Today's run was different ... I didn't think I was going to die - I actually liked running!
I began noticing a difference during my last two runs. Thursday of last week, J was out of town so I was left to run on my own, instead, I invited my granddaughter. I also switched the timing of my run. Run one minute - recover 3:15 for 10 intervals.
Since K was with me, I let her set the pace knowing she'd push me. She did, damn, the girl' 8 years old and I can't keep up with her; and it's NOT for lack of trying. I ran as fast as I could during four of the 10 intervals. It was awesome running so fast, it was also exhausting! The most interesting part was when I reached the last interval I decided to push for 12, sadly, by the end of the 11th interval I thought my legs were gonna collapse.
Notice I said legs? Normally I'm gasping for breath, which is all I focus on. Just breathing. That day it was different - I felt my legs - almost as if they were something new. After the 10th interval I was breathing effortlessly enough, I believed I could do more and loved the sound of 12. That is until I was about half way thru number 11 - what the hell happened? All of the sudden my legs felt heavy, burning, and like they just couldn't go another foot. I struggled through that last 30 seconds knowing that getting to 12 would be impossible. What a great feeling that was - I had run until my legs couldn't run anymore - my legs - that was big!
Saturday rolled around and with J still out of town I ran with K again, this time following my regular run shedule. Again, I felt my legs. Was I onto something? As we walked through our 6th recovery, I shared with K that this was my last day running at 1.5 minutes and that next week J and I were upping our run time to 2 minutes. Here we were almost finished with our run and I was feeling amazing - unbelievable. As my watch signaled the start of our 7th interval, impressed with how great I felt, I decided to go ahead and run a two minute interval just to see how it felt - it was fantastic! We finished the eight and headed home.
It's Monday:
We tagged today as the day we'd increase our run to 2 minutes and reduce our recovery to 3 minutes. Keeping with 8 intervals (2/3x8).
Since J had been running on asphalt while she was away she requested we run on dirt. Fine with me, it's much softer - hence easier. We shared our concerns with how this run might go. I suggested we just tell ourselves we only had to do six intervals, knowing full well we'd do them all. The first three went better than expected -- then we hit the dreaded 'Number Four'. As we trudged through, J asked 'how long' (she seldom asks that.) I breathlessly replied '1:40' and I couldn't belive my eyes - SHE stopped running. She NEVER stops running.
Being the good friend that I am, I stopped with her. lol. Yes, I could have kept going, but I saw no logical reason to run the extra 20 seconds when my friend needed me. Ok, fine, I took advantage of the chance to just walk. To be honest, like J, I was starting to lose it. It was a much needed relief and so what if we walked the extra 20 seconds; what's the big deal? Funny thing is, it was a big deal to both of us, in turn, making us determined to run the entire 8 intervals. (that we knew we were gonna run anyway)
As we continued, it seemed to get easier. Don't ask me why or how, but it did. I knew, without a doubt that I was over the hump. As my legs began to hurt during the last run of the day, it was that precise moment, when I felt for the first time that ... I liked running. It's taken me two months and lots of gasping for air to get here, but I'm here and that's what matters.
I like running!
I've mentioned previously that I want to love running - someday I will. For now, I'm beyond thrilled I can say I like it!
Run on - we are!!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It was 50% great ...
Monday's run that is. I started strong and felt fantastic through the first three intervals ... then 4 hit. Yes, H-I-T and it sucked wet twinkies. Interval four is usually a difficult one so it came as no surprise. What was a surprise was how wonderful I'd felt during the first three. I was worried about this run because I'd only ran once the previous week and to say that run was hell is an understatment! On top of that, J, being the totally committed friend that she is, chose to run without me last week. lol. Keep in mind that she's a stronger runner than I am and I missed two days last week. It's fair to say I was facing a few demons as I began my run on Monday.
It might also be important to further substantiate my fear by sharing another detail - we changed our interval time. Being committed to running as we are, we're on a scheduled program so that we adjust out run/walk time weekly (sort of). Our recovery walk had been at 5 minutes and we reduced it to 3.5.
Run 1.5/walk 3.5 for eight intervals. Sounds easy - sounds being the operative word!
With my last run being five days prior, I started out this run expecting to feel awful and to my amazement felt great! I felt like I was floating on air ... I could almost say I loved running ... then my bubble burst ... I hit interval four. I pushed thru knowing it meant I was half way through this run. I was consoled when J shared she'd was feeling the same way. We kept on and decided to loop back the last to intervals and found interval 7 to be as awe inspiring as the first three had been. We were thrilled! As we walked through our cool down we talked about how great four of the intervals had felt - feeling strong 50% of the time - I'll take that!!!
Note: we ran the trail at the park
Then There Was Day Two
I forgot to mention - in addition to the above noted change in time, we have also decided that we will run M,T, Th,S which means we will be running two days in a row once a week - plus adding an extra day. Go us. Saturdays will be our long run day, we'll be adding approximately 10% more distance each week to that day. So, back to day two of this week. This run was at the Greeway which is a beautiful place to run. I'm finding it's also more difficult and I think it's because it's asphalt opposed to the trail at the park. We've concluded that we need to run on asphalt since all the races, er, runs we'll be participating in will be on asphalt. So off we went.
It started out way different than the day before. We were hating it, in fact we both considered, though didn't admit to one another until interval four, that quitting during interval two had been a real consideration. I absolutely did NOT think I was going to make it. I was disappointed at how bad I felt and as I was sulking in my misery it occurred to me that perhaps the reason I felt so bad was because I was running for the second day in a row, which I hadn't done (in years). I also wondered if running on the asphalt was making a difference. To console myself I decided both of those reason were why I felt so bad. I trudged on. I was soooooooooo relived to hear J was feeling as bad as I was. However, really she wasn't - or - she just more committed than I am because I quit after a minute on our last interval, I just couldn't run another step. She went on and I have to say, is still running faster than I am. Even pushing the stroller - GO J!!!
I will say, in keeping with the 50%, once warmed up, three of the intervals felt ok yesterday (not exactly half, but close enough). I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run and to see how I feel. I'm hoping we run at the park because after two bad runs at the greenway, as beautiful as it is, I now dread it. Hmmm, makes me think that's exactly where we should go.
After thought: as 'bad' as a run may feel it's still a run -- therefore an accomplishment -- so I guess there really are no 'bad runs'. keep smiling ...
It might also be important to further substantiate my fear by sharing another detail - we changed our interval time. Being committed to running as we are, we're on a scheduled program so that we adjust out run/walk time weekly (sort of). Our recovery walk had been at 5 minutes and we reduced it to 3.5.
Run 1.5/walk 3.5 for eight intervals. Sounds easy - sounds being the operative word!
With my last run being five days prior, I started out this run expecting to feel awful and to my amazement felt great! I felt like I was floating on air ... I could almost say I loved running ... then my bubble burst ... I hit interval four. I pushed thru knowing it meant I was half way through this run. I was consoled when J shared she'd was feeling the same way. We kept on and decided to loop back the last to intervals and found interval 7 to be as awe inspiring as the first three had been. We were thrilled! As we walked through our cool down we talked about how great four of the intervals had felt - feeling strong 50% of the time - I'll take that!!!
Note: we ran the trail at the park
Then There Was Day Two
I forgot to mention - in addition to the above noted change in time, we have also decided that we will run M,T, Th,S which means we will be running two days in a row once a week - plus adding an extra day. Go us. Saturdays will be our long run day, we'll be adding approximately 10% more distance each week to that day. So, back to day two of this week. This run was at the Greeway which is a beautiful place to run. I'm finding it's also more difficult and I think it's because it's asphalt opposed to the trail at the park. We've concluded that we need to run on asphalt since all the races, er, runs we'll be participating in will be on asphalt. So off we went.
It started out way different than the day before. We were hating it, in fact we both considered, though didn't admit to one another until interval four, that quitting during interval two had been a real consideration. I absolutely did NOT think I was going to make it. I was disappointed at how bad I felt and as I was sulking in my misery it occurred to me that perhaps the reason I felt so bad was because I was running for the second day in a row, which I hadn't done (in years). I also wondered if running on the asphalt was making a difference. To console myself I decided both of those reason were why I felt so bad. I trudged on. I was soooooooooo relived to hear J was feeling as bad as I was. However, really she wasn't - or - she just more committed than I am because I quit after a minute on our last interval, I just couldn't run another step. She went on and I have to say, is still running faster than I am. Even pushing the stroller - GO J!!!
I will say, in keeping with the 50%, once warmed up, three of the intervals felt ok yesterday (not exactly half, but close enough). I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run and to see how I feel. I'm hoping we run at the park because after two bad runs at the greenway, as beautiful as it is, I now dread it. Hmmm, makes me think that's exactly where we should go.
After thought: as 'bad' as a run may feel it's still a run -- therefore an accomplishment -- so I guess there really are no 'bad runs'. keep smiling ...
Friday, January 2, 2009
First Run of the Year
Today we did our first run of this year ... I'm really looking forward to watching the number of runs build up - also looking forward to watching as we increase our run times and miles. I am longing to run my first mile. Run without walking for an entire mile, then two, then three and on it goes.
The run today was difficult and I knew it would be. We began at 4:15 and I'd not had anything to eat except for a piece of turkey. I knew I was starting out with no nutritional base - and I know better. I will be working on that as we go. Looking back at the run I see that even though it wasn't comfortable it was still much easier than I'd anticipated. Had I eaten breakfast and lunch it may have actually been a great run.
Again we were 'warned' the park was closing. The park rangers are cramping our style. Ok, maybe, just maybe, we may need to at least consider the possibility of starting earlier. lol. We managed to do six of the seven intervals before we were told the park was closing. The last was up hill so we agreed that made up for the missed interval.
J is comfortable with her commitment to running so is investing in running shoes,which she had to order since the store was out of her size. Yay, she'll have her shoes early next week. I think she will see an improvement in how she feels. Yeah, let's talk about that...
Today E was back with us - jogging stroller and all. It's been a couple of weeks since we took him with us. Pushing the stroller is hard work and consequently has made J a stronger runner. Consequently when E stays with daddy she runs faster and I struggle to keep up with her. Needless to say I was thrilled to see E sitting there so sweetly tucked into his stroller today. Besides that - he's so darn cute and such a good baby!
I'm finding that I want to add another day of running to our schedule, not sure if it's my enthusiasm or my rush to become a better runner and rack in more miles. Probably a bit of both. Next week we'll probably either increase our time or shorten our recovery time. I'll keep you posted ...
We will love running!!!
The run today was difficult and I knew it would be. We began at 4:15 and I'd not had anything to eat except for a piece of turkey. I knew I was starting out with no nutritional base - and I know better. I will be working on that as we go. Looking back at the run I see that even though it wasn't comfortable it was still much easier than I'd anticipated. Had I eaten breakfast and lunch it may have actually been a great run.
Again we were 'warned' the park was closing. The park rangers are cramping our style. Ok, maybe, just maybe, we may need to at least consider the possibility of starting earlier. lol. We managed to do six of the seven intervals before we were told the park was closing. The last was up hill so we agreed that made up for the missed interval.
J is comfortable with her commitment to running so is investing in running shoes,which she had to order since the store was out of her size. Yay, she'll have her shoes early next week. I think she will see an improvement in how she feels. Yeah, let's talk about that...
Today E was back with us - jogging stroller and all. It's been a couple of weeks since we took him with us. Pushing the stroller is hard work and consequently has made J a stronger runner. Consequently when E stays with daddy she runs faster and I struggle to keep up with her. Needless to say I was thrilled to see E sitting there so sweetly tucked into his stroller today. Besides that - he's so darn cute and such a good baby!
I'm finding that I want to add another day of running to our schedule, not sure if it's my enthusiasm or my rush to become a better runner and rack in more miles. Probably a bit of both. Next week we'll probably either increase our time or shorten our recovery time. I'll keep you posted ...
We will love running!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's a New Year! Yesterday J and I ran our last run of the year and the first run since Christmas eve, a week ago. We'd been doing well and had planned on running on Friday, but life got in the way. Actually saying good bye to my son got in my way on Saturday and so J decided to work out with her Cindy Crawford tapes and sadly hurt herself. The pain of her pinched nerve seemed to take a back seat to her disappointment in not being able to run - I was so proud of her ... she never wanted to give up, instead she seemed to focus on how much she missed running and by Wednesday she was back!
Though J was sidelined Monday I knew I had to keep going, besides, she's already running faster than I am so off I went. My 8 year old granddaughter went along with me and we discussed math problems as they relate to time and miles running. As we talked, it occurred to me that J and I had already ran a marathon - sure, it may have taken us four weeks - but we did it!!! lol
Anyway, J's doctor gave her the go ahead to begin running again so yesterday we ran. It almost seems apropos that our last run of the year was the first run where we both felt like we were r-u-n-n-i-n-g instead of the jog/shuffle we've been doing. During our second interval I noticed our strides and in those seconds I saw a glimpse of how far we've come. In that instant I knew I was a runner, not fast, but a runner! Besides, this isn't about racing anyone -- it's about fulfilling a dream. I want to someday love running for running's sake instead of fearing I'm going die. Yesterday as I saw us moving, running, I felt for the very first time that I can actually run. I will overcome my fears and someday, in the not too distant future, run for the love of running. J and I are feeling proud of ourselves and are looking forward to logging our runs for an entire year as we begin 2009.
Go Us!!!
Though J was sidelined Monday I knew I had to keep going, besides, she's already running faster than I am so off I went. My 8 year old granddaughter went along with me and we discussed math problems as they relate to time and miles running. As we talked, it occurred to me that J and I had already ran a marathon - sure, it may have taken us four weeks - but we did it!!! lol
Anyway, J's doctor gave her the go ahead to begin running again so yesterday we ran. It almost seems apropos that our last run of the year was the first run where we both felt like we were r-u-n-n-i-n-g instead of the jog/shuffle we've been doing. During our second interval I noticed our strides and in those seconds I saw a glimpse of how far we've come. In that instant I knew I was a runner, not fast, but a runner! Besides, this isn't about racing anyone -- it's about fulfilling a dream. I want to someday love running for running's sake instead of fearing I'm going die. Yesterday as I saw us moving, running, I felt for the very first time that I can actually run. I will overcome my fears and someday, in the not too distant future, run for the love of running. J and I are feeling proud of ourselves and are looking forward to logging our runs for an entire year as we begin 2009.
Go Us!!!
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