and reach for a new goal.
I'm spending a whole week up at my parents in a couple weeks, and I'm hoping by then to be able to run outside without the asthma being an issue (yay allergy medication!) My goal is to be able to run the loop I set out for us before, at a pace that allows my S.O. to actually get a workout.
For those of you who run, any training tips? And for those of you who don't, how do you train, and what do you train for?
7 comments:
I run but I'm terrible! My running fitness seems to drop off so easily. However that means I'm perfectly placed to give advice on pushing past the 20 minute mark, as I can't count the number of times I've had to redo it myself! If you've managed to push up to 25 then that's awesome progress, you should not beat yourself up about it, crazy lady. As long as you're moving further and longer with each run then it's all good. Even if you hit the same one time and can't go any further, just make sure you beat it next time you go. You'll be running comfortably for half an hour before you know it... then 40 minutes... then 50... then an hour! Consistent training and not giving up, that's all you need!
TA x
I thought I used to love running, but after a bit of honestly with myself I admitted that I find it boring and was only doing it because a lot of people do.
I much more enjoy intervals, which does have me running, but in smaller segments. I need those "hit it and quit it" workouts because the kids start harassing me if the workout gets too long.
Running is so tough! Doing 2 miles or 2.5 miles is great, though. You can work yourself up to 3 miles. A lot of it, I think, is the mental part. Do you have a friend who enjoys running? They can be useful running buddies to help push you to go just a little bit further.
- Sagan
You could totally just jump to the section on the C25k program where you feel like you fit in! Also, check out the Galloway Method! Proven method for faster times and less injury.
ps: my word verification for this comment is "buties".
Running is great. For me, a love hate relationship. It can be very tough on the bod so make sure you stretch a lot before and after and cross train. Meaning one day do the elliptical, one day run, one day spin etc. Thanks for visiting my site. Glad to see you are feeling more up today.
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TA- Thanks for the pep talk ^_^ I'm still trying to remind myself that progress is progress, even if it's 30 extra seconds.
Yum Yucky- Hey, whatever works right? I'll bet the intervals are better workouts too.
Sagan - Unfortunately, the only person who runs with me here where I live is my S.O. who has vastly longer legs and runs so very much faster than me. Poor guy is practically walking when he runs with me.
Casey - I have never heard of this Galloway method, I will now commence the research!
Kristi - I'll try to remember to cross train, I just always feel like a slacker if I don't run!
Question for you. Do you have the ability to run for 30min? If so, you may want to check out the One Hour Runner Program here: http://mindplunge.com/c25k/one-hour-runner.html.
I was a big couch potato before, so I started with the Couch to 5k program, then went on to One Hour Runner after that. Hope this helps.
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