Monday, July 29, 2013

Training: Running Groups, Trainers & Apps - oh my!

Seems with all the apps out there - you need to be using several at one time to get what you need.  I have been using (though not faithfully til this week) 10K Runner app. I need help to build up to the 10k I have to run in August. I am only a couple miles away but am hoping to do it right and not overdo it. However, the app only provides a running plan and voice que's on what to be doing. I still have to run my music on another app and then I am left without knowing my pace, or mileage. Which I had previously been recording on Walkmeter - but not using the planning only documenting what I was doing & where I was at with my activities. I hate the thought of investing in a GPS watch but my phone can only run so many apps at one time.

I realize my inexperience is showing here- but as I read reviews of new apps that might do more- I see the same or similar complaints repeated.

I am also realizing after this 10k, I need to buckle down & find some better training...where to begin? Running groups? private training? Meetup? Join a group training in September for LA marathon thru Asics? While I am not running a marathon, I like the idea of something lower cost - glad I still have time to plan for Austin...but feeling overwhelmed at which way to go.

I guess like everything, it's one foot in front of the other.
 
Today's Run: 4.2 miles
Weight: 130
Pace: ?
Music: Eminem

Saturday, July 27, 2013

First training LSD

Today I decided to try LSD- long, slow distance run...since my typical run is 3.2 mile max and I need to get to 6 miles for the 10k- I decided to run a slow 4 miler and build from there..

It really felt good not to fight a pace but to just run for distance..pace was 11:36, super slow but enjoyed my tunes and tried new routes with some hills..

Today I feel confident ! Mabe I can do this?! 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Good News!

I posted on Facebook that I was considering attempting the half-marathon in Austin next February and something wonderful happened- my friend Kat in San Diego asked if I wanted company & thought perhaps this could be her new goal too. She wrote "let's do it!" and I could have screamed aloud to know that this crazy idea from an easy jogger, could spark the interest of a very dear, non-runner friend too!

Let's just go back to my childhood and even most of my adult years..I was never a runner. My asthma made it difficult to maintain any healthy schedule or life. I practically spent most of my early years in the Dr's office or hospital with one asthma issue or another. The last few years though, being healthy has been my life goal...and my exclusion of wheat and dairy has made me the healthiest I have ever been. I have begun to run for fun & personal challenges- but those were 5k runs- quick 30 minute spurts. However, this year, with a runner friend at work, I have stepped up my game to try to be a real runner & see if I can push past my fears,(and knee and hip issues) to become the runner I always dreamed of being- seeing these athletes run by in 10k races, triatholons, marathons, and making me wish I had the genetics to try something so amazingly challenging.

This year, I ran a 5k in May for Vets, then June attempted the Pendleton Mud Run (10k & obstacle course) I trained hard for those getting myself into enough shape to do these runs, push myself a little harder and do what I imagined was not possible. I never ran a 10k before, or a mud run , nor an obstacle course- how was I to do all of it??? but I did...and July 4th, I ran another 5k and I beat my time from last year by 2 minutes! I will attempt a 10k (no obstacle) on Aug 25 and if I can do that run...I think I can begin to train for a half marathon & really learn how to run properly.

I am so excited...not to win anything or break a personal record- but simply to try. I fear this effort will probably be more mentally challenging but I am so excited to try to do what I thought was once impossible. Asthma & age be damned! I am on my way to do, at 40-something, what I thought was never possible in my younger years.

Wish me luck!