Before I start babbling about my workout this morning, I'd really like to thank my parental units, and my three BFFs (Gerald, Jestein and Jami) for really giving me the motivational push that I needed yesterday and today. Sunday's run, although I ran most of it, didn't give me that "runners' high" from the first time I ran 5K. Truth is, while I was able to run 5K 3 times within a matter of 3 days, the "real life" conditions of the world outside of the gym were a lot to handle. Firstly, the varying elevations of the road clearly weren't comparable to a smooth treadmill surface. Secondly, my asthma partially rears its ugly head outside whereas inside, running is a breeze. (My allergist once told me I should live in a bubble.) blah, blah, blah.
So, after Sunday's run, I started getting anxious and doubting my abilities to measure up to my training schedule's weekly expectations....10.5 miles in 9 weeks? 26.2 miles in 6 months? Heck, I can barely run 4 miles now. But with a trusty set of good friends and parents, I was convinced that, with work, my goals are all reasonable. I can do it! Right now, my confidence in that affirmation is shaky at best, but either way...I'm gonna keep waking up at 5 am and bust it out so I can get close to my goal. Or...ride that bad boy like a pony!
I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.
Now that I've addressed the most important topic...my workout this morning (mad-dog trainer assisted)...I completed a solid run. The whole time I ran, my trainer would manually increase or reduce the incline and speed. She was very clear that, while the treadmill is good, you have to make it work for you...enabling you to get a feel for what to expect when pounding the pavement. Man, I feel great. That high...it's baaaaaaack! Each time I prove to myself that I can do what previously seemed impossible, it makes me want to go farther...pushing myself and my self-imposed limits closer and closer to the edge. And to just think- this is only the beginning.
After the 45 minute run, and just as I thought the workout was over, I was pushed along to the next set of exercises...all things abs. The previous weeks of daily ab workouts definitely prepared me for today, cause I'm not in pain like I expected. Shoulda kept my fat mouth shut when she asked me if I felt the burn. Let's just say that, according to her, tomorrow will be a different story! Ummm..... Never thought I'd hear myself saying this but...bring it on mad-dog trainer!
Ok...now we've reached the point where, if you'll let me, I'm gonna ramble on a lil' bit about how to prepare/test myself to reach March 20th, 2011 alive and running.
Now that I'm in this new relationship...with running...it's all I think about. I spend my evenings plotting and planning...my mornings in an awkward dance with the treadmill. Running is all I think about...all I talk about. Officially, it's called being obsessed. Blog-stalking has become my new hobby. Living vicariously through virtual people like the Running Fool, Jen, and M inspire me to keep going (Thanks ladies). Although they're waaaaaaaaaay ahead of me in this running game, I'm pushing/want to push myself to be a full-fledged member of "Club 26.2". I want a shiny piece of marathon swag to hang on my neck!
Blog stalking has me thinking of entering 5K's, 10K's and half marathons (13.1 miles)...so on my lunch break, I searched for local races taking place in the next few months. Here's what I've come up with:
September 4th (yes, that's right...this weekend): Bultfontein Boertjie Fees 5K
October 16th: Bloemwater Kovsie 10K
November 6th: Soweto City Half Marathon (13.1 miles)...this one is just too sexy to pass up! The route goes past Nelson Mandela's old house and Winne's current place of residence.
November 20th: Ficksburg Cherry Half Marathon (13.1 miles)...this one is close by and is part of a cherry festival...fresh cherries off the tree...nom nom nom! Went to the festival last year with friends and had a cherry-pickin' good time! Plus there are freshly made doughnuts and fries on a stick- delish!
So much to think about! A 5K this weekend...that I have to drive 2.5 hrs in order to get to...race starts at 7am? Well, I've done crazier things...
I'll keep you posted, but if you have any suggestions on which one(s) I should try out, speak up!
Until next time...keep it moving!
Yours in (5K this weekend?) training,
Dani
4 comments:
Hey, I started my running program by walking a quarter mile. You are well on your way. You'll soon get to the point where a few miles is the expected run. Anything less would be a waste of time. You're only one step away from increasing the length of your last run. The 1/2 marathon through Soweto sounds incredible. What a great target to reach while going after your goal.
I had actually been wondering what would happen when you left the treadmill - didn't you run outside with your roommate though? But then, I can't run on treadmills. I fell off one when I was a kid and... yeah. So anyway - GO YOU! :-)
Friends and family are definitely the most important part of continuing training. Which is probably why, like you, I'm an addicted blog stalker. I love your positive attitude about your trainer - gotta love how endorphins mess up our brains, right? :-p
I say - go for the 5k! Waking up early is a reality of races and the feeling of having succeeded in a race will be SO motivating. I think a 10k makes sense as well. The Nov 6th Half sounds amazing! Actually, cherries sound awesome too - but I don't know if I would do 2 significant distance races in one month - maybe your trainer would have input on that. But - fries on a stick? Do you mean like french fries? On a stick? You need to clarify this, please - anything french fries must be expounded upon :-D
Keep up the amazing work!
@ Dave: Thanks for the encouragement! I've had my eye on the Soweto marathon for a while...and you see how that went. With training and being smart, I'll hopefully be ready for the 1/2 by November.
@ Michal, as I blog stalk, it seems as though everyone is accustomed to the early, early morning races. I'd probably have to leave at 4 am to get there in time to register, etc.
Mad-dog trainer...she's awesome. She pushes/challenges and motivates me. I love it! I try my best to keep a positive attitude about this whole learning how to be a runner thing...the endorphins I'm sure!
Don't worry...I'm in no way interested in doing more than one race in a month...especially not two 1/2 marathons...that's why I need your input! Fresh cherries or Nelson Mandela? Hmmm....
The fries on a stick...a whole potato, skinned and cut like a curly-cue...and a stick up the middle...deep fried to seal in the potato goodness and sprinkled with various seasonings. D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
That's it...I have a new goal in my life: find this French Fry On A Stick. You inspire me.... although apparently not always in the right ways :-p
Cherries or Mandela? It sounds like you can go to the Cherry Festival without the race... I think Mandela would be SO inspiring. But this is without looking at the race course, etc. That aside, Mandela is my pick.
You are awesome! Keep it up :-)
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