I've been up to ... very gradually increasing my distance.
The end.
Oh, you want more?
Let's see. Way back in March, March 19 to be exact, I had a little surgery and was banned from any exercise whatsoever for a long long time. I think I was cleared to start walking at the beginning of April. And then cleared for running on May 27! At which time I started running 1.5 out of three miles four times a week.
Last week I upped my daily mileage to running two out of three miles, with my "long run" at three miles.
Last week's 3 miles looked like this:
mile 1: 11:55
mile 2: 11:34
mile 3: 12:01
35:31 (11:50/mile)
And today, the start of my third week, my 3 miles looked like this:
mile 1: 11:03
mile 2: 11:14
mile 3: 11:21
33:39 (11:13/mile)
I am trying hard not to care about time. I am trying to just get the body slowly used to the distance. As you can see, I'm hovering around 11 minute miles ... usually the wrong side of 11 minutes, but as you can also see, I am hooked on watching the watch as usual. If I had a brain, I would really lose the watch. Because I already know that I'm the best! (Thanks, Curly Su, I love that post!)
One of my faithful coaches constantly assures me that this slow and steady approach is the right one. He's also set this coming weekend's long run for four miles ... which at the moment sounds like about 26.2.
But the good thing about not caring about time is that it kind of makes running ... almost enjoyable! Who knew?!!
I also have to say that all those weeks I spent walking every single day were not for naught. Walking not only kept me in the habit of dressing up funny but also in the habit of doing some kind of exercise every day. And that was a good thing. I also managed not to gain 10 kazillion pounds.
Sigh.
My next race, God willing, is the Cure Autism Now 5k, a local race on the 4th of July
which has become a family tradition. I don't think I'll be setting any records this year, but at least I'll be back in the game.
So I have this big long post all written in my head about goals and goal setting and all the other races I want to do this summer but now I'm tired because I ran three miles today, and people I need my beauty rest!
12 comments:
Don't get hung up on the times - I am SLOW - but I am getting the miles in and enjoying it!
Great work!
Don't get hung up on the times - I am SLOW - but I am getting the miles in and enjoying it!
Great work!
Time isn't everything, just getting out there and running is what matters the most. Good luck with your training!!!
You are running, your pace is coming down and you are keeping your attitude in check - you ARE the best! Keep it going.
LOUD APPLAUSE!
Especially on the dressing up funny, oh and not gaining weight (she says plumply :(
you've build up from a low base before - now you know how to do it and that you CAN do it.
You are doing great! I'm obsessed with my watch, my most enjoyable runs are when I forget the watch at home.
I don't know where I found your blog, but have read from time to time. I'm trying to get back to it after a major accident last fall, so I do know what you are going through and how you are feeling. I have been completely hung up on time too, and have to fight with myself to not let it get to me. I keep reminding myself now that since I don't do this for a living, time should not be an issue. (and thank God I don't have to rely on it for an income or I might be on welfare!) Keep at it. It sounds like you are determined and I figure eventually the fast muscles might kick in.
Hey, training slow makes you fast! Its totally true. And who cares anyway - you're already faster than the majority of the population. How many people can utter the phrase "I ran three miles today" and not be lying through their ding dong encrusted teeth? There ya go.
Hooray for improvement! Every little bit counts. You are doing a fantabulous job :)
i'm so glad you're out there. and you know what? it's your blog; you can write about whatever you want...
I am proud of you and I can tell you REALLY are excited and comfortable with the running again.
i misread that last bit. i read it as cure austin.
i think slow and steady will be good. this is my approach. would be great to get up there and NOT have shin splints along the way. so i wish that for you, too.
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